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20220901

oceans-southern-ocean

Topic: Photos of Southern Ocean Topic: Introduction Background: A large body of recent oceanographic research has shown that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an ocean current that flows from west to east around Antarctica, plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation. The region where the cold waters of the ACC meet and mingle with the warmer waters of the north defines a distinct border - the Antarctic Convergence - which fluctuates with the seasons, but which encompasses a discrete body of water and a unique ecologic region. The Convergence concentrates nutrients, which promotes marine plant life, and which, in turn, allows for a greater abundance of animal life. In 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization delimited the waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean - the Southern Ocean - by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty region and which approximates the extent of the Antarctic Convergence. As such, the Southern Ocean is now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean). It should be noted that inclusion of the Southern Ocean does not imply recognition of this feature as one of the world's primary oceans by the US Government.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica Geographic coordinates: 60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total: 21.96 million sq km note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies Area - comparative: slightly more than twice the size of the US Coastline: 17,968 km Climate: sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter Terrain: the Southern Ocean is 4,000 to 5,000-m deep over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than a sixfold increase in area major surface currents: the cold, clockwise-flowing Antarctic Circumpolar Current (West Wind Drift; 21,000 km long) moves perpetually eastward around the continent and is the world's largest and strongest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers; it is also the only current that flows all the way around the planet and connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans; the cold Antarctic Coastal Current (East Wind Drift) is the southernmost current in the world, flowing westward and parallel to the Antarctic coastlinethe Southern Ocean is 4,000 to 5,000-m deep over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than a sixfold increase in areamajor surface currents: the cold, clockwise-flowing Antarctic Circumpolar Current (West Wind Drift; 21,000 km long) moves perpetually eastward around the continent and is the world's largest and strongest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers; it is also the only current that flows all the way around the planet and connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans; the cold Antarctic Coastal Current (East Wind Drift) is the southernmost current in the world, flowing westward and parallel to the Antarctic coastline Volume: ocean volume: 71.8 million cu km percent of World Ocean total volume: 5.4% Elevation: highest point: sea level lowest point: southern end of the South Sandwich Trench -7,434 m unnamed deep mean depth: -3,270 m ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m. The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth. The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible. The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness. Natural resources: probable large oil and gas fields on the continental margin; manganese nodules, possible placer deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales, and seals - none exploited; krill, fish Natural hazards: huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5 to 1 m thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances; high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and rescue Geography - note: the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly winds Map description: Southern Ocean map showing the extent of the Ocean – up to 60 degrees south latitude - surrounding Antarctica.Southern Ocean map showing the extent of the Ocean – up to 60 degrees south latitude - surrounding Antarctica. Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: changes to the ocean's physical, chemical, and biological systems have taken place because of climate change, ocean acidification, and commercial exploitation Environment - international agreements: the Southern Ocean is subject to all international agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (regulates fishing) note: mineral exploitation except for scientific research is banned by the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty; additionally, many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the northnote: mineral exploitation except for scientific research is banned by the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty; additionally, many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north Marine fisheries: the Southern Ocean fishery is relatively small with a total catch of 380,771 mt in 2019; the Food and Agriculture Organization has delineated three regions in the Southern Ocean (Regions 48, 58, 88) that generally encompass the waters south of 40° to 60° South latitude; the most important producers in these regions include Norway (230,258 mt), China (50,381 mt), and South Korea (43,336 mt); Antarctic Krill made up 96% of the total catch in 2019, while other important species include Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish Regional fisheries bodies: Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Climate: sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter Topic: Government Country name: etymology: the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) included the ocean and its definition as the waters south of 60 degrees south in its year 2000 revision, but this has not formally been adopted; the 2000 IHO definition, however, was circulated in a draft edition in 2002 and has acquired de facto usage by many nations and organizations, including the CIA Topic: Economy Economic overview: Fisheries in 2013-14 landed 302,960 metric tons, of which 96% (291,370 tons-the highest reported catch since 1991) was krill and 4% (11,590 tons) Patagonian toothfish (also known as Chilean sea bass), compared to 15,330 tons in 2012-13 (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which extends slightly beyond the Southern Ocean area). International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01 season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish. A total of 73,670 tourists visited the Antarctic Treaty area in the 2019-2020 Antarctic summer, 32 percent greater than the 55,489 visitors in 2018-2019. These estimates were provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and do not include passengers on overflights. Nearly all of the tourists were passengers on commercial ships and several yachts that make trips during the summer. Topic: Transportation Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most to short periods in midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without icebreaker escort; most Antarctic ports are operated by government research stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to commercial or private vessels Transportation - note: Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through the Panama Canal Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Antarctica-various: Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in extending those continental shelf claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to include undersea ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees westAntarctica-various: Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in extending those continental shelf claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to include undersea ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west

20220901

countries-svalbard

Topic: Photos of Svalbard Topic: Introduction Background: The archipelago may have been first discovered by Norse explorers in the 12th century; the islands served as an international whaling base during the 17th and 18th centuries. Norway's sovereignty was internationally recognized by treaty in 1920, and five years later it officially took over the territory. In the 20th century, coal mining started and today a Norwegian and a Russian company are still functioning. Travel between the settlements is accomplished with snowmobiles, aircraft, and boats.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway Geographic coordinates: 78 00 N, 20 00 E Map references: Arctic Region Area: total: 62,045 sq km land: 62,045 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island) Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 3,587 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: extends to depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year Terrain: rugged mountains; much of the upland areas are ice covered; west coast clear of ice about half the year; fjords along west and north coasts Elevation: highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m Natural resources: coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, phosphate, wildlife, fish Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Population distribution: the small population is primarily concentrated on the island of Spitsbergen in a handful of settlements on the south side of the Isfjorden, with Longyearbyen being the largest Natural hazards: ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic Geography - note: northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total area; Spitsbergen Island is the site of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a seed repository established by the Global Crop Diversity Trust and the Norwegian Government Map description: Svalbard map showing the major population centers and islands of this Norwegian territory in the Arctic Ocean.  Svalbard map showing the major population centers and islands of this Norwegian territory in the Arctic Ocean.  Topic: People and Society Population: 2,926 (January 2021 est.) Ethnic groups: Norwegian 61.1%, foreign population 38.9% (consists primarily of Russians, Thais, Swedes, Filipinos, and Ukrainians) (2021 est.) note: foreigners account for almost one third of the population of the Norwegian settlements, Longyearbyen and Ny-Alesund (where the majority of Svalbard's resident population lives), as of mid-2021 Languages: Norwegian, Russian major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabok, den essensielle kilden for grunnleggende informasjon. (Norwegian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Population growth rate: -0.03% (2019 est.) Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Net migration rate: -5.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) Population distribution: the small population is primarily concentrated on the island of Spitsbergen in a handful of settlements on the south side of the Isfjorden, with Longyearbyen being the largest Sex ratio: NA Infant mortality rate: total: NA male: NA female: NA Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Total fertility rate: (2021 est.) NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: ice floes are a maritime hazard; past exploitation of mammal species (whale, seal, walrus, and polar bear) severely depleted the populations, but a gradual recovery seems to be occurring Climate: arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Svalbard (sometimes referred to as Spitsbergen, the largest island in the archipelago) etymology: 12th century Norse accounts speak of the discovery of a "Svalbard" - literally "cold shores" - but they may have referred to Jan Mayen Island or eastern Greenland; the archipelago was traditionally known as Spitsbergen, but Norway renamed it Svalbard in the 1920s when it assumed sovereignty of the islands Government type: non-self-governing territory of Norway Dependency status: territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920), sovereignty was awarded to Norway Capital: name: Longyearbyen geographic coordinates: 78 13 N, 15 38 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the name in Norwegian means Longyear Town; the site was established by and named after John LONGYEAR, whose Arctic Coal Company began mining operations there in 1906 Independence: none (territory of Norway) Legal system: the laws of Norway where applicable apply; only the laws of Norway made explicitly applicable to Svalbard have effect there; the Svalbard Act and the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act, and certain regulations, apply only to Svalbard; the Spitsbergen Treaty and the Svalbard Treaty grant certain rights to citizens and corporations of signatory nations; as of June 2017, 45 nations had ratified the Svalbard Treaty Citizenship: see Norway Executive branch: chief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince Haakon MAGNUS (son of the king, born 20 July 1973) head of government: Governor Lars FAUSE (since 24 June 2021); Vice Governor Solvi ELVEDAHL (since 1 May 2020) elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor and assistant governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice Legislative branch: description: unicameral Longyearbyen Community Council (15 seats; members directly elected by majority vote to serve 4-year-terms); note - the Council acts very much like a Norwegian municipality, responsible for infrastructure and utilities, including power, land-use and community planning, education, and child welfare; however, healthcare services are provided by the state elections: last held on 7 October 2019 (next to be held in October 2023) election results: seats by party - Labor Party 5, Liberals 4, Conservatives 3, Progress Party 2, Green Party 1 Judicial branch: highest courts: none; note - Svalbard is subordinate to Norway's Nord-Troms District Court and Halogaland Court of Appeal, both located in Tromso Political parties and leaders: Svalbard Conservative Party [Kjetil FIGENSCHOU] Svalbard Green Party [Pal BERG] Svalbard Labor Party [Arild OLSEN] Svalbard Liberal Party [Terie AUVENIK] Svalbard Progress Party [Jorn DYBDAHL] International organization participation: none Flag description: the flag of Norway is used National anthem: note: as a territory of Norway, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" is official (see Norway)note: as a territory of Norway, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" is official (see Norway) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Coal mining, tourism, and international research are Svalbard's major industries. Coal mining has historically been the dominant economic activity, and the Spitzbergen Treaty of 9 February 1920 gives the 45 countries that so far have ratified the treaty equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies still engaging in this are Norwegian and Russian. Low coal prices have forced the Norwegian coal company, Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani, to close one of its two mines and to considerably reduce the activity of the other. Since the 1990s, the tourism and hospitality industry has grown rapidly, and Svalbard now receives 60,000 visitors annually.   The settlements on Svalbard were established as company towns, and at their height in the 1950s, the Norwegian state-owned coal company supported nearly 1,000 jobs. Today, only about 300 people work in the mining industry.   Goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and vehicles, normally highly taxed on mainland Norway, are considerably cheaper in Svalbard in an effort by the Norwegian Government to entice more people to live on the Arctic archipelago. By law, Norway collects only enough taxes to pay for the needs of the local government; none of tax proceeds go to the central government.Coal mining, tourism, and international research are Svalbard's major industries. Coal mining has historically been the dominant economic activity, and the Spitzbergen Treaty of 9 February 1920 gives the 45 countries that so far have ratified the treaty equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies still engaging in this are Norwegian and Russian. Low coal prices have forced the Norwegian coal company, Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani, to close one of its two mines and to considerably reduce the activity of the other. Since the 1990s, the tourism and hospitality industry has grown rapidly, and Svalbard now receives 60,000 visitors annually. The settlements on Svalbard were established as company towns, and at their height in the 1950s, the Norwegian state-owned coal company supported nearly 1,000 jobs. Today, only about 300 people work in the mining industry. Goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and vehicles, normally highly taxed on mainland Norway, are considerably cheaper in Svalbard in an effort by the Norwegian Government to entice more people to live on the Arctic archipelago. By law, Norway collects only enough taxes to pay for the needs of the local government; none of tax proceeds go to the central government. Real GDP growth rate: NANA Labor force: 1,590 (2013) Budget: revenues: NA expenditures: NA Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): NA Taxes and other revenues: NA Exports: NANA Imports: $NA$NA Exchange rates: Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 8.308 (2017 est.) 8.0646 (2016 est.) 8.0646 (2015) 8.0646 (2014 est.) 6.3021 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Refined petroleum products - exports: 4,488 bbl/day (2012 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 18,600 bbl/day (2012 est.) Topic: Communications Telecommunication systems: general assessment: modern, well-developed (2018) domestic: the Svalbard Satellite Station - connected to the mainland via the Svalbard Undersea Cable System - is the only Arctic ground station that can see low-altitude, polar-orbiting satellites; it provides ground services to more satellites than any other facility in the world (2018) international: country code - 47-790; the Svalbard Undersea Cable System is a twin communications cable that connects Svalbard to mainland Norway; the system is the sole telecommunications link to the archipelago (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) began direct TV transmission to Svalbard via satellite in 1984; Longyearbyen households have access to 3 NRK radio and 2 TV stations Internet country code: .sj Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 4 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 40 km (2020) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, Pyramiden Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces Military - note: Svalbard is a territory of Norway, demilitarized by treaty on 9 February 1920; Norwegian military activity is limited to fisheries surveillance by the Norwegian Coast Guard (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Norway-Russia: after 40 years of on-again, off-again negotiations, the two countries signed an agreement in September 2010, defining their maritime boundaries in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean; the border extends the countries’ land border northward beyond the islands in the Barents Sea and into the Arctic Ocean, but the exact distance northward was not specified; because the area is considered the high seas, the passage of naval and commercial vessels will be unaffected; once their legislatures ratify the agreement, both countries will have the green light for oil and natural gas exploration in their newly defined maritime areas; Russia objects to Norway’s establishment in 1977 of the Fishery Protection Zone around the Svalbard Islands, extending Norwegian sovereignty to the shelf around the archipelago; Svalbard is strategically important – as a gateway from the Berents Sea to the North Atlantic – and its waters provide rich fishing groundsNorway-Russia: after 40 years of on-again, off-again negotiations, the two countries signed an agreement in September 2010, defining their maritime boundaries in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean; the border extends the countries’ land border northward beyond the islands in the Barents Sea and into the Arctic Ocean, but the exact distance northward was not specified; because the area is considered the high seas, the passage of naval and commercial vessels will be unaffected; once their legislatures ratify the agreement, both countries will have the green light for oil and natural gas exploration in their newly defined maritime areas; Russia objects to Norway’s establishment in 1977 of the Fishery Protection Zone around the Svalbard Islands, extending Norwegian sovereignty to the shelf around the archipelago; Svalbard is strategically important – as a gateway from the Berents Sea to the North Atlantic – and its waters provide rich fishing grounds

20220901

countries-angola-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Beginning in the 16th century, Portugal established coastal colonies and trading posts and introduced Christianity. Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975. A 27-year civil war ended in 2002.Beginning in the 16th century, Portugal established coastal colonies and trading posts and introduced Christianity. Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975. A 27-year civil war ended in 2002. Topic: Geography Area: total: 1,246,700 sq km land: 1,246,700 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April) Natural resources: petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium Topic: People and Society Population: 34,795,287 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22% Languages: Portuguese 71.2% (official), Umbundu 23%, Kikongo 8.2%, Kimbundu 7.8%, Chokwe 6.5%, Nhaneca 3.4%, Nganguela 3.1%, Fiote 2.4%, Kwanhama 2.3%, Muhumbi 2.1%, Luvale 1%, other 3.6%; note - data represent most widely spoken languages; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2014 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic 41.1%, Protestant 38.1%, other 8.6%, none 12.3% (2014 est.) Population growth rate: 3.36% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Luanda Executive branch: chief of state: President Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (since 26 September 2017); Vice President Bornito De Sousa Baltazar DIOGO (since 26 September 2017); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (since 26 September 2017); Vice President Bornito De Sousa Baltazar DIOGO (since 26 September 2017) Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats; members directly elected in a single national constituency and in multi-seat constituencies by closed list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: African oil leader and OPEC member; fairly stable currency; widespread poverty; emerging African finance and investment capital; systemic public corruption and lack of oversight; massive foreign direct investment recipientAfrican oil leader and OPEC member; fairly stable currency; widespread poverty; emerging African finance and investment capital; systemic public corruption and lack of oversight; massive foreign direct investment recipient Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $203.71 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $6,200 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: cassava, bananas, maize, sweet potatoes, pineapples, sugar cane, potatoes, citrus fruit, vegetables, cabbage Industries: petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar; textiles; ship repair Exports: $21 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: China 62%, India 10%, United Arab Emirates 4%, Portugal 3%, Spain 3% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, diamonds, natural gas, refined petroleum, ships (2019) Imports: $15.12 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: China 22%, Portugal 15%, Nigeria 6%, Belgium 6%, United States 5%, South Africa 5%, Brazil 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, scrap vessels, meat, rice, palm oil (2019)Page last updated: Thursday, May 12, 2022

20220901

countries-european-union

Topic: Photos of European Union Topic: Introduction Preliminary statement: The evolution of what is today the European Union (EU) from a regional economic agreement among six neighboring states in 1951 to today's hybrid intergovernmental and supranational organization of 27 countries across the European continent stands as an unprecedented phenomenon in the annals of history. Dynastic unions for territorial consolidation were long the norm in Europe; on a few occasions even country-level unions were arranged - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were examples. But for such a large number of nation-states to cede some of their sovereignty to an overarching entity is unique. Although the EU is not a federation in the strict sense, it is far more than a free-trade association such as ASEAN or Mercosur, and it has certain attributes associated with independent nations: its own flag, currency (for some members), and law-making abilities, as well as diplomatic representation and a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with external partners. Thus, inclusion of basic intelligence on the EU has been deemed appropriate as a separate entity in The World Factbook.The evolution of what is today the European Union (EU) from a regional economic agreement among six neighboring states in 1951 to today's hybrid intergovernmental and supranational organization of 27 countries across the European continent stands as an unprecedented phenomenon in the annals of history. Dynastic unions for territorial consolidation were long the norm in Europe; on a few occasions even country-level unions were arranged - the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire were examples. But for such a large number of nation-states to cede some of their sovereignty to an overarching entity is unique.Although the EU is not a federation in the strict sense, it is far more than a free-trade association such as ASEAN or Mercosur, and it has certain attributes associated with independent nations: its own flag, currency (for some members), and law-making abilities, as well as diplomatic representation and a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with external partners.Thus, inclusion of basic intelligence on the EU has been deemed appropriate as a separate entity in The World Factbook. Background: Following the two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, a number of far-sighted European leaders in the late 1940s sought a response to the overwhelming desire for peace and reconciliation on the continent. In 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed pooling the production of coal and steel in Western Europe and setting up an organization for that purpose that would bring France and the Federal Republic of Germany together and would be open to other countries as well. The following year, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members - Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands - signed the Treaty of Paris. The ECSC was so successful that within a few years the decision was made to integrate other elements of the member states' economies. In 1957, envisioning an "ever closer union," the Treaties of Rome were signed creating the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the six member states strove to eliminate trade barriers among themselves by forming a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the body known today as the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but in 1979 the first direct elections were undertaken and have been held every five years since. In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC took place with the addition of Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. The 1980s saw further membership expansion with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further forms of cooperation in foreign and defense policy, in judicial and internal affairs, and in the creation of an economic and monetary union - including a common currency. This further integration created the European Union (EU), at the time standing alongside the EC. In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU/EC, raising the total number of member states to 15. A new currency, the euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it became the unit of exchange for all EU member states except Denmark, Sweden, and the UK. In 2002, citizens of those 12 countries began using euro banknotes and coins. Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 and Croatia in 2013, but the UK withdrew in 2020. Current membership stands at 27. (Seven of the new countries - Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia - have now adopted the euro, bringing total euro-zone membership to 19.) In an effort to ensure that the EU could function efficiently with an expanded membership, the Treaty of Nice (concluded in 2000; entered into force in 2003) set forth rules to streamline the size and procedures of EU institutions. An effort to establish a "Constitution for Europe," growing out of a Convention held in 2002-2003, foundered when it was rejected in referenda in France and the Netherlands in 2005. A subsequent effort in 2007 incorporated many of the features of the rejected draft Constitutional Treaty while also making a number of substantive and symbolic changes. The new treaty, referred to as the Treaty of Lisbon, sought to amend existing treaties rather than replace them. The treaty was approved at the EU intergovernmental conference of member states held in Lisbon in December 2007, after which the process of national ratifications began. In October 2009, an Irish referendum approved the Lisbon Treaty (overturning a previous rejection) and cleared the way for an ultimate unanimous endorsement. Poland and the Czech Republic ratified soon after. The Lisbon Treaty came into force on 1 December 2009 and the EU officially replaced and succeeded the EC. The Lisbon Treaty's provisions are part of the basic consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union now governing what remains a very specific integration project. UK citizens on 23 June 2016 narrowly voted to leave the EU; the formal exit took place on 31 January 2020. The EU and UK negotiated and ratified a Withdrawal Agreement that included a status quo transition period through December 2020, when the follow-on EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was concluded.Following the two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century, a number of far-sighted European leaders in the late 1940s sought a response to the overwhelming desire for peace and reconciliation on the continent. In 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed pooling the production of coal and steel in Western Europe and setting up an organization for that purpose that would bring France and the Federal Republic of Germany together and would be open to other countries as well. The following year, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members - Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands - signed the Treaty of Paris.The ECSC was so successful that within a few years the decision was made to integrate other elements of the member states' economies. In 1957, envisioning an "ever closer union," the Treaties of Rome were signed creating the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the six member states strove to eliminate trade barriers among themselves by forming a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the body known today as the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but in 1979 the first direct elections were undertaken and have been held every five years since.In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC took place with the addition of Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. The 1980s saw further membership expansion with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further forms of cooperation in foreign and defense policy, in judicial and internal affairs, and in the creation of an economic and monetary union - including a common currency. This further integration created the European Union (EU), at the time standing alongside the EC. In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU/EC, raising the total number of member states to 15.A new currency, the euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it became the unit of exchange for all EU member states except Denmark, Sweden, and the UK. In 2002, citizens of those 12 countries began using euro banknotes and coins. Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 and Croatia in 2013, but the UK withdrew in 2020. Current membership stands at 27. (Seven of the new countries - Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia - have now adopted the euro, bringing total euro-zone membership to 19.)In an effort to ensure that the EU could function efficiently with an expanded membership, the Treaty of Nice (concluded in 2000; entered into force in 2003) set forth rules to streamline the size and procedures of EU institutions. An effort to establish a "Constitution for Europe," growing out of a Convention held in 2002-2003, foundered when it was rejected in referenda in France and the Netherlands in 2005. A subsequent effort in 2007 incorporated many of the features of the rejected draft Constitutional Treaty while also making a number of substantive and symbolic changes. The new treaty, referred to as the Treaty of Lisbon, sought to amend existing treaties rather than replace them. The treaty was approved at the EU intergovernmental conference of member states held in Lisbon in December 2007, after which the process of national ratifications began. In October 2009, an Irish referendum approved the Lisbon Treaty (overturning a previous rejection) and cleared the way for an ultimate unanimous endorsement. Poland and the Czech Republic ratified soon after. The Lisbon Treaty came into force on 1 December 2009 and the EU officially replaced and succeeded the EC. The Lisbon Treaty's provisions are part of the basic consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union now governing what remains a very specific integration project.UK citizens on 23 June 2016 narrowly voted to leave the EU; the formal exit took place on 31 January 2020. The EU and UK negotiated and ratified a Withdrawal Agreement that included a status quo transition period through December 2020, when the follow-on EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was concluded.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Europe between the North Atlantic Ocean in the west and Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the east Map references: Europe Area: total: 4,236,351 sq km rank by area (sq km): 1. France (includes five overseas regions) 643,801 2. Spain 505,370 3. Sweden 450,295 4. Germany 357,022 5. Finland 338,145 6. Poland 312,685 7. Italy 301,340 8. Romania 238,391 9. Greece 131,957 10. Bulgaria 110,879 11. Hungary 93,028 12. Portugal 92,090 13. Austria 83,871 14. Czechia 78,867 15. Ireland 70,273 16. Lithuania 65,300 17. Latvia 64,589 18. Croatia 56,594 19. Slovakia 49,035 20. Estonia 45,228 21. Denmark 43,094 22. Netherlands 41,543 23. Belgium 30,528 24. Slovenia 20,273 25. Cyprus 9,251 26. Luxembourg 2,586 27. Malta 316 Area - comparative: less than one-half the size of the US Land boundaries: total: 13,770 km border countries (20): Albania 212 km; Andorra 118 km; Belarus 1,176 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 956 km; Holy See 3 km; Liechtenstein 34 km; North Macedonia 396 km; Moldova 683 km; Monaco 6 km; Montenegro 19 km; Norway 2,375 km; Russia 2,435 km; San Marino 37 km; Serbia 1,353 km; Switzerland 1,729 km; Turkey 415 km; United Kingdom 499 km; Ukraine 1,324 km; note - the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (2020) commits the United Kingdom (UK) to maintain an open border in Ireland, so the border between Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland is only de jure and is not a hard border; the de facto border is the Irish Sea between the islands of Ireland and Great Britain note: data for European continent only Coastline: 53,563.9 km Climate: cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south Terrain: fairly flat along Baltic and Atlantic coasts; mountainous in the central and southern areas Elevation: highest point: Mont Blanc, France 4,810 m lowest point: Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m Natural resources: iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, lead, zinc, bauxite, uranium, potash, salt, hydropower, arable land, timber, fish Irrigated land: 154,539.82 sq km (2011 est.) Population distribution: population distribution varies considerably from country to country, but tends to follow a pattern of coastal and river settlement, with urban agglomerations forming large hubs facilitating large scale housing, industry, and commerce; the area in and around the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg (known collectively as Benelux), is the most densely populated area in the EU Natural hazards: flooding along coasts; avalanches in mountainous area; earthquakes in the south; volcanic eruptions in Italy; periodic droughts in Spain; ice floes in the Baltic Map description: European Union map highlighting the member and candidate countries.European Union map highlighting the member and candidate countries. Topic: People and Society Population: (July 2022 est.) 450,858,381 rank by population: Germany - 84,316,622;  France - 68,305,148;  Italy - 61,095,551;  Spain - 47,163,418;  Poland - 38,093,101;  Romania - 18,519,899;  Netherlands - 17,400,824;  Belgium - 11,847,338;  Czechia - 10,705,384;  Greece - 10,533,871;  Sweden - 10,483,647;  Portugal - 10,242,081;  Hungary - 9,699,577;  Austria - 8,913,088;  Bulgaria - 6,873,253;  Denmark - 5,920,767;  Finland - 5,601,547;  Slovakia - 5,431,252;  Ireland - 5,275,004;  Croatia - 4,188,853;  Lithuania - 2,683,546;  Slovenia - 2,101,208;  Latvia - 1,842,226;  Cyprus - 1,295,102;  Estonia - 1,211,524;  Luxembourg - 650,364;  Malta - 464,186 (July 2022 est.) Languages: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish note: only the 24 official languages are listed; German, the major language of Germany and Austria, is the most widely spoken mother tongue - about 16% of the EU population; English is the most widely spoken foreign language - about 29% of the EU population is conversant with it; English is an official language in Ireland and Malta and thus remained an official EU language after the UK left the bloc (2020) Religions: Roman Catholic 41%, Orthodox 10%, Protestant 9%, other Christian 4%, Muslim 2%, other 4% (includes Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu), atheist 10%, non-believer/agnostic  17%, unspecified 3% (2019 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 15.05% (male 34,978,216/female 33,217,600) 15-24 years: 10.39% (male 24,089,260/female 22,990,579) 25-54 years: 40.54% (male 92,503,000/female 91,144,596) 55-64 years: 13.52% (male 29,805,200/female 31,424,172) 65 years and over: 20.5% (2020 est.) (male 39,834,507/female 53,020,673) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 44 years male: 42.6 years female: 45.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.69% (2021 est.) 0.10% Birth rate: (2020 est.) 9.5 births/1,000 population Death rate: (2021 est.) 10.7 deaths/1,000 population Net migration rate: -2.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) 2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population Population distribution: population distribution varies considerably from country to country, but tends to follow a pattern of coastal and river settlement, with urban agglomerations forming large hubs facilitating large scale housing, industry, and commerce; the area in and around the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg (known collectively as Benelux), is the most densely populated area in the EU Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2020 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.47 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.32 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2021 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.63 years male: 72.98 years female: 82.51 years (2021 est.) Total fertility rate: (2021 est.) 1.62 children born/woman Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: 9.9% (2016) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: note - see individual entries of member states HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: note - see individual entries of member states HIV/AIDS - deaths: note: see individual entries of member states Major infectious diseases: note: widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring regionally; the US Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring US passengers who have been in the European Union’s Schengen Area (comprised of the following 26 European states: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland) to travel through select airports where the US Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 4.7% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18.7% male: 18.5% female: 19.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: various forms of air, soil, and water pollution; see individual country entries Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006 signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 2,881.62 megatons (2016 est.) Climate: cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: note: widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring regionally; the US Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring US passengers who have been in the European Union’s Schengen Area (comprised of the following 26 European states: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland) to travel through select airports where the US Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures Total renewable water resources: 2,057.76 cubic meters (2011) Topic: Government Union name: conventional long form: European Union abbreviation: EU Political structure: a hybrid and unique intergovernmental and supranational organization Capital: name: Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France), Luxembourg, Frankfurt (Germany); note - the European Council, a gathering of the EU heads of state and/or government, and the Council of the European Union, a ministerial-level body of 10 formations, meet in Brussels, Belgium, except for Council meetings held in Luxembourg in April, June, and October; the European Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg, France, and has administrative offices in Luxembourg; the Court of Justice of the European Union is located in Luxembourg; and the European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt, Germany geographic coordinates: (Brussels) 50 50 N, 4 20 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October time zone note: the 27 European Union countries spread across three time zones; a proposal has been put forward to do away with daylight savings time in all EU member states Member states: 27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden; note - candidate countries: Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine there are 13 overseas countries and territories (OCTs) (1 with Denmark [Greenland], 6 with France [French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna], and 6 with the Netherlands [Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten]), all are part of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) note: there are non-European OCTs having special relations with Denmark, France, and the Netherlands (list is annexed to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), that are associated with the EU to promote their economic and social development; member states apply to their trade with OCTs the same treatment as they accord each other pursuant to the treaties; OCT nationals are in principle EU citizens, but these countries are neither part of the EU, nor subject to the EU27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden; note - candidate countries: Albania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukrainethere are 13 overseas countries and territories (OCTs) (1 with Denmark [Greenland], 6 with France [French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna], and 6 with the Netherlands [Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten]), all are part of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Independence: 7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed establishing the European Union); 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty entered into force) note: the Treaties of Rome, signed on 25 March 1957 and subsequently entered into force on 1 January 1958, created the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community; a series of subsequent treaties have been adopted to increase efficiency and transparency, to prepare for new member states, and to introduce new areas of cooperation - such as a single currency; the Treaty of Lisbon, signed on 13 December 2007 and entered into force on 1 December 2009 is the most recent of these treaties and is intended to make the EU more democratic, more efficient, and better able to address global problems with one voice National holiday: Europe Day (also known as Schuman Day), 9 May (1950); note - the day in 1950 that Robert SCHUMAN proposed the creation of what became the European Coal and Steel Community, the progenitor of today's European Union, with the aim of achieving a united Europe Constitution: history: none; note - the EU legal order relies primarily on two consolidated texts encompassing all provisions as amended from a series of past treaties: the Treaty on European Union (TEU), as modified by the 2009 Lisbon Treaty states in Article 1 that "the HIGH CONTRACTING PARTIES establish among themselves a EUROPEAN UNION ... on which the Member States confer competences to attain objectives they have in common"; Article 1 of the TEU states further that the EU is "founded on the present Treaty and on the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (hereinafter referred to as 'the Treaties')," both possessing the same legal value; Article 6 of the TEU provides that a separately adopted Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union "shall have the same legal value as the Treaties" amendments: European Union treaties can be amended in several ways: 1) Ordinary Revision Procedure (for key amendments to the treaties); initiated by an EU country’s government, by the European Parliament, or by the European Commission; following adoption of the proposal by the European Council, a convention is formed of national government representatives to review the proposal and subsequently a conference of government representatives also reviews the proposal; passage requires ratification by all EU member states; 2) Simplified Revision Procedure (for amendment of EU internal policies and actions); passage of a proposal requires unanimous European Council vote following European Council consultation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Central Bank (if the amendment concerns monetary matters) and requires ratification by all EU member states; 3) Passerelle Clause (allows the alteration of a legislative procedure without a formal amendment of the treaties); 4) Flexibility Clause (permits the EU to decide in subject areas where EU competences have not been explicitly granted in the Treaties but are necessary to the attainment of the objectives set out in the Treaty); note - the Treaty of Lisbon (signed in December 2007 and effective in December 2009) amended the two treaties that formed the EU - the Maastricht Treaty (1993) and the Treaty of Rome (1958), known in updated form as the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union Legal system: unique supranational law system in which, according to an interpretive declaration of member-state governments appended to the Treaty of Lisbon, "the Treaties and the law adopted by the Union on the basis of the Treaties have primacy over the law of Member States" under conditions laid down in the case law of the Court of Justice; key principles of EU law include fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Charter of Fundamental Rights and as resulting from constitutional traditions common to the EU's 27 member states; EU law is divided into 'primary' and 'secondary' legislation; primary legislation is derived from the consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and are the basis for all EU action; secondary legislation - which includes directives, regulations, and decisions - is derived from the principles and objectives set out in the treaties Suffrage: 18 years of age (16 years in Austria); universal; voting for the European Parliament is permitted in each member state Executive branch: under the EU treaties there are three distinct institutions, each of which conducts functions that may be regarded as executive in nature: European Council - brings together heads of state and government, along with the president of the European Commission, and meets at least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the development of the Union and to issue general policy guidelines; the Treaty of Lisbon established the position of "permanent" (full-time) president of the European Council; leaders of the EU member states appoint the president for a 2 1/2 year term, renewable once; the president's responsibilities include chairing the EU summits and providing policy and organizational continuity; the current president is Charles MICHEL (Belgium), since 1 December 2019, succeeding Donald TUSK (Poland; 2014 - 2019) Council of the European Union - consists of ministers of each EU member state and meets regularly in 10 different configurations depending on the subject matter; it conducts policymaking and coordinating functions as well as legislative functions; ministers of EU member states chair meetings of the Council of the EU based on a 6-month rotating presidency except for the meetings of EU Foreign Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council that are chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy European Commission - headed by a College of Commissioners comprised of 28 members (one from each member country) including the president; each commissioner is responsible for one or more policy areas; the Commission's main responsibilities include the sole right to initiate EU legislation (except for foreign and security/defense policy), promoting the general interest of the EU, acting as "guardian of the Treaties" by monitoring the application of EU law, implementing/executing the EU budget, managing programs, negotiating on the EU's behalf in core policy areas such as trade, and ensuring the Union's external representation in some policy areas; its current president is Ursula VON DER LEYEN (Germany) elected on 16 July 2019 (took office on 1 December 2019); the president of the European Commission is nominated by the European Council and formally "elected" by the European Parliament; the Commission president allocates specific responsibilities among the members of the College (appointed by common accord of the member state governments in consultation with the president-elect); the European Parliament confirms the entire Commission for a 5-year term. note: for external representation and foreign policy making, leaders of the EU member states appointed Joseph BORRELL (Spain) as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; BORRELL took office on 1 December 2019, succeeding Federica MOGHERINI (Italy (2014 - 2019); the High Representative's concurrent appointment as Vice President of the European Commission was meant to bring more coherence to the EU’s foreign policy (horizontally, between policies managed by the Commission that are particularly relevant for EU external relations, such as trade, humanitarian aid and crisis management, neighborhood policy and enlargement; and vertically, between member-state capitals and the EU); the High Representative helps develop and implement the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defense Policy components, chairs the Foreign Affairs Council, represents and acts for the Union in many international contexts, and oversees the European External Action Service, the diplomatic corps of the EU, established on 1 December 2010under the EU treaties there are three distinct institutions, each of which conducts functions that may be regarded as executive in nature: European Council - brings together heads of state and government, along with the president of the European Commission, and meets at least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the development of the Union and to issue general policy guidelines; the Treaty of Lisbon established the position of "permanent" (full-time) president of the European Council; leaders of the EU member states appoint the president for a 2 1/2 year term, renewable once; the president's responsibilities include chairing the EU summits and providing policy and organizational continuity; the current president is Charles MICHEL (Belgium), since 1 December 2019, succeeding Donald TUSK (Poland; 2014 - 2019) Council of the European Union - consists of ministers of each EU member state and meets regularly in 10 different configurations depending on the subject matter; it conducts policymaking and coordinating functions as well as legislative functions; ministers of EU member states chair meetings of the Council of the EU based on a 6-month rotating presidency except for the meetings of EU Foreign Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council that are chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy European Commission - headed by a College of Commissioners comprised of 28 members (one from each member country) including the president; each commissioner is responsible for one or more policy areas; the Commission's main responsibilities include the sole right to initiate EU legislation (except for foreign and security/defense policy), promoting the general interest of the EU, acting as "guardian of the Treaties" by monitoring the application of EU law, implementing/executing the EU budget, managing programs, negotiating on the EU's behalf in core policy areas such as trade, and ensuring the Union's external representation in some policy areas; its current president is Ursula VON DER LEYEN (Germany) elected on 16 July 2019 (took office on 1 December 2019); the president of the European Commission is nominated by the European Council and formally "elected" by the European Parliament; the Commission president allocates specific responsibilities among the members of the College (appointed by common accord of the member state governments in consultation with the president-elect); the European Parliament confirms the entire Commission for a 5-year term. Legislative branch: description: two legislative bodies consisting of the Council of the European Union (27 seats; ministers representing the 27 member states) and the European Parliament (705 seats; seats allocated among member states roughly in proportion to population size; members elected by proportional representation to serve 5-year terms); note - the European Parliament President, David SASSOLI (Italian center-left), was elected in July 2019 by a majority of fellow members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and represents the Parliament within the EU and internationally; the Council of the EU and the MEPs share responsibilities for adopting the bulk of EU legislation, normally acting in co-decision on Commission proposals (but not in the area of Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is governed by consensus of the EU member state governments) elections: last held on 23-26 May 2019 (next to be held May 2024) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party (as of 31 January 2020) - EPP 187, S&D 148, ALDE/EDP 97, ID 76, Greens/EFA 67, ECR 59, GUE-NGL 40, non-inscripts 31; Parliament composition - men 428, women 277, percent of women 39.3%; note - composition of the European Council - men 23, women 4, percent of women 11.1%; total Council and Parliament percent of women 38.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Justice of the European Union, which includes the Court of Justice (informally known as the European Court of Justice or ECJ) and the General Court (consists of 27 judges, one drawn from each member state; the ECJ includes 11 Advocates General while the General Court can include additional judges; both the ECJ and the General Court may sit in a "Grand Chamber" of 15 judges in special cases but usually in chambers of 3 to 5 judges judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the common consent of the member states to serve 6-year renewable terms note: the ECJ is the supreme judicial authority of the EU; it ensures that EU law is interpreted and applied uniformly throughout the EU, resolves disputed issues among the EU institutions and with member states, and reviews issues and opinions regarding questions of EU law referred by member state courts Political parties and leaders: European United Left-Nordic Green Left or GUE/NGL [Manon AUBRY and Martin SCHIRDEWAN] European Conservatives and Reformists or ECR [Raffaele FITTO and Ryszard LEGUTKO] European Greens/European Free Alliance or Greens/EFA [Ska KELLER, Philippe LAMBERTS] European People's Party or EPP [Manfred WEBER] Identity and Democracy Party or ID [Marco ZANNI] Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats or S&D [Iratxe PEREZ] Renew Europe - RE (successor to Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe or ALDE) [Stephane SEJOURNE] International organization participation: ARF, ASEAN (dialogue member), Australian Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CERN, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-8, G-10, G-20, IDA, IEA, IGAD (partners), LAIA (observer), NSG (observer), OAS (observer), OECD, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), UN (observer), UNRWA (observer), WCO, WTO, ZC (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Stavros LAMBRINIDIS (since 1 March 2019) chancery: 2175 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 862-9500 FAX: [1] (202) 429-1766 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mark GITENSTEIN (since 24 January 2022) embassy: Zinnerstraat - 13 - Rue Zinner, B-1000 Brussels mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [32] (2) 811-4100 email address and website: https://useu.usmission.gov/ Flag description: a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged in a circle in the center; blue represents the sky of the Western world, the stars are the peoples of Europe in a circle, a symbol of unity; the number of stars is fixed National symbol(s): a circle of 12, five-pointed, golden yellow stars on a blue field; union colors: blue, yellow National anthem: name: "Ode to Joy" lyrics/music: no lyrics/Ludwig VAN BEETHOVEN, arranged by Herbert VON KARAJAN note: official EU anthem since 1985; the anthem is meant to represent all of Europe rather than just the organization, conveying ideas of peace, freedom, and unity Topic: Economy Economic overview: The 27 member states that make up the EU have adopted an internal single market with free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor. The EU, which is also a customs union, aims to bolster Europe's trade position and its political and economic weight in international affairs.   Despite great differences in per capita income among member states (from $28,000 to $109,000) and in national attitudes toward issues like inflation, debt, and foreign trade, the EU has achieved a high degree of coordination of monetary and fiscal policies. A common currency – the euro – circulates among 19 of the member states that make up the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Eleven member states introduced the euro as their common currency on 1 January 1999 (Greece did so two years later). Since 2004, 13 states acceded to the EU. Of the 13, Slovenia (2007), Cyprus and Malta (2008), Slovakia (2009), Estonia (2011), Latvia (2014), and Lithuania (2015) have adopted the euro; seven other member states - excluding Denmark, which has a formal opt-out - are required by EU treaties to adopt the common currency upon meeting fiscal and monetary convergence criteria.   The EU economy posted moderate GDP growth for 2014 through 2017, capping five years of sustained growth since the 2008-09 global economic crisis and the ensuing sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone in 2011. However, the bloc’s recovery was uneven. Some EU member states (Czechia, Ireland, Malta, Romania, Sweden, and Spain) recorded strong growth, others (Italy) experienced modest expansion, and Greece finally ended its EU rescue program in August 2018. Overall, the EU’s recovery was buoyed by lower commodities prices and accommodative monetary policy, which lowered interest rates and stimulated demand. The euro zone, which makes up about 70% of the total EU economy, performed well, achieving a growth rate not seen in a decade. In October 2017 the European Central Bank (ECB) announced it would extend its bond-buying program through September 2018, and possibly beyond that date, to keep the euro zone recovery on track. The ECB’s efforts to spur more lending and investment through its asset-buying program, negative interest rates, and long-term loan refinancing programs have not yet raised inflation in line with the ECB’s statutory target of just under 2%.   Despite its performance, high unemployment in some member states, high levels of public and private debt, muted productivity, an incomplete single market in services, and an aging population remain sources of potential drag on the EU’s future growth. Moreover, the EU economy remains vulnerable to a slowdown of global trade and bouts of political and financial turmoil. In June 2016, the UK voted to withdraw from the EU, the first member country ever to attempt to secede. Continued uncertainty about the implications of the UK’s exit from the EU (concluded January 2020) could hurt consumer and investor confidence and dampen EU growth, particularly if trade and cross-border investment significantly declines. Political disagreements between EU member states on reforms to fiscal and economic policy also may impair the EU’s ability to bolster its crisis-prevention and resolution mechanisms. International investors’ fears of a broad dissolution of the single currency area have largely dissipated, but these concerns could resurface if elected leaders implement policies that contravene euro-zone budget or banking rules. State interventions in ailing banks, including rescue of banks in Italy and resolution of banks in Spain, have eased financial vulnerabilities in the European banking sector even though some banks are struggling with low profitability and a large stock of bad loans, fragilities that could precipitate localized crises. Externally, the EU has continued to pursue comprehensive free trade agreements to expand EU external market share, particularly with Asian countries; EU and Japanese leaders reached a political-level agreement on a free trade agreement in July 2017, and agreement with Mexico in April 2018 on updates to an existing free trade agreement.The 27 member states that make up the EU have adopted an internal single market with free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor. The EU, which is also a customs union, aims to bolster Europe's trade position and its political and economic weight in international affairs. Despite great differences in per capita income among member states (from $28,000 to $109,000) and in national attitudes toward issues like inflation, debt, and foreign trade, the EU has achieved a high degree of coordination of monetary and fiscal policies. A common currency – the euro – circulates among 19 of the member states that make up the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Eleven member states introduced the euro as their common currency on 1 January 1999 (Greece did so two years later). Since 2004, 13 states acceded to the EU. Of the 13, Slovenia (2007), Cyprus and Malta (2008), Slovakia (2009), Estonia (2011), Latvia (2014), and Lithuania (2015) have adopted the euro; seven other member states - excluding Denmark, which has a formal opt-out - are required by EU treaties to adopt the common currency upon meeting fiscal and monetary convergence criteria. The EU economy posted moderate GDP growth for 2014 through 2017, capping five years of sustained growth since the 2008-09 global economic crisis and the ensuing sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone in 2011. However, the bloc’s recovery was uneven. Some EU member states (Czechia, Ireland, Malta, Romania, Sweden, and Spain) recorded strong growth, others (Italy) experienced modest expansion, and Greece finally ended its EU rescue program in August 2018. Overall, the EU’s recovery was buoyed by lower commodities prices and accommodative monetary policy, which lowered interest rates and stimulated demand. The euro zone, which makes up about 70% of the total EU economy, performed well, achieving a growth rate not seen in a decade. In October 2017 the European Central Bank (ECB) announced it would extend its bond-buying program through September 2018, and possibly beyond that date, to keep the euro zone recovery on track. The ECB’s efforts to spur more lending and investment through its asset-buying program, negative interest rates, and long-term loan refinancing programs have not yet raised inflation in line with the ECB’s statutory target of just under 2%. Despite its performance, high unemployment in some member states, high levels of public and private debt, muted productivity, an incomplete single market in services, and an aging population remain sources of potential drag on the EU’s future growth. Moreover, the EU economy remains vulnerable to a slowdown of global trade and bouts of political and financial turmoil. In June 2016, the UK voted to withdraw from the EU, the first member country ever to attempt to secede. Continued uncertainty about the implications of the UK’s exit from the EU (concluded January 2020) could hurt consumer and investor confidence and dampen EU growth, particularly if trade and cross-border investment significantly declines. Political disagreements between EU member states on reforms to fiscal and economic policy also may impair the EU’s ability to bolster its crisis-prevention and resolution mechanisms. International investors’ fears of a broad dissolution of the single currency area have largely dissipated, but these concerns could resurface if elected leaders implement policies that contravene euro-zone budget or banking rules. State interventions in ailing banks, including rescue of banks in Italy and resolution of banks in Spain, have eased financial vulnerabilities in the European banking sector even though some banks are struggling with low profitability and a large stock of bad loans, fragilities that could precipitate localized crises. Externally, the EU has continued to pursue comprehensive free trade agreements to expand EU external market share, particularly with Asian countries; EU and Japanese leaders reached a political-level agreement on a free trade agreement in July 2017, and agreement with Mexico in April 2018 on updates to an existing free trade agreement. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $19,885,625,000,000 (2019 est.) $19,551,328,000,000 (2018 est.) $19,115,988,000,000 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.3% (2017 est.) 2% (2016 est.) 2.3% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $44,436 (2019 est.) $43,761 (2018 est.) $42,848 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $17.11 trillion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.1% (2019 est.) 1.7% (2018 est.) 1.5% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AAA (2010) Moody's rating: Aaa (2014) Standard & Poors rating: AA (2016) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.6% (2017 est.) industry: 25.1% (2017 est.) services: 70.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 54.4% (2016 est.) government consumption: 20.4% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.8% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.9% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -40.5% (2016 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, barley, oilseeds, sugar beets, wine, grapes; dairy products, cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry; fish Industries: among the world's largest and most technologically advanced regions, the EU industrial base includes: ferrous and non-ferrous metal production and processing, metal products, petroleum, coal, cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, rail transportation equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, construction equipment, industrial equipment, shipbuilding, electrical power equipment, machine tools and automated manufacturing systems, electronics and telecommunications equipment, fishing, food and beverages, furniture, paper, textiles Industrial production growth rate: 3.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 238.9 million (2016 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 5% industry: 21.9% services: 73.1% (2014 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.6% (2016 est.) 9.4% (2015 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18.7% male: 18.5% female: 19.2% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 9.8% (2013 est.) note: see individual country entries of member states Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 30.8 (2016 est.) 31 (2015 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 23.8% (2016 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3% (of GDP) (2014) Public debt: 86.8% of GDP (2014) 85.5% of GDP (2013) Taxes and other revenues: 45.2% (of GDP) (2014) Fiscal year: NA Current account balance: $404.9 billion (2017 est.) $359.7 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $7,102,345,000,000 (2019 est.) $6,929,845,000,000 (2018 est.) $6,690,764,000,000 (2017 est.) note: external exports, excluding intra-EU trade Exports - partners: United States 20.7%, China 9.6%, Switzerland 8.1%, Turkey 4.4%, Russia 4.1% (2016 est.) Exports - commodities: machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, fuels, aircraft, plastics, iron and steel, wood pulp and paper products, alcoholic beverages, furniture Imports: $6,649,513,000,000 (2019 est.) $6,400,412,000,000 (2018 est.) $6,177,446,000,000 (2017 est.) note: external imports, excluding intra-EU trade Imports - partners: China 20.1%, United States 14.5%, Switzerland 7.1%, Russia 6.3% (2016 est.) Imports - commodities: fuels and crude oil, machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, precious gemstones, textiles, aircraft, plastics, metals, ships Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $740.9 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $746.9 billion (31 December 2013) note: data are for the European Central Bank Debt - external: $29.27 trillion (31 December 2016 est.) $28.68 trillion (31 December 2015 est.) Exchange rates: euros per US dollar - 0.885 (2017 est.) 0.903 (2016 est.) 0.9214 (2015 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Refined petroleum products - production: 11.66 million bbl/day (2016 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 2.196 million bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 8.613 million bbl/day (2017 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 3.475 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2015 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 160,149,025 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 540,557,924 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: note - see individual country entries of member states Internet country code: .eu; note - see country entries of member states for individual country codes Internet users: total: 380,357,569 (2020 est.) percent of population: 85% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 163,772,540 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 636,860,155 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 31,730,660,000 (2018) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1,882 over 3,047 m: 120 2,438 to 3,047 m: 341 1,524 to 2,437 m: 507 914 to 1,523 m: 425 under 914 m: 489 (2017) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1,244 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 245 under 914 m: 982 (2013) Heliports: (2021) 90 Railways: total: (2013) 230,548 km Roadways: total: (2013) 10,582,653 km Waterways: (2013) 53,384 km Ports and terminals: major port(s): Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Braila (Romania), Bremen (Germany), Burgas (Bulgaria), Constanta (Romania), Copenhagen (Denmark), Galati (Romania), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), Marseille (France), Naples (Italy), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Riga (Latvia), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Split (Croatia), Stockholm (Sweden), Talinn (Estonia), Tulcea (Romania), Varna (Bulgaria) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) provides the civilian, military, and political structures for EU crisis management and security issues; the highest bodies are: the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which meets at the ambassadorial level as a preparatory body for the Council of the EU; it assists with defining policies and preparing a crisis response the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the EU's highest military body; it is composed of the chiefs of defense (CHODs) of the Member States, who are regularly represented by their permanent Military Representatives; the EUMC provides the PSC with advice and recommendations on all military matters within the EU the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) provides advice and recommendations to the PSC in parallel with the EUMC on civilian aspects of crisis management the Politico-Military Group (PMG) provides advice and recommendations to the PSC on political aspects of EU military and civil-military issues, including concepts, capabilities and operations and missions, and monitors implementation other bodies set up under the CSDP include; the Security and Defense Policy Directorate (SECDEFPOL), the Integrated approach for Security and Peace Directorate (ISP), the EU Military Staff (EUMS), the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC), the Military  Planning  and  Conduct  Capability (MPCC), the European Defense Agency, the European Security and Defense College (ESDC), the EU Institute for Security Studies, and the EU Satellite Center (2021)the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) provides the civilian, military, and political structures for EU crisis management and security issues; the highest bodies are:the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which meets at the ambassadorial level as a preparatory body for the Council of the EU; it assists with defining policies and preparing a crisis responsethe European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the EU's highest military body; it is composed of the chiefs of defense (CHODs) of the Member States, who are regularly represented by their permanent Military Representatives; the EUMC provides the PSC with advice and recommendations on all military matters within the EUthe Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) provides advice and recommendations to the PSC in parallel with the EUMC on civilian aspects of crisis managementthe Politico-Military Group (PMG) provides advice and recommendations to the PSC on political aspects of EU military and civil-military issues, including concepts, capabilities and operations and missions, and monitors implementationother bodies set up under the CSDP include; the Security and Defense Policy Directorate (SECDEFPOL), the Integrated approach for Security and Peace Directorate (ISP), the EU Military Staff (EUMS), the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC), the Military  Planning  and  Conduct  Capability (MPCC), the European Defense Agency, the European Security and Defense College (ESDC), the EU Institute for Security Studies, and the EU Satellite Center (2021) Military expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2019) 1.4% of GDP (2018) 1.35% of GDP (2017) 1.3% of GDP (2016) Military deployments: since 2003, the EU has launched more than 30 civilian and military crisis-management, advisory, and training missions in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and a naval operation in the Mediterranean to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking networks and prevent the loss of life at sea (2022) Military - note: EU Battlegroups are rapid reaction multinational military units that form a key part of the EU's capacity to respond to emerging crises and conflicts; their deployment is subject to a unanimous decision by the EU Council; the core of a battlegroup typically consists of one infantry battalion (about 1,500 troops) reinforced with combat and combat service support units; the composition of the supporting units may differ depending on the mission; the troops and equipment are drawn from EU member states and under the direction of a lead nation; 2 battlegroups are always on standby for a period of 6 months; the battlegroups were declared operational in 2007, but have never been used operationally due to political and financial obstacles  the EU partners with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); NATO is an alliance of 30 countries from North America and Europe; its role is to safeguard the security of its member countries by political and military means; NATO conducts crisis management and peacekeeping missions; member countries that participate in the military aspect of the Alliance contribute forces and equipment, which remain under national command and control until a time when they are required by NATO for a specific purpose (i.e. conflict or crisis, peacekeeping); NATO, however, does possess some common capabilities owned and operated by the Alliance, such as some early warning radar aircraft; relations between NATO and the EU were institutionalized in the early 2000s, building on steps taken during the 1990s to promote greater European responsibility in defense matters; cooperation and coordination covers a broad array of issues, including crisis management, defense and political consultations, civil preparedness, capacity building, military capabilities, maritime security, planning, cyber defense, countering hybrid threats, information sharing, logistics, defense industry, counterterrorism, etc.; NATO and the EU have 21 member countries in common Eurocorps, which supports both the EU and NATO, was formally established in 1992 and activated the following year; it originated in 1987 with the French-German Brigade; Belgium (1993), Spain (1994), and Luxembourg (1996) joined over the next few years; five additional countries participate in Eurocorps as associated nations: Greece, Poland, and Turkey (since 2002), Italy and Romania (since 2009 and 2016 respectively); Eurocorps is headquartered in Strasbourg, France (2021)EU Battlegroups are rapid reaction multinational military units that form a key part of the EU's capacity to respond to emerging crises and conflicts; their deployment is subject to a unanimous decision by the EU Council; the core of a battlegroup typically consists of one infantry battalion (about 1,500 troops) reinforced with combat and combat service support units; the composition of the supporting units may differ depending on the mission; the troops and equipment are drawn from EU member states and under the direction of a lead nation; 2 battlegroups are always on standby for a period of 6 months; the battlegroups were declared operational in 2007, but have never been used operationally due to political and financial obstacles  the EU partners with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); NATO is an alliance of 30 countries from North America and Europe; its role is to safeguard the security of its member countries by political and military means; NATO conducts crisis management and peacekeeping missions; member countries that participate in the military aspect of the Alliance contribute forces and equipment, which remain under national command and control until a time when they are required by NATO for a specific purpose (i.e. conflict or crisis, peacekeeping); NATO, however, does possess some common capabilities owned and operated by the Alliance, such as some early warning radar aircraft; relations between NATO and the EU were institutionalized in the early 2000s, building on steps taken during the 1990s to promote greater European responsibility in defense matters; cooperation and coordination covers a broad array of issues, including crisis management, defense and political consultations, civil preparedness, capacity building, military capabilities, maritime security, planning, cyber defense, countering hybrid threats, information sharing, logistics, defense industry, counterterrorism, etc.; NATO and the EU have 21 member countries in common Eurocorps, which supports both the EU and NATO, was formally established in 1992 and activated the following year; it originated in 1987 with the French-German Brigade; Belgium (1993), Spain (1994), and Luxembourg (1996) joined over the next few years; five additional countries participate in Eurocorps as associated nations: Greece, Poland, and Turkey (since 2002), Italy and Romania (since 2009 and 2016 respectively); Eurocorps is headquartered in Strasbourg, France Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): see individual EU member states Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: as a political union, the EU has no border disputes with neighboring countries, but Estonia has no land boundary agreements with Russia, Slovenia disputes its land and maritime boundaries with Croatia, and Spain has territorial and maritime disputes with Morocco and with the UK over Gibraltar; the EU has set up a Schengen area - consisting of 22 EU member states that have signed the convention implementing the Schengen agreements or "acquis" (1985 and 1990) on the free movement of persons and the harmonization of border controls in Europe; these agreements became incorporated into EU law with the implementation of the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999; in addition, non-EU states Iceland and Norway (as part of the Nordic Union) have been included in the Schengen area since 1996 (full members in 2001), Switzerland since 2008, and Liechtenstein since 2011 bringing the total current membership to 26; the UK (since 2000) and Ireland (since 2002) take part in only some aspects of the Schengen area, especially with respect to police and criminal matters; nine of the 13 new member states that joined the EU since 2004 joined Schengen on 21 December 2007; of the four remaining EU states, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia are obligated to eventually join, while Cyprus' entry is held up by the ongoing Cyprus disputeas a political union, the EU has no border disputes with neighboring countries, but Estonia has no land boundary agreements with Russia, Slovenia disputes its land and maritime boundaries with Croatia, and Spain has territorial and maritime disputes with Morocco and with the UK over Gibraltar; the EU has set up a Schengen area - consisting of 22 EU member states that have signed the convention implementing the Schengen agreements or "acquis" (1985 and 1990) on the free movement of persons and the harmonization of border controls in Europe; these agreements became incorporated into EU law with the implementation of the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999; in addition, non-EU states Iceland and Norway (as part of the Nordic Union) have been included in the Schengen area since 1996 (full members in 2001), Switzerland since 2008, and Liechtenstein since 2011 bringing the total current membership to 26; the UK (since 2000) and Ireland (since 2002) take part in only some aspects of the Schengen area, especially with respect to police and criminal matters; nine of the 13 new member states that joined the EU since 2004 joined Schengen on 21 December 2007; of the four remaining EU states, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia are obligated to eventually join, while Cyprus' entry is held up by the ongoing Cyprus dispute

20220901

countries-chile-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Chile due to civil unrest. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [56] (2) 2330-3000; US Embassy Santiago, Av. Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile; https://cl.usembassy.gov/; SantiagoUSA@state.gov Telephone Code: 56 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 131; Fire: 132; Police 132 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south Currency (Code): Chilean pesos (CLP) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, L Major Languages: Spanish, English, indigenous languages Major Religions: Roman Catholic 66.7%, Evangelical or Protestant 16.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1% Time Difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in August; ends second Sunday in May; Punta Arenas observes DST throughout the year; note: Chile has 3 time zones: the continental portion at UTC-3; the southern Magallanes region, which does not use daylight saving time and remains at UTC-3 for the summer months; and Easter Island at UTC-5 Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Chile, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Torres Del Paine National Park; Valle de la Luna and the Atacama Desert; Easter Island; Santiago; Chile's Lake District; Valparaíso; Lauca National Park, Cape Horn; Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System Major Sports: Soccer, rugby, tennis Cultural Practices: Giving scissors or knives indicates a desire to sever a relationship. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up is appreciated. A tip of 1,000 pesos per night per person is considered a good tip for housekeeping, and a little tip per bag is expected for bellhops. Souvenirs: Lapis lazuli jewelry, greda clay cooking pots, native pottery/ceramics, brassware, wine, merken chile seasonings Traditional Cuisine: Pastel de Choclo — ground beef, onions, olives, and raisins, topped with a sweet corn crust; the corn crust is a paste of sweet corn kernels and basil cooked in milk or lardPlease 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, July 20, 2022

20220901

field-industrial-production-growth-rate-country-comparison

20220901

countries-libya

Topic: Photos of Libya Topic: Introduction Background: Berbers have inhabited central north Africa since ancient times, but the region has been settled and ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Vandals. In the the 7th century, Islam spread through the region; in the mid-16th century, Ottoman rule began. The Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around Tripoli in 1911 and did not relinquish their hold until 1943 when they were defeated in World War II. Libya then passed to UN administration and achieved independence in 1951. Following a 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar al-QADHAFI assumed leadership and began to espouse his political system at home, which was a combination of socialism and Islam. During the 1970s, QADHAFI used oil revenues to promote his ideology outside Libya, supporting subversive and terrorist activities that included the downing of two airliners - one over Scotland, another in Northern Africa - and a discotheque bombing in Berlin. UN sanctions in 1992 isolated QADHAFI politically and economically following the attacks; sanctions were lifted in 2003 following Libyan acceptance of responsibility for the bombings and agreement to claimant compensation. QADHAFI also agreed to end Libya's program to develop weapons of mass destruction, and he made significant strides in normalizing relations with Western nations. Unrest that began in several Middle Eastern and North African countries in late 2010 erupted in Libyan cities in early 2011. QADHAFI's brutal crackdown on protesters spawned an eight-month civil war that saw the emergence of a National Transitional Council (NTC), UN authorization of air and naval intervention by the international community, and the toppling of the QADHAFI regime. In 2012, the NTC handed power to an elected parliament, the General National Congress (GNC). Voters chose a new parliament to replace the GNC in June 2014 - the House of Representatives (HoR) - which relocated to the eastern city of Tobruk after fighting broke out in Tripoli and Benghazi in July 2014. In December 2015, the UN brokered an agreement among a broad array of Libyan political parties and social groups - known as the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) - establishing an interim executive body, the Government of National Accord (GNA). However, the HoR and defunct-GNC-affiliated political hardliners continued to oppose the GNA and hamper the LPA’s implementation, leaving Libya with eastern and western-based rival governments. In September 2017, UN Special Representative Ghassan SALAME announced a new roadmap for national political reconciliation. In November 2018, the international community supported SALAME’s recalibrated Action Plan for Libya that aimed to break the political deadlock by holding a National Conference in early 2019. These plans, however, were derailed when the eastern-based self-described Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive to seize Tripoli in April 2019. Several countries sent armed personnel and advanced military equipment into Libya. The LNA's offensive collapsed in June 2020, and a subsequent UN-sponsored cease-fire in October 2020 helped formalize the pause in fighting between rival camps, although foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries that aided eastern and western factions during the fighting remain in Libya. In early 2021, the UN-facilitated Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected a new prime minister for an interim government, the Government of National Unity (GNU), and a new presidential council charged with preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2021 and uniting the country’s state institutions. The HoR approved the GNU and its cabinet in March 2021, providing Libya with its first unified government since 2014. On 22 December 2021, Libya's parliament postponed the first round of the presidential election to an undetermined date in the future. Talks in June 2022 failed to reach agreement on eligibility requirements for presidential candidates.Berbers have inhabited central north Africa since ancient times, but the region has been settled and ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Vandals. In the the 7th century, Islam spread through the region; in the mid-16th century, Ottoman rule began. The Italians supplanted the Ottoman Turks in the area around Tripoli in 1911 and did not relinquish their hold until 1943 when they were defeated in World War II. Libya then passed to UN administration and achieved independence in 1951. Following a 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar al-QADHAFI assumed leadership and began to espouse his political system at home, which was a combination of socialism and Islam. During the 1970s, QADHAFI used oil revenues to promote his ideology outside Libya, supporting subversive and terrorist activities that included the downing of two airliners - one over Scotland, another in Northern Africa - and a discotheque bombing in Berlin. UN sanctions in 1992 isolated QADHAFI politically and economically following the attacks; sanctions were lifted in 2003 following Libyan acceptance of responsibility for the bombings and agreement to claimant compensation. QADHAFI also agreed to end Libya's program to develop weapons of mass destruction, and he made significant strides in normalizing relations with Western nations.Unrest that began in several Middle Eastern and North African countries in late 2010 erupted in Libyan cities in early 2011. QADHAFI's brutal crackdown on protesters spawned an eight-month civil war that saw the emergence of a National Transitional Council (NTC), UN authorization of air and naval intervention by the international community, and the toppling of the QADHAFI regime. In 2012, the NTC handed power to an elected parliament, the General National Congress (GNC). Voters chose a new parliament to replace the GNC in June 2014 - the House of Representatives (HoR) - which relocated to the eastern city of Tobruk after fighting broke out in Tripoli and Benghazi in July 2014.In December 2015, the UN brokered an agreement among a broad array of Libyan political parties and social groups - known as the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) - establishing an interim executive body, the Government of National Accord (GNA). However, the HoR and defunct-GNC-affiliated political hardliners continued to oppose the GNA and hamper the LPA’s implementation, leaving Libya with eastern and western-based rival governments. In September 2017, UN Special Representative Ghassan SALAME announced a new roadmap for national political reconciliation. In November 2018, the international community supported SALAME’s recalibrated Action Plan for Libya that aimed to break the political deadlock by holding a National Conference in early 2019. These plans, however, were derailed when the eastern-based self-described Libyan National Army (LNA) launched an offensive to seize Tripoli in April 2019. Several countries sent armed personnel and advanced military equipment into Libya. The LNA's offensive collapsed in June 2020, and a subsequent UN-sponsored cease-fire in October 2020 helped formalize the pause in fighting between rival camps, although foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries that aided eastern and western factions during the fighting remain in Libya. In early 2021, the UN-facilitated Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected a new prime minister for an interim government, the Government of National Unity (GNU), and a new presidential council charged with preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in December 2021 and uniting the country’s state institutions. The HoR approved the GNU and its cabinet in March 2021, providing Libya with its first unified government since 2014. On 22 December 2021, Libya's parliament postponed the first round of the presidential election to an undetermined date in the future. Talks in June 2022 failed to reach agreement on eligibility requirements for presidential candidates.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria Geographic coordinates: 25 00 N, 17 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 1,759,540 sq km land: 1,759,540 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about 2.5 times the size of Texas; slightly larger than Alaska Land boundaries: total: 4,339 km border countries (6): Algeria 989 km; Chad 1,050 km; Egypt 1,115 km; Niger 342 km; Sudan 382 km; Tunisia 461 km Coastline: 1,770 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 62 nm note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior Terrain: mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions Elevation: highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m mean elevation: 423 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, gypsum Land use: agricultural land: 8.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.) forest: 0.1% (2018 est.) other: 91.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 4,700 sq km (2012) Major watersheds (area sq km): Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Major aquifers: Nubian Aquifer System, North Western Sahara Aquifer System, Murzuk-Djado Basin Population distribution: well over 90% of the population lives along the Mediterranean coast in and between Tripoli to the west and Al Bayda to the east; the interior remains vastly underpopulated due to the Sahara and lack of surface water as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms Geography - note: note 1: more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert note 2: the volcano Waw an Namus lies in south central Libya in the middle of the Sahara; the caldera is an oasis - the name means "oasis of mosquitoes" - containing several small lakes surrounded by vegetation and hosting various insects and a large diversity of birds Map description: Libya map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Mediterranean Sea.  Libya map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Mediterranean Sea.  Topic: People and Society Population: 7,137,931 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up just over 12% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Nationality: noun: Libyan(s) adjective: Libyan Ethnic groups: Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Italian, Maltese, Pakistani, Tunisian, and Turkish) Languages: Arabic (official), Italian, English (all widely understood in the major cities); Berber (Nafusi, Ghadamis, Suknah, Awjilah, Tamasheq) major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Muslim (official; virtually all Sunni) 96.6%, Christian 2.7%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%, folk religion <1%, other  <1%, unafilliated <1% (2020 est.) note: non-Sunni Muslims include native Ibadhi Muslims (<1% of the population) and foreign Muslims Demographic profile: Despite continuing unrest, Libya remains a destination country for economic migrants. It is also a hub for transit migration to Europe because of its proximity to southern Europe and its lax border controls. Labor migrants have been drawn to Libya since the development of its oil sector in the 1960s. Until the latter part of the 1990s, most migrants to Libya were Arab (primarily Egyptians and Sudanese). However, international isolation stemming from Libya’s involvement in international terrorism and a perceived lack of support from Arab countries led QADHAFI in 1998 to adopt a decade-long pan-African policy that enabled large numbers of Sub-Saharan migrants to enter Libya without visas to work in the construction and agricultural industries. Although Sub-Saharan Africans provided a cheap labor source, they were poorly treated and were subjected to periodic mass expulsions.By the mid-2000s, domestic animosity toward African migrants and a desire to reintegrate into the international community motivated QADHAFI to impose entry visas on Arab and African immigrants and to agree to joint maritime patrols and migrant repatriations with Italy, the main recipient of illegal migrants departing Libya. As his regime neared collapse in 2011, QADHAFI reversed his policy of cooperating with Italy to curb illegal migration and sent boats loaded with migrants and asylum seekers to strain European resources. Libya’s 2011 revolution decreased immigration drastically and prompted nearly 800,000 migrants to flee to third countries, mainly Tunisia and Egypt, or to their countries of origin. The inflow of migrants declined in 2012 but returned to normal levels by 2013, despite continued hostility toward Sub-Saharan Africans and a less-inviting job market.While Libya is not an appealing destination for migrants, since 2014, transiting migrants – primarily from East and West Africa – continue to exploit its political instability and weak border controls and use it as a primary departure area to migrate across the central Mediterranean to Europe in growing numbers. In addition, more than 200,000 people were displaced internally as of August 2017 by fighting between armed groups in eastern and western Libya and, to a lesser extent, by inter-tribal clashes in the country’s south.Despite continuing unrest, Libya remains a destination country for economic migrants. It is also a hub for transit migration to Europe because of its proximity to southern Europe and its lax border controls. Labor migrants have been drawn to Libya since the development of its oil sector in the 1960s. Until the latter part of the 1990s, most migrants to Libya were Arab (primarily Egyptians and Sudanese). However, international isolation stemming from Libya’s involvement in international terrorism and a perceived lack of support from Arab countries led QADHAFI in 1998 to adopt a decade-long pan-African policy that enabled large numbers of Sub-Saharan migrants to enter Libya without visas to work in the construction and agricultural industries. Although Sub-Saharan Africans provided a cheap labor source, they were poorly treated and were subjected to periodic mass expulsions.By the mid-2000s, domestic animosity toward African migrants and a desire to reintegrate into the international community motivated QADHAFI to impose entry visas on Arab and African immigrants and to agree to joint maritime patrols and migrant repatriations with Italy, the main recipient of illegal migrants departing Libya. As his regime neared collapse in 2011, QADHAFI reversed his policy of cooperating with Italy to curb illegal migration and sent boats loaded with migrants and asylum seekers to strain European resources. Libya’s 2011 revolution decreased immigration drastically and prompted nearly 800,000 migrants to flee to third countries, mainly Tunisia and Egypt, or to their countries of origin. The inflow of migrants declined in 2012 but returned to normal levels by 2013, despite continued hostility toward Sub-Saharan Africans and a less-inviting job market.While Libya is not an appealing destination for migrants, since 2014, transiting migrants – primarily from East and West Africa – continue to exploit its political instability and weak border controls and use it as a primary departure area to migrate across the central Mediterranean to Europe in growing numbers. In addition, more than 200,000 people were displaced internally as of August 2017 by fighting between armed groups in eastern and western Libya and, to a lesser extent, by inter-tribal clashes in the country’s south. Age structure: 0-14 years: 33.65% (male 1,184,755/female 1,134,084) 15-24 years: 15.21% (male 534,245/female 513,728) 25-54 years: 41.57% (male 1,491,461/female 1,373,086) 55-64 years: 5.52% (male 186,913/female 193,560) 65 years and over: 4.04% (2020 est.) (male 129,177/female 149,526) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 47.7 youth dependency ratio: 41 elderly dependency ratio: 6.7 potential support ratio: 15 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 25.8 years male: 25.9 years female: 25.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.65% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 21.56 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 3.45 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -1.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: well over 90% of the population lives along the Mediterranean coast in and between Tripoli to the west and Al Bayda to the east; the interior remains vastly underpopulated due to the Sahara and lack of surface water as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.176 million TRIPOLI (capital), 953,000 Misratah, 848,000 Benghazi (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 72 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 11.22 deaths/1,000 live births male: 12.66 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.18 years male: 74.94 years female: 79.53 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.09 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 27.7% (2014) Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: 2.09 physicians/1,000 population (2017) Hospital bed density: 3.2 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.3% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.7% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 9,500 (2020) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 32.5% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.7% (2014) Education expenditures: NA Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 91% male: 96.7% female: 85.6% (2015) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 48.7% male: 40.8% female: 67.8% (2012 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: desertification; limited natural freshwater resources; the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, brings water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities; water pollution is a significant problem; the combined impact of sewage, oil byproducts, and industrial waste threatens Libya's coast and the Mediterranean Sea Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Law of the Sea Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 44.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 50.56 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 45.76 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior Land use: agricultural land: 8.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.) forest: 0.1% (2018 est.) other: 91.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.06% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to civil insecurity, economic and political instability, and high food prices - an estimated 800,000 people, 10% of the population, need humanitarian assistance, of which 500,000 require food assistance (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2,147,596 tons (2011 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Major aquifers: Nubian Aquifer System, North Western Sahara Aquifer System, Murzuk-Djado Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 700 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 280 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 4.85 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 700 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: State of Libya conventional short form: Libya local long form: Dawiat Libiya local short form: Libiya etymology: name derives from the Libu, an ancient Libyan tribe first mentioned in texts from the 13th century B.C. Government type: in transition Capital: name: Tripoli (Tarabulus) geographic coordinates: 32 53 N, 13 10 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: originally founded by the Phoenicians as Oea in the 7th century B.C., the city changed rulers many times over the successive centuries; by the beginning of the 3rd century A.D. the region around the city was referred to as Regio Tripolitana by the Romans, meaning "region of the three cities" - namely Oea (i.e., modern Tripoli), Sabratha (to the west), and Leptis Magna (to the east); over time, the shortened name of "Tripoli" came to refer to just Oea, which derives from the Greek words "tria" and "polis" meaning "three cities" Administrative divisions: 22 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat); Al Butnan, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jabal al Gharbi, Al Jafarah, Al Jufrah, Al Kufrah, Al Marj, Al Marqab, Al Wahat, An Nuqat al Khams, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi (Benghazi), Darnah, Ghat, Misratah, Murzuq, Nalut, Sabha, Surt, Tarabulus (Tripoli), Wadi al Hayat, Wadi ash Shati Independence: 24 December 1951 (from UN trusteeship) National holiday: Liberation Day, 23 October (2011) Constitution: history: previous 1951, 1977; in July 2017, the Constitutional Assembly completed and approved a draft of a new permanent constitution; in September 2018, the House of Representatives passed a constitutional referendum law in a session with contested reports of the quorum needed to pass the vote, and submitted it to the High National Elections Commission in December to begin preparations for a constitutional referendum; the referendum is planned in 2022, following the presidential election Legal system: Libya's post-revolution legal system is in flux and driven by state and non-state entities 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 or grandparent must be a citizen of Libya dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: varies from 3 to 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal Executive branch: chief of state: Chairman, Presidential Council, Mohammed Al MENFI (since 5 February 2021) head of government: Interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid DUBAYBAH (since 5 February 2021) elections/appointments: Libya’s first direct presidential election, scheduled for 24 December 2021, was not heldLibya’s first direct presidential election, scheduled for 24 December 2021, was not held Legislative branch: description: unicameral House of Representatives (Majlis Al Nuwab) or HoR (200 seats including 32 reserved for women; members directly elected by majority vote; member term NA); note - the High State Council serves as an advisory group for the HoR elections: last held on 25 June 2014 election results: 25 June 2014 - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition; note - only 188 of the 200 seats were filled in the June 2014 election because of boycotts and lack of security at some polling stations; some elected members of the HoR also boycotted the election Judicial branch: highest courts: Libya's judicial system consists of a supreme court, central high courts (in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Sabha), and a series of lower courts; the judicial system is factious given the ongoing tension between Libya's eastern and western regions; since 2011, Libyan political factions and armed groups have targeted judges and courthouses Political parties and leaders: NA International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BDEAC, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, LCBC, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNSMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Khaled DAIEF (since 27 August 2021) chancery: 1460 Dahlia Street NW, Washington, DC 20012 telephone: [1] (202) 944-9601 FAX: [1] (202) 944-9606 email address and website: info@embassyoflibyadc.com https://www.embassyoflibyadc.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard B. NORLAND (since 22 August 2019) embassy: operations suspended mailing address: 8850 Tripoli Place, Washington, DC  20521-8850 telephone: [216] 71-107-000 email address and website: LibyaACS@state.gov https://ly.usembassy.gov/ note: the US Embassy in Tripoli closed in July 2014 due to fighting near the embassy related to Libyan civil unrest; embassy staff and operations temporarily first relocated to Valetta, Malta and currently are temporarily relocated to Tunis, Tunisia Flag description: three horizontal bands of red (top), black (double width), and green with a white crescent and star centered on the black stripe; the National Transitional Council reintroduced this flag design of the former Kingdom of Libya (1951-1969) on 27 February 2011; it replaced the former all-green banner promulgated by the QADHAFI regime in 1977; the colors represent the three major regions of the country: red stands for Fezzan, black symbolizes Cyrenaica, and green denotes Tripolitania; the crescent and star represent Islam, the main religion of the country National symbol(s): star and crescent, hawk; national colors: red, black, green National anthem: name: "Libya, Libya, Libya" lyrics/music: Al Bashir AL AREBI/Mohamad Abdel WAHAB note: also known as "Ya Beladi" or "Oh, My Country!"; adopted 1951; readopted 2011 with some modification to the lyrics; during the QADHAFI years between 1969 and 2011, the anthem was "Allahu Akbar," (God is Great) a marching song of the Egyptian Army in the 1956 Suez War National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 5 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Archaeological Site of Cyrene; Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna, Archaeological Site of Sabratha; Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus; Old Town of Ghadamès Topic: Economy Economic overview: Libya's economy, almost entirely dependent on oil and gas exports, has struggled since 2014 given security and political instability, disruptions in oil production, and decline in global oil prices. The Libyan dinar has lost much of its value since 2014 and the resulting gap between official and black market exchange rates has spurred the growth of a shadow economy and contributed to inflation. The country suffers from widespread power outages, caused by shortages of fuel for power generation. Living conditions, including access to clean drinking water, medical services, and safe housing have all declined since 2011. Oil production in 2017 reached a five-year high, driving GDP growth, with daily average production rising to 879,000 barrels per day. However, oil production levels remain below the average pre-Revolution highs of 1.6 million barrels per day.   The Central Bank of Libya continued to pay government salaries to a majority of the Libyan workforce and to fund subsidies for fuel and food, resulting in an estimated budget deficit of about 17% of GDP in 2017. Low consumer confidence in the banking sector and the economy as a whole has driven a severe liquidity shortage.Libya's economy, almost entirely dependent on oil and gas exports, has struggled since 2014 given security and political instability, disruptions in oil production, and decline in global oil prices. The Libyan dinar has lost much of its value since 2014 and the resulting gap between official and black market exchange rates has spurred the growth of a shadow economy and contributed to inflation. The country suffers from widespread power outages, caused by shortages of fuel for power generation. Living conditions, including access to clean drinking water, medical services, and safe housing have all declined since 2011. Oil production in 2017 reached a five-year high, driving GDP growth, with daily average production rising to 879,000 barrels per day. However, oil production levels remain below the average pre-Revolution highs of 1.6 million barrels per day. The Central Bank of Libya continued to pay government salaries to a majority of the Libyan workforce and to fund subsidies for fuel and food, resulting in an estimated budget deficit of about 17% of GDP in 2017. Low consumer confidence in the banking sector and the economy as a whole has driven a severe liquidity shortage. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $70.65 billion (2020 est.) $102.84 billion (2019 est.) $100.3 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 64% (2017 est.) -7.4% (2016 est.) -13% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $10,300 (2020 est.) $15,200 (2019 est.) $15,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $52.259 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 28.5% (2017 est.) 25.9% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.3% (2017 est.) industry: 52.3% (2017 est.) services: 46.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 71.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 2.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.3% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -33.8% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: potatoes, watermelons, tomatoes, onions, dates, milk, olives, wheat, poultry, vegetables Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, aluminum, iron and steel, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement Industrial production growth rate: 60.3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 1.114 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 17% industry: 23% services: 59% (2004 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% (2004 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 48.7% male: 40.8% female: 67.8% (2012 est.) Population below poverty line: note: about one-third of Libyans live at or below the national poverty linenote: about one-third of Libyans live at or below the national poverty line Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 15.78 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 23.46 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -25.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 4.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 7.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 51.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $2.574 billion (2017 est.) -$4.575 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $29.96 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.99 billion (2016 est.) Exports - partners: Italy 18%, China 16%, Germany 15%, Spain 15%, United Arab Emirates 6%, France 6%, United States 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, gold, refined petroleum, scrap iron (2019) Imports: $18.85 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.667 billion (2016 est.) Imports - partners: China 16%, Turkey 14%, Italy 9%, United Arab Emirates 9%, Egypt 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, broadcasting equipment, cigarettes, jewelry (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $74.71 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $66.05 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $3.02 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.116 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Libyan dinars (LYD) per US dollar - 1.413 (2017 est.) 1.3904 (2016 est.) 1.3904 (2015 est.) 1.379 (2014 est.) 1.2724 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 10.516 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 25,360,340,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 465 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.801 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 1,252,800 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 219,700 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,067,400 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 48.363 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 89,620 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 16,880 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 168,200 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 12,414,736,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 7,669,690,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 4,441,150,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 1,504,868,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 38.297 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 30.018 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 8.279 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 107.118 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1.576 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2.922 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecom sector; much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries; rival operators fight for control; investment in fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables; limited LTE and 5G service; some satellite broadband; Chinese companies have heavily invested in Libyan infrastructure and now dominate the telecommunications sector; in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2022) domestic: nearly 24 per 100 fixed-line and over 91 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2019) international: country code - 218; landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik;  microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (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: state-funded and private TV stations; some provinces operate local TV stations; pan-Arab satellite TV stations are available; state-funded radio (2019) Internet country code: .ly Internet users: total: 1,491,040 (2019 est.) percent of population: 22% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 332,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 55 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 927,153 (2018) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 5A Airports: total: 146 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 68 over 3,047 m: 23 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 30 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 78 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 37 under 914 m: 20 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Pipelines: 882 km condensate, 3,743 km gas, 7,005 km oil (2013) Roadways: total: 37,000 km (2010) paved: 34,000 km (2010) unpaved: 3,000 km (2010) Merchant marine: total: 94 by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 12, other 80 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Marsa al Burayqah (Marsa el Brega), Tripoli oil terminal(s): Az Zawiyah, Ra's Lanuf LNG terminal(s) (export): Marsa el Brega Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Libya lacks a nationwide military and the interim government, the Government of National Unity (GNU), relies on its cooperation with disparate militias that it cannot entirely control for security; the GNU has access to various ground, air, and naval/coast guard forces comprised of a mix of semi-regular military units, militias, civilian volunteers, and foreign troops and mercenaries the Libyan National Army (LNA), under de facto LNA commander Khalifa HAFTER, also includes various ground, air, and naval units comprised of semi-regular military personnel, militias, and foreign troops and mercenaries; as of 2022, the LNA operated independently from the GNU and exerted influence throughout eastern, central, and southern Libya (2022) note: the Stabilization Support Authority (SSA) is a state-funded militia established in January 2021 by the GNU; it is tasked with securing government buildings and officials, participating in combat operations, apprehending those suspected of national security crimes, and cooperating with other security bodies Military expenditures: not available Military and security service personnel strengths: estimates not available Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: both the forces aligned with the GNU and the LNA are largely equipped with weapons of Russian or Soviet origin; as of 2021, Turkey was the top provider of arms and equipment to the forces supporting the GNU, while the United Arab Emirates was the main supporter of the LNA (2021) Military service age and obligation: not available Military - note: in April 2019, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces launched an offensive to seize the capital, Tripoli, from the UN-recognized GNA; the GNA and its local supporting militia forces forced the LNA to withdraw by June 2020; at the signing of a UN-mediated ceasefire in October 2020, the two sides were separated by a line of control running roughly from the coastal city of Sirte south to the vicinity of Al Jufra and Brak; as of 2022, this line had grown increasingly fortified outside actors have played a large role in the fighting in Libya on both sides: GNU forces were backed militarily by Qatar and Turkey; Turkey signed a security agreement with the GNA in 2019, and Turkey’s aid was assessed as vital in turning back the LNA offensive in 2019-2020; Turkey’s support included air defense, unmanned aerial vehicles (aka drones), equipment, weapons, training, and military personnel, including advisors, technicians, and equipment operators; in addition, Turkey provided mercenary fighters from Syria LNA forces (aka Libyan Arab Armed Forces, LAAF) has received varying amounts of military support from Chad, Egypt, France, Jordan, Russia, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Russia, Sudan, and the UAE had been the most active; Russia provided equipment, weapons, aircraft, and air defense support, as well as Russian mercenaries/private military contractors and Russian-sponsored Syrian mercenary fighters; Sudan reportedly provided troops from its Rapid Support Forces in 2019-2020, and Sudanese mercenaries were present in Libya as of late 2021; the UAE provided equipment, supplies, weapons, and air support, including air strikes from manned and unmanned aircraft; Egypt provided arms, supplies, and training, as well as facilitated both Emirati and Russian operations in Libya by allowing them to use the country’s western bases and to transport arms over the border as of late 2021, it was estimated that as many as 20,000 third-country nationals were involved in military operations in Libya, despite the confidence building measure of the October 2020 ceasefire that called for all foreign forces to leave the country by early 2021; in addition to the foreign military and proxy forces, foreign fighters from Libya’s neighbors (Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia, as well as Sudan) have travelled to Libya since the civil war began in 2011 to support various armed groups, including those aligned with the GNA/GNU and the LNA, as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham and Al Qa’ida terrorist group affiliates operating in Libya; most of these fighters arrived as individuals, but rebel groups from Chad and Sudan were also reportedly involved in the fighting (2022)in April 2019, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces launched an offensive to seize the capital, Tripoli, from the UN-recognized GNA; the GNA and its local supporting militia forces forced the LNA to withdraw by June 2020; at the signing of a UN-mediated ceasefire in October 2020, the two sides were separated by a line of control running roughly from the coastal city of Sirte south to the vicinity of Al Jufra and Brak; as of 2022, this line had grown increasingly fortifiedoutside actors have played a large role in the fighting in Libya on both sides:GNU forces were backed militarily by Qatar and Turkey; Turkey signed a security agreement with the GNA in 2019, and Turkey’s aid was assessed as vital in turning back the LNA offensive in 2019-2020; Turkey’s support included air defense, unmanned aerial vehicles (aka drones), equipment, weapons, training, and military personnel, including advisors, technicians, and equipment operators; in addition, Turkey provided mercenary fighters from SyriaLNA forces (aka Libyan Arab Armed Forces, LAAF) has received varying amounts of military support from Chad, Egypt, France, Jordan, Russia, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Russia, Sudan, and the UAE had been the most active; Russia provided equipment, weapons, aircraft, and air defense support, as well as Russian mercenaries/private military contractors and Russian-sponsored Syrian mercenary fighters; Sudan reportedly provided troops from its Rapid Support Forces in 2019-2020, and Sudanese mercenaries were present in Libya as of late 2021; the UAE provided equipment, supplies, weapons, and air support, including air strikes from manned and unmanned aircraft; Egypt provided arms, supplies, and training, as well as facilitated both Emirati and Russian operations in Libya by allowing them to use the country’s western bases and to transport arms over the borderas of late 2021, it was estimated that as many as 20,000 third-country nationals were involved in military operations in Libya, despite the confidence building measure of the October 2020 ceasefire that called for all foreign forces to leave the country by early 2021; in addition to the foreign military and proxy forces, foreign fighters from Libya’s neighbors (Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia, as well as Sudan) have travelled to Libya since the civil war began in 2011 to support various armed groups, including those aligned with the GNA/GNU and the LNA, as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham and Al Qa’ida terrorist group affiliates operating in Libya; most of these fighters arrived as individuals, but rebel groups from Chad and Sudan were also reportedly involved in the fighting Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Ansar al-Sharia groups; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - Libya (ISIS-L); al-Mulathamun Battalion (al-Mourabitoun); al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Libya-Algeria: dormant disputes include Libyan claims of about 32,000 sq km still reflected on its maps of southeastern Algeria Libya-Chad: various Chadian rebels from the Aozou region reside in southern Libya; Libyan forces clashed with Chadian rebels in September 2021 Libya-Egypt: none identified Libya-Niger: the boundary is poorly defined but has never been disputed by either country Libya-Sudan: none identified Libya-Tunisia: none identifiedLibya-Algeria: dormant disputes include Libyan claims of about 32,000 sq km still reflected on its maps of southeastern Algeria Libya-Chad: various Chadian rebels from the Aozou region reside in southern Libya; Libyan forces clashed with Chadian rebels in September 2021Libya-Egypt: none identifiedLibya-Niger: the boundary is poorly defined but has never been disputed by either countryLibya-Sudan: none identifiedLibya-Tunisia: none identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 17,984 (Sudan) (refugees and asylum seekers), 15,842 (Syria) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2022) IDPs: 168,011 (conflict between pro-QADHAFI and anti-QADHAFI forces in 2011; post-QADHAFI tribal clashes 2014) (2022)

20220901

countries-chad-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare, as well as invasions by Libya, before peace was restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution, but has only held flawed presidential elections since 1996 allowing the incumbent to remain in power.Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare, as well as invasions by Libya, before peace was restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution, but has only held flawed presidential elections since 1996 allowing the incumbent to remain in power. Topic: Geography Area: total: 1.284 million sq km land: 1,259,200 sq km water: 24,800 sq km Climate: tropical in south, desert in north Natural resources: petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold, limestone, sand and gravel, salt Topic: People and Society Population: 17,963,211 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Sara (Ngambaye/Sara/Madjingaye/Mbaye) 30.5%, Kanembu/Bornu/Buduma 9.8%, Arab 9.7%, Wadai/Maba/Masalit/Mimi 7%, Gorane 5.8%, Masa/Musseye/Musgum 4.9%, Bulala/Medogo/Kuka 3.7%, Marba/Lele/Mesme 3.5%, Mundang 2.7%, Bidiyo/Migaama/Kenga/Dangleat 2.5%, Dadjo/Kibet/Muro 2.4%, Tupuri/Kera 2%, Gabri/Kabalaye/Nanchere/Somrai 2%, Fulani/Fulbe/Bodore 1.8%, Karo/Zime/Peve 1.3%, Baguirmi/Barma 1.2%, Zaghawa/Bideyat/Kobe 1.1%, Tama/Assongori/Mararit 1.1%, Mesmedje/Massalat/Kadjakse 0.8%, other Chadian ethnicities 3.4%, Chadians of foreign ethnicities 0.9%, foreign nationals 0.3%, unspecified 1.7% (2014-15 est.) Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects Religions: Muslim 52.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Roman Catholic 20%, animist 0.3%, other Christian 0.2%, none 2.8%, unspecified 0.7% (2014-15 est.) Population growth rate: 3.09% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: N'Djamena Executive branch: chief of state: Interim President Mahamat Idriss DEBY (since 20 April 2021); note - on 20 April 2021, newly reelected President Idriss DEBY Itno, Lt. Gen. died of injuries he sustained following clashes between government forces he was commanding and insurgents in the northern part of the country; following his death, Mahamat Idriss DEBY took control of the country and dismissed the Chadian parliament, establishing a Transitional Military Council and promising elections within eighteen months head of government: Interim Prime Minister Albert Pahimi PADACKE (since 26 April 2021); note - PADACKE was appointed interim prime minister by the Transitional Military Council led by Mahamat Idriss DEBY Legislative branch: description: formerly a unicameral National Assembly or Assemblée Nationale (188 seats; 163 directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and 25 directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote with a second round if needed; members serve 4-year terms); note - on 5 October 2021, Interim President Mahamat Idriss DEBY installed 93 members of an interim parliament, called the National Transitional Council (NTC); according to DEBY, the NTC will act as a national assembly of transition until the country’s next elections take place Topic: Economy Economic overview: primarily oil-based economy, vulnerable to regional competition and international price shocks; increasing extreme poverty and minimal human capital capacities; one of the most environmentally disrupted economies; high maternal and infant mortality rates destabilizing labor force potentialsprimarily oil-based economy, vulnerable to regional competition and international price shocks; increasing extreme poverty and minimal human capital capacities; one of the most environmentally disrupted economies; high maternal and infant mortality rates destabilizing labor force potentials Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $24.97 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $1,500 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: sorghum, groundnuts, millet, yams, cereals, sugar cane, beef, maize, cotton, cassava Industries: oil, cotton textiles, brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials Exports: $2.464 billion (2017 est.) Exports - partners: China 32%, United Arab Emirates 21%, India 19%, United States 10%, France 6%, Germany 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, gold, livestock, sesame seeds, gum arabic, insect resins (2019) Imports: $2.16 billion (2017 est.) Imports - partners: China 29%, United Arab Emirates 16%, France 10%, United States 8%, India 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: delivery trucks, paints, packaged medicines, aircraft, broadcasting equipment (2019) Exchange rates: Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar -Page last updated: Thursday, Jul 28, 2022

20220901

countries-norway-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity in 994. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence from Sweden.Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity in 994. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence from Sweden. Topic: Geography Area: total: 323,802 sq km land: 304,282 sq km water: 19,520 sq km Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower Topic: People and Society Population: 5,553,840 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Norwegian 81.5% (includes about 60,000 Sami), other European 8.9%, other 9.6% (2021 est.) Languages: Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami has three dialects: Lule, North Sami, and South Sami; Sami is an official language in nine municipalities in Norway's three northernmost counties: Finnmark, Nordland, and Troms Religions: Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran - official) 67.5%, Muslim 3.1%, Roman Catholic 3.1%, other Christian 3.8%, other 2.6%, unspecified 19.9% (2021 est.) Population growth rate: 0.8% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Oslo Executive branch: chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (son of the monarch, born 20 July 1973) head of government: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr STORE (since 14 October 2021); note - Prime Minister Erna SOLBERG resigned on 12 October 2021 Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: high-income non-EU European economy; aging labor force; large state-owned energy company constrains budget and spending; largest oil sovereign wealth fund; major fishing, forestry, and extraction industries; large welfare systemhigh-income non-EU European economy; aging labor force; large state-owned energy company constrains budget and spending; largest oil sovereign wealth fund; major fishing, forestry, and extraction industries; large welfare system Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $342.06 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $63,600 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: milk, barley, wheat, potatoes, oats, pork, poultry, beef, eggs, rye Industries: petroleum and gas, shipping, fishing, aquaculture, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles Exports: $117.06 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: United Kingdom 18%, Germany 14%, Netherlands 10%, Sweden 9%, France 6%, United States 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, fish, refined petroleum, aluminum (2019) Imports: $119.08 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: Sweden 17%, Germany 12%, China 8%, Denmark 7%, United States 6%, United Kingdom 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, natural gas, crude petroleum (2019)Page last updated: Thursday, May 12, 2022

20220901

countries-bolivia

Topic: Photos of Bolivia Topic: Introduction Background: Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825. Much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of coups and countercoups, with the last coup occurring in 1978. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president - by the widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule in 1982 - after he ran on a promise to change the country's traditional political class and empower the nation's poor and indigenous majority. In December 2009 and October 2014, President MORALES easily won reelection. His party maintained control of the legislative branch of the government, which has allowed him to continue his "process of change." In February 2016, MORALES narrowly lost a referendum to approve a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to compete in the 2019 presidential election. However, a 2017 Supreme Court ruling stating that term limits violate human rights provided the justification for MORALES to be chosen by his party to run again in 2019. MORALES attempted to claim victory in the October 2019 election, but widespread allegations of electoral fraud, rising violence, and pressure from the military ultimately forced him to flee the country. An interim government, led by President Jeanine ANEZ Chavez, prepared new elections that took place in October 2020; President Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora took office the following month.Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825. Much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of coups and countercoups, with the last coup occurring in 1978. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production.In December 2005, Bolivians elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo MORALES president - by the widest margin of any leader since the restoration of civilian rule in 1982 - after he ran on a promise to change the country's traditional political class and empower the nation's poor and indigenous majority. In December 2009 and October 2014, President MORALES easily won reelection. His party maintained control of the legislative branch of the government, which has allowed him to continue his "process of change." In February 2016, MORALES narrowly lost a referendum to approve a constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to compete in the 2019 presidential election. However, a 2017 Supreme Court ruling stating that term limits violate human rights provided the justification for MORALES to be chosen by his party to run again in 2019. MORALES attempted to claim victory in the October 2019 election, but widespread allegations of electoral fraud, rising violence, and pressure from the military ultimately forced him to flee the country. An interim government, led by President Jeanine ANEZ Chavez, prepared new elections that took place in October 2020; President Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora took office the following month.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central South America, southwest of Brazil Geographic coordinates: 17 00 S, 65 00 W Map references: South America Area: total: 1,098,581 sq km land: 1,083,301 sq km water: 15,280 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: total: 7,252 km border countries (5): Argentina 942 km; Brazil 3,403 km; Chile 942 km; Paraguay 753 km; Peru 1,212 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Terrain: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin Elevation: highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m mean elevation: 1,192 m Natural resources: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower Land use: agricultural land: 34.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 30.5% (2018 est.) forest: 52.5% (2018 est.) other: 13.2% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 3,000 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lago Titicaca (shared with Peru) - 8,030 sq km Salt water lake(s): Lago Poopo - 1,340 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km) Major aquifers: Amazon Basin Population distribution: a high altitude plain in the west between two cordillera of the Andes, known as the Altiplano, is the focal area for most of the population; a dense settlement pattern is also found in and around the city of Santa Cruz, located on the eastern side of the Andes Natural hazards: flooding in the northeast (March to April)volcanism: volcanic activity in Andes Mountains on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this region are Irruputuncu (5,163 m), which last erupted in 1995, and the Olca-Paruma volcanic complex (5,762 m to 5,167 m)flooding in the northeast (March to April)volcanism: volcanic activity in Andes Mountains on the border with Chile; historically active volcanoes in this region are Irruputuncu (5,163 m), which last erupted in 1995, and the Olca-Paruma volcanic complex (5,762 m to 5,167 m) Geography - note: note 1: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru note 2: the southern regions of Peru and the extreme northwestern part of Bolivia are considered to be the place of origin for the common potato, while southeast Bolivia and northwest Argentina seem to be the original development site for peanuts Map description: Bolivia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 12,054,379 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Bolivian(s) adjective: Bolivian Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed White and Amerindian ancestry) 68%, Indigenous 20%, White 5%, Cholo/Chola 2%, African descent 1%, other 1%, unspecified 3%; 44% of respondents indicated feeling part of some indigenous group, predominantly Quechua or Aymara (2009 est.) note: results among surveys vary based on the wording of the ethnicity question and the available response choices; the 2001 national census did not provide "Mestizo" as a response choice, resulting in a much higher proportion of respondents identifying themselves as belonging to one of the available indigenous ethnicity choices; the use of "Mestizo" and "Cholo" varies among response choices in surveys, with surveys using the terms interchangeably, providing one or the other as a response choice, or providing the two as separate response choices Languages: Spanish (official) 60.7%, Quechua (official) 21.2%, Aymara (official) 14.6%, Guarani (official) 0.6%, other native languages 0.4%, foreign languages 2.4%, none 0.1%; note - Bolivia's 2009 constitution designates Spanish and all indigenous languages as official; 36 indigenous languages are specified, including a few that are extinct (2001 est.) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 70%, Evangelical 14.5%, Adventist 2.5%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.2%, agnostic 0.3%, atheist 0.8%, other 3.5%, none 6.6%, unspecified 0.6% (2018 est.) Demographic profile: Bolivia ranks at or near the bottom among Latin American countries in several areas of health and development, including poverty, education, fertility, malnutrition, mortality, and life expectancy. On the positive side, more children are being vaccinated and more pregnant women are getting prenatal care and having skilled health practitioners attend their births.Bolivia’s income inequality is the highest in Latin America and one of the highest in the world. Public education is of poor quality, and educational opportunities are among the most unevenly distributed in Latin America, with girls and indigenous and rural children less likely to be literate or to complete primary school. The lack of access to education and family planning services helps to sustain Bolivia’s high fertility rate—approximately three children per woman. Bolivia’s lack of clean water and basic sanitation, especially in rural areas, contributes to health problems.Between 7% and 16% of Bolivia’s population lives abroad (estimates vary in part because of illegal migration). Emigrants primarily seek jobs and better wages in Argentina (the principal destination), the US, and Spain. In recent years, more restrictive immigration policies in Europe and the US have increased the flow of Bolivian emigrants to neighboring countries. Fewer Bolivians migrated to Brazil in 2015 and 2016 because of its recession; increasing numbers have been going to Chile, mainly to work as miners.Bolivia ranks at or near the bottom among Latin American countries in several areas of health and development, including poverty, education, fertility, malnutrition, mortality, and life expectancy. On the positive side, more children are being vaccinated and more pregnant women are getting prenatal care and having skilled health practitioners attend their births.Bolivia’s income inequality is the highest in Latin America and one of the highest in the world. Public education is of poor quality, and educational opportunities are among the most unevenly distributed in Latin America, with girls and indigenous and rural children less likely to be literate or to complete primary school. The lack of access to education and family planning services helps to sustain Bolivia’s high fertility rate—approximately three children per woman. Bolivia’s lack of clean water and basic sanitation, especially in rural areas, contributes to health problems.Between 7% and 16% of Bolivia’s population lives abroad (estimates vary in part because of illegal migration). Emigrants primarily seek jobs and better wages in Argentina (the principal destination), the US, and Spain. In recent years, more restrictive immigration policies in Europe and the US have increased the flow of Bolivian emigrants to neighboring countries. Fewer Bolivians migrated to Brazil in 2015 and 2016 because of its recession; increasing numbers have been going to Chile, mainly to work as miners. Age structure: 0-14 years: 30.34% (male 1,799,925/female 1,731,565) 15-24 years: 19.21% (male 1,133,120/female 1,103,063) 25-54 years: 38.68% (male 2,212,096/female 2,289,888) 55-64 years: 6.06% (male 323,210/female 382,139) 65 years and over: 5.71% (2020 est.) (male 291,368/female 373,535) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 60.5 youth dependency ratio: 48.5 elderly dependency ratio: 12 potential support ratio: 8.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 25.3 years male: 24.5 years female: 26 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.12% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 18.61 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.48 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: a high altitude plain in the west between two cordillera of the Andes, known as the Altiplano, is the focal area for most of the population; a dense settlement pattern is also found in and around the city of Santa Cruz, located on the eastern side of the Andes Urbanization: urban population: 70.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.908 million LA PAZ (capital), 1.784 million Santa Cruz, 1.369 million Cochabamba (2022); 278,000 Sucre (constitutional capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.1 years (2008 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 155 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 22.28 deaths/1,000 live births male: 24.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.5 years male: 71.04 years female: 74.02 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.33 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 66.5% (2016) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.2% of population rural: 80.2% of population total: 93.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0.8% of population rural: 19.8% of population total: 6.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 6.9% (2019) Physicians density: 1.03 physicians/1,000 population (2017) Hospital bed density: 1.3 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 97.8% of population rural: 48.4% of population total: 83.1% of population unimproved: urban: 2.2% of population rural: 51.6% of population total: 16.9% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.2% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 17,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <200 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 20.2% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 12.7% (2020 est.) male: 20.5% (2020 est.) female: 4.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 3.4% (2016) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 3.4% women married by age 18: 19.7% men married by age 18: 5.2% (2016 est.) Education expenditures: 7.3% of GDP (2014 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 92.5% male: 96.5% female: 88.6% (2015) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 16.1% male: 15.7% female: 16.6% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 20.24 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 21.61 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 21.01 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Land use: agricultural land: 34.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 30.5% (2018 est.) forest: 52.5% (2018 est.) other: 13.2% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 70.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.33% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2,219,052 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 268,727 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.1% (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lago Titicaca (shared with Peru) - 8,030 sq km Salt water lake(s): Lago Poopo - 1,340 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km) Major aquifers: Amazon Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 136 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 32 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.92 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 574 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Plurinational State of Bolivia conventional short form: Bolivia local long form: Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia local short form: Bolivia etymology: the country is named after Simon BOLIVAR, a 19th-century leader in the South American wars for independence Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: La Paz (administrative capital); Sucre (constitutional [legislative and judicial] capital) geographic coordinates: 16 30 S, 68 09 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: La Paz is a shortening of the original name of the city, Nuestra Senora de La Paz (Our Lady of Peace); Sucre is named after Antonio Jose de Sucre (1795-1830), military hero in the independence struggle from Spain and the second president of Bolivia note: at approximately 3,630 m above sea level, La Paz's elevation makes it the highest capital city in the world Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825) Constitution: history: many previous; latest drafted 6 August 2006 to 9 December 2008, approved by referendum 25 January 2009, effective 7 February 2009 amendments: proposed through public petition by at least 20% of voters or by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership of the Assembly and approval in a referendum; amended 2013 Legal system: civil law system with influences from Roman, Spanish, canon (religious), French, and indigenous law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora (since 8 November 2020); Vice President David CHOQUEHUANCA Cespedes (since 8 November 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora (since 8 November 2020); Vice President David CHOQUEHUANCA Cespedes (since 8 November 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot one of 3 ways: candidate wins at least 50% of the vote, or at least 40% of the vote and 10% more than the next highest candidate; otherwise a second round is held and the winner determined by simple majority vote; president and vice president are elected by majority vote to serve a 5-year term; no term limits (changed from two consecutive term limit by Constitutional Court in late 2017); election last held on 18 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2025) election results: 2020: Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora elected president; percent of vote - Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora (MAS) 55.1%; Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (CC) 28.8%; Luis Fernando CAMACHO Vaca (Creemos) 14%; other 2.1% 2018: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma reelected president; percent of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (MAS) 61%; Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana (UN) 24.5%; Jorge QUIROGA Ramirez (POC) 9.1%; other 5.4%; note - MORALES resigned from office on 10 November 2019 over alleged election rigging; resignations of all his constitutionally designated successors followed, including the Vice President, President of the Senate, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and First Vice President of the Senate, leaving the Second Vice President of the Senate, Jeanine ANEZ Chavez, the highest-ranking official still in office; her appointment to the presidency was endorsed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court, and she served as interim president until the 8 November 2020 inauguration of Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora, who was winner of the 18 October 2020 presidential election Legislative branch: description: bicameral Plurinational Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa Plurinacional consists of: Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (36 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats; 70 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 53 directly elected in single-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote, and 7 (apportioned to non-contiguous, rural areas in 7 of the 9 states) directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 18 October 2020 (next to be held in 2025) Chamber of Deputies - last held on 18 October 2020 (next to be held in 2025) election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 21, ACC 11, Creemos 4; composition as of March 2022 - men 16, women 20, percent of women 55.6% Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MAS 75, ACC 39, Creemos 16; composition as of March 2022 - men 70, women 60, percent of women 46.2%; note - total Plurinational Legislative Assembly percent of women as of March 2022 - 48.2% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (consists of 12 judges or ministros organized into civil, penal, social, and administrative chambers); Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal (consists of 7 primary and 7 alternate magistrates); Plurinational Electoral Organ (consists of 7 members and 6 alternates); National Agro-Environment Court (consists of 5 primary and 5 alternate judges; Council of the Judiciary (consists of 3 primary and 3 alternate judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court, Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal, National Agro-Environmental Court, and Council of the Judiciary candidates pre-selected by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly and elected by direct popular vote; judges elected for 6-year terms; Plurinational Electoral Organ judges appointed - 6 by the Legislative Assembly and 1 by the president of the republic; members serve single 6-year terms subordinate courts: National Electoral Court; District Courts (in each of the 9 administrative departments); agro-environmental lower courts Political parties and leaders: Community Citizen Alliance or ACC [Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert] Movement Toward Socialism or MAS [Juan Evo MORALES Ayma] National Unity or UN [Samuel DORIA MEDINA Auza] Revolutionary Left Front or FRI [Edgar GUZMAN Jauregui] Social Democrat Movement or MDS [Ruben COSTAS Aguilera] We Believe or Creemos [Luis Fernando CAMACHO Vaca] note: We Believe or Creemos [Luis Fernando CAMACHO Vaca] is a coalition comprised of several opposition parties that participated in the 2020 election, which includes the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) and Solidarity Civic Unity (UCS) International organization participation: CAN, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Alejandro Roberto BILBAO LA VIEJA RUIZ, First Secretary (since 6 July 2021) chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410 FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712 email address and website: embolivia.wdc@gmail.com consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Maple Grove (MN), Miami, New York, Washington, DC Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Charisse PHILLIPS (since August 2020) embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, La Paz mailing address: 3220 La Paz Place, Washington DC  20512-3220 telephone: [591] (2) 216-8000 FAX: [591] (2) 216-8111 email address and website: ConsularLaPazACS@state.gov https://bo.usembassy.gov/ note: in September 2008, the Bolivian Government expelled the US Ambassador to Bolivia, Philip GOLDBERG, and both countries have yet to reinstate their ambassadors Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; red stands for bravery and the blood of national heroes, yellow for the nation's mineral resources, and green for the fertility of the land note: similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; in 2009, a presidential decree made it mandatory for a so-called wiphala - a square, multi-colored flag representing the country's indigenous peoples - to be used alongside the traditional flag National symbol(s): llama, Andean condor, two national flowers: the cantuta and the patuju; national colors: red, yellow, green National anthem: name: "Cancion Patriotica" (Patriotic Song) lyrics/music: Jose Ignacio de SANJINES/Leopoldo Benedetto VINCENTI note: adopted 1852 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 7 (6 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Potosi (c); El Fuerte de Samaipata (c); Historic Sucre (c); Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos (c); Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (n); Tiahuanacu (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Bolivia is a resource rich country with strong growth attributed to captive markets for natural gas exports – to Brazil and Argentina. However, the country remains one of the least developed countries in Latin America because of state-oriented policies that deter investment.   Following an economic crisis during the early 1980s, reforms in the 1990s spurred private investment, stimulated economic growth, and cut poverty rates. The period 2003-05 was characterized by political instability, racial tensions, and violent protests against plans - subsequently abandoned - to export Bolivia's newly discovered natural gas reserves to large Northern Hemisphere markets. In 2005-06, the government passed hydrocarbon laws that imposed significantly higher royalties and required foreign firms then operating under risk-sharing contracts to surrender all production to the state energy company in exchange for a predetermined service fee; the laws engendered much public debate. High commodity prices between 2010 and 2014 sustained rapid growth and large trade surpluses with GDP growing 6.8% in 2013 and 5.4% in 2014. The global decline in oil prices that began in late 2014 exerted downward pressure on the price Bolivia receives for exported gas and resulted in lower GDP growth rates - 4.9% in 2015 and 4.3% in 2016 - and losses in government revenue as well as fiscal and trade deficits.   A lack of foreign investment in the key sectors of mining and hydrocarbons, along with conflict among social groups, pose challenges for the Bolivian economy. In 2015, President Evo MORALES expanded efforts to court international investment and boost Bolivia’s energy production capacity. MORALES passed an investment law and promised not to nationalize additional industries in an effort to improve the investment climate. In early 2016, the Government of Bolivia approved the 2016-2020 National Economic and Social Development Plan aimed at maintaining growth of 5% and reducing poverty.Bolivia is a resource rich country with strong growth attributed to captive markets for natural gas exports – to Brazil and Argentina. However, the country remains one of the least developed countries in Latin America because of state-oriented policies that deter investment. Following an economic crisis during the early 1980s, reforms in the 1990s spurred private investment, stimulated economic growth, and cut poverty rates. The period 2003-05 was characterized by political instability, racial tensions, and violent protests against plans - subsequently abandoned - to export Bolivia's newly discovered natural gas reserves to large Northern Hemisphere markets. In 2005-06, the government passed hydrocarbon laws that imposed significantly higher royalties and required foreign firms then operating under risk-sharing contracts to surrender all production to the state energy company in exchange for a predetermined service fee; the laws engendered much public debate. High commodity prices between 2010 and 2014 sustained rapid growth and large trade surpluses with GDP growing 6.8% in 2013 and 5.4% in 2014. The global decline in oil prices that began in late 2014 exerted downward pressure on the price Bolivia receives for exported gas and resulted in lower GDP growth rates - 4.9% in 2015 and 4.3% in 2016 - and losses in government revenue as well as fiscal and trade deficits. A lack of foreign investment in the key sectors of mining and hydrocarbons, along with conflict among social groups, pose challenges for the Bolivian economy. In 2015, President Evo MORALES expanded efforts to court international investment and boost Bolivia’s energy production capacity. MORALES passed an investment law and promised not to nationalize additional industries in an effort to improve the investment climate. In early 2016, the Government of Bolivia approved the 2016-2020 National Economic and Social Development Plan aimed at maintaining growth of 5% and reducing poverty. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $92.59 billion (2020 est.) $100.45 billion (2019 est.) $98.27 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.22% (2019 est.) 4.23% (2018 est.) 4.19% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $7,900 (2020 est.) $8,700 (2019 est.) $8,700 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $40.822 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.8% (2019 est.) 2.2% (2018 est.) 2.8% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B (2020) Moody's rating: B2 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 13.8% (2017 est.) industry: 37.8% (2017 est.) services: 48.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 67.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -31.3% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, soybeans, potatoes, maize, sorghum, rice, milk, plantains, poultry, bananas Industries: mining, smelting, electricity, petroleum, food and beverages, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry Industrial production growth rate: 2.2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 5.719 million (2016 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 29.4% industry: 22% services: 48.6% (2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 4% (2017 est.) 4% (2016 est.) note: data are for urban areas; widespread underemployment Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 16.1% male: 15.7% female: 16.6% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 37.2% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 42.2 (2018 est.) 57.9 (1999) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.9% highest 10%: 36.1% (2014 est.) Budget: revenues: 15.09 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 18.02 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -7.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 49% of GDP (2017 est.) 44.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and includes debt instruments issued by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities Taxes and other revenues: 39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$2.375 billion (2017 est.) -$1.932 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $7.55 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.35 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Argentina 16%, Brazil 15%, United Arab Emirates 12%, India 10%, United States 6%, South Korea 5%, Peru 5%, Colombia 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: natural gas, gold, zinc, soybean oil and soy products, tin, silver, lead (2019) Imports: $8.27 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.95 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $12.44 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Brazil 22%, Chile 15%, China 13%, Peru 11%, Argentina 8%, United States 7% (2017) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, iron, buses (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $10.26 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $10.08 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $12.81 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $7.268 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: bolivianos (BOB) per US dollar - 6.91 (2020 est.) 6.91 (2019 est.) 6.91 (2018 est.) 6.91 (2014 est.) 6.91 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 93% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 99.3% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 79% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 3.834 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 8,756,690,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.227 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 64.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 30.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 65,400 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 87,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 240.9 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 65,960 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 9,686 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 20,620 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 15,328,422,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 2,918,839,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 11,818,215,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 302.99 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 17.786 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 12.071 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 5.715 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 27.094 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 598,082 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 11,804,343 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 101 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the structure of Bolivia’s fixed telecom market is different from most other countries; local services are primarily provided by 15 telecom cooperatives; these are non-profit-making companies privately owned and controlled by their users; since the market was liberalized, the cooperatives have also provided long-distance telephony, while several also offer broadband and pay TV service; they have invested in network upgrades in a bid to improve services for customers, and to expand their footprints; Bolivia has a multi-carrier system wherein consumers can choose a long-distance carrier for each call by dialing the carrier’s prefix; several operators have also adopted fixed-wireless technologies, and some rent fiber-optic capacity; state-owned Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (Entel) is the country’s incumbent long-distance operator, also offering local telephony, DSL, and pay TV services; its subsidiary Entel Movil is Bolivia’s largest mobile network provider; the fixed broadband services remain expensive, though the cost of bandwidth is only a fraction of what it was only a few years ago; services are still unavailable in many rural and remote areas, and even in some of the major urban areas; being a landlocked country, Bolivia had no direct access to submarine cable networks, and relies on satellite services or terrestrial links across neighboring countries; in September 2020 Entel inaugurated a new cable running via Peru, which has increased capacity and contributed to a dramatic fall in end-user prices; fixed broadband services are fast migrating from DSL to fiber, while there are also cable broadband services available in some major cities; in 2007 Entel has focused on providing telecom services in rural areas under a project known as ‘Territory with Total Coverage’; this project aims to increase telecom coverage through mobile rather than through fixed networks; Bolivia has almost twenty times as many mobile phone subscribers as fixed line connections, and the trend towards fixed-mobile substitution continues; besides Entel, two other companies offer mobile telephony: Tigo, wholly owned by Luxembourg-based Millicom International, and NuevaTel, trading as Viva and controlled by Trilogy International; a proposed deal to merge Millicom’s business units in the region with those of Liberty Latin America was called off in February 2019; all three mobile companies offer 3G and LTE services; due to the poor quality, high cost, and poor reach of DSL, mobile networks have become the principal platform for voice services and data access; Tigo launched the first LTE services in mid-2014, followed by Viva in mid-2015; by early 2021 both companies’ networks reached more than 95% of the population; about 92% of all internet accesses are via smartphones. (2021) domestic: 5 per 100 fixed-line, mobile-cellular telephone use expanding rapidly and teledensity stands at 101 per 100 persons; most telephones are concentrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and other capital cities (2020) international: country code - 591; Bolivia has no direct access to submarine cable networks and must therefore connect to the rest of the world either via satellite or through terrestrial links across neighboring countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: large number of radio and TV stations broadcasting with private media outlets dominating; state-owned and private radio and TV stations generally operating freely, although both pro-government and anti-government groups have attacked media outlets in response to their reporting (2019) Internet country code: .bo Internet users: total: 7,003,817 (2020 est.) percent of population: 60% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 931,918 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 39 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,122,113 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 13.73 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: CP Airports: total: 855 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 21 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 6 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 834 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 47 914 to 1,523 m: 151 under 914 m: 631 (2021) Pipelines: 5,457 km gas, 51 km liquid petroleum gas, 2,511 km oil, 1,627 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 3,960 km (2019) narrow gauge: 3,960 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge Roadways: total: 90,568 km (2017) paved: 9,792 km (2017) unpaved: 80,776 km (2017) Waterways: 10,000 km (2012) (commercially navigable almost exclusively in the northern and eastern parts of the country) Merchant marine: total: 45 by type: general cargo 29, oil tanker 2, other 14 (2021) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Puerto Aguirre (Paraguay/Parana) note: Bolivia has free port privileges in maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Bolivian Armed Forces: Bolivian Army (Ejercito de Boliviano, EB), Bolivian Naval Force (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, FNB), Bolivian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana, FAB); Ministry of Government: National Police (Policía Nacional de Bolivia, PNB) (2022) note: the PNB includes two paramilitary forces, the Anti-Narcotics Special Forces (Fuerza Especial de Lucha Contra el Narcotráfico, FELCN) and the Anti-Terrorist Group (GAT); the PNB is part of the reserves for the Armed Forces; the police and military share responsibility for border enforcement Military expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $980 million) 1.5% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $1 billion) 1.5% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $1.01 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information 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) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Bolivian Armed Forces are equipped with a mix of mostly older Brazilian, Chinese, European, and US equipment; since 2010, China and France are the leading suppliers of military hardware to Bolivia (2022) Military service age and obligation: compulsory for all men between the ages of 18 and 22; men can volunteer from the age of 16, women from 18; service is for one year; Search and Rescue service can be substituted for citizens who have reached the age of compulsory military service; duration of this service is 2 years (2022) Military - note: Bolivia has a small naval force for patrolling some 5,000 miles of navigable rivers to combat narcotics trafficking and smuggling, provide disaster relief, and deliver supplies to remote rural areas, as well as for maintaining a presence on Lake Titicaca; the Navy also exists in part to cultivate a maritime tradition and as a reminder of Bolivia’s desire to regain the access to the Pacific Ocean that the country lost to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884); every year on 23 March, the Navy participates in parades and government ceremonies commemorating the Día Del Mar (Day of the Sea) holiday that remembers the loss (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Contraband smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal narcotic trafficking are problems in the porous areas of its border regions with all of its neighbors (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru). Bolivia-Chile: Despite tariff-free access to ports in southern Peru and northern Chile, Bolivia persists with its long-standing claims to regain sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Bolivia-Peru: Despite tariff-free access to ports in southern Peru and northern Chile, Bolivia persists with its long-standing claims to regain sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Smuggling of archaeological artifacts from Peru to Bolivia, illegal timber and narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and falsified documents are current issues.  Bolivia-Brazil: The Roboré Accord of March 29, 1958 placed the long-disputed Isla Suárez/Ilha de Guajará-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Río Mamoré, between the two towns of Guajará-Mirim (Brazil) and Guayaramerin (Bolivia), under Bolivian administration but did not resolve the sovereignty dispute Bolivia-Argentina: Contraband smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal narcotic trafficking are problems in the porous areas of the border.  Bolivia-Paraguay: On April 27, 2009, the president of Argentina hosted the presidents of Bolivia and Paraguay together with representatives of the fiver other guarantor states -- Brazil, Chile, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay -- to the signing for the Final Record of the Boundary Commission in execution of the 1938 Peace Treaty between Bolivia and Paraguay.Contraband smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal narcotic trafficking are problems in the porous areas of its border regions with all of its neighbors (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru). Bolivia-Chile: Despite tariff-free access to ports in southern Peru and northern Chile, Bolivia persists with its long-standing claims to regain sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Bolivia-Peru: Despite tariff-free access to ports in southern Peru and northern Chile, Bolivia persists with its long-standing claims to regain sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Smuggling of archaeological artifacts from Peru to Bolivia, illegal timber and narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and falsified documents are current issues.  Bolivia-Brazil: The Roboré Accord of March 29, 1958 placed the long-disputed Isla Suárez/Ilha de Guajará-Mirim, a fluvial island on the Río Mamoré, between the two towns of Guajará-Mirim (Brazil) and Guayaramerin (Bolivia), under Bolivian administration but did not resolve the sovereignty dispute Bolivia-Argentina: Contraband smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal narcotic trafficking are problems in the porous areas of the border.  Bolivia-Paraguay: On April 27, 2009, the president of Argentina hosted the presidents of Bolivia and Paraguay together with representatives of the fiver other guarantor states -- Brazil, Chile, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay -- to the signing for the Final Record of the Boundary Commission in execution of the 1938 Peace Treaty between Bolivia and Paraguay. Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 12,400 (Venezuela) (2022) Illicit drugs: third-largest source country of cocaine and a major transit for Peruvian cocaine; in 2020 coca cultivation totaled 39,400 hectares (ha); illicit drug consumption is low in Bolivia;  most cocaine is exported to other Latin American countries, such as  Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, for domestic consumption, or for onward transit to West Africa and Europe, not the United Statesthird-largest source country of cocaine and a major transit for Peruvian cocaine; in 2020 coca cultivation totaled 39,400 hectares (ha); illicit drug consumption is low in Bolivia;  most cocaine is exported to other Latin American countries, such as  Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, for domestic consumption, or for onward transit to West Africa and Europe, not the United States

20220901

field-hiv-aids-deaths-country-comparison

20220901

countries-botswana-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name at independence in 1966. More than five decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most stable economies in Africa.Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name at independence in 1966. More than five decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most stable economies in Africa. Topic: Geography Area: total: 581,730 sq km land: 566,730 sq km water: 15,000 sq km Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver Topic: People and Society Population: 2,384,246 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and people of European ancestry 7% Languages: Setswana 77.3%, Sekalanga 7.4%, Shekgalagadi 3.4%, English (official) 2.8%, Zezuru/Shona 2%, Sesarwa 1.7%, Sembukushu 1.6%, Ndebele 1%, other 2.8% (2011 est.) Religions: Christian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4% (includes Baha'i, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian), none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 1.4% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Gaborone Executive branch: chief of state: President Mokgweetse Eric MASISI (since 1 April 2018); Vice President Slumber TSOGWANE (since 4 April 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Mokgweetse Eric MASISI (since 1 April 2018); Vice President Slumber TSOGWANE (since 4 April 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament consists of the National Assembly (63 seats; 57 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 4 nominated by the president and indirectly elected by simple majority vote by the rest of the National Assembly, and 2 ex-officio members - the president and attorney general; elected members serve 5-year terms); note - the House of Chiefs (Ntlo ya Dikgosi), an advisory body to the National Assembly, consists of 35 members - 8 hereditary chiefs from Botswana's principal tribes, 22 indirectly elected by the chiefs, and 5 appointed by the president; the House of Chiefs consults on issues including powers of chiefs, customary courts, customary law, tribal property, and constitutional amendments Topic: Economy Economic overview: good economic governance and financial management; diamond-driven growth model declining; rapid poverty reductions; high unemployment, particularly among youth; COVID-19 sharply contracted the economy and recovery is slow; public sector wages have posed fiscal challengesgood economic governance and financial management; diamond-driven growth model declining; rapid poverty reductions; high unemployment, particularly among youth; COVID-19 sharply contracted the economy and recovery is slow; public sector wages have posed fiscal challenges Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $37.72 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $16,000 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: milk, roots/tubers, vegetables, sorghum, beef, game meat, watermelons, cabbages, goat milk, onions Industries: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver; beef processing; textiles Exports: $6.16 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: India 21%, Belgium 19%, United Arab Emirates 19%, South Africa 9%, Israel 7%, Hong Kong 6%, Singapore 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: diamonds, insulated wiring, gold, beef, carbonates (2019) Imports: $7.44 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: South Africa 58%, Namibia 9%, Canada 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: diamonds, refined petroleum, cars, delivery trucks, electricity (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022

20220901

field-military-equipment-inventories-and-acquisitions

This entry provides basic information on each country’s military equipment inventories, as well as how they acquire their equipment; it is intended to show broad trends in major military equipment holdings, such as tanks and other armored vehicles, air defense systems, artillery, naval ships, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. Arms acquisition information is an overview of major arms suppliers over a specific period of time, including second-hand arms delivered as aid, with a focus on major weapons systems. It is based on the type and number of weapon systems ordered and delivered and the financial value of the deal. For some countries, general information on domestic defense industry capabilities is provided. Topic: Afghanistanthe former Afghan military's inventory was mostly a mix of Soviet-era and more modern US and Russian equipment (2021) Topic: Albaniathe Albanian military was previously equipped with mostly Soviet-era weapons that were sold or destroyed; its inventory now includes a mix of mostly donated and second-hand European and US equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of equipment from France, Germany, and the US (2021) Topic: Algeriathe ANP's inventory includes mostly Russian-sourced equipment; since 2010, Algeria has received arms from more than 15 countries, with Russia as the leading supplier (2022) Topic: Angolamost Angolan military weapons and equipment are of Russian, Soviet, or Warsaw Pact origin; since 2010, Russia has remained the principle supplier of military hardware to Angola (2021) Topic: Antigua and Barbudathe ABDF's equipment inventory is limited to small arms, light weapons, and soft-skin vehicles; the Coast Guard maintains ex-US patrol vessels and some smaller boats (2022) Topic: Argentinathe inventory of Argentina's armed forces is a mix of domestically-produced and mostly older imported weapons, largely from Europe and the US; since 2010, France and the US are the leading suppliers of equipment; Argentina has an indigenous defense industry that can produce air, land, and sea systems (2022) Topic: Armeniathe inventory of the Armenian Armed Forces includes mostly Russian and Soviet-era equipment (2022) Topic: Australiathe Australian military's inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced and imported Western weapons systems; since 2015, the US is the largest supplier of arms; the Australian defense industry produces a variety of land and sea weapons platforms; the defense industry also participates in joint development and production ventures with other Western countries, including the US and Canada (2022) Topic: Austriathe Austrian military's inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced and imported weapons systems from European countries and the US; the Austrian defense industry produces a range of equipment and partners with other countries (2021) Topic: Azerbaijanthe inventory of the Azerbaijan military is comprised mostly of Russian and Soviet-era weapons systems with a small mix of equipment from other countries, including Israel and Turkey (2022) Topic: Bahamas, Themost of the RBDF's major equipment inventory is supplied by the Netherlands (2022) Topic: Bahrainthe inventory of the Bahrain Defense force consists of a mix of equipment acquired from a wide variety of suppliers; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of arms to Bahrain (2022) Topic: Bangladeshmuch of the military's inventory is comprised of Chinese- and Russian-origin equipment, with a smaller mix from a variety of other suppliers; since 2010, China is the leading provider of arms to Bangladesh; as of 2022, Bangladesh was undertaking a large defense modernization program, with a focus on naval acquisitions (2022) Topic: Barbadosthe Netherlands provide the BDF's major equipment inventory (maritime patrol boats) (2022) Topic: Belarusthe inventory of the Belarus Armed Forces is comprised mostly of Russian/Soviet-origin equipment, and since 2010 Russia is the leading provider of arms; Belarus's defense industry manufactures some equipment (mostly modernized Soviet designs), including vehicles, guided weapons, and electronic warfare systems (2021) Topic: Belgiumthe Belgian Armed Forces have a mix of weapons systems from European countries, Israel, and the US; since 2010, several European nations are the leading suppliers of armaments; Belgium has an export-focused defense industry that focuses on components and subcontracting (2021) Topic: Belizethe BDF's inventory is limited and consists mostly of UK- and US-origin equipment (2022) Topic: Beninthe FAB is equipped with a small mix of mostly older French and Soviet-era equipment (2021) Topic: Bermudathe Regiment is equipped with small arms (2021) Topic: BhutanIndia has provided most of the Royal Bhutan Army's equipment (2022) Topic: Boliviathe Bolivian Armed Forces are equipped with a mix of mostly older Brazilian, Chinese, European, and US equipment; since 2010, China and France are the leading suppliers of military hardware to Bolivia (2022) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinathe inventory for the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina includes mainly Soviet-era weapons systems with a small and varied mix of older European and US equipment (2021) Topic: Botswanathe BDF has a mix of foreign-supplied and mostly older weapons and equipment, largely from Europe (2021) Topic: Brazilthe Brazilian military's inventory consists of a mix of domestically-produced and imported weapons, largely from Europe and the US; since 2010, the US and several European countries are the leading suppliers of military equipment to Brazil; Brazil's defense industry is capable of designing and manufacturing equipment for all three military services and for export; it also jointly produces equipment with other countries (2022) Topic: Bruneithe Royal Brunei Armed Forces imports nearly all of its military equipment and weapons systems and has a variety of suppliers, including the US and several European countries (2021) Topic: Bulgariathe Bulgarian Armed Forces inventory consists primarily of Soviet-era equipment, although in recent years Bulgaria has procured limited amounts of more modern weapons systems from some Western countries (2022) Topic: Burkina Fasothe FABF has a mix of foreign-supplied weapons; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of mostly donated second-hand equipment from a variety of countries (2022) Topic: Burmathe Burmese military inventory is comprised mostly of older Chinese and Russian/Soviet-era equipment with a smaller mix of more modern acquisitions; since 2010, China and Russia are the leading suppliers of military hardware; Burma has a limited defense industry, including a growing shipbuilding capability (2021) Topic: Burundithe FDN is armed mostly with weapons from Russia and the former Soviet Union, with some Western equipment, largely from France; since 2010, the FDN has received small amounts of mostly second-hand equipment from China, South Africa, and the US (2021) Topic: Cabo Verdethe FACV has a limited amount of mostly dated and second-hand equipment, largely from China, European countries, and the former Soviet Union (2021) Topic: Cambodiathe Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are armed largely with older Chinese and Russian-origin equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of more modern equipment from a variety of suppliers, particularly China (2022) Topic: Cameroonthe FAC inventory includes a wide mix of mostly older or second-hand Chinese, Russian, and Western equipment, with a limited quantity of more modern weapons; since 2010, China is the leading supplier of armaments to the FAC (2021) Topic: Canadathe CAF's inventory is a mix of domestically-produced equipment and imported weapons systems from Australia, Europe, Israel, and the US; since 2010, the leading supplier is the US; Canada's defense industry develops, maintains, and produces a range of equipment, including aircraft, combat vehicles, naval vessels, and associated components (2022) Topic: Central African Republicthe FACA is lightly and poorly armed with mostly outdated weapons; since 2010, it has received small amounts of second-hand equipment from China, Russia, and Ukraine (2021) note - since 2013, CAR has been under a UNSC arms embargo; the embargo bans all supplies of arms and related materiel to the country except to the CAR security forces if approved in advance by the relevant UN Sanctions Committee Topic: Chadthe ANT is mostly armed with older or second-hand equipment from Belgium, France, Russia, and the former Soviet Union; since 2010, it has received equipment, including donations, from more than 10 countries, including China, Italy, Ukraine, and the US (2021) Topic: Chilethe Chilean military inventory is comprised of a wide mix of mostly Western equipment and some domestically-produced systems; since 2010, it has received military hardware from nearly 15 countries with Germany and the US as the leading suppliers; Chile's defense industry has capabilities in military aircraft, ships, and vehicles (2022) Topic: Chinathe PLA is outfitted primarily with a wide mix of older and modern domestically-produced systems heavily influenced by technology derived from other countries; Russia is the top supplier of foreign military equipment since 2010; China's defense-industrial sector is large and capable of producing advanced weapons systems across all military domains (2022) note - the PLA is in the midst of a decades-long modernization effort; in 2017, President XI set three developmental goals for the force - becoming a mechanized force with increased information and strategic capabilities by 2020, a fully modernized force by 2035, and a world-class military by mid-century Topic: Colombiathe Colombian military inventory includes a wide mix of equipment from a variety of suppliers, including Canada, Europe, Israel, South Korea, and the US; Germany, Israel, and the US are the leading suppliers of military hardware since 2010; Colombia's defense industry is active in producing air, land, and naval platforms (2022) Topic: Comorosthe defense forces are lightly armed with a mix of mostly older equipment from a variety of countries, including France, Italy, Russia, and the US (2021) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thethe FARDC is equipped mostly with a mix of second-hand Russian and Soviet-era weapons acquired from former Warsaw Pact nations; most equipment was acquired between 1970 and 2000; in recent years, Ukraine is the largest supplier of arms to the FARDC (2021) Topic: Congo, Republic of thethe FAC is armed with mostly ageing Russian and Soviet-era weapons, with a smaller mix of French and South African equipment; the leading supplier of arms to the FAC since 2010 is South Africa (2021) Topic: Costa Ricathe Public Force is lightly armed with an inventory that includes mostly second-hand US equipment (2022) Topic: Cote d'Ivoirethe inventory of the FACI consists mostly of older or second-hand equipment, typically of French or Soviet-era origin; Cote d'Ivoire was under a partial UN arms embargo from 2004 to 2016; since 2016, it has received limited amounts of mostly second-hand equipment from a variety of countries (2021) Topic: Croatiathe inventory of the Croatian Armed Forces consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment, although in recent years, it has acquired a limited amount of more modern weapon systems from Western suppliers, including Finland, Germany, and the US (2021) Topic: Cubathe Cuban military inventory is comprised of ageing Russian and Soviet-era equipment; the last recorded arms delivery to Cuba was by Russia in 2004; in 2019, Russia approved a loan for approximately $43-50 million for Cuba's purchase of spare parts and armored vehicles (2022) Topic: Cyprusthe inventory of the Cypriot National Guard is a mix of Soviet-era and some more modern weapons systems; since 2010, it has received equipment from several countries, including France, Israel, Russia, and Serbia (2021) Topic: Czechiathe Czech military has a mix of Soviet-era and more modern equipment, mostly of Western European origin; since 2010, the leading suppliers of military equipment to Czechia are Austria and Spain (2021) Topic: Denmarkthe Danish military inventory is comprised of a mix of modern European, US, and domestically-produced equipment; the US is the largest supplier of military equipment to Denmark since 2010; the Danish defense industry is active in the production of naval vessels, defense electronics, and subcomponents of larger weapons systems, such as the US F-35 fighter aircraft (2022) Topic: Djiboutithe FAD is armed largely with older French and Soviet-era weapons systems; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of mostly second-hand equipment from a variety of countries, including China and the US (2021) Topic: Dominican Republicthe military is lightly armed with an inventory consisting mostly of older US equipment with limited quantities of material from other countries (2022) Topic: Ecuadorthe military's equipment inventory is mostly older and derived from a wide variety of sources; since 2010, Ecuador has received limited amounts of military equipment from more than 15 countries, including Brazil, China, Russia, and the US (2022) Topic: Egyptthe EAF's inventory is comprised of a mix of domestically produced, imported Soviet-era, and more modern, particularly Western, weapons systems; in recent years, the EAF has embarked on an extensive equipment modernization program with major purchases from a variety of suppliers; since 2010, the leading suppliers of military hardware to Egypt are France, Russia, and the US; Egypt has an established defense industry that produces a range of products from small arms to armored vehicles and naval vessels; it also has licensed and co-production agreements with several countries (2022) Topic: El Salvadorthe FAES is dependent on a mix of mostly older imported platforms, largely from the US; since 2010, the FAES has received small amounts of equipment from several countries, including Chile, Israel, Spain, and the US (2022) Topic: Equatorial Guineathe FAGE is armed with mostly older (typically Soviet-era) and second-hand weapons systems; in recent years, it has sought to modernize its naval inventory; Ukraine has been the leading provider of equipment since 2010 (2021) Topic: Eritreathe Eritrean Defense Forces inventory is comprised primarily of older Russian and Soviet-era systems; Eritrea was under a UN arms embargo from 2009 to 2018; from the 1990s to 2008, Russia was the leading supplier of arms to Eritrea, followed by Belarus; in 2019, Eritrea expressed interest in purchasing Russian arms, including missile boats, helicopters, and small arms (2021) Topic: Estoniathe Estonian Defense Forces have a limited inventory of Soviet-era and more recently acquired modern weapons systems, largely from western European countries, particularly France and the Netherlands (2021) Topic: Eswatinithe UEDF is lightly armed with mostly South African material; it has received small amounts of secondhand equipment since 2010 (2021) Topic: Ethiopiathe ENDF's inventory is comprised mostly of Soviet-era equipment from the 1970s; since 2010, the ENDF has received arms from a variety of countries, with China, Russia, and Ukraine as the leading suppliers; Ethiopia has a modest industrial defense base centered on small arms and production of armored vehicles (2021) Topic: Fijithe RFMF is lightly armed and equipped; Australia has provided patrol boats and a few armored personnel carriers; it also provides logistical support for RFMF regional or UN operations; in recent years, China has provided construction equipment and military vehicles (2021) Topic: Finlandthe inventory of the Finnish Defense Forces consists of a wide mix of mostly modern US, European, and domestically-produced weapons systems; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier; the Finnish defense industry produces a variety of military equipment, including wheeled armored vehicles and naval vessels (2021) Topic: Francethe French military's inventory consists mostly of domestically-produced weapons systems, including some jointly-produced with other European countries; there is a limited mix of armaments from other Western countries, particularly the US; France has a defense industry capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of air, land, and naval military weapons systems (2022) Topic: Gabonthe FDG is lightly armed with a mixed inventory from a variety of suppliers; since 2010, providers have included Brazil, China, France, Germany, and South Africa (2021) Topic: Gambia, Thethe GNA has a limited equipment inventory; since 2000, it has received only a few secondhand items (2021) Topic: Gaza Stripthe military wing of HAMAS is armed with light weapons, including an inventory of improvised rocket, anti-tank missile, and mortar capabilities; HAMAS acquires its weapons through smuggling or local construction and receives some military support from Iran (2021) Topic: Georgiathe Georgian Defense Forces are equipped mostly with older Russian and Soviet-era weapons; since 2010, it has received limited quantities of equipment from European countries and the US (2021) Topic: Germanythe German Federal Armed Forces inventory is mostly comprised of weapons systems produced domestically or jointly with other European countries and Western imports, particularly from the US; since 2010, the US is the leading foreign supplier; Germany's defense industry is capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of air, land, and naval military weapons systems, and is one of the world's leading arms exporters (2021) Topic: Ghanathe inventory of the Ghana Armed Forces is a mix of Russian, Chinese, and Western equipment; since 2010, China is the leading supplier of arms (2021) Topic: Greecethe inventory of the Hellenic Armed Forces consists mostly of a mix of imported weapons from Europe and the US, as well as a limited number of domestically produced systems, particularly naval vessels; Germany is the leading supplier of weapons systems to Greece since 2010; Greece's defense industry is capable of producing a range of military hardware, including naval vessels and associated subsystems (2021) note - in addition to finalizing an update to the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement with the US, Greece also entered into a security agreement with France in 2021 that included the sale of frigates and fighter aircraft to augment its aging weapons systems Topic: Guatemalathe Guatemalan military inventory is small and mostly comprised of older US equipment; since 2010, Guatemala has received small amounts of equipment from several countries, including the US (2022) Topic: Guineathe inventory of the Guinean military consists largely of ageing and outdated (mostly Soviet-era) equipment; since 2010, it has received small amounts of equipment from China, France, Russia, and South Africa (2021) Topic: Guinea-Bissauthe FARP is poorly armed with an inventory consisting of Soviet-era equipment, much of which is reportedly unserviceable; the only reported deliveries of military equipment since 2015 were patrol boats from Spain in 2017 and non-lethal equipment from China in 2015; Guinea-Bissau has also discussed acquiring military equipment with Indonesia (2021) Topic: Guyanathe Guyana Defense Force's limited inventory is mostly comprised of second-hand platforms from a variety of foreign suppliers, including Brazil, China, the former Soviet Union, the UK, and the US (2022) Topic: Haitinot available Topic: Hondurasthe FFAA's inventory is comprised of mostly older imported equipment from Israel, the UK, and the US; since 2010, Honduras has received limited amounts of military equipment from several countries, including Colombia, Israel, and the Netherlands (2022) Topic: Hungarythe inventory of the Hungarian Defense Forces consists largely of Soviet-era weapons, with a smaller mix of more modern European and US equipment; since 2010, Hungary has received limited quantities of equipment from several European countries and the US (2021) Topic: Icelandthe Icelandic Coast Guard's inventory consists of equipment from mostly European suppliers (2022) Topic: Indiathe inventory of the Indian Armed Forces consists mostly of Russian- and Soviet-origin equipment along with a smaller mix of Western and domestically-produced arms; since 2010, Russia has been the leading supplier of arms to India; other key suppliers included France, Israel, and the US; India's defense industry is capable of producing a range of air, land, missile, and naval weapons systems for both indigenous use and export (2022) Topic: Indonesiathe Indonesian military inventory comes from a wide variety of sources; since 2010, the top suppliers included China, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, South Korea, the UK, and the US; the TNI has been engaged in a long-term modernization program since 2010 with uneven success; Indonesia has a growing defense industry fueled by technology transfers and cooperation agreements with several countries; in 2019, the Indonesian Government publicly said that growing its domestic defense industry is a national priority over the next 5-10 years (2022) Topic: Iranthe Iranian military's inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced and mostly older foreign equipment largely of Chinese, Russian, Soviet, and US origin (US equipment acquired prior to the Islamic Revolution in 1979); Iran has also received some military equipment from North Korea, including midget submarines and ballistic missiles; Iran has a defense industry with the capacity to develop, produce, support, and sustain air, land, missile, and naval weapons programs (2021) note - in 2020, the UN lifted a 2010 embargo on exports of most types of major arms to Iran" Topic: Iraqthe Iraqi military inventory is comprised of a mix of equipment from a wide variety of sources, including Europe, South Africa, South Korea, Russia, and the US; since 2010, Russia and the US are the leading suppliers of military hardware to Iraq (2022) Topic: Irelandthe Irish Defense Forces have a small inventory of imported weapons systems from a variety of mostly European countries; the UK is the leading supplier of military hardware to Ireland since 2010 (2021) Topic: Israelthe majority of the IDF's inventory is comprised of weapons that are domestically-produced or imported from Europe and the US; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of arms to Israel; Israel has a broad defense industrial base that can develop, produce, support, and sustain a wide variety of weapons systems for both domestic use and export, particularly armored vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, air defense, and guided missiles (2022) Topic: Italythe Italian Armed Forces' inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced, jointly-produced, and imported weapons systems, mostly from Europe and the US; the US is the leading supplier of weapons to Italy since 2010, followed by Germany; the Italian defense industry is capable of producing equipment across all the military domains with particular strengths in naval vessels and aircraft; it also participates in joint development and production of advanced weapons systems with other European countries and the US (2021) Topic: Jamaicathe Jamaica Defense Force is lightly armed with a limited inventory featuring equipment mostly from Europe and the US (2022) Topic: Japanthe JSDF is equipped with a mix of imported and domestically-produced equipment; Japan has a robust defense industry and is capable of producing a wide range of air, ground, and naval weapons systems; the majority of its weapons imports are from the US and some domestically-produced weapons are US-origin and manufactured under license (2022) Topic: Jordanthe JAF inventory is comprised of a wide mix of imported equipment from Europe, some Gulf States, Russia, and the US; since 2010, the Netherlands and the US are the leading suppliers (2022) Topic: Kazakhstanthe Kazakh military's inventory is comprised of mostly older Russian and Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, Russia is the leading supplier of weapons systems (2022) Topic: Kenyathe KDF's inventory traditionally carried mostly older or second-hand Western weapons systems, particularly from France, the UK, and the US; however, since the 2000s it has sought to modernize and diversify its imports, and suppliers have included more than a dozen countries ranging from China to Italy, Jordan, and the US (2022) Topic: Korea, Norththe KPA is equipped with older weapon systems originally acquired from the former Soviet Union, Russia, and China, as well as some domestically-produced equipment; North Korea manufactures copies and provides some upgrades to the older foreign weapon systems; it also produces a diverse array of military hardware, including small arms, munitions, light armored vehicles, tanks, naval vessels and submarines, and advanced weapons systems, such as ballistic missiles (2021) note - since 2006, the UN Security Council has passed nearly a dozen resolutions sanctioning North Korea for developing nuclear weapons and related activities, starting with Resolution 1718 which condemned the North's first nuclear test and placed sanctions on the supply of heavy weaponry (including tanks, armored combat vehicles, large calibre artillery, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, and missiles and missile launchers), missile technology and material, and select luxury goods; additional resolutions have expanded to include all arms, including small arms and light weapons; the US and other countries have also imposed unilateral sanctions Topic: Korea, Souththe South Korean military is equipped with a mix of domestically-produced and imported weapons systems; South Korea has a robust defense industry and production includes armored fighting vehicles, artillery, aircraft, and naval ships; since 2010, the top foreign weapons supplier is the US and some domestically-produced systems are built under US license (2022) Topic: Kosovothe KSF is equipped with small arms and light vehicles only; it relies on donations and since 2013 has received donated equipment from Turkey and the US (2021) Topic: Kuwaitthe inventory of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces consists of weapons from a wide variety of sources, including Western Europe, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the US; the US is the leading supplier of arms to Kuwait since 2010 (2022) Topic: Kyrgyzstanthe Kyrgyz Armed Forces' inventory is comprised of mostly older Russian and Soviet-era equipment; Kyrgyzstan relies on donations of military equipment, which come mostly from Russia under a 2013 agreement between Bishkek and Moscow (2022) Topic: Laosthe LPAF is armed largely with weapons from the former Soviet Union; since 2010, China and Russia are the leading suppliers of military equipment to Laos (2021) Topic: Latviathe Latvian military's inventory is limited and consists of a mixture of Soviet-era and more modern--mostly second-hand--European and US equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of equipment from several European countries, Israel, and the US (2021) Topic: Lebanonthe LAF inventory includes a wide mix of mostly older equipment from a diverse array of countries; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of armaments (mostly second hand equipment) to Lebanon (2022) Topic: Lesothothe LDF has a small inventory of older equipment from a variety of countries; since 2010, it has received only small quantities of second hand equipment from France (2021) Topic: Liberiathe AFL is poorly armed; it has received limited quantities of equipment since 2010, including donations, from countries such as China and the US (2021) Topic: Libyaboth the forces aligned with the GNU and the LNA are largely equipped with weapons of Russian or Soviet origin; as of 2021, Turkey was the top provider of arms and equipment to the forces supporting the GNU, while the United Arab Emirates was the main supporter of the LNA (2021) Topic: Lithuaniathe Lithuanian Armed Forces' inventory is mostly a mix of Western weapons systems and Soviet-era equipment (primarily aircraft and helicopters); as of 2021, Germany was the leading supplier of armaments to Lithuania (2021) Topic: Luxembourgthe inventory of Luxembourg's Army is a small mix of Western-origin equipment; since 2010, it has received equipment from several European countries (2021) Topic: Madagascarthe PAF's inventory consists mostly of aging Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of second-hand equipment from France, South Africa, and UAE (2022) Topic: Malawithe Malawi Defense Force inventory is comprised of mostly obsolescent or second-hand equipment from Europe and South Africa; since 2010, it has taken deliveries of limited amounts of mostly second-hand equipment from China, South Africa, and the UK, as well as non-lethal equipment donated by the US (2021) Topic: Malaysiathe Malaysian Armed Forces field a diverse mix of mostly older imported weapons systems; since 2010, it has imported military equipment from approximately 20 countries, with Germany and Spain as the leading suppliers (2021) Topic: MaldivesIndia has provided most of the equipment in the MNDF's inventory (2022) Topic: Malithe FAMa's inventory consists primarily of Soviet-era equipment, although in recent years it has received limited quantities of mostly second-hand armaments from more than a dozen countries, including Russia (2022) Topic: Maltathe small inventory of the Armed Forces of Malta consists of equipment from a mix of European countries, particularly Italy, and the US (2021) Topic: Mauritaniathe Mauritanian Armed Forces' inventory is limited and made up largely of older French and Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, Mauritania has received a limited amount of mostly secondhand military equipment from a variety of suppliers, with China as the leading provider (2022) Topic: Mauritiusthe MPF's inventory is comprised of mostly second-hand equipment from Western European countries and India; since 2010, India has been the primary supplier (2022) Topic: Mexicothe Mexican military inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced and imported equipment from a variety of mostly Western suppliers; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of military hardware to Mexico; Mexico's defense industry produces naval vessels and light armored vehicles, as well as small arms and other miscellaneous equipment (2022) Topic: Moldovathe Moldovan military's inventory is limited and almost entirely comprised of older Russian and Soviet-era equipment; since 2000, it has received small amounts of donated material from other nations, including the US (2021) Topic: Mongoliathe MAF are armed with Soviet-era equipment supplemented by deliveries of second-hand Russian weapons (2021) Topic: Montenegrothe inventory of the Armed Forces of Montenegro is small and consists mostly of equipment inherited from the former Yugoslavia military, with a limited mix of other imported systems; since 2010, it has received small quantities of equipment from Austria, Turkey, and the US (2021) Topic: Moroccothe Moroccan military's inventory is comprised of mostly older French and US equipment; since 2010, it has received equipment from about a dozen countries with France and the US as the leading suppliers (2021) Topic: Mozambiquethe FADM's inventory consists primarily of Soviet-era equipment, although since 2010 it has received limited quantities of more modern equipment from a variety of countries, mostly as aid/donations (2021) Topic: Namibiathe inventory of the Namibian Defense Force consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment; China is the leading supplier of weapons to Namibia since 2010 (2021) Topic: Nepalthe Army's inventory includes a mix of older equipment largely of British, Chinese, Indian, Russian, and South African origin; since 2010, Nepal has received limited amounts of newer hardware from several countries, including China, Italy, and Russia (2022) Topic: Netherlandsthe inventory of the Netherlands Armed Forces consists of a mix of domestically-produced and modern European- and US-sourced equipment; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of weapons systems to the Netherlands; the Netherlands has an advanced domestic defense industry that focuses on armored vehicles, naval ships, and air defense systems; it also participates with the US and other European countries on joint development and production of advanced weapons systems (2021) Topic: New ZealandNZDF is equipped mostly with imported weapons and equipment from Western suppliers; the US is the leading provider since 2010 (2022) Topic: Nicaraguathe Nicaraguan military's inventory includes mostly second-hand Russian/Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, Russia is the leading arms supplier to Nicaragua (2022) Topic: Nigerthe FAN's inventory consists of a wide variety of older weapons; since 2010, the FAN has received small amounts of mostly second-hand equipment and donations from several countries with the US as the top provider (2022) Topic: Nigeriathe Nigerian Armed Forces' inventory consists of a wide variety of imported weapons systems of Chinese, European, Middle Eastern, Russian (including Soviet-era), and US origin; since 2010, Nigeria has undertaken a considerable military modernization program, and has received equipment from some 20 countries with China, Russia, and the US as the leading suppliers; Nigeria is also developing a defense-industry capacity, including small arms, armored personnel vehicles, and small-scale naval production (2021) Topic: North Macedoniathe inventory of North Macedonia's Army consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, it has received small amounts of equipment from Ireland and Turkey (2021) Topic: Norwaythe Norwegian Armed Forces inventory includes mostly imported European and US weapons systems, as well as a limited mix of domestically-produced equipment, particularly small naval craft and surface-to-air missile systems; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of weapons systems to Norway (2021) Topic: Omanthe SAF's inventory includes a mix of older and some more modern weapons systems from a variety of suppliers, particularly Europe and the US; since 2010, the UK and the US are the leading suppliers of arms to Oman (2022) Topic: Pakistanthe Pakistan military inventory includes a broad mix of equipment, primarily from China, France, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the UK, and the US; since 2010, China is the leading supplier of arms to Pakistan; Pakistan also has a large domestic defense industry (2022) Topic: Palausince 2018, Australia and Japan have provided patrol boats to the Palau's Division of Marine Law Enforcement (2021) Topic: PanamaPanama's security forces are lightly armed; Canada, Italy and the US have provided equipment to the security forces since 2010 (2022) Topic: Papua New Guineathe PNGDF has a limited inventory consisting of a diverse mix of foreign-supplied weapons and equipment; Papua New Guinea has received most of its military assistance from Australia (2021) Topic: Paraguaythe Paraguayan military forces inventory is comprised of mostly older equipment from a variety of foreign suppliers, particularly Brazil and the US; since 2010, Paraguay has acquired small quantities of mostly second-hand military equipment from several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Taiwan, and the US (2022) Topic: Peruthe Peruvian military's inventory is a mix of mostly older equipment from a wide variety of suppliers, including Brazil, Europe, the former Soviet Union, and the US; since 2010, Peru has received military equipment from more than a dozen countries, led by Russia and South Korea (2022) Topic: Philippinesthe AFP is equipped with a mix of imported weapons systems, particularly second-hand equipment from the US; since 2014, its top weapons suppliers include South Korea and the US (2021) Topic: Polandthe inventory of the Polish Armed Forces consists of a mix of Soviet-era and more modern Western weapons systems; since 2010, the leading suppliers of armaments to Poland are Finland, Germany, Italy, and the US (2021) note - in late 2018, Poland announced a 7-year (through 2026) approximately $50 billion defense modernization plan that would include such items as 5th generation combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, rocket artillery, helicopters, submarines, frigates, and improved cyber security Topic: Portugalthe Portuguese Armed Forces inventory includes mostly European and US-origin weapons systems along with a smaller mix of domestically-produced equipment; since 2010, Germany and the US are the leading suppliers of armaments to Portugal; Portugal's defense industry is primarily focused on shipbuilding (2021) Topic: Qatarthe Qatari military's inventory includes a broad mix of older and modern weapons systems, mostly from the US and Europe; in the 2010s, Qatar embarked on an extensive military expansion and modernization program with large air, ground, and naval equipment purchases; since 2010, France and the US are the top suppliers (2022) Topic: Romaniathe inventory of the Romanian Armed Forces is comprised mostly of Soviet-era and older domestically-produced weapons systems; there is also a smaller mix of Western-origin equipment received in more recent years from European countries and the US  (2021) Topic: Russiathe Russian Federation's military and paramilitary services are equipped with domestically-produced weapons systems, although since 2010 Russia has imported limited amounts of military hardware from several countries, including Czechia, France, Israel, Italy, Turkey, and Ukraine; the Russian defense industry is capable of designing, developing, and producing a full range of advanced air, land, missile, and naval systems; Russia is the world's second largest exporter of military hardware (2021) Topic: Rwandathe RDF's inventory includes mostly Russian, Soviet-era, and older Western - largely French and South African - equipment; since 2010, Russia has been the top supplier (2021) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisthe SKNDF is lightly armed with equipment from Belgium, the UK, and the US (2021) Topic: Sao Tome and Principethe FASTP is lightly and poorly armed (2021) Topic: Saudi Arabiathe inventory of the Saudi military forces, including the SANG, includes a mix of mostly modern weapons systems from the US and Europe; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of armaments; as of 2020-21, Saudi Arabia was the world's largest arms importer (2021) Topic: Senegalthe FAS inventory includes mostly older or second-hand equipment from a variety of countries, including France, South Africa, and Russia/former Soviet Union; in recent years, the FAS has undertaken a modernization program; since 2010, it has received newer equipment from nearly 15 countries, with France as the leading supplier (2021) Topic: Serbiathe inventory of the Serbian Armed Forces consists of Russian and Soviet-era weapons systems; since 2010, Russia has been the top supplier of military hardware (2021) Topic: Seychellesthe SDF's inventory primarily consists of Soviet-era equipment delivered in the 1970s and 1980s; since 2010, the SDF has received limited amounts of more modern equipment (mostly donations of patrol boats and aircraft) from several suppliers led by China and India (2022) Topic: Sierra Leonethe RSLAF's small inventory includes a mix of Soviet-origin and other older foreign-supplied equipment; since 2010, it has received limited quantities of material (mostly donations of second-hand equipment) from China and South Africa (2021) Topic: Singaporethe SAF has a diverse and largely modern mix of domestically-produced and imported weapons; since 2010, it has received armaments from about 10 countries with the US as the chief supplier; Singapore has the most developed arms industry in Southeast Asia and is also its largest importer of weapons (2021) Topic: Slovakiathe inventory of the Slovakian military consists mostly of Soviet-era platforms; since 2010, it has imported limited quantities of equipment, particularly from Italy and the US (2021) Topic: Sloveniathe inventory of the Slovenian Armed Forces is a mix of Soviet-era and smaller quantities of more modern Russian and Western equipment; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of military equipment from several countries led by France and Russia (2021) Topic: Solomon Islandsthe maritime branch of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force operates patrol boats provided by Australia (2021) Topic: Somaliathe SNA is lightly armed with an inventory that includes a variety of older, second-hand equipment largely from Italy, Russia, South Africa, and the UK; since 2015, it has received small quantities of second-hand equipment from up to 10 different countries, usually as aid/donations (2021) Topic: South Africathe SANDF's inventory consists of a mix of domestically-produced and foreign-supplied equipment; South Africa's domestic defense industry produced most of the Army's major weapons systems (some were jointly-produced with foreign companies), while the Air Force and Navy inventories include a mix of European, Israeli, and US-origin weapons systems; since 2010, Sweden is the largest supplier of weapons to the SANDF (2021) Topic: South Sudanthe SSPDF inventory is primarily of Soviet origin; from 2010 to 2015, Russia and the United Arab Emirates were the leading suppliers of arms and equipment; South Sudan has been under a UN arms embargo since 2018 (2022) Topic: Spainthe inventory of the Spanish military is comprised of domestically-produced and imported Western weapons systems; France, Germany, and the US are the leading suppliers of military hardware since 2010; Spain's defense industry manufactures land, air, and sea weapons systems and is integrated within the European defense-industrial sector (2021) Topic: Sri Lankathe Sri Lankan military inventory consists mostly of Chinese and Russian-origin equipment; since 2010, China, India, and the US have been the leading suppliers of arms to Sri Lanka (2022) Topic: Sudanthe SAF's inventory includes a mix of Chinese, Russian, Soviet-era, Ukrainian, and domestically-produced weapons systems; since 2010, the leading arms providers to the SAF are Belarus, China, Russia, and Ukraine; North Korea has also provided arms; Sudan has a domestic arms industry that manufactures ammunition, small arms, and armored vehicles, largely based on older Chinese and Russian systems (2022) Topic: Surinamethe Suriname Army has a limited inventory comprised of a mix of older, foreign-supplied equipment; since 2010, Suriname has received small quantities of military hardware from several countries, including the US (2022) Topic: Swedenthe inventory of the SAF is comprised of domestically-produced and imported Western weapons systems; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of military hardware to Sweden; Sweden's defense industry produces a range of air, land, and naval systems (2021) Topic: Switzerlandthe Swiss Armed Forces inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced and imported weapons systems; the US is the leading supplier of military armaments to Switzerland since 2010; the Swiss defense industry produces a range of military land vehicles (2021) Topic: Syriathe SAF's inventory is comprised mostly of Russian and Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, Russia has supplied nearly all of Syria's imported weapons systems, although China and Iran have also provided military equipment (2022) Topic: Taiwanthe Taiwan military is armed mostly with second-hand weapons and equipment provided by the US; since 2010, the US continued to be the largest provider of arms; Taiwan also has a domestic defense industry capable of building and upgrading a range of weapons systems, including surface naval craft and submarines (2021) Topic: Tajikistanthe Tajikistan Armed Forces' inventory is comprised of older Russian and Soviet-era equipment; it has received limited quantities of weapons systems since 2010, most of which was second-hand material from Russia (2021) Topic: Tanzaniathe TPDF inventory includes mostly Soviet-era and Chinese equipment; since 2010, China is the leading supplier of arms to the TPDF (2022) Topic: Thailandthe RTARF has a diverse array of foreign-supplied weapons systems, including a large amount of obsolescent or second-hand US equipment; since 2010, Thailand has received military equipment from nearly 20 countries with China, South Korea, Sweden, Ukraine, and the US as the leading suppliers (2021) Topic: Timor-LesteTimor-Leste Defense Force's limited inventory consists of equipment donated by other countries; the only recorded deliveries of major arms to Timor-Leste since 2010 were naval patrol craft from China and South Korea (2021) Topic: Togothe FAT's small inventory is a mix of older equipment from a variety of countries, including Brazil, France, Germany, Russia/former Soviet Union, the UK, and the US; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of newer--largely secondhand--equipment, such as patrol boats, from China, France, South Africa, and the US (2021) Topic: Tongathe Tonga military's inventory includes mostly light weapons and equipment from European (primarily the UK) countries and the US, as well as naval patrol vessels from Australia; Australia is the only supplier of military systems since 2010 (2021) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagothe TTDF's ground force inventory includes only light weapons, while the Coast Guard and Air Guard field mostly second-hand equipment from a mix of countries, including Australia, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US (2022) Topic: Tunisiathe Tunisian military's inventory includes mostly older or secondhand US and European equipment; since 2010, the Netherlands and US are the leading suppliers of arms to Tunisia (2022) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)the Turkish Armed Forces inventory is mostly comprised of a mix of domestically-produced and Western weapons systems, although in recent years, Turkey has also acquired some Chinese, Russian, and South Korean equipment; since 2010, the US is the leading provider of armaments to Turkey, followed by Italy, South Korea, and Spain; Turkey has a robust defense industry capable of producing a range of weapons systems for both export and internal use, including armored vehicles, naval vessels, and unmanned aerial platforms, although it is heavily dependent on Western technology; Turkey's defense industry also partners with other countries for defense production (2021) Topic: Turkmenistanthe inventory for Turkmenistan's military is comprised largely of older Russian and Soviet-era weapons systems; since 2010, however, it has attempted to diversify and purchased equipment from more than a dozen countries, with Turkey as the top supplier (2022) Topic: Ugandathe UPDF's inventory is mostly older Russian/Soviet-era equipment with a limited mix of more modern Russian- and Western-origin arms; since 2010, Russia is the leading supplier of arms to the UPDF (2021) Topic: Ukrainethe Ukrainian military is equipped mostly with older Russian and Soviet-era weapons systems; since 2010, it has imported limited quantities of weapons from several European countries, as well as Canada, the US, and the United Arab Emirates; Ukraine has a broad defense industry capable of building Soviet-era land systems and maintaining and upgrading Soviet-era combat aircraft, as well as missile and air defense systems (2021) Topic: United Arab Emiratesthe UAE Armed Forces inventory is comprised of wide variety of mostly modern imported equipment; since 2010, the UAE has acquired military equipment from more than 20 countries with France, Russia, and the US as the leading suppliers; in recent years, the UAE has tried to boost its domestic defense industry (2022) Topic: United Kingdomthe inventory of the British military is comprised of a mix of domestically-produced and imported Western weapons systems; the US is the leading supplier of armaments to the UK since 2010; the UK defense industry is capable of producing a wide variety of air, land, and sea weapons systems and is one of the world's top weapons suppliers (2021) Topic: United Statesthe US military's inventory is comprised almost entirely of domestically-produced weapons systems (some assembled with foreign components) along with a smaller mix of imported equipment from a variety of Western countries; since 2010, Germany and the UK are the leading suppliers of military hardware; the US defense industry is capable of designing, developing, maintaining, and producing the full spectrum of weapons systems; the US is the world's leading arms exporter (2021) Topic: Uruguaythe inventory of the Armed Forces of Uruguay includes a wide variety of older or second-hand equipment; since 2010, it has imported limited amounts of military hardware from about 10 countries with Spain as the leading supplier (2022) Topic: Uzbekistanthe Uzbek Armed Forces use mainly Soviet-era equipment; since 2010, Russia has been the leading supplier of arms, followed by China (2022) Topic: Venezuelathe FANB inventory is mainly of Chinese and Russian origin with a smaller mix of equipment from Western countries, including the US; since 2010, Russia is the top supplier of military hardware to Venezuela (2022) Topic: Vietnamthe PAVN is armed largely with weapons and equipment from Russia and the former Soviet Union; since 2010, Russia has remained the main supplier of newer PAVN military equipment, although in recent years Vietnam has purchased arms from more than a dozen other countries including Belarus, Israel, South Korea, Ukraine, and the US; Vietnam has a limited defense industry (2021) Topic: West Bankthe security services are armed mostly with small arms and light weapons, although since 2007, they have received limited amounts of heavier equipment from Jordan (armored personnel carriers) and Russia (armored personnel carriers and transport helicopters) (2022) Topic: Worldfrom 2010-2020, the US was assessed to be the world's leading arms exporter, followed by Russia; India and Saudi Arabia were the top arms importers for the same period Topic: Yementhe inventory of the Yemeni Government forces consists primarily of Russian and Soviet-era equipment, although much of it has been lost in the current conflict; since the start of the civil war in 2014, it has received limited amounts of donated equipment from some Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia and UAE Huthi forces are armed with weapons seized from Yemeni Government forces; in addition, they have reportedly received arms from Iran (2021) Topic: Zambiathe ZDF's inventory is largely comprised of Chinese, Russian, and Soviet-era armaments; since 2010, China is the leading supplier of arms to Zambia (2021) Topic: Zimbabwethe ZDF inventory is comprised mostly of older Chinese- and Russian-origin equipment; since the early 2000s, Zimbabwe has been under an arms embargo from the European Union, as well as targeted sanctions from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US (2021)

20220901

countries-paraguay-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Paraguay.  Some areas have increased crime risk. 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. 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 required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country. US Embassy/Consulate: +(595)(21) 213-715; EMER: +(595)(21) 229-581; US Embassy Asuncion, 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asunción, Paraguay; ParaguayACS@state.gov; https://py.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 595 Local Emergency Phone: 0 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west Currency (Code): Guarani (PYG) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C Major Languages: Spanish and Guarani, only Guarani, only Spanish Major Religions: Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1% Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends last Sunday in March Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Paraguay, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Asuncion; Encarnacion (includes Jesuit Ruins); Cerro Cora National Park; Ciudad del Este & Monday Falls; Ybycui National Park; Aregua Major Sports: Soccer, rugby Cultural Practices: Flicking your fingers under your chin signifies not knowing or not caring. Tipping Guidelines: A tip of 10-15% is common in restaurants. Round up taxi fares to the nearest 1,000 guarani. Souvenirs: Yerba guampa cups or mate gourds, wood crafts, native feathered jewelry, filigree jewelry, native fabric and lace items, leather goods, woven baskets, potteryPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Monday, April 25, 2022

20220901

countries-slovakia-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Slovakia traces its roots to the 9th century state of Great Moravia. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close of World War I, the Slovaks joined the Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. In 1993, Czechoslovakia underwent a nonviolent "velvet divorce" into its two national components, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.Slovakia traces its roots to the 9th century state of Great Moravia. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close of World War I, the Slovaks joined the Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. In 1993, Czechoslovakia underwent a nonviolent "velvet divorce" into its two national components, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Topic: Geography Area: total: 49,035 sq km land: 48,105 sq km water: 930 sq km Climate: temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters Natural resources: lignite, small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; salt; arable land Topic: People and Society Population: 5,431,252 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Slovak 83.8%, Hungarian 7.8%, Romani 1.2%, other 1.8% (includes Czech, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Russian, German, Polish), unspecified 5.4% (2021 est.) Languages: Slovak (official) 81.8%, Hungarian 8.5%, Roma 1.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified 5.7% (2021 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic 55.8%, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession 5.3%, Greek Catholic 4%, Reformed Christian 1.6%, other 3%, none 23.8%, unspecified 6.5% (2021 est.) Population growth rate: -0.1% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Bratislava Executive branch: chief of state: President Zuzana CAPUTOVA (since 15 June 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Eduard HEGER (since 1 April 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers Stefan HOLY, Veronika REMISOVA, Richard SULIK (all since 21 March 2020) Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Council or Narodna Rada (150 seats; members directly elected in a single- and multi-seat constituencies by closed, party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: high-income, EU-member European economy; major electronics and automobile exporter; new anticorruption and judiciary reforms; low unemployment; low regional innovation; strong financial sector Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $165.57 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $30,300 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, maize, sugar beet, milk, barley, rapeseed, potatoes, sunflower seed, soybeans, pork Industries: automobiles; metal and metal products; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals, synthetic fibers, wood and paper products; machinery; earthenware and ceramics; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products; food and beverages; pharmaceutical Exports: $89.92 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: Germany 22%, Czechia 11%, Poland 7%, France 7%, Hungary 6%, Austria 5%, United Kingdom 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, video displays, broadcasting equipment, tires, refined petroleum (2019) Imports: $87.95 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: Germany 18%, Czechia 18%, Poland 8%, Hungary 7%, Russia 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, broadcasting equipment, crude petroleum, natural gas, insulated wiring (2019) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar -Page last updated: Tuesday, May 31, 2022

20220901

countries-belgium

Topic: Photos of Belgium Topic: Introduction Background: Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. In recent years, political divisions between the Dutch-speaking Flemish of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. In recent years, political divisions between the Dutch-speaking Flemish of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. The capital city of Brussels is home to numerous international organizations, including the EU and NATO.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands Geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 30,528 sq km land: 30,278 sq km water: 250 sq km Area - comparative: about the size of Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,297 km border countries (4): France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km Coastline: 66.5 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit continental shelf: median line with neighbors Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Elevation: highest point: Botrange 694 m lowest point: North Sea 0 m mean elevation: 181 m Natural resources: construction materials, silica sand, carbonates, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 44.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 16.1% (2018 est.) forest: 22.4% (2018 est.) other: 33.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 230 sq km (2012) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Seine 78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Population distribution: most of the population concentrated in the northern two-thirds of the country; the southeast is more thinly populated; considered to have one of the highest population densities in the world; approximately 97% live in urban areas Natural hazards: flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes Geography - note: crossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals are within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO Map description: Belgium map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Sea.Belgium map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 11,847,338 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Belgian(s) adjective: Belgian Ethnic groups: Belgian 75.2%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%, other 10.6% (2012 est.) Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1% major-language sample(s): Het Wereld Feitenboek, een omnisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 2.3%, other Christian, 2.8%, Muslim 6.8%, other 1.7%, atheist 9.1%, nonbeliever/agnostic 20.2% (2018 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 17.22% (male 1,033,383/female 984,624) 15-24 years: 11.2% (male 670,724/female 642,145) 25-54 years: 39.23% (male 2,319,777/female 2,278,450) 55-64 years: 13.14% (male 764,902/female 775,454) 65 years and over: 19.21% (2020 est.) (male 988,148/female 1,263,109) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 57 youth dependency ratio: 26.7 elderly dependency ratio: 30.2 potential support ratio: 3.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 41.6 years male: 40.4 years female: 42.8 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.57% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 10.95 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 9.64 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 4.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the population concentrated in the northern two-thirds of the country; the southeast is more thinly populated; considered to have one of the highest population densities in the world; approximately 97% live in urban areas Urbanization: urban population: 98.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 2.110 million BRUSSELS (capital), 1.053 million Antwerp (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 29.2 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 5 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.63 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.86 years male: 79.25 years female: 84.59 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.77 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 66.7% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 10.7% (2019) Physicians density: 6.08 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 5.6 beds/1,000 population (2019) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 22.1% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 23.4% (2020 est.) male: 25.8% (2020 est.) female: 21% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 1% (2014/15) Education expenditures: 6.4% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 20 years male: 19 years female: 21 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 15.3% male: 15.5% female: 15.1% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 12.88 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 96.89 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 7.78 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Land use: agricultural land: 44.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 16.1% (2018 est.) forest: 22.4% (2018 est.) other: 33.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 98.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.708 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 1,614,985 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 34.3% (2015 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Seine 78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 739 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 3.21 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 45 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 18.3 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium conventional short form: Belgium local long form: Royaume de Belgique (French)/Koninkrijk Belgie (Dutch)/Koenigreich Belgien (German) local short form: Belgique/Belgie/Belgien etymology: the name derives from the Belgae, an ancient Celtic tribal confederation that inhabited an area between the English Channel and the west bank of the Rhine in the first centuries B.C. Government type: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Brussels geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 20 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: may derive from the Old Dutch "bruoc/broek," meaning "marsh" and "sella/zele/sel" signifying "home" to express the meaning "home in the marsh" Administrative divisions: 3 regions (French: regions, singular - region; Dutch: gewesten, singular - gewest); Brussels-Capital Region, also known as Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest (Dutch), Region de Bruxelles-Capitale (French long form), Bruxelles-Capitale (French short form); Flemish Region (Flanders), also known as Vlaams Gewest (Dutch long form), Vlaanderen (Dutch short form), Region Flamande (French long form), Flandre (French short form); Walloon Region (Wallonia), also known as Region Wallone (French long form), Wallonie (French short form), Waals Gewest (Dutch long form), Wallonie (Dutch short form) note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; the 2012 sixth state reform transferred additional competencies from the federal state to the regions and linguistic communities Independence: 4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne) National holiday: Belgian National Day (ascension to the throne of King LEOPOLD I), 21 July (1831) Constitution: history: drafted 25 November 1830, approved 7 February 1831, entered into force 26 July 1831, revised 14 July 1993 (creating a federal state) amendments: "revisions" proposed as declarations by the federal government in accord with the king or by Parliament followed by dissolution of Parliament and new elections; adoption requires two-thirds majority vote of a two-thirds quorum in both houses of the next elected Parliament; amended many times, last in 2019 Legal system: civil law system based on the French Civil Code; note - Belgian law continues to be modified in conformance with the legislative norms mandated by the European Union; judicial review of legislative acts International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Belgium dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: King PHILIPPE (since 21 July 2013); Heir Apparent Princess ELISABETH (daughter of the monarch, born 25 October 2001) head of government: Prime Minister Alexander DE CROO (since 1 October 2020); Deputy Prime Ministers Vincent Van Quickenborne (since 1 October 2020), Sophie Wilmes (since 1 October 2020), Vincent Van Peteghem (since 1 October 2020), Frank Vandenbroucke (since 1 October 2020), Pierre-Yves Dermagne (since 1 October 2020), Petra De Sutter (since 1 October 2020), Georges Gilkinet (since 1 October 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and approved by Parliament Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate or Senaat (in Dutch), Senat (in French) (60 seats; 50 members indirectly elected by the community and regional parliaments based on their election results, and 10 elected by the 50 other senators; members serve 5-year terms) Chamber of Representatives or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers (in Dutch), Chambre des Representants (in French) (150 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last held 26 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024) Chamber of Representatives - last held on 26 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024); note - elections coincided with the EU elections election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 15%, VB 12%, PS 12%, MR 12%, CD&V 8.3%, Open VLD 8.3%, Ecolo 15%, SP.A 6.7%, CDH 3.3%, PVDA-PTB 8.3%; seats by party - N-VA 9, VB 7, PS 7, MR 7, CD&V 5, Open VLD 5, Ecolo 9, SP.A 4, CDH 2, PVDA-PTB 5; composition as of March 2022 - men 31, women 29, percent of women 48.3% Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - N-VA 16.7%, VB 12%, PS 13.3%, CD&V 8%, PVDA-PTB 8%, Open VLD 8%, MR 9.3%, SP.A 6%, Ecolo 8.7%, Green 5.3%, CDH 3.3%, Defi 1.3%; seats by party - N-VA 25, VB 18, PS 20, CD&V 12, PVDA+PTB 12, Open VLD 12, MR 14, SP.A 9, Ecolo 13, Green 8, CDH 5, Defi 2; composition as of March 2022 - men 87, women 63, percent of women 42%; note - overall Parliament percent of women 43.8% note: the 1993 constitutional revision that further devolved Belgium into a federal state created three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments, each with its own legislative assembly; changes above occurred since the sixth state reformSenate - last held 26 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024) Judicial branch: highest courts: Constitutional Court or Grondwettelijk Hof (in Dutch) and Cour Constitutionelle (in French) (consists of 12 judges - 6 Dutch-speaking and 6 French-speaking); Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) and Cour de Cassation (in French) (court organized into 3 chambers: civil and commercial; criminal; social, fiscal, and armed forces; each chamber includes a Dutch division and a French division, each with a chairperson and 5-6 judges) judge selection and term of office: Constitutional Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by Parliament; judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 70; Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch from candidates submitted by the High Council of Justice, a 44-member independent body of judicial and non-judicial members; judges appointed for life subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional courts; specialized courts for administrative, commercial, labor, immigration, and audit issues; magistrate's courts; justices of the peace Political parties and leaders: Flemish parties: Christian Democratic and Flemish or CD&V [Sammy MAHDI] Forward [Conner ROUSSEAU] (formerly Social Progressive Alternative or SP.A) Groen or Green [Nadia NAJI and Jeremie VANEECKHOUT] (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens) New Flemish Alliance or N-VA [Bart DE WEVER] Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats or Open VLD [Egbert LACHAERT] Vlaams Belang (Flemish Interest) or VB [Tom VAN GRIEKEN] Francophone parties: Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Marc NOLLET, Rajae MAOUANE] Francophone Federalist Democrats or Defi [Francois DE SMET] Les Engages [Maxine PREVOT] (formerly Humanist and Democratic Center or CDH) People's Party or PP [Mischael MODRIKAMEN] (dissolved 18 June 2019) Reform Movement or MR [George-Louis BOUCHEZ] Socialist Party or PS [Paul MAGNETTE] Workers' Party or PVDA-PTB [Raoul HEDEBOUW] International organization participation: ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-Arthur REGIBEAU (since 17 September 2020) chancery: 1430 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900 FAX: [1] (202) 338-4960 email address and website: Washington@diplobel.fed.be https://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael ADLER (since 15 March 2022) embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent [Regentlaan], B-1000 Brussels mailing address: 7600 Brussels Place, Washington DC  20521-7600 telephone: [32] (2) 811-4000 FAX: [32] (2) 811-4500 email address and website: uscitizenBrussels@state.gov https://be.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France; the colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (yellow lion with red claws and tongue on a black field) National symbol(s): golden rampant lion; national colors: red, black, yellow National anthem: name: "La Brabanconne" (The Song of Brabant) lyrics/music: Louis-Alexandre DECHET[French] Victor CEULEMANS [Dutch]/Francois VAN CAMPENHOUT note: adopted 1830; according to legend, Louis-Alexandre DECHET, an actor at the theater in which the revolution against the Netherlands began, wrote the lyrics with a group of young people in a Brussels cafe National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 15 (14 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Belfries of Belgium (c); Historic Brugge (c); The Grand Place, Brussels (c); Major Town Houses of Victor Horta (c); Notre-Dame Cathedral, Tournai (c); Spa, Liege (c); Primeval Beech Forests - Sonian Wood (n); Stoclet Palace (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Belgium’s central geographic location and highly developed transport network have helped develop a well-diversified economy, with a broad mix of transport, services, manufacturing, and high tech. Service and high-tech industries are concentrated in the northern Flanders region while the southern region of Wallonia is home to industries like coal and steel manufacturing. Belgium is completely reliant on foreign sources of fossil fuels, and the planned closure of its seven nuclear plants by 2025 should increase its dependence on foreign energy. Its role as a regional logistical hub makes its economy vulnerable to shifts in foreign demand, particularly with EU trading partners. Roughly three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries, and the port of Zeebrugge conducts almost half its trade with the United Kingdom alone, leaving Belgium’s economy vulnerable to the outcome of negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU.   Belgium’s GDP grew by 1.7% in 2017 and the budget deficit was 1.5% of GDP. Unemployment stood at 7.3%, however the unemployment rate is lower in Flanders than Wallonia, 4.4% compared to 9.4%, because of industrial differences between the regions. The economy largely recovered from the March 2016 terrorist attacks that mainly impacted the Brussels region tourist and hospitality industry. Prime Minister Charles MICHEL's center-right government has pledged to further reduce the deficit in response to EU pressure to decrease Belgium's high public debt of about 104% of GDP, but such efforts would also dampen economic growth. In addition to restrained public spending, low wage growth and higher inflation promise to curtail a more robust recovery in private consumption.   The government has pledged to pursue a reform program to improve Belgium’s competitiveness, including changes to labor market rules and welfare benefits. These changes have generally made Belgian wages more competitive regionally, but have raised tensions with trade unions, which have called for extended strikes. In 2017, Belgium approved a tax reform plan to ease corporate rates from 33% to 29% by 2018 and down to 25% by 2020. The tax plan also included benefits for innovation and SMEs, intended to spur competitiveness and private investment.Belgium’s central geographic location and highly developed transport network have helped develop a well-diversified economy, with a broad mix of transport, services, manufacturing, and high tech. Service and high-tech industries are concentrated in the northern Flanders region while the southern region of Wallonia is home to industries like coal and steel manufacturing. Belgium is completely reliant on foreign sources of fossil fuels, and the planned closure of its seven nuclear plants by 2025 should increase its dependence on foreign energy. Its role as a regional logistical hub makes its economy vulnerable to shifts in foreign demand, particularly with EU trading partners. Roughly three-quarters of Belgium's trade is with other EU countries, and the port of Zeebrugge conducts almost half its trade with the United Kingdom alone, leaving Belgium’s economy vulnerable to the outcome of negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU. Belgium’s GDP grew by 1.7% in 2017 and the budget deficit was 1.5% of GDP. Unemployment stood at 7.3%, however the unemployment rate is lower in Flanders than Wallonia, 4.4% compared to 9.4%, because of industrial differences between the regions. The economy largely recovered from the March 2016 terrorist attacks that mainly impacted the Brussels region tourist and hospitality industry. Prime Minister Charles MICHEL's center-right government has pledged to further reduce the deficit in response to EU pressure to decrease Belgium's high public debt of about 104% of GDP, but such efforts would also dampen economic growth. In addition to restrained public spending, low wage growth and higher inflation promise to curtail a more robust recovery in private consumption. The government has pledged to pursue a reform program to improve Belgium’s competitiveness, including changes to labor market rules and welfare benefits. These changes have generally made Belgian wages more competitive regionally, but have raised tensions with trade unions, which have called for extended strikes. In 2017, Belgium approved a tax reform plan to ease corporate rates from 33% to 29% by 2018 and down to 25% by 2020. The tax plan also included benefits for innovation and SMEs, intended to spur competitiveness and private investment. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $557.11 billion (2020 est.) $594.47 billion (2019 est.) $584.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 1.41% (2019 est.) 1.49% (2018 est.) 1.9% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $48,200 (2020 est.) $51,700 (2019 est.) $51,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $533.028 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (2019 est.) 2% (2018 est.) 2.1% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AA- (2016) Moody's rating: Aa3 (2011) Standard & Poors rating: AA (2011) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.7% (2017 est.) industry: 22.1% (2017 est.) services: 77.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 51.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 23.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 85.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -84.4% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sugar beet, milk, potatoes, wheat, pork, lettuce, poultry, maize, barley, pears Industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, base metals, textiles, glass, petroleum Industrial production growth rate: 0.2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 4.122 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.3% industry: 18.6% services: 80.1% (2013 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.36% (2019 est.) 5.96% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 15.3% male: 15.5% female: 15.1% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 14.8% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 27.4 (2017 est.) 28.7 (1996) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.4% highest 10%: 28.4% (2006) Budget: revenues: 253.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 258.6 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 103.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 106% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions; general government debt is defined by the Maastricht definition and calculated by the National Bank of Belgium as consolidated gross debt; the debt is defined in European Regulation EC479/2009 concerning the implementation of the protocol on the excessive deficit procedure annexed to the Treaty on European Union (Treaty of Maastricht) of 7 February 1992; the sub-sectors of consolidated gross debt are: federal government, communities and regions, local government, and social security funds Taxes and other revenues: 51.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $1.843 billion (2019 est.) -$4.135 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $414.79 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $436.3 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $451.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Germany 17%, France 14%, Netherlands 13%, United Kingdom 8%, United States 6%, Italy 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, diamonds, natural gas (2019) Imports: $412.85 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $433.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $452.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Netherlands 16%, Germany 13%, France 10%, United States 8%, Ireland 5%, China 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, diamonds, natural gas (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $26.16 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $24.1 billion (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $1,317,513,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,332,358,000,000 (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 26.929 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 81,171,300,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 14.053 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 13.394 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.444 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 33.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 38.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 5.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 15% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 7.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 1.105 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 4.167 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 504,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 3.467 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 11,400 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 642,300 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 666,700 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 731,700 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 680,800 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 601,400 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 18,171,598,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 3,942,860,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 22,606,066,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 128.247 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 10.301 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 83.474 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 34.472 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 234.216 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 3,634,639 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 11,529,728 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 99 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Belgium’s mobile market is served by the three network operators Proximus, Orange Belgium and BASE, and by a good number of MVNOs; mobile networks have been upgraded to support growing mobile data use among subscribers, with near-comprehensive LTE coverage; operators have also trialed 5G in preparation for launching services; the auction of 5G-suitable spectrum has been delayed to the beginning of 2022, while the onerous restrictions on radiation have meant that some 5G trials have been suspended; there is effective competition in Belgium between the DSL and cable platforms, while in recent years government support has also encouraged investment in fiber networks; Telenet, supported by its parent Liberty Global, has extended the reach of services based on the DOCSIS3.1 standard, while Proximus also has extensive fibre/VDSL and FttP deployments and is currently investing in €3 billion 'Fibre for Belgium' program through to 2027; in a bid to encourage investment in under served areas, the regulator in 2018 amended the conditions by which market players grant wholesale access to copper and fiber infrastructure; in May 2019 it opened a further consultation on cost models for access to the networks of cablecos and those of Proximus’s fibre infrastructure. (2021) domestic: about 31 per 100 fixed-line and 99 per 100 mobile-cellular; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network (2020) international: country code - 32; landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (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: a segmented market with the three major communities (Flemish, French, and German-speaking) each having responsibility for their own broadcast media; multiple TV channels exist for each community; additionally, in excess of 90% of households are connected to cable and can access broadcasts of TV stations from neighboring countries; each community has a public radio network coexisting with private broadcasters Internet country code: .be Internet users: total: 10,620,701 (2020 est.) percent of population: 92% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 4,734,210 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 41 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 117 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 13,639,487 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,285,340,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: OO Airports: total: 41 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 26 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 15 under 914 m: 15 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 3,139 km gas, 154 km oil, 535 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 3,592 km (2014) standard gauge: 3,592 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (2,960 km electrified) Roadways: total: 118,414 km (2015) paved: 118,414 km (2015) (includes 1,747 km of expressways) Waterways: 2,043 km (2012) (1,528 km in regular commercial use) Merchant marine: total: 201 by type: bulk carrier 19, container ship 7, general cargo 16, oil tanker 21, other 138 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Oostende, Zeebrugge container port(s) (TEUs): Antwerp (11,860,204) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Zeebrugge river port(s): Antwerp, Gent (Schelde River) Brussels (Senne River) Liege (Meuse River) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Belgian Armed Forces: Land Component, Marine (Naval) Component, Air Component, Medical Service (2022) Military expenditures: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1% of GDP (2020) 0.9% of GDP (2019) (approximately $5.54 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2018) (approximately $5.43 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2017) (approximately $5.2 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: 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) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Belgian Armed Forces have a mix of weapons systems from European countries, Israel, and the US; since 2010, several European nations are the leading suppliers of armaments; Belgium has an export-focused defense industry that focuses on components and subcontracting (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 1995 (2021) note: in 2020, women comprised about 9% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 125 France (contributing member of EuroCorps); 250 Romania (NATO) (2022) note: in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries, including Belgium, have sent additional troops and equipment to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe Military - note: Belgium is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949; Belgium hosts the NATO headquarters in Brussels in 2015, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed an agreement to conduct joint air policing of their territories; under the agreement, which went into effect in January of 2017, the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces trade responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three countries in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020 Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 18,493 (Syria), 5,094 (Iraq) (2020); 52,557 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 1,159 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: a primary entry point for cocaine smuggled into Europe; also a transit point for precursor chemicals from China for amphetamine and MDMA production labs in Belgium; a transit country for new psychoactive substances (NPS); increasing number of amphetamine and ecstasy production labs in Belgium; heroin also transits through Belgium.a primary entry point for cocaine smuggled into Europe; also a transit point for precursor chemicals from China for amphetamine and MDMA production labs in Belgium; a transit country for new psychoactive substances (NPS); increasing number of amphetamine and ecstasy production labs in Belgium; heroin also transits through Belgium.

20220901

countries-ecuador-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest and crime. Some areas have increased risk Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days in a 12-month period. US Embassy/Consulate: [593] (2) 398-5000; US Embassy Quito, E12-170 Avigiras Ave. and Eloy Alfaro Ave., Quito, Ecuador; https://ec.usembassy.gov/; ACSQuito@state.gov Telephone Code: 593 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 131; Fire: 102; Police: 101 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands Currency (Code): US $ (USD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B Major Languages: Spanish (Castilian), Quechua Major Religions: Roman Catholic 74%, Evangelical 10.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 6.4%, atheist 7.9%, agnostic 0.1% Time Difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time); note: Ecuador has two time zones, including the Galapagos Islands (UTC-6) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Ecuador, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Galápagos Islands; Quito historic center; Cuenca historic center; Cotopaxi; Cajas National Park; Guayaquil Boardwalk (Malecon 2000); Nariz del Diablo; Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System Major Sports: Soccer, cycling Cultural Practices: Roses make excellent gifts, and among close friends perfume is considered appropriate. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 10% is common in restaurants, usually handed directly to the server. Round up the fare for taxis. Hotel bellhops receive $1-2 (USD) per bag and housekeepers about $1 (USD) per day. Souvenirs: Coffee, llama wool products, woven baskets and straw hats, carpets, tagua vegetable and wood carvings, non-edible dough figurines, leather goods, sheepskin paintings; tribal instruments, masks, jewelry, and fabrics Traditional Cuisine: Ceviche — raw fresh fish marinated with lime juice and mixed with chilies, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro; typically served with patacones (thick fried green plantains), chifles (very thin fried green plantain chips), corn nuts, or popcornPlease 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, July 20, 2022

20220901

countries-georgia

Topic: Photos of Georgia Topic: Introduction Background: The region of present day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D., and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1921 and regained its independence when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Mounting public discontent over rampant corruption and ineffective government services, followed by an attempt by the incumbent Georgian Government to manipulate parliamentary elections in November 2003, touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. In the aftermath of that popular movement, which became known as the "Rose Revolution," new elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his United National Movement (UNM) party. SAAKASHVILI made progress on market reforms and good governance during his time in power, but also faced accusations of abuse of office. Progress was also complicated by Russian assistance and support to the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia that led to periodic flare-ups in tension and violence and that culminated in a five-day conflict in August 2008 between Russia and Georgia, including the invasion of large portions of Georgian territory. Russian troops pledged to pull back from most occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Russian military forces remain in those regions. Billionaire Bidzina IVANISHVILI's unexpected entry into politics in October 2011 brought the divided opposition together under his Georgian Dream coalition, which won a majority of seats in the October 2012 parliamentary elections and removed UNM from power. Conceding defeat, SAAKASHVILI named IVANISHVILI as prime minister and allowed Georgian Dream to create a new government. Giorgi MARGVELASHVILI became president in November 2013, ending a tense year of power-sharing between SAAKASHVILI and IVANISHVILI and SAAKASHVILI then left the country. At the time, these changes in leadership represented unique examples of a former Soviet state that emerged to conduct democratic and peaceful government transitions of power. IVANISHVILI voluntarily resigned from office after the presidential succession, and in the following years, the prime minister position has seen frequent turnover. Most recently, Irakli GARIBASHVILI became prime minister in February 2021, replacing Giorgi GAKHARIA, who later in the year formed his own opposition party. In October 2021, SAAKASHVILI returned to Georgia, where he was immediately arrested to serve six years in prison on outstanding abuse of office convictions. Popular and government support for integration with the West is high in Georgia. Joining the EU and NATO are among the country's top foreign policy goals.The region of present day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D., and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1921 and regained its independence when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991.Mounting public discontent over rampant corruption and ineffective government services, followed by an attempt by the incumbent Georgian Government to manipulate parliamentary elections in November 2003, touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. In the aftermath of that popular movement, which became known as the "Rose Revolution," new elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his United National Movement (UNM) party. SAAKASHVILI made progress on market reforms and good governance during his time in power, but also faced accusations of abuse of office. Progress was also complicated by Russian assistance and support to the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia that led to periodic flare-ups in tension and violence and that culminated in a five-day conflict in August 2008 between Russia and Georgia, including the invasion of large portions of Georgian territory. Russian troops pledged to pull back from most occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and Russian military forces remain in those regions.Billionaire Bidzina IVANISHVILI's unexpected entry into politics in October 2011 brought the divided opposition together under his Georgian Dream coalition, which won a majority of seats in the October 2012 parliamentary elections and removed UNM from power. Conceding defeat, SAAKASHVILI named IVANISHVILI as prime minister and allowed Georgian Dream to create a new government. Giorgi MARGVELASHVILI became president in November 2013, ending a tense year of power-sharing between SAAKASHVILI and IVANISHVILI and SAAKASHVILI then left the country. At the time, these changes in leadership represented unique examples of a former Soviet state that emerged to conduct democratic and peaceful government transitions of power. IVANISHVILI voluntarily resigned from office after the presidential succession, and in the following years, the prime minister position has seen frequent turnover. Most recently, Irakli GARIBASHVILI became prime minister in February 2021, replacing Giorgi GAKHARIA, who later in the year formed his own opposition party. In October 2021, SAAKASHVILI returned to Georgia, where he was immediately arrested to serve six years in prison on outstanding abuse of office convictions. Popular and government support for integration with the West is high in Georgia. Joining the EU and NATO are among the country's top foreign policy goals.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending into Europe; note - Georgia views itself as part of Europe; geopolitically, it can be classified as falling within Europe, the Middle East, or both Geographic coordinates: 42 00 N, 43 30 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 69,700 sq km land: 69,700 sq km water: 0 sq km note: approximately 12,560 sq km, or about 18% of Georgia's area, is Russian occupied; the seized area includes all of Abkhazia and the breakaway region of South Ossetia, which consists of the northern part of Shida Kartli, eastern slivers of the Imereti region and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and part of western Mtskheta-Mtianeti Area - comparative: slightly smaller than South Carolina; slightly larger than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 1,814 km border countries (4): Armenia 219 km; Azerbaijan 428 km; Russia 894 km; Turkey 273 km Coastline: 310 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast Terrain: largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; fertile soils in river valley flood plains and foothills of Kolkhida Lowland Elevation: highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,193 m lowest point: Black Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,432 m Natural resources: timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and citrus growth Land use: agricultural land: 35.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 5.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.9% (2018 est.) forest: 39.4% (2018 est.) other: 25.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 4,330 sq km (2012) Population distribution: settlement concentrated in the central valley, particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi in the east; smaller urban agglomerations dot the Black Sea coast, with Bat'umi being the largest Natural hazards: earthquakes Geography - note: note 1: strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them note 2: the world's four deepest caves are all in Georgia, including two that are the only known caves on earth deeper than 2,000 m: Krubera Cave at -2,197 m (-7,208 ft; reached in 2012) and Veryovkina Cave at -2,212 (-7,257 ft; reached in 2018) Map description: Georgia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Black Sea.Georgia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Black Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 4,935,518 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Georgian(s) adjective: Georgian Ethnic groups: Georgian 86.8%, Azeri 6.3%, Armenian 4.5%, other 2.3% (includes Russian, Ossetian, Yazidi, Ukrainian, Kist, Greek) (2014 est.) Languages: Georgian (official) 87.6%, Azeri 6.2%, Armenian 3.9%, Russian 1.2%, other 1%; note - Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia (2014 est.) major-language sample(s): მსოფლიო ფაქტების წიგნი, ძირითადი ინფორმაციის აუცილებელი წყარო. (Georgian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Orthodox (official) 83.4%, Muslim 10.7%, Armenian Apostolic 2.9%, other 1.2% (includes Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Yazidi, Protestant, Jewish), none 0.5%, unspecified/no answer 1.2% (2014 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.42% (male 472,731/female 435,174) 15-24 years: 10.9% (male 286,518/female 250,882) 25-54 years: 40.59% (male 984,942/female 1,016,353) 55-64 years: 13.24% (male 288,650/female 364,117) 65 years and over: 16.85% (2020 est.) (male 326,219/female 504,444) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55 youth dependency ratio: 31.3 elderly dependency ratio: 23.6 potential support ratio: 4.2 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 38.6 years male: 35.9 years female: 41.4 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.03% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 11 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 10.8 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: settlement concentrated in the central valley, particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi in the east; smaller urban agglomerations dot the Black Sea coast, with Bat'umi being the largest Urbanization: urban population: 60.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Abkhazia and South Ossetia Major urban areas - population: 1.080 million TBILISI (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.14 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.78 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.54 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 25.9 years (2019 est.) note: data do not cover Abkhazia and South Ossetia Maternal mortality ratio: 25 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 14.77 deaths/1,000 live births male: 16.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.5 years male: 73.45 years female: 81.74 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.75 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 40.6% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.4% of population rural: 94.3% of population total: 97.3% of population unimproved: urban: 0.6% of population rural: 5.7% of population total: 2.7% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 6.7% (2019) Physicians density: 5.11 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 2.9 beds/1,000 population (2014) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 96.3% of population rural: 72.7% of population total: 86.7% of population unimproved: urban: 3.7% of population rural: 27.3% of population total: 13.3% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 9,100 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 21.7% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 31.7% (2020 est.) male: 56.3% (2020 est.) female: 7.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 2.1% (2018) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.3% women married by age 18: 13.9% men married by age 18: 0.5% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 3.8% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.6% male: 99.7% female: 99.5% (2019) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years male: 15 years female: 16 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 39.4% male: 40.1% female: 38.3% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy water pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals; land and forest degradation; biodiversity loss; waste management Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 21.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 10.13 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.05 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast Land use: agricultural land: 35.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 5.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.9% (2018 est.) forest: 39.4% (2018 est.) other: 25.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 60.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Abkhazia and South Ossetia Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.07% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 800,000 tons (2015 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 359,974,627.7 cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 402,206,287.9 cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1,060,819,084.4 cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 63.33 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Georgia local long form: none local short form: Sak'art'velo former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: the Western name may derive from the Persian designation "gurgan" meaning "Land of the Wolves"; the native name "Sak'art'velo" means "Land of the Kartvelians" and refers to the core central Georgian region of Kartli Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Tbilisi geographic coordinates: 41 41 N, 44 50 E time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name in Georgian means "warm place," referring to the numerous sulfuric hot springs in the area Administrative divisions: 9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (kalaki), and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika) regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli; note - the breakaway region of South Ossetia consists of the northern part of Shida Kartli, eastern slivers of the Imereti region and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and part of western Mtskheta-Mtianeti city: Tbilisi autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika (Bat'umi) note 1: the administrative centers of the two autonomous republics are shown in parentheses note 2: the United States recognizes the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to be part of Georgia9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (kalaki), and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika)regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli; note - the breakaway region of South Ossetia consists of the northern part of Shida Kartli, eastern slivers of the Imereti region and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and part of western Mtskheta-Mtianeticity: Tbilisiautonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika (Bat'umi) Independence: 9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier date: A.D. 1008 (Georgia unified under King BAGRAT III) National holiday: Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 was the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union Constitution: history: previous 1921, 1978 (based on 1977 Soviet Union constitution); latest approved 24 August 1995, effective 17 October 1995 amendments: proposed as a draft law supported by more than one half of the Parliament membership or by petition of at least 200,000 voters; passage requires support by at least three fourths of the Parliament membership in two successive sessions three months apart and the signature and promulgation by the president of Georgia; amended several times, last in 2020 (legislative electoral system revised) Legal system: civil law system International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Georgia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Salome ZOURABICHVILI (since 16 December 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Irakli GARIBASHVILI (since 22 February 2021) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2018 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister nominated by Parliament, appointed by the president note - 2017 constitutional amendments made the 2018 election the last where the president was directly elected; future presidents will be elected by a 300-member College of Electors; in light of these changes, ZOURABICHVILI was allowed a six-year term election results: 2018 Salome ZOURABICHVILI elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Salome ZOURABICHVILI (independent, backed by Georgian Dream) 59.5%, Grigol VASHADZE (UNM) 40.5%; Irakli GARIBASHVILI approved as prime minister by Parliamentary vote 89-2 2013 Giorgi MARGVELASHVILI is sworn in as president (Georgian Dream) 62.1%, David BAKRADZE (ENM) 21.7%, Nino BURJANADZE (DM-UG) 10.2%, other 6% Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament or Sakartvelos Parlamenti (150 seats statutory, 144 current; 120 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by closed, party-list proportional representation vote and 30 directly elected in single-seat constituencies by at least 50% majority vote, with a runoff if needed; no party earning less than 40% of total votes may claim a majority; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 31 October and 21 November 2020 (next to be held in October 2024) election results: percent of vote by party - Georgian Dream 48.2%, UNM 27.2%, European Georgia 3.8%, Lelo 3.2%, Strategy 3.2%, Alliance of Patriots 3.1%, Girchi 2.9%, Citizens 1.3%, Labor 1%; seats by party - Georgian Dream 90, UNM 36, European Georgia 5, Lelo 4, Strategy 4, Alliance of Patriots 4, Girchi 4, Citizens 2, Labor 1; composition (as of October 2021) - men 117, women 27, percent of women 18.8% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 28 judges organized into several specialized judicial chambers; number of judges determined by the president of Georgia); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges); note - the Abkhazian and Ajarian Autonomous republics each have a supreme court and a hierarchy of lower courts judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the High Council of Justice (a 14-member body consisting of the Supreme Court chairperson, common court judges, and appointees of the president of Georgia) and appointed by Parliament; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court judges appointed 3 each by the president, by Parliament, and by the Supreme Court judges; judges appointed for 10-year terms subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; regional (town) and district courts Political parties and leaders: Alliance of Patriots [Irma INASHVILI] Citizens Party [Aleko ELISASHVILI] European Georgia-Movement for Liberty [Davit BAKRADZE] European Socialists [Fridon INJIA] For Georgia [Giorgi GAKHARIA] Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia [Irakli KOBAKHIDZE] Girchi-More Freedom [Zurab JAPARIDZE] Labor Party [Shalva NATELASHVILI] Lelo for Georgia [Mamuka KHAZARADZE] New Political Centre-Girchi [Iago KHVICHIA] Republican Party [Khatuna SAMNIDZE] Strategy Aghmashenebeli [Giorgi VASHADZE] United National Movement or UNM [Nikanor "Nika" MELIA] International organization participation: ADB, BSEC, CD, CE, CPLP (associate), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-11, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador David ZALKALIANI (since 7 June 2022) chancery: 1824 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390 FAX: [1] (202) 387-0864 email address and website: embgeo.usa@mfa.gov.ge https://georgiaembassyusa.org/contact/ consulate(s) general: New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kelly C. DEGNAN (since 31 January 2020) embassy: 11 Georgian-American Friendship Avenue, Didi Dighomi, Tbilisi, 0131 mailing address: 7060 Tbilisi Place, Washington, DC  20521-7060 telephone: [995] (32) 227-70-00 FAX: [995] (32) 253-23-10 email address and website: askconsultbilisi@state.gov https://ge.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small red bolnur-katskhuri cross; sometimes referred to as the Five-Cross Flag; although adopted as the official Georgian flag in 2004, the five-cross design is based on a 14th century banner of the Kingdom of Georgia National symbol(s): Saint George, lion; national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "Tavisupleba" (Liberty) lyrics/music: Davit MAGRADSE/Zakaria PALIASHVILI (adapted by Joseb KETSCHAKMADSE) note: adopted 2004; after the Rose Revolution, a new anthem with music based on the operas "Abesalom da Eteri" and "Daisi" was adopted National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Gelati Monastery (c); Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (c); Upper Svaneti (c); Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Georgia's main economic activities include cultivation of agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese, copper, and gold; and producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, and chemicals in small-scale industries. The country imports nearly all of its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It has sizeable hydropower capacity that now provides most of its electricity needs.   Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan instead of from Russia. Construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the South Caucasus gas pipeline, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad are part of a strategy to capitalize on Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia and develop its role as a transit hub for gas, oil, and other goods.   Georgia's economy sustained GDP growth of more than 10% in 2006-07, based on strong inflows of foreign investment, remittances, and robust government spending. However, GDP growth slowed following the August 2008 conflict with Russia, and sank to negative 4% in 2009 as foreign direct investment and workers' remittances declined in the wake of the global financial crisis. The economy rebounded in the period 2010-17, but FDI inflows, the engine of Georgian economic growth prior to the 2008 conflict, have not recovered fully. Unemployment remains persistently high.   The country is pinning its hopes for faster growth on a continued effort to build up infrastructure, enhance support for entrepreneurship, simplify regulations, and improve professional education, in order to attract foreign investment and boost employment, with a focus on transportation projects, tourism, hydropower, and agriculture. Georgia had historically suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax revenues; however, since 2004 the government has simplified the tax code, increased tax enforcement, and cracked down on petty corruption, leading to higher revenues. The government has received high marks from the World Bank for improvements in business transparency. Since 2012, the Georgian Dream-led government has continued the previous administration's low-regulation, low-tax, free market policies, while modestly increasing social spending and amending the labor code to comply with International Labor Standards. In mid-2014, Georgia concluded an association agreement with the EU, paving the way to free trade and visa-free travel. In 2017, Georgia signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China as part of Tbilisi’s efforts to diversify its economic ties. Georgia is seeking to develop its Black Sea ports to further facilitate East-West trade.Georgia's main economic activities include cultivation of agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese, copper, and gold; and producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, and chemicals in small-scale industries. The country imports nearly all of its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It has sizeable hydropower capacity that now provides most of its electricity needs. Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan instead of from Russia. Construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the South Caucasus gas pipeline, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad are part of a strategy to capitalize on Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia and develop its role as a transit hub for gas, oil, and other goods. Georgia's economy sustained GDP growth of more than 10% in 2006-07, based on strong inflows of foreign investment, remittances, and robust government spending. However, GDP growth slowed following the August 2008 conflict with Russia, and sank to negative 4% in 2009 as foreign direct investment and workers' remittances declined in the wake of the global financial crisis. The economy rebounded in the period 2010-17, but FDI inflows, the engine of Georgian economic growth prior to the 2008 conflict, have not recovered fully. Unemployment remains persistently high. The country is pinning its hopes for faster growth on a continued effort to build up infrastructure, enhance support for entrepreneurship, simplify regulations, and improve professional education, in order to attract foreign investment and boost employment, with a focus on transportation projects, tourism, hydropower, and agriculture. Georgia had historically suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax revenues; however, since 2004 the government has simplified the tax code, increased tax enforcement, and cracked down on petty corruption, leading to higher revenues. The government has received high marks from the World Bank for improvements in business transparency. Since 2012, the Georgian Dream-led government has continued the previous administration's low-regulation, low-tax, free market policies, while modestly increasing social spending and amending the labor code to comply with International Labor Standards. In mid-2014, Georgia concluded an association agreement with the EU, paving the way to free trade and visa-free travel. In 2017, Georgia signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China as part of Tbilisi’s efforts to diversify its economic ties. Georgia is seeking to develop its Black Sea ports to further facilitate East-West trade. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $52.33 billion (2020 est.) $55.76 billion (2019 est.) $53.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5% (2017 est.) 2.8% (2016 est.) 2.9% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $14,100 (2020 est.) $15,000 (2019 est.) $14,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $17.694 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.8% (2019 est.) 2.6% (2018 est.) 6% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB (2019) Moody's rating: Ba2 (2017) Standard & Poors rating: BB (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 8.2% (2017 est.) industry: 23.7% (2017 est.) services: 67.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 62.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 50.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -62.2% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, grapes, maize, potatoes, wheat, watermelons, tomatoes, tangerines/mandarins, barley, apples Industries: steel, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining (manganese, copper, gold), chemicals, wood products, wine Industrial production growth rate: 6.7% (2017 est.) Labor force: 686,000 (2019 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 55.6% industry: 8.9% services: 35.5% (2006 est.) Unemployment rate: 11.8% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 39.4% male: 40.1% female: 38.3% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 19.5% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 36.4 (2018 est.) 46 (2011) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 31.3% (2008) Budget: revenues: 4.352 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.925 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 44.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 44.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities; Georgia does not maintain intragovernmental debt or social funds Taxes and other revenues: 28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$1.348 billion (2017 est.) -$1.84 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $5.94 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.54 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.9 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Russia 12%, Azerbaijan 12%, Armenia 9%, Bulgaria 8%, China 6%, Turkey 6%, Ukraine 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: copper, cars, iron alloys, wine, packaged medicines (2019) Imports: $8.94 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.11 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.77 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Turkey 17%, China 11%, Russia 9%, Azerbaijan 6%, United States 6%, Germany 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, copper, packaged medicines, natural gas (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $3.039 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.756 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $18.149 billion (2019 est.) $17.608 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: laris (GEL) per US dollar - 2.535 (2017 est.) 2.3668 (2016 est.) 2.3668 (2015 est.) 2.2694 (2014 est.) 1.7657 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 4.579 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 12,062,080,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 256 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.712 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 918.2 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 25.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 73.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 99,000 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 362,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 277,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 201 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 300 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 32,400 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 100 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 35 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 247 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 2,052 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 28,490 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 6.088 million cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 2,539,649,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 2,534,892,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 8.495 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 10.299 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.063 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 4.245 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 4.992 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 63.286 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 387,698 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 5,100,101 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 128 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the telecom sector has been attempting for many years to overcome the decades of under-investment in its fixed-line infrastructure during the Soviet era; concerted efforts to privatize state-owned enterprises and open up the telecom market have been mostly successful, with a large number of networks now competing in both the fixed-line and the mobile segments; more needs to be done, however, to give investors the confidence to enter a market that has barely moved in terms of revenue growth over the last decade, and where regulatory overreach has sometimes come perilously close to arresting further development; Georgia’s government moved fast following the collapse of the Soviet Union to liberalize the country’s telecom market; this resulted in a relatively high number of networks competing in the under-developed fixed-line segment as well as in the emerging mobile market; both segments remain dominated by just a few companies, with SilkNet and MagtiCom holding the lion’s share. (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions over 9 per 100, cellular telephone networks cover the entire country; mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 128 per 100 persons; intercity facilities include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi; the mobile and mobile broadband segments have both demonstrated solid growth in 2021, (2020) international: country code - 995; landing points for the Georgia-Russia, Diamond Link Global, and Caucasus Cable System fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Russia, Romania and Bulgaria; international service is available by microwave, landline, and satellite through the Moscow switch; international electronic mail and telex service are available (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: The Tbilisi-based Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) includes Channel 1, Channel 2, and the Batumi-based Adjara TV, and the State Budget funds all three; there are also a number of independent commercial television broadcasters, such as Imedi, Rustavi 2, Pirveli TV, Maestro, Kavkasia, Georgian Dream Studios (GDS), Obiektivi, Mtavari Arkhi, and a small Russian language operator TOK TV; Tabula and Post TV are web-based television outlets; all of these broadcasters and web-based television outlets, except GDS, carry the news; the Georgian Orthodox Church also operates a satellite-based television station called Unanimity; there are 26 regional television broadcasters across Georgia that are members of the Georgian Association of Regional Broadcasters and/or the Alliance of Georgian Broadcasters; the broadcaster organizations seek to strengthen the regional media's capacities and distribution of regional products: a nationwide digital switchover occurred in 2015; there are several dozen private radio stations; GPB operates 2 radio stations (2019) Internet country code: .ge Internet users: total: 2,717,583 (2020 est.) percent of population: 73% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 972,162 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 516,034 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 750,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 4L Airports: total: 22 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Pipelines: 1,596 km gas, 1,175 km oil (2013) Railways: total: 1,363 km (2014) narrow gauge: 37 km (2014) 0.912-m gauge (37 km electrified) broad gauge: 1,326 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge (1,251 km electrified) Roadways: total: 20,295 km (2018) Merchant marine: total: 25 by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 3, other 20 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Black Sea - Batumi, Poti Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Georgian Defense Forces: Land Forces (includes Aviation and Air Defense Forces), Special Operations Forces, National Guard; Ministry of Internal Affairs: Border Police, Coast Guard (includes Georgian naval forces, which were merged with the Coast Guard in 2009) (2022) Military expenditures: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2019) (approximately $780 million) 1.9% of GDP (2018) (approximately $760 million) 1.9% of GDP (2017) (approximately $750 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 30,000 troops, including active National Guard forces (2022) note: in December 2020, the Parliament of Georgia adopted a resolution determining that the Georgian Defense Forces would have maximum peacetime strength of 37,000 troops Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Georgian Defense Forces are equipped mostly with older Russian and Soviet-era weapons; since 2010, it has received limited quantities of equipment from European countries and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for voluntary active duty military service; conscription abolished in 2016, but reinstated in 2017 for men 18 to 27 years of age; conscript service obligation is 12 months (2022) note 1: approximately 6-7,000 individuals are called up annually for conscription for service; approximately 25% enter the Defense Forces, while the remainder serve in the Ministry of Internal Affairs or as prison guards in the Ministry of Corrections note 2: as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel Military - note: as of 2022, approximately 7-10,000 Russian troops continued to occupy the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Russia's military support and subsequent recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia independence in 2008 continue to sour relations with GeorgiaRussia's military support and subsequent recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia independence in 2008 continue to sour relations with Georgia Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 25,771 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) IDPs: 305,000 (displaced in the 1990s as a result of armed conflict in the breakaway republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia; displaced in 2008 by fighting between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia) (2021) stateless persons: 534 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: located on a major drug trafficking route where Southwest Asian opium, heroin and precursor chemicals are transported; marijuana trafficking increasedlocated on a major drug trafficking route where Southwest Asian opium, heroin and precursor chemicals are transported; marijuana trafficking increased

20220901

field-electricity

This field refers to a country's installed generating capacities, consumption, exports, imports, and transmission/distribution losses. installed generating capacity - the total capacity of a country's currently operational electric power generation, expressed in kilowatts (kW). A kilowatt produces one hour of continuously run electricity, referred to commonly in many appliances as a kilowatt hour (kWh). consumption - a country's total electricity generated annually plus any imports and minus exports, expressed in kWh. exports - a country's total amount of exported electricity in kWh. imports - a country's total amount of imported electricity in kWh. transmission/distribution losses - the combined difference between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported. Topic: Afghanistaninstalled generating capacity: 776,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 5,913,090,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 4.912 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 61.6 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Albaniainstalled generating capacity: 2.531 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6,527,980,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 963 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 3.239 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.054 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Algeriainstalled generating capacity: 21.694 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 66.646 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 673 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 531 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 9.897 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: American Samoainstalled generating capacity: 47,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 151 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 12 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Angolainstalled generating capacity: 7.344 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 11.815 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.741 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Antarcticainstalled generating capacity: 0 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 0 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 0 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudainstalled generating capacity: 117,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 278 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 65 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Argentinainstalled generating capacity: 44.731 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 121,563,940,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 261 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 7.802 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 20.74 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Armeniainstalled generating capacity: 3.633 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 5,758,470,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.251 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 320 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 548 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Arubainstalled generating capacity: 296,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 909.442 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10.27 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Australiainstalled generating capacity: 82.517 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 237,388,272,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 12,607,778,000 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Austriainstalled generating capacity: 28.376 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 69,905,200,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 22,918,265,000 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 24.522 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.192 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Azerbaijaninstalled generating capacity: 7.677 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 21,026,630,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.491 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 137 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.226 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Theinstalled generating capacity: 578,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,103,248,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 245,000 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Bahraininstalled generating capacity: 6.982 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 31,038,250,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 447 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 652 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 611 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Bangladeshinstalled generating capacity: 18.461 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 76,849,877,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 6.786 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 9.537 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Barbadosinstalled generating capacity: 311,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 20 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Belarusinstalled generating capacity: 11.36 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 32,665,500,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 4.777 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 4.277 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.711 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Belgiuminstalled generating capacity: 26.929 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 81,171,300,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 14.053 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 13.394 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.444 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Belizeinstalled generating capacity: 204,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 992.305 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 240 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 80.3 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Benininstalled generating capacity: 475,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 524.08 million kWh (2020 est.) exports: 2 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 646 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 346 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Bermudainstalled generating capacity: 172,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 533.434 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 41 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Bhutaninstalled generating capacity: 2.334 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,314,890,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 4.6 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 22.85 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 60 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Boliviainstalled generating capacity: 3.834 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 8,756,690,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.227 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinainstalled generating capacity: 4.775 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 11,657,450,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 7.316 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 3.266 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.257 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Botswanainstalled generating capacity: 766,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 3,515,900,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.101 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 631 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Brazilinstalled generating capacity: 195.037 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 540,997,340,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 395 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 25.113 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 105.727 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandsinstalled generating capacity: 33,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 116.298 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 22.5 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Bruneiinstalled generating capacity: 1.261 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,140,140,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 497 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Bulgariainstalled generating capacity: 11.097 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 30,905,170,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 7.115 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 3.707 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.767 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasoinstalled generating capacity: 392,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,033,520,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 600 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 248 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Burmainstalled generating capacity: 7.247 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 20,474,380,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.002 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.405 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Burundiinstalled generating capacity: 100,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 440.774 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 100 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 15.96 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Cabo Verdeinstalled generating capacity: 205,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 436.854 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 32.146 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Cambodiainstalled generating capacity: 2.954 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 10,288,340,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 3.063 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.187 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Camerooninstalled generating capacity: 1.754 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6,508,840,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 19 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.864 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Canadainstalled generating capacity: 153.251 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 539.695 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 67.2 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 9.8 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 32.937 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandsinstalled generating capacity: 174,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 655.165 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 40 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Central African Republicinstalled generating capacity: 38,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 140.44 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10.5 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Chadinstalled generating capacity: 87,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 188.46 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 111 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Chileinstalled generating capacity: 29.808 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 75.302 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.62 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Chinainstalled generating capacity: 2,217,925,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6,875,088,640,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 21.655 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 4.858 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 333.01 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Colombiainstalled generating capacity: 19.769 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 69,856,680,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 251 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.302 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5.724 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Comorosinstalled generating capacity: 35,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 96.248 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.048 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theinstalled generating capacity: 2.919 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 7,181,700,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 248 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 385 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.142 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theinstalled generating capacity: 629,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,065,580,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 44 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 23 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.623 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Cook Islandsinstalled generating capacity: 18,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 38.729 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Costa Ricainstalled generating capacity: 3.674 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 10,072,472,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 712 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 733 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1,321,498,000 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoireinstalled generating capacity: 2.197 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 5,924,320,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.178 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 172 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.957 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Croatiainstalled generating capacity: 4.94 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 16,790,680,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 5.852 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 10.491 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.659 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Cubainstalled generating capacity: 7.479 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 16,097,460,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.429 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Cyprusinstalled generating capacity: 1.881 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4.733 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 184 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Czechiainstalled generating capacity: 22.485 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 60.814 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 23.521 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 13.368 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.117 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Denmarkinstalled generating capacity: 17.655 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 33.081 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 12.694 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 18.891 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.573 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Djiboutiinstalled generating capacity: 130,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: -62.6 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 120 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Dominicainstalled generating capacity: 42,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 82.078 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 8.1 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Dominican Republicinstalled generating capacity: 5.674 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 16,330,980,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.576 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Ecuadorinstalled generating capacity: 9.354 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 26,353,430,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.826 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 6 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.303 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Egyptinstalled generating capacity: 59.826 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 149,079,120,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 360 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 74 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 33.623 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: El Salvadorinstalled generating capacity: 2.586 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6,443,200,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 158 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.45 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 795.8 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineainstalled generating capacity: 349,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,002,960,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 183 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Eritreainstalled generating capacity: 228,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 394.46 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 61 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Estoniainstalled generating capacity: 3.03 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 9.172 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 3.722 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 7.367 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 375 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Eswatiniinstalled generating capacity: 286,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,448,308,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 942 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 154.7 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Ethiopiainstalled generating capacity: 4.856 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 9,778,100,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.374 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)installed generating capacity: 11,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 19.133 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Faroe Islandsinstalled generating capacity: 128,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 358.64 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 23.16 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Fijiinstalled generating capacity: 393,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,022,955,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 90 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Finlandinstalled generating capacity: 20.418 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 79.356 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 6.666 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 21.615 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.574 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Franceinstalled generating capacity: 138.611 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 472.699 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 64.425 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 19.613 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 36.203 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: French Polynesiainstalled generating capacity: 272,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 639.7 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 41 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Gaboninstalled generating capacity: 784,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 3.134 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 511 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 389 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Gambia, Theinstalled generating capacity: 137,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 235.035 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 69.8 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Gaza Stripinstalled generating capacity: 215,000 kW (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank consumption: 5,702,816,000 kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank imports: 5.9 billion kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank transmission/distribution losses: 847 million kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: Georgiainstalled generating capacity: 4.579 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 12,062,080,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 256 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.712 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 918.2 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Germanyinstalled generating capacity: 248.265 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 500,350,034,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 66.931 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 48.047 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 25,970,966,000 kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Ghanainstalled generating capacity: 5.312 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 13,107,757,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.801 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 58 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.474 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Gibraltarinstalled generating capacity: 43,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 198.86 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 7 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Greeceinstalled generating capacity: 21.545 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 46.18 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 967 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 9.831 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.256 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Greenlandinstalled generating capacity: 187,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 481.7 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 17 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Grenadainstalled generating capacity: 55,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 194.495 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 19 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Guaminstalled generating capacity: 455,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1.683 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 85 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Guatemalainstalled generating capacity: 5.185 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 10,793,650,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2.19 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.141 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.587 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Guineainstalled generating capacity: 992,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1.781 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 280 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissauinstalled generating capacity: 28,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 76.458 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Guyanainstalled generating capacity: 380,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 905.4 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 247 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Haitiinstalled generating capacity: 3.453 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 339 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 643 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Hondurasinstalled generating capacity: 3.991 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 8,140,480,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 540 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 787 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.16 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Hong Konginstalled generating capacity: 14.168 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 44,183,900,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 12.7 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.622 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Hungaryinstalled generating capacity: 10.873 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 41.533 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 7.498 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 19.176 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.139 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Icelandinstalled generating capacity: 2.967 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 17,912,066,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 519 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Indiainstalled generating capacity: 432.768 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,229,387,712,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 9.491 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 5.794 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 270.701 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Indonesiainstalled generating capacity: 69.065 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 256,742,190,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.553 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 25.08 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Iraninstalled generating capacity: 80.553 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 279,826,390,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 6.365 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 2.738 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 34.303 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Iraqinstalled generating capacity: 28.369 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 46,492,540,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 14.18 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 58.502 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Irelandinstalled generating capacity: 11.43 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 30.627 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 1.913 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.761 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.309 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Israelinstalled generating capacity: 18.993 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 59,192,500,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 6.243 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.642 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Italyinstalled generating capacity: 121.442 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 286.375 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 7.587 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 39.787 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 17.702 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Jamaicainstalled generating capacity: 1.216 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 3,050,780,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.149 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Japaninstalled generating capacity: 348.666 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 903,698,740,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 44.094 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Jordaninstalled generating capacity: 5.644 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 17,366,400,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 98 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 239 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.249 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Kazakhstaninstalled generating capacity: 25.022 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 92,133,960,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2.419 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.935 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 9.689 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Kenyainstalled generating capacity: 3.304 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 8.243 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 16 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 277 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.724 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Kiribatiinstalled generating capacity: 11,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 25.137 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.7 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Korea, Northinstalled generating capacity: 8.413 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 13,930,320,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.146 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Korea, Southinstalled generating capacity: 135.789 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 531.258 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 18.61 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Kosovoinstalled generating capacity: 1.424 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,860,740,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2.715 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 2.572 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.145 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Kuwaitinstalled generating capacity: 19.371 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 63,802,360,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.701 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstaninstalled generating capacity: 4.626 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 12,324,140,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 271 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 269 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.514 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Laosinstalled generating capacity: 9.346 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 5,108,640,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 24.114 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.345 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.262 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Latviainstalled generating capacity: 3.089 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6.706 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 2.548 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 4.173 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 377 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Lebanoninstalled generating capacity: 3.768 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 18,715,620,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 900 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.219 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Lesothoinstalled generating capacity: 74,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 912.8 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 541.7 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 129.9 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Liberiainstalled generating capacity: 196,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 292 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 26 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Libyainstalled generating capacity: 10.516 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 25,360,340,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 465 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.801 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Lithuaniainstalled generating capacity: 3.512 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 11.063 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 4.105 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 12.013 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 951 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Luxembourginstalled generating capacity: 1.899 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6.188 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 1.079 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 6.543 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 156 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Macauinstalled generating capacity: 478,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 5,278,600,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 4,852,600,000 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 136 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Madagascarinstalled generating capacity: 587,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,720,140,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 131 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Malawiinstalled generating capacity: 618,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,117,378,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 460 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Malaysiainstalled generating capacity: 34.959 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 150.062 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 669 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 19 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 12.124 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Maldivesinstalled generating capacity: 545,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 586.5 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 21 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Maliinstalled generating capacity: 890,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,620,980,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 550 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 200 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 346 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Maltainstalled generating capacity: 784,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,497,143,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 4 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 420 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 158 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Mauritaniainstalled generating capacity: 656,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1.577 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 245 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Mauritiusinstalled generating capacity: 936,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,904,500,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 182.4 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Mexicoinstalled generating capacity: 93.43 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 267.34 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 5.954 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 9.965 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 42.121 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Moldovainstalled generating capacity: 594,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,591,230,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 629 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 571 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Mongoliainstalled generating capacity: 1.479 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 7,336,520,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 24 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.723 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 892 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Montenegroinstalled generating capacity: 1.007 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 3,246,760,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 943 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.196 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 493 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Montserratinstalled generating capacity: 5,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 21.56 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Moroccoinstalled generating capacity: 14.187 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 29,447,883,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 624 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 856 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.703 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Mozambiqueinstalled generating capacity: 2.765 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 12,724,100,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 10.771 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 8.276 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.768 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Namibiainstalled generating capacity: 640,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,065,360,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 119 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 3.417 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 270 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Nauruinstalled generating capacity: 15,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 34.216 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 0 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Nepalinstalled generating capacity: 1.392 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4.676 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 107 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.729 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.183 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Netherlandsinstalled generating capacity: 43.409 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 109.796 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 22.433 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 19.773 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5.059 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: New Caledoniainstalled generating capacity: 1.071 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,940,707,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 64.293 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: New Zealandinstalled generating capacity: 9.615 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 41,169,838,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2,256,332,000 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Nicaraguainstalled generating capacity: 1.837 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 3,182,620,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 434 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.89 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Nigerinstalled generating capacity: 324,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,325,420,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.057 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 313 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Nigeriainstalled generating capacity: 11.691 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 24,611,480,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.713 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Niueinstalled generating capacity: 3,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2.6 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 400,000 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: North Macedoniainstalled generating capacity: 1.928 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6,350,982,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 639 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 2.965 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 979 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Norwayinstalled generating capacity: 38.36 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 124.288 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 24.968 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 4.496 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 8.909 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Omaninstalled generating capacity: 8.601 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 32,320,020,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.717 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Pakistaninstalled generating capacity: 39.925 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 103,493,520,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 487 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 17.389 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Panamainstalled generating capacity: 4.106 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 10,808,780,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 427 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 77 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.309 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineainstalled generating capacity: 1.139 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 3,701,693,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 340 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Paraguayinstalled generating capacity: 8.831 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 12,718,590,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 31.748 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.47 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Peruinstalled generating capacity: 15.34 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 49,121,370,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 60 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.408 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Philippinesinstalled generating capacity: 27.885 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 90,926,990,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 9.994 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Polandinstalled generating capacity: 47.269 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 149.203 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 7.357 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 20.624 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 9.995 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Portugalinstalled generating capacity: 22.364 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 48.409 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 6.097 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 7.553 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5.269 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricoinstalled generating capacity: 6.18 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 15,203,140,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.5 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Qatarinstalled generating capacity: 10.633 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 44,116,984,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.772 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Romaniainstalled generating capacity: 20.528 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 50,039,421,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 5.459 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 8.252 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.501 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Russiainstalled generating capacity: 276.463 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 942,895,420,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 12.116 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.377 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 99.077 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Rwandainstalled generating capacity: 265,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,007,300,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 4.5 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 93.96 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 142 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhainstalled generating capacity: 8,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6.809 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.688 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisinstalled generating capacity: 71,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 175.34 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 40 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Luciainstalled generating capacity: 92,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 322.506 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 27.568 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miqueloninstalled generating capacity: 26,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 47.267 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.733 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesinstalled generating capacity: 49,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 133.917 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 11.083 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Samoainstalled generating capacity: 50,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 120.13 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 15 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principeinstalled generating capacity: 28,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 78 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 11.9 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiainstalled generating capacity: 76.785 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 331,381,500,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 31.055 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Senegalinstalled generating capacity: 1.312 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,735,980,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 324 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 764 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Serbiainstalled generating capacity: 8.986 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 29,933,262,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 5.943 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 5.002 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.332 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Seychellesinstalled generating capacity: 157,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 463.894 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 30 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Sierra Leoneinstalled generating capacity: 180,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 130.708 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 77 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Singaporeinstalled generating capacity: 12.24 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 50,742,380,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 571 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Slovakiainstalled generating capacity: 7.868 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 26.503 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 12.97 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 13.288 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.589 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Sloveniainstalled generating capacity: 4.062 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 13.447 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 9.123 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 7.12 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 848 million kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandsinstalled generating capacity: 40,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 93.527 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 14 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Somaliainstalled generating capacity: 91,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 311.2 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 35 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: South Africainstalled generating capacity: 62.728 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 202,285,870,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 14.482 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 7.823 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 22.904 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: South Sudaninstalled generating capacity: 121,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 531.66 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 26 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Spaininstalled generating capacity: 115.837 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 233.267 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 14.649 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 17.928 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 23.999 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Sri Lankainstalled generating capacity: 4.527 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 13,991,420,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.337 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Sudaninstalled generating capacity: 4.354 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 9,682,060,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.599 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Surinameinstalled generating capacity: 542,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,938,391,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 808 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 234 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Swedeninstalled generating capacity: 43.499 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 124.609 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 36.824 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 11.827 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10.434 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Switzerlandinstalled generating capacity: 22.921 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 56,406,647,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 32.549 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 26.988 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.19 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Syriainstalled generating capacity: 10.082 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 13,071,080,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 347 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.687 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Taiwaninstalled generating capacity: 57.738 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 269,570,325,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 9.484 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Tajikistaninstalled generating capacity: 7.114 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 15,070,890,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 3.175 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 281 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.429 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Tanzaniainstalled generating capacity: 1.623 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6,522,440,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 113 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 974 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Thailandinstalled generating capacity: 53.13 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 190,569,262,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2,617,583,000 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 29,550,571,000 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 13.286 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Timor-Lesteinstalled generating capacity: 284,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: -103 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 103 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Togoinstalled generating capacity: 210,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,180,140,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 118 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 963 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 210 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Tongainstalled generating capacity: 26,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 54.448 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5.9 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoinstalled generating capacity: 2.123 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 8,213,020,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 424 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Tunisiainstalled generating capacity: 5.777 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 16,737,180,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 631 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 472 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.641 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)installed generating capacity: 96.846 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 263.952 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 2.484 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.888 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 29.275 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Turkmenistaninstalled generating capacity: 5.205 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 15,090,300,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 3.2 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.892 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsinstalled generating capacity: 85,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 231.618 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 12.5 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Ugandainstalled generating capacity: 2.397 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,207,040,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 299.2 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 104.2 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.157 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Ukraineinstalled generating capacity: 56.816 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 124,533,790,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 5.139 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 2.72 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 16.434 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: United Arab Emiratesinstalled generating capacity: 35.173 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 122.386 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 257 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 245 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 7.011 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: United Kingdominstalled generating capacity: 113.153 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 289.688 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 4.481 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 22.391 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 27.746 billion kWh (2020 est.) Topic: United Statesinstalled generating capacity: 1,143,266,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 3,897,886,551,000 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 14,134,679,000 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 61,448,863,000 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 198,085,480,000 kWh (2020 est.) Topic: Uruguayinstalled generating capacity: 5.348 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 11,461,960,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.148 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 515 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1,329,700,000 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Uzbekistaninstalled generating capacity: 16.042 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 57,605,687,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2.067 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 3.379 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.858 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Vanuatuinstalled generating capacity: 35,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 62.926 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Venezuelainstalled generating capacity: 32.956 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 78,082,020,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 870 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 26.452 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Vietnaminstalled generating capacity: 65.283 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 199,846,440,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2.067 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 3.316 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 15.479 billion kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandsinstalled generating capacity: 321,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 561.24 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 51 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Wake Islandinstalled generating capacity: 0 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 0 kWh (2020 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 0 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: West Bankinstalled generating capacity: 215,000 kW (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank consumption: 5,702,816,000 kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank imports: 5.9 billion kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank transmission/distribution losses: 847 million kWh (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: Yemeninstalled generating capacity: 1.772 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,677,920,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 753 million kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Zambiainstalled generating capacity: 3.065 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 13,409,685,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 976 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 198 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1,811,480,000 kWh (2019 est.) Topic: Zimbabweinstalled generating capacity: 2.473 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 10,928,240,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 504 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 1.612 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.491 billion kWh (2019 est.)

20220901

oceans-pacific-ocean

Topic: Photos of Pacific Ocean Topic: Introduction Background: The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five oceans (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways include the La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and Torres Straits.The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Pacific Ocean south of 60 degrees south.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere Geographic coordinates: 0 00 N, 160 00 W Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 168.723 million sq km note: includes Arafura Sea, Bali Sea, Banda Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Flores Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, Java Sea, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, Solomon Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies Area - comparative: about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of the global surface; almost equal to the total land area of the world Coastline: 135,663 km Climate: planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and east Asia from May to December Terrain: surface dominated by two large gyres (broad, circular systems of currents), one in the northern Pacific and another in the southern Pacific; in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana Trench, which is the world's deepest at 10,924 m major surface currents: clockwise North Pacific Gyre formed by the warm northward flowing Kuroshio Current in the west, the eastward flowing North Pacific Current in the north, the southward flowing cold California Current in the east, and the westward flowing North Equatorial Current in the south; the counterclockwise South Pacific Gyre composed of the southward flowing warm East Australian Current in the west, the eastward flowing South Pacific Current in the south, the northward flowing cold Peru (Humbolt) Current in the east, and the westward flowing South Equatorial Current in the northsurface dominated by two large gyres (broad, circular systems of currents), one in the northern Pacific and another in the southern Pacific; in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana Trench, which is the world's deepest at 10,924 mmajor surface currents: clockwise North Pacific Gyre formed by the warm northward flowing Kuroshio Current in the west, the eastward flowing North Pacific Current in the north, the southward flowing cold California Current in the east, and the westward flowing North Equatorial Current in the south; the counterclockwise South Pacific Gyre composed of the southward flowing warm East Australian Current in the west, the eastward flowing South Pacific Current in the south, the northward flowing cold Peru (Humbolt) Current in the east, and the westward flowing South Equatorial Current in the north Volume: ocean volume: 669.88 million cu km percent of World Ocean total volume: 50.1% Elevation: highest point: sea level lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m note - the Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean basin mean depth: -4,080 m ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m. The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth. The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible. The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness. Natural resources: oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish Natural hazards: surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire; 80% of tsunamis, caused by volcanic or seismic events, occur within the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in the equatorial Pacific, influencing weather in the Western Hemisphere and the western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May; persistent fog in the northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December Geography - note: the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean; much of the Pacific Ocean's rim lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters that accounts for up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes; the Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean basin averaging 4,000 m in depth Map description: Pacific Ocean map highlights the Ocean in relation to surrounding continents and shows the major chokepoints.Pacific Ocean map highlights the Ocean in relation to surrounding continents and shows the major chokepoints. Topic: People and Society Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: pollution (such as sewage, runoff from land and toxic waste); habitat destruction; over-fishing; climate change leading to sea level rise, ocean acidification, and warming; endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea Marine fisheries: the Pacific Ocean fisheries are the most important in the world accounting for 57.8%, or 46,144,490 mt, of the global marine capture in 2019; of the six regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Pacific Ocean, the following are the most important: Northwest Pacific region (Region 61) is the world’s most important fishery producing 24% of the global catch or 19,151,516 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 20º north latitude and west of 175º west longitude with the major producers including China (29,080726 mt), Japan (3,417,871 mt), South Korea (1,403,892 mt), and Taiwan (487,739 mt); the principal catches include Alaska Pollock, Japanese anchovy, chub mackerel, and scads Western Central Pacific region (Region 71) is the world’s second most important fishing region producing 17.3%, or 13,798,443 mt, of the global catch in 2019; tuna is the most important species in this region; the region includes the waters between 20º North and 25º South latitude and west of 175º West longitude with the major producers including Indonesia (6,907,932 mt), Vietnam (4,571,497 mt), Philippines (2,416,879 mt), Thailand (1,509,574 mt), and Malaysia (692,553 mt); the principal catches include Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna, sardinellas, and cephalopods Southeast Pacific region (Region 87) is the third major Pacific fishery and third largest in the world producing 9.7%, or 7,755,134 mt, of the global catch in 2019; this region includes the nutrient rich upwelling waters off the west coast of South America between 5º North and 60º South latitude and east of 120º West longitude with the major producers including Peru (4,888,730 mt), Chile (3,298,795 mt), and Ecuador (1,186,249 mt); the principal catches include Peruvian anchovy (68.5% of the catch), Jumbo flying squid, and Chilean jack mackerel Pacific Northeast region (Region 67) is the fourth largest Pacific Ocean fishery and seventh largest in the world producing 4% of the global catch or 3,160,372 mt in 2019; this region encompasses the waters north of 40º North latitude and east of 175º West longitude including the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea with the major producers including the US (3,009,568 mt), Canada (276,677 mt), and Russia (6,908 mt); the principal catches include Alaska pollock, Pacific cod, and North Pacific hake Regional fisheries bodies: Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, International  Council for the Exploration of the Seas, North Pacific Fisheries Commission, South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commissionthe Pacific Ocean fisheries are the most important in the world accounting for 57.8%, or 46,144,490 mt, of the global marine capture in 2019; of the six regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Pacific Ocean, the following are the most important:Northwest Pacific region (Region 61) is the world’s most important fishery producing 24% of the global catch or 19,151,516 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 20º north latitude and west of 175º west longitude with the major producers including China (29,080726 mt), Japan (3,417,871 mt), South Korea (1,403,892 mt), and Taiwan (487,739 mt); the principal catches include Alaska Pollock, Japanese anchovy, chub mackerel, and scadsWestern Central Pacific region (Region 71) is the world’s second most important fishing region producing 17.3%, or 13,798,443 mt, of the global catch in 2019; tuna is the most important species in this region; the region includes the waters between 20º North and 25º South latitude and west of 175º West longitude with the major producers including Indonesia (6,907,932 mt), Vietnam (4,571,497 mt), Philippines (2,416,879 mt), Thailand (1,509,574 mt), and Malaysia (692,553 mt); the principal catches include Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna, sardinellas, and cephalopodsSoutheast Pacific region (Region 87) is the third major Pacific fishery and third largest in the world producing 9.7%, or 7,755,134 mt, of the global catch in 2019; this region includes the nutrient rich upwelling waters off the west coast of South America between 5º North and 60º South latitude and east of 120º West longitude with the major producers including Peru (4,888,730 mt), Chile (3,298,795 mt), and Ecuador (1,186,249 mt); the principal catches include Peruvian anchovy (68.5% of the catch), Jumbo flying squid, and Chilean jack mackerel Climate: planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and east Asia from May to December Topic: Government Country name: etymology: named by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN during the Spanish circumnavigation of the world in 1521; encountering favorable winds upon reaching the ocean, he called it "Mar Pacifico," which means "peaceful sea" in both Portuguese and Spanish Topic: Economy Economic overview: The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60% of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of the US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has led to fluctuations in new drillings. Topic: Transportation Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Kao-hsiung (Taiwan), Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan) Topic: Military and Security Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; an emerging threat area lies in the Celebes and Sulu Seas between the Philippines and Malaysia where 11 ships were attacked in 2021; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

20220901

countries-kenya

Topic: Photos of Kenya Topic: Introduction Background: Trade centers such as Mombasa have existed along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines, known as the Land of Zanj, since at least the 2nd century. These centers traded with the outside world, including China, India, Indonesia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Persia. By around the 9th century, the mix of Africans, Arabs, and Persians who lived and traded there became known as Swahili ("people of the coast") with a distinct language (KiSwahili) and culture. The Portuguese arrived in the 1490s and, using Mombasa as a base, sought to monopolize trade in the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese were pushed out in the late 1600s by the combined forces of Oman and Pate, an island off the coast. In 1890, Germany and the UK divided up the region, with the UK taking the north and the Germans the south, including present-day Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. The British established the East Africa Protectorate in 1895, which in 1920 was converted into a colony and named Kenya after its highest mountain. Numerous political disputes between the colony and the UK subsequently led to the violent Mau Mau Uprising, which began in 1952, and the eventual declaration of independence in 1963. Jomo KENYATTA, the founding president and an icon of the liberation struggle, led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when Vice President Daniel Arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982, after which time the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) changed the constitution to make itself the sole legal political party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud. President MOI stepped down in December 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA, the son of founding president Jomo KENYATTA, and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform.  KIBAKI's reelection in 2007 resulted in two months of post-election ethnic violence that caused the death of more than 1,100 people and the dislocation of hundreds of thousands. Opposition candidate, Raila ODINGA, accused the government of widespread vote rigging. African Union-sponsored mediation led by former UN Secretary General Kofi ANNAN resulted in a power-sharing accord that brought ODINGA into the government in the restored position of prime minister. The power sharing accord included a broad reform agenda, the centerpiece of which was constitutional reform. In 2010, Kenyans overwhelmingly adopted a new constitution in a national referendum. The new constitution introduced additional checks and balances to executive power and devolved power and resources to 47 newly created counties. It also eliminated the position of prime minister. Uhuru KENYATTA won the first presidential election under the new constitution in March 2013. KENYATTA won a second and final term in office in November 2017 following a contentious, repeat election.Trade centers such as Mombasa have existed along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastlines, known as the Land of Zanj, since at least the 2nd century. These centers traded with the outside world, including China, India, Indonesia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Persia. By around the 9th century, the mix of Africans, Arabs, and Persians who lived and traded there became known as Swahili ("people of the coast") with a distinct language (KiSwahili) and culture. The Portuguese arrived in the 1490s and, using Mombasa as a base, sought to monopolize trade in the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese were pushed out in the late 1600s by the combined forces of Oman and Pate, an island off the coast. In 1890, Germany and the UK divided up the region, with the UK taking the north and the Germans the south, including present-day Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. The British established the East Africa Protectorate in 1895, which in 1920 was converted into a colony and named Kenya after its highest mountain. Numerous political disputes between the colony and the UK subsequently led to the violent Mau Mau Uprising, which began in 1952, and the eventual declaration of independence in 1963.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania Geographic coordinates: 1 00 N, 38 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 580,367 sq km land: 569,140 sq km water: 11,227 sq km Area - comparative: five times the size of Ohio; slightly more than twice the size of Nevada Land boundaries: total: 3,457 km border countries (5): Ethiopia 867 km; Somalia 684 km; South Sudan 317 km; Tanzania 775 km; Uganda 814 km Coastline: 536 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior Terrain: low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in west Elevation: highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 762 m Natural resources: limestone, soda ash, salt, gemstones, fluorspar, zinc, diatomite, gypsum, wildlife, hydropower Land use: agricultural land: 48.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 37.4% (2018 est.) forest: 6.1% (2018 est.) other: 45.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1,030 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Victoria (shared with Tanzania and Uganda) - 62,940 sq km Salt water lake(s): Lake Turkana (shared with Ethiopia) - 6,400 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Major aquifers: Ogaden-Juba Basin Population distribution: population heavily concentrated in the west along the shore of Lake Victoria; other areas of high density include the capital of Nairobi, and in the southeast along the Indian Ocean coast as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasonsvolcanism: limited volcanic activity; the Barrier (1,032 m) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the only other historically active volcanorecurring drought; flooding during rainy seasonsvolcanism: limited volcanic activity; the Barrier (1,032 m) last erupted in 1921; South Island is the only other historically active volcano Geography - note: the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value; Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake and the second largest fresh water lake, is shared among three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda Map description: Kenya map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean.Kenya map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 55,864,655 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Kenyan(s) adjective: Kenyan Ethnic groups: Kikuyu 17.1%, Luhya 14.3%, Kalenjin 13.4%, Luo 10.7%, Kamba 9.8%, Somali 5.8%, Kisii 5.7%, Mijikenda 5.2%, Meru 4.2%, Maasai 2.5%, Turkana 2.1%, non-Kenyan 1%, other 8.2% (2019 est.) Languages: English (official), Kiswahili (official), numerous indigenous languages major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) The World Factbook, Chanzo cha Lazima Kuhusu Habari ya Msingi. (Kiswahili) Religions: Christian 85.5% (Protestant 33.4%, Catholic 20.6%, Evangelical 20.4%, African Instituted Churches 7%, other Christian 4.1%), Muslim 10.9%, other 1.8%, none 1.6%, don't know/no answer 0.2% (2019 est.) Demographic profile: Kenya has experienced dramatic population growth since the mid-20th century as a result of its high birth rate and its declining mortality rate. More than 40% of Kenyans are under the age of 15 because of sustained high fertility, early marriage and childbearing, and an unmet need for family planning. Kenya’s persistent rapid population growth strains the labor market, social services, arable land, and natural resources. Although Kenya in 1967 was the first Sub-Saharan country to launch a nationwide family planning program, progress in reducing the birth rate has largely stalled since the late 1990s, when the government decreased its support for family planning to focus on the HIV epidemic. Government commitment and international technical support spurred Kenyan contraceptive use, decreasing the fertility rate (children per woman) from about 8 in the late 1970s to less than 5 children twenty years later, but it has plateaued at just over 3 children today.Kenya is a source of emigrants and a host country for refugees. In the 1960s and 1970s, Kenyans pursued higher education in the UK because of colonial ties, but as British immigration rules tightened, the US, the then Soviet Union, and Canada became attractive study destinations. Kenya’s stagnant economy and political problems during the 1980s and 1990s led to an outpouring of Kenyan students and professionals seeking permanent opportunities in the West and southern Africa. Nevertheless, Kenya’s relative stability since its independence in 1963 has attracted hundreds of thousands of refugees escaping violent conflicts in neighboring countries; Kenya shelters more than 300,000 Somali refugees as of April 2017.Kenya has experienced dramatic population growth since the mid-20th century as a result of its high birth rate and its declining mortality rate. More than 40% of Kenyans are under the age of 15 because of sustained high fertility, early marriage and childbearing, and an unmet need for family planning. Kenya’s persistent rapid population growth strains the labor market, social services, arable land, and natural resources. Although Kenya in 1967 was the first Sub-Saharan country to launch a nationwide family planning program, progress in reducing the birth rate has largely stalled since the late 1990s, when the government decreased its support for family planning to focus on the HIV epidemic. Government commitment and international technical support spurred Kenyan contraceptive use, decreasing the fertility rate (children per woman) from about 8 in the late 1970s to less than 5 children twenty years later, but it has plateaued at just over 3 children today.Kenya is a source of emigrants and a host country for refugees. In the 1960s and 1970s, Kenyans pursued higher education in the UK because of colonial ties, but as British immigration rules tightened, the US, the then Soviet Union, and Canada became attractive study destinations. Kenya’s stagnant economy and political problems during the 1980s and 1990s led to an outpouring of Kenyan students and professionals seeking permanent opportunities in the West and southern Africa. Nevertheless, Kenya’s relative stability since its independence in 1963 has attracted hundreds of thousands of refugees escaping violent conflicts in neighboring countries; Kenya shelters more than 300,000 Somali refugees as of April 2017. Age structure: 0-14 years: 38.71% (male 10,412,321/female 10,310,908) 15-24 years: 20.45% (male 5,486,641/female 5,460,372) 25-54 years: 33.75% (male 9,046,946/female 9,021,207) 55-64 years: 4.01% (male 1,053,202/female 1,093,305) 65 years and over: 3.07% (2020 est.) (male 750,988/female 892,046) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 69.8 youth dependency ratio: 65.5 elderly dependency ratio: 4.3 potential support ratio: 23.5 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 20 years male: 19.9 years female: 20.1 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.12% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 26.39 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.01 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population heavily concentrated in the west along the shore of Lake Victoria; other areas of high density include the capital of Nairobi, and in the southeast along the Indian Ocean coast as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 29% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 5.119 million NAIROBI (capital), 1.389 million Mombassa (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 20.3 years (2014 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 342 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 27.86 deaths/1,000 live births male: 30.92 deaths/1,000 live births female: 24.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.69 years male: 67.98 years female: 71.43 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.29 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 59.7% (2019) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 91.3% of population rural: 63.3% of population total: 71.2% of population unimproved: urban: 8.7% of population rural: 36.7% of population total: 28.8% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4.6% (2019) Physicians density: 0.16 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 84% of population rural: 48.1% of population total: 58.2% of population unimproved: urban: 16% of population rural: 51.9% of population total: 41.8% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 4.2% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.4 million (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 29,000 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and Rift Valley fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 7.1% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 11.1% (2020 est.) male: 19.5% (2020 est.) female: 2.7% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.2% (2014) Education expenditures: 5.1% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 81.5% male: 85% female: 78.2% (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.9% male: 12% female: 13.8% (2019) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; water shortage and degraded water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; flooding; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 25.85 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 17.91 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 37.65 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior Land use: agricultural land: 48.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 37.4% (2018 est.) forest: 6.1% (2018 est.) other: 45.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 29% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.3% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and Rift Valley fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies Food insecurity: exceptional shortfall in aggregate food production/supplies: due to drought conditions - about 3.1 million people were estimated to be severely food insecure in February 2022 reflecting consecutive poor rainy seasons since late 2020 that affected crop and livestock production, mainly in northern and eastern pastoral, agro-pastoral and marginal agricultural areas; the deterioration of the food security situation is mainly due to the negative impact of two consecutive poor rainy seasons since October 2020 on crop and livestock production and on on‑farm income‑earning opportunities; the impact of the measures implemented to curb the spread of the COVID‑19 pandemic on economic activities exacerbated food insecurity (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 5,595,099 tons (2010 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 447,608 tons (2009 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 8% (2009 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Victoria (shared with Tanzania and Uganda) - 62,940 sq km Salt water lake(s): Lake Turkana (shared with Ethiopia) - 6,400 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Major aquifers: Ogaden-Juba Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 495 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 303 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 3.234 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 30.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Kenya conventional short form: Kenya local long form: Republic of Kenya (English)/ Jamhuri ya Kenya (Swahili) local short form: Kenya former: British East Africa etymology: named for Mount Kenya; the meaning of the name is unclear but may derive from the Kikuyu, Embu, and Kamba words "kirinyaga," "kirenyaa," and "kiinyaa" - all of which mean "God's resting place" Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Nairobi geographic coordinates: 1 17 S, 36 49 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name derives from the Maasai expression meaning "cool waters" and refers to a cold water stream that flowed through the area in the late 19th century Administrative divisions: 47 counties; Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo/Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang'a, Nairobi City, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Siaya, Taita/Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir, West Pokot Independence: 12 December 1963 (from the UK) National holiday: Jamhuri Day (Independence Day), 12 December (1963); note - Madaraka Day, 1 June (1963) marks the day Kenya attained internal self-rule Constitution: history: current constitution passed by referendum on 4 August 2010 amendments: amendments can be proposed by either house of Parliament or by petition of at least one million eligible voters; passage of amendments by Parliament requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses in each of two readings, approval in a referendum by majority of votes cast by at least 20% of eligible voters in at least one half of Kenya’s counties, and approval by the president; passage of amendments introduced by petition requires approval by a majority of county assemblies, approval by majority vote of both houses, and approval by the president Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; judicial review in the new Supreme Court established by the new constitution International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Kenya dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 4 out of the previous 7 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - position of the prime minister was abolished after the March 2013 elections cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president and deputy president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving an absolute majority popular vote, the presidential candidate must also win at least 25% of the votes cast in at least 24 of the 47 counties to avoid a runoff; election last held on 26 October 2017 (next to be held on 9 August 2022) election results: 2017: Uhuru KENYATTA reelected president; percent of vote - Uhuru KENYATTA (Jubilee Party) 98.3%, Raila ODINGA (ODM) 1%, other 0.7%; note - Kenya held a previous presidential election on 8 August 2017, but Kenya's Supreme Court on 1 September 2017 nullified the results, citing irregularities; the political opposition boycotted the October vote 2013:  Uhuru KENYATTA elected president in first round; percent of vote - Uhuru KENYATTA (TNA) 50.1%, Raila ODINGA (ODM) 43.7%, Musalia MUDAVADI (UDF) 4.0%, other 2.2%  Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (68 seats; 47 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 20 directly elected by proportional representation vote - 16 women, 2 representing youth, 2 representing the disabled, and the Senate speaker; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly (350 seats; 290 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 47 women in single-seat constituencies elected by simple majority vote, and 12 members nominated by the National Assembly - 6 representing youth and 6 representing the disabled, and the Assembly speaker; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 8 August 2017 (next to be held in August 2022) National Assembly - last held on 8 August 2017 (next to be held on 9 August 2022) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - Jubilee Party 24; National Super Alliance 28, other 14, independent 1; composition - men 46, women 22, percent of women is 32.4% National Assembly - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - Jubilee Party 165, National Super Alliance 119, other 51, independent 13; composition - men 275, women 75, percent of women 21.4%; note - total Parliament percent of women 23% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of chief and deputy chief justices and 5 judges) judge selection and term of office: chief and deputy chief justices nominated by Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and appointed by the president with approval of the National Assembly; other judges nominated by the JSC and appointed by president; chief justice serves a nonrenewable 10-year term or until age 70, whichever comes first; other judges serve until age 70 subordinate courts: High Court; Court of Appeal; military courts; magistrates' courts; religious courts Political parties and leaders: Alliance Party of Kenya or APK [Kiraitu MURUNGI] Amani National Congress or ANC [Musalia MUDAVADI] Federal Party of Kenya or FPK [Cyrus JIRONGA] Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-Kenya or FORD-K [Moses WETANGULA] Forum for the Restoration of Democracy-People or FORD-P [Henry OBWOCHA] Jubilee Party [Uhuru KENYATTA] Kenya African National Union or KANU [Gideon MOI] National Rainbow Coalition or NARC [Charity NGILU] Orange Democratic Movement Party of Kenya or ODM [Raila ODINGA] Wiper Democratic Movement-K or WDM-K (formerly Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya or ODM-K) [Kalonzo MUSYOKA] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCT, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lazarus Ombai AMAYO (since 17 July 2020) chancery: 1616 P Street NW, Suite 340, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101 FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829 email address and website: information@kenyaembassydc.org https://kenyaembassydc.org/# consulate(s) general: Los Angeles consulate(s): New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Eric W. KNEEDLER (since 20 January 2021) embassy: P.O. Box 606 Village Market, 00621 Nairobi mailing address: 8900 Nairobi Place, Washington, DC  20521-8900 telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000 FAX: [254] (20) 363-6157 email address and website: kenya_acs@state.gov https://ke.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large Maasai warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center; black symbolizes the majority population, red the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green stands for natural wealth, and white for peace; the shield and crossed spears symbolize the defense of freedom National symbol(s): lion; national colors: black, red, green, white National anthem: name: "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (Oh God of All Creation) lyrics/music: Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE/traditional, adapted by Graham HYSLOP, Thomas KALUME, Peter KIBUKOSYA, Washington OMONDI, and George W. SENOGA-ZAKE note: adopted 1963; based on a traditional Kenyan folk song National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 7 (4 cultural, 3 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Lake Turkana National Parks (n); Mount Kenya National Park (n); Lamu Old Town (c); Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests (c); Fort Jesus, Mombasa (c); Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley (n); Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Kenya is the economic, financial, and transport hub of East Africa. Kenya’s real GDP growth has averaged over 5% for the last decade. Since 2014, Kenya has been ranked as a lower middle income country because its per capita GDP crossed a World Bank threshold. While Kenya has a growing entrepreneurial middle class and steady growth, its economic development has been impaired by weak governance and corruption. Although reliable numbers are hard to find, unemployment and under-employment are extremely high, and could be near 40% of the population. In 2013, the country adopted a devolved system of government with the creation of 47 counties, and is in the process of devolving state revenues and responsibilities to the counties.   Agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy, contributing one-third of GDP. About 75% of Kenya’s population of roughly 48.5 million work at least part-time in the agricultural sector, including livestock and pastoral activities. Over 75% of agricultural output is from small-scale, rain-fed farming or livestock production. Tourism also holds a significant place in Kenya’s economy. In spite of political turmoil throughout the second half of 2017, tourism was up 20%, showcasing the strength of this sector. Kenya has long been a target of terrorist activity and has struggled with instability along its northeastern borders. Some high visibility terrorist attacks during 2013-2015 (e.g., at Nairobi’s Westgate Mall and Garissa University) affected the tourism industry severely, but the sector rebounded strongly in 2016-2017 and appears poised to continue growing.   Inadequate infrastructure continues to hamper Kenya’s efforts to improve its annual growth so that it can meaningfully address poverty and unemployment. The KENYATTA administration has been successful in courting external investment for infrastructure development. International financial institutions and donors remain important to Kenya's growth and development, but Kenya has also successfully raised capital in the global bond market issuing its first sovereign bond offering in mid-2014, with a second occurring in February 2018. The first phase of a Chinese-financed and constructed standard gauge railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi opened in May 2017.   In 2016 the government was forced to take over three small and undercapitalized banks when underlying weaknesses were exposed. The government also enacted legislation that limits interest rates banks can charge on loans and set a rate that banks must pay their depositors. This measure led to a sharp shrinkage of credit in the economy. A prolonged election cycle in 2017 hurt the economy, drained government resources, and slowed GDP growth. Drought-like conditions in parts of the country pushed 2017 inflation above 8%, but the rate had fallen to 4.5% in February 2018.   The economy, however, is well placed to resume its decade-long 5%-6% growth rate. While fiscal deficits continue to pose risks in the medium term, other economic indicators, including foreign exchange reserves, interest rates, current account deficits, remittances and FDI are positive. The credit and drought-related impediments were temporary. Now In his second term, President KENYATTA has pledged to make economic growth and development a centerpiece of his second administration, focusing on his "Big Four" initiatives of universal healthcare, food security, affordable housing, and expansion of manufacturing.Kenya is the economic, financial, and transport hub of East Africa. Kenya’s real GDP growth has averaged over 5% for the last decade. Since 2014, Kenya has been ranked as a lower middle income country because its per capita GDP crossed a World Bank threshold. While Kenya has a growing entrepreneurial middle class and steady growth, its economic development has been impaired by weak governance and corruption. Although reliable numbers are hard to find, unemployment and under-employment are extremely high, and could be near 40% of the population. In 2013, the country adopted a devolved system of government with the creation of 47 counties, and is in the process of devolving state revenues and responsibilities to the counties. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy, contributing one-third of GDP. About 75% of Kenya’s population of roughly 48.5 million work at least part-time in the agricultural sector, including livestock and pastoral activities. Over 75% of agricultural output is from small-scale, rain-fed farming or livestock production. Tourism also holds a significant place in Kenya’s economy. In spite of political turmoil throughout the second half of 2017, tourism was up 20%, showcasing the strength of this sector. Kenya has long been a target of terrorist activity and has struggled with instability along its northeastern borders. Some high visibility terrorist attacks during 2013-2015 (e.g., at Nairobi’s Westgate Mall and Garissa University) affected the tourism industry severely, but the sector rebounded strongly in 2016-2017 and appears poised to continue growing. Inadequate infrastructure continues to hamper Kenya’s efforts to improve its annual growth so that it can meaningfully address poverty and unemployment. The KENYATTA administration has been successful in courting external investment for infrastructure development. International financial institutions and donors remain important to Kenya's growth and development, but Kenya has also successfully raised capital in the global bond market issuing its first sovereign bond offering in mid-2014, with a second occurring in February 2018. The first phase of a Chinese-financed and constructed standard gauge railway connecting Mombasa and Nairobi opened in May 2017. In 2016 the government was forced to take over three small and undercapitalized banks when underlying weaknesses were exposed. The government also enacted legislation that limits interest rates banks can charge on loans and set a rate that banks must pay their depositors. This measure led to a sharp shrinkage of credit in the economy. A prolonged election cycle in 2017 hurt the economy, drained government resources, and slowed GDP growth. Drought-like conditions in parts of the country pushed 2017 inflation above 8%, but the rate had fallen to 4.5% in February 2018. The economy, however, is well placed to resume its decade-long 5%-6% growth rate. While fiscal deficits continue to pose risks in the medium term, other economic indicators, including foreign exchange reserves, interest rates, current account deficits, remittances and FDI are positive. The credit and drought-related impediments were temporary. Now In his second term, President KENYATTA has pledged to make economic growth and development a centerpiece of his second administration, focusing on his "Big Four" initiatives of universal healthcare, food security, affordable housing, and expansion of manufacturing. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $226.94 billion (2020 est.) $227.64 billion (2019 est.) $216.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5.39% (2019 est.) 6.32% (2018 est.) 4.79% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $4,200 (2020 est.) $4,300 (2019 est.) $4,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $95.52 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.1% (2019 est.) 4.6% (2018 est.) 8% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B+ (2007) Moody's rating: B2 (2018) Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2010) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 34.5% (2017 est.) industry: 17.8% (2017 est.) services: 47.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 79.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 13.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -25.5% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, milk, maize, potatoes, bananas, camel milk, cassava, sweet potatoes, mangoes/guavas, cabbages Industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, clothing, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products, horticulture, oil refining; aluminum, steel, lead; cement, commercial ship repair, tourism, information technology Industrial production growth rate: 3.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 19.6 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 61.1% industry: 6.7% services: 32.2% (2005 est.) Unemployment rate: 40% (2013 est.) 40% (2001 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.9% male: 12% female: 13.8% (2019) Population below poverty line: 36.1% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 40.8 (2015 est.) 42.5 (2008 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.8% highest 10%: 37.8% (2005) Budget: revenues: 13.95 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.24 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 54.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 53.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Current account balance: -$57.594 billion (2019 est.) -$56.194 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $11.49 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.723 billion (2017 est.) Exports - partners: Uganda 10%, United States 9%, Netherlands 8%, Pakistan 7%, United Kingdom 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Tanzania 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: tea, cut flowers, refined petroleum, coffee, titanium (2019) Imports: $20.41 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.17 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $18.653 billion (2017 est.) Imports - partners: China 24%, United Arab Emirates 10%, India 10%, Saudi Arabia 7%, Japan 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, wheat, iron products (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $7.354 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $7.256 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $29.289 billion (2019 est.) $25.706 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Kenyan shillings (KES) per US dollar - 111.45 (2020 est.) 101.4 (2019 est.) 102.4 (2018 est.) 98.179 (2014 est.) 87.921 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 85% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 99% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 79% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 3.304 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 8.243 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 16 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 277 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.724 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 8.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 32.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 46.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 821,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 822,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 116,400 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 13,960 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 173 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 90,620 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 17.709 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.25 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 16.459 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 6.31 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 66,646 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 61,408,904 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Kenya’s telecom market continues to undergo considerable changes in the wake of increased competition, improved international connectivity, and rapid developments in the mobile market; the country is directly connected to a number of submarine cables, and with Mombasa as a landing point for LIT’s newly completed East and West Africa terrestrial network, the country serves as a key junction for onward connectivity to the Arabian states and the Far East; the additional internet capacity has meant that the cost of internet access has fallen dramatically in recent years, allowing services to be affordable to a far greater proportion of the population; the incumbent fixed-line telco Telkom Kenya has struggled to make headway in this market, prompting reorganization in 2018 which included a sale and leaseback arrangement with its mobile tower portfolio; a further restructuring exercise in late 2020 was aimed at repositioning the company for the digital age, and to improve its ability to compete in the market; numerous competitors are rolling out national and metropolitan backbone networks and wireless access networks to deliver services to population centers across the country; several fiber infrastructure sharing agreements have been forged, and as a result the number of fiber broadband connections has increased sharply in recent years; much of the progress in the broadband segment is due to the government’s revised national broadband strategy, which has been updated with goals through to 2030, and which are largely dependent on mobile broadband platforms based on LTE and 5G. (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with teledensity reaching 114 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 254; landing point for the EASSy, TEAMS, LION2, DARE1, PEACE Cable, and SEACOM fiber-optic submarine cable systems covering East, North and South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat; launched first micro satellites in 2018 (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: about a half-dozen large-scale privately owned media companies with TV and radio stations, as well as a state-owned TV broadcaster, provide service nationwide; satellite and cable TV subscription services available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates 2 national radio channels and provides regional and local radio services in multiple languages; many private radio stations broadcast on a national level along with over 100 private and non-profit regional stations broadcasting in local languages; TV transmissions of all major international broadcasters available, mostly via paid subscriptions; direct radio frequency modulation transmissions available for several foreign government-owned broadcasters (2019) Internet country code: .ke Internet users: total: 16,131,390 (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 674,191 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 25 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 188 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,935,831 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 294.97 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 5Y Airports: total: 197 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 16 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 181 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 107 under 914 m: 60 (2021) Pipelines: 4 km oil, 1,432 km refined products (2018) Railways: total: 3,819 km (2018) standard gauge: 485 km (2018) 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 3,334 km (2018) 1.000-m gauge Roadways: total: 161,452 km (2018) paved: 14,420 km (2017) (8,500 km highways, 1,872 urban roads, and 4,048 rural roads) unpaved: 147,032 km (2017) Waterways: (2011) none specifically; the only significant inland waterway is the part of Lake Victoria within the boundaries of Kenya; Kisumu is the main port and has ferry connections to Uganda and Tanzania Merchant marine: total: 26 by type: oil tanker 3, other 23 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Kisumu, Mombasa LNG terminal(s) (import): Mombasa Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Kenya Defense Forces: Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Kenya Air Force (2022) note 1: the National Police Service maintains internal security and reports to the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government; it includes a paramilitary General Service Unit note 2: the Kenya Coast Guard Service (established 2018) is under the Ministry of Interior, but led by a military officer and comprised of personnel from the military, as well as the National Police Service, intelligence services, and other government agencies Military expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $1.21 billion) 1.3% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.24 billion) 1.4% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.19 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 24,000 personnel (20,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 2,500 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the KDF's inventory traditionally carried mostly older or second-hand Western weapons systems, particularly from France, the UK, and the US; however, since the 2000s it has sought to modernize and diversify its imports, and suppliers have included more than a dozen countries ranging from China to Italy, Jordan, and the US (2022) Military service age and obligation: no conscription; 18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary service (under 18 with parental consent; upper limit 30 years of age for specialists, tradesmen, or women with a diploma; 39 years of age for chaplains/imams), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy) and subsequent 3-year re-enlistments; applicants must be Kenyan citizens (2022) Military deployments: 260 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); 3,650 Somalia (ATMIS) (2022) Military - note: Kenyan military forces intervened in Somalia in October 2011 to combat the al Qaida-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group, which had conducted numerous cross-border attacks into Kenya; in November 2011, the UN and the African Union invited Kenya to incorporate the force into the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); Kenyan forces were formally integrated into AMISOM in February 2012; as of 2022, they consisted of approximately 3,600 troops and were responsible for AMISOM’s Sector 2 comprising Lower and Middle Jubba (see Appendix-T for additional details on al-Shabaab) (2022) Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau reports that shipping in territorial and offshore waters in the Indian Ocean remain at risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): al-Shabaab; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: as of March 2022, Kenya provides shelter to nearly 548,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including Ugandans who flee across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's Resistance Army rebels Kenya-Ethiopia: their border was demarcated in the 1950s and approved in 1970; in 2012, Kenya and Ethiopia agreed to redemarcate their boundary following disputes over beacons and crossborder crime Kenya-Somalia: Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; in 2021, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave Somalia control over a disputed ocean area where the seabeds are believed to hold vasts oil and gas deposits; the ICJ ruling gives Somalia the rights to several offshore oil exploration blocks previously claimed by Kenya; Kenya did not recognize the court’s decision Kenya-South Sudan: two thirds of the boundary that separates Kenya and South Sudan's sovereignty known as the Ilemi Triangle has been unclear since British colonial times; Kenya has administered the area since colonial times; officials from Kenya and South Sudan signed a M.o.U. on boundary delimitation and demarcation and agreed to set up a joint committee; as of July 2019, the demarcation process was to begin in 90 days, but was delayed due to a lack of funding Kenya-Sudan: Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's north-south separation in February 2005 Kenya-Tanzania: Kenya and Tanzania were conducting a joint reaffirmation process in November 2021 to ensure the border was visibly marked with pillars Kenya-Uganda: Kenya and Uganda began a joint demarcation of the boundary in 2021   as of March 2022, Kenya provides shelter to nearly 548,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including Ugandans who flee across the border periodically to seek protection from Lord's Resistance Army rebelsKenya-Ethiopia: their border was demarcated in the 1950s and approved in 1970; in 2012, Kenya and Ethiopia agreed to redemarcate their boundary following disputes over beacons and crossborder crimeKenya-Somalia: Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists; in 2021, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave Somalia control over a disputed ocean area where the seabeds are believed to hold vasts oil and gas deposits; the ICJ ruling gives Somalia the rights to several offshore oil exploration blocks previously claimed by Kenya; Kenya did not recognize the court’s decisionKenya-South Sudan: two thirds of the boundary that separates Kenya and South Sudan's sovereignty known as the Ilemi Triangle has been unclear since British colonial times; Kenya has administered the area since colonial times; officials from Kenya and South Sudan signed a M.o.U. on boundary delimitation and demarcation and agreed to set up a joint committee; as of July 2019, the demarcation process was to begin in 90 days, but was delayed due to a lack of fundingKenya-Sudan: Kenya served as an important mediator in brokering Sudan's north-south separation in February 2005Kenya-Tanzania: Kenya and Tanzania were conducting a joint reaffirmation process in November 2021 to ensure the border was visibly marked with pillarsKenya-Uganda: Kenya and Uganda began a joint demarcation of the boundary in 2021   Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 279,200 (Somalia), 144,441 (South Sudan), 31,342 (Democratic Republic of the Congo), 21,066 (Ethiopia), 7,697 (Burundi), 5,022 (Sudan) (2022) IDPs: 190,000 (election-related violence, intercommunal violence, resource conflicts, al-Shabaab attacks in 2017 and 2018) (2021) stateless persons: 16,820 (mid-year 2021); note - the stateless population consists of Nubians, Kenyan Somalis, and coastal Arabs; the Nubians are descendants of Sudanese soldiers recruited by the British to fight for them in East Africa more than a century ago; Nubians did not receive Kenyan citizenship when the country became independent in 1963; only recently have Nubians become a formally recognized tribe and had less trouble obtaining national IDs; Galjeel and other Somalis who have lived in Kenya for decades are included with more recent Somali refugees and denied ID cards Illicit drugs: a transit country for a variety of illicit drugs, including heroin and cocaine; transit location for precursor chemicals used to produce methamphetamine and other drugs; heroin from Southwest Asia enters Kenya destined for international markets, mainly Europe; cocaine transits through Kenya shipped through Ethiopia from South America;  cultivates cannabis and miraa (khat) for both local use and exporta transit country for a variety of illicit drugs, including heroin and cocaine; transit location for precursor chemicals used to produce methamphetamine and other drugs; heroin from Southwest Asia enters Kenya destined for international markets, mainly Europe; cocaine transits through Kenya shipped through Ethiopia from South America;  cultivates cannabis and miraa (khat) for both local use and export

20220901

field-dependent-areas

This entry contains an alphabetical listing of all nonindependent entities associated in some way with a particular independent state. Topic: AustraliaAshmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island Topic: FranceClipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna note: the US Government does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since 1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country and a French overseas department Topic: NetherlandsAruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten Topic: New ZealandCook Islands, Niue, Tokelau Topic: NorwayBouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard Topic: United KingdomAnguilla; Bermuda; British Indian Ocean Territory; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Falkland Islands; Gibraltar; Montserrat; Pitcairn Islands; Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha; South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; Turks and Caicos Islands Topic: United StatesAmerican Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; it entered into a political relationship with all four political entities: the Northern Mariana Islands is a commonwealth in political union with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994)

20220901

field-international-law-organization-participation

This entry includes information on a country's acceptance of jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and of the International Criminal Court (ICCt); 61 countries have accepted ICJ jurisdiction with reservations and 12 have accepted ICJ jurisdiction without reservations; 123 countries and the Palestine Liberation Organization have accepted ICCt jurisdiction. Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups explains the differing mandates of the ICJ and ICCt. Topic: Afghanistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; formerly accepted ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Albaniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Algeriahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Andorrahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Angolahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Antigua and Barbudahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Argentinahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Armeniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Australiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Austriaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Azerbaijanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Bahamas, Thehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Bahrainhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Bangladeshhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Barbadosaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Belarushas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Belgiumaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Belizehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Beninhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Bermudahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Bhutanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Boliviahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Botswanaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Brazilhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Bruneihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC Topic: Bulgariaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Burkina Fasohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Burmahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Burundihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew from ICCt in October 2017 Topic: Cabo Verdehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Cambodiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Cameroonaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Canadaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Central African Republichas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Chadhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Chilehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Chinahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Colombiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Comoroshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Congo, Republic of thehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Cook Islandshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration (New Zealand normally retains responsibility for external affairs); accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Costa Ricaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Cote d'Ivoireaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Croatiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Cubahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Cyprusaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICC jurisdiction Topic: Czechiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Denmarkaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Djiboutiaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Dominicaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Dominican Republicaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Ecuadorhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Egyptaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: El Salvadorhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Equatorial Guineaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Eritreahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Estoniaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Eswatiniaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Ethiopiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Fijihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Finlandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Francehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Gabonhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Gambia, Theaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Georgiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Germanyaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Ghanahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Greeceaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Grenadahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Guatemalahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Guineaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Guinea-Bissauaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Guyanahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Haitiaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Hondurasaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Hungaryaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICC jurisdiction Topic: Icelandhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Indiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Indonesiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Iranhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Iraqhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Irelandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Israelhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2002 Topic: Italyaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Jamaicahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Japanaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Jordanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICC jurisdiction Topic: Kazakhstanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Kenyaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Kiribatihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Korea, Northhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC Topic: Korea, Southhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Kosovohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Kuwaithas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Kyrgyzstanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Laoshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Latviahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Lebanonhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Lesothoaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Liberiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Libyahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC Topic: Liechtensteinaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Lithuaniaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Luxembourgaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Madagascaraccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Malawiaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Malaysiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Maldiveshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Malihas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICC jurisdiction Topic: Maltaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Marshall Islandsaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Mauritaniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Mauritiusaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Mexicoaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Moldovahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Monacohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Mongoliahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Montenegrohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Moroccohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Mozambiquehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Namibiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Nauruhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Nepalhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Netherlandsaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: New Zealandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Nicaraguaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Nigerhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Nigeriaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: North Macedoniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Norwayaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Omanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Pakistanaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Palauhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Panamaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Papua New Guineahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Paraguayaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Peruaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Philippinesaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; withdrew from the ICCt in March 2019 Topic: Polandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Portugalaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Qatarhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Romaniaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Russiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Rwandahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevishas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Saint Luciahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Samoahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: San Marinohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Sao Tome and Principehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Saudi Arabiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Senegalaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Serbiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Seychelleshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Sierra Leonehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Singaporehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC (2019) Topic: Slovakiaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Sloveniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Solomon Islandshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Somaliaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: South Africahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Spainaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Sri Lankahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Sudanaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2008 Topic: Surinameaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Swedenaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Switzerlandaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Syriahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC Topic: Taiwanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Tajikistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Tanzaniahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Thailandhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Timor-Lesteaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Togoaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Tongahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Trinidad and Tobagohas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Tunisiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Turkmenistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Tuvaluhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Ugandaaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Ukrainehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: United Arab Emirateshas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: United Kingdomaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: United Stateswithdrew acceptance of compulsory ICJ jurisdiction in 2005; withdrew acceptance of ICCt jurisdiction in 2002 Topic: Uruguayaccepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Uzbekistanhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Vanuatuhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Venezuelahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Vietnamhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Worldall members of the UN are parties to the statute that established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or World Court; states parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICCt) are those countries that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the Court; as of May 2019, a total of 122 countries have accepted jurisdiction of the ICCt (see Appendix B for a clarification on the differing mandates of the ICJ and ICCt) Topic: Yemenhas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Topic: Zambiahas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Topic: Zimbabwehas not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

20220901

countries-india-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent and India was seen as the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire. Years of nonviolent resistance to British rule eventually resulted in Indian independence in 1947.The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. By the 19th century, Great Britain had become the dominant political power on the subcontinent and India was seen as the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire. Years of nonviolent resistance to British rule eventually resulted in Indian independence in 1947. Topic: Geography Area: total: 3,287,263 sq km land: 2,973,193 sq km water: 314,070 sq km Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north Natural resources: coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), antimony, iron ore, lead, manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land Topic: People and Society Population: 1,389,637,446 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, and other 3% (2000) Languages: Hindi 43.6%, Bengali 8%, Marathi 6.9%, Telugu 6.7%, Tamil 5.7%, Gujarati 4.6%, Urdu 4.2%, Kannada 3.6%, Odia 3.1%, Malayalam 2.9%, Punjabi 2.7%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.1%, other 5.6%; note - English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication; there are 22 other officially recognized languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2011 est.) Religions: Hindu 79.8%, Muslim 14.2%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.7%, other and unspecified 2% (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 0.67% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: federal parliamentary republic Capital: name: New Delhi Executive branch: chief of state: President Ram Nath KOVIND (since 25 July 2017); Vice President M. Venkaiah NAIDU (since 11 August 2017)  head of government: Prime Minister Narendra MODI (since 26 May 2014)  Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of: Council of States or Rajya Sabha (245 seats; 233 members indirectly elected by state and territorial assemblies by proportional representation vote and 12 members appointed by the president; members serve 6-year terms with one-third of the membership renewed every 2 years at various dates) House of the People or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 2 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: largest South Asian economy; still informal domestic economies; COVID-19 reversed both economic growth and poverty reduction; credit access weaknesses contributing to lower private consumption and inflation; new social and infrastructure equity effortslargest South Asian economy; still informal domestic economies; COVID-19 reversed both economic growth and poverty reduction; credit access weaknesses contributing to lower private consumption and inflation; new social and infrastructure equity efforts Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $8,443,360,000,000 (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $6,100 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, rice, wheat, buffalo milk, milk, potatoes, vegetables, bananas, maize, mangoes/guavas Industries: textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software, pharmaceuticals Exports: $484.95 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: United States 17%, United Arab Emirates 9%, China 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, diamonds, packaged medicines, jewelry, cars (2019) Imports: $493.18 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: China 15%, United States 7%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, gold, coal, diamonds, natural gas (2019) Exchange rates: Indian rupees (INR) per US dollar -Page last updated: Thursday, May 12, 2022

20220901

field-area

This entry includes three subfields. Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Water area is the sum of the surfaces of all inland water bodies, such as lakes, reservoirs, or rivers, as delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Topic: Afghanistantotal: 652,230 sq km land: 652,230 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Akrotiritotal: 123 sq km note: includes a salt lake and wetlands Topic: Albaniatotal: 28,748 sq km land: 27,398 sq km water: 1,350 sq km Topic: Algeriatotal: 2,381,740 sq km land: 2,381,740 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: American Samoatotal: 224 sq km land: 224 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Rose Atoll and Swains Island Topic: Andorratotal: 468 sq km land: 468 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Angolatotal: 1,246,700 sq km land: 1,246,700 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Anguillatotal: 91 sq km land: 91 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Antarcticatotal: 14.2 million sq km land: 14.2 million sq km (285,000 sq km ice-free, 13.915 million sq km ice-covered) (est.) note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the subcontinent of Europe Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal: 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) land: 443 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km Topic: Arctic Oceantotal: 15.558 million sq km note: includes Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, Norwegian Sea, and other tributary water bodies Topic: Argentinatotal: 2,780,400 sq km land: 2,736,690 sq km water: 43,710 sq km Topic: Armeniatotal: 29,743 sq km land: 28,203 sq km water: 1,540 sq km Topic: Arubatotal: 180 sq km land: 180 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandstotal: 5 sq km land: 5 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island Topic: Atlantic Oceantotal: 85.133 million sq km note: includes Baffin Bay, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, almost all of the Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies Topic: Australiatotal: 7,741,220 sq km land: 7,682,300 sq km water: 58,920 sq km note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island Topic: Austriatotal: 83,871 sq km land: 82,445 sq km water: 1,426 sq km Topic: Azerbaijantotal: 86,600 sq km land: 82,629 sq km water: 3,971 sq km note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991 Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal: 13,880 sq km land: 10,010 sq km water: 3,870 sq km Topic: Bahraintotal: 760 sq km land: 760 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Bangladeshtotal: 148,460 sq km land: 130,170 sq km water: 18,290 sq km Topic: Barbadostotal: 430 sq km land: 430 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Belarustotal: 207,600 sq km land: 202,900 sq km water: 4,700 sq km Topic: Belgiumtotal: 30,528 sq km land: 30,278 sq km water: 250 sq km Topic: Belizetotal: 22,966 sq km land: 22,806 sq km water: 160 sq km Topic: Benintotal: 112,622 sq km land: 110,622 sq km water: 2,000 sq km Topic: Bermudatotal: 54 sq km land: 54 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Bhutantotal: 38,394 sq km land: 38,394 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Boliviatotal: 1,098,581 sq km land: 1,083,301 sq km water: 15,280 sq km Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal: 51,197 sq km land: 51,187 sq km water: 10 sq km Topic: Botswanatotal: 581,730 sq km land: 566,730 sq km water: 15,000 sq km Topic: Bouvet Islandtotal: 49 sq km land: 49 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Braziltotal: 8,515,770 sq km land: 8,358,140 sq km water: 157,630 sq km note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorytotal: 60 sq km land: 60 sq km (44 Diego Garcia) water: 54,340 sq km note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal: 151 sq km land: 151 sq km water: 0 sq km note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke Topic: Bruneitotal: 5,765 sq km land: 5,265 sq km water: 500 sq km Topic: Bulgariatotal: 110,879 sq km land: 108,489 sq km water: 2,390 sq km Topic: Burkina Fasototal: 274,200 sq km land: 273,800 sq km water: 400 sq km Topic: Burmatotal: 676,578 sq km land: 653,508 sq km water: 23,070 sq km Topic: Burunditotal: 27,830 sq km land: 25,680 sq km water: 2,150 sq km Topic: Cabo Verdetotal: 4,033 sq km land: 4,033 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Cambodiatotal: 181,035 sq km land: 176,515 sq km water: 4,520 sq km Topic: Cameroontotal: 475,440 sq km land: 472,710 sq km water: 2,730 sq km Topic: Canadatotal: 9,984,670 sq km land: 9,093,507 sq km water: 891,163 sq km Topic: Cayman Islandstotal: 264 sq km land: 264 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Central African Republictotal: 622,984 sq km land: 622,984 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Chadtotal: 1.284 million sq km land: 1,259,200 sq km water: 24,800 sq km Topic: Chiletotal: 756,102 sq km land: 743,812 sq km water: 12,290 sq km note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez Topic: Chinatotal: 9,596,960 sq km land: 9,326,410 sq km water: 270,550 sq km Topic: Christmas Islandtotal: 135 sq km land: 135 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Clipperton Islandtotal: 6 sq km land: 6 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstotal: 14 sq km land: 14 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island Topic: Colombiatotal: 1,138,910 sq km land: 1,038,700 sq km water: 100,210 sq km note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank Topic: Comorostotal: 2,235 sq km land: 2,235 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal: 2,344,858 sq km land: 2,267,048 sq km water: 77,810 sq km Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal: 342,000 sq km land: 341,500 sq km water: 500 sq km Topic: Cook Islandstotal: 236 sq km land: 236 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Coral Sea Islandstotal: 3 sq km less than land: 3 sq km less than water: 0 sq km note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km (300,000 sq mi) with the Willis Islets the most important Topic: Costa Ricatotal: 51,100 sq km land: 51,060 sq km water: 40 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal: 322,463 sq km land: 318,003 sq km water: 4,460 sq km Topic: Croatiatotal: 56,594 sq km land: 55,974 sq km water: 620 sq km Topic: Cubatotal: 110,860 sq km land: 109,820 sq km water: 1,040 sq km Topic: Curacaototal: 444 sq km land: 444 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Cyprustotal: 9,251 sq km (of which 3,355 sq km are in north Cyprus) land: 9,241 sq km water: 10 sq km Topic: Czechiatotal: 78,867 sq km land: 77,247 sq km water: 1,620 sq km Topic: Denmarktotal: 43,094 sq km land: 42,434 sq km water: 660 sq km note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland Topic: Dhekeliatotal: 131 sq km note: area surrounds three Cypriot enclaves Topic: Djiboutitotal: 23,200 sq km land: 23,180 sq km water: 20 sq km Topic: Dominicatotal: 751 sq km land: 751 sq km water: NEGL Topic: Dominican Republictotal: 48,670 sq km land: 48,320 sq km water: 350 sq km Topic: Ecuadortotal: 283,561 sq km land: 276,841 sq km water: 6,720 sq km note: includes Galapagos Islands Topic: Egypttotal: 1,001,450 sq km land: 995,450 sq km water: 6,000 sq km Topic: El Salvadortotal: 21,041 sq km land: 20,721 sq km water: 320 sq km Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal: 28,051 sq km land: 28,051 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Eritreatotal: 117,600 sq km land: 101,000 sq km water: 16,600 sq km Topic: Estoniatotal: 45,228 sq km land: 42,388 sq km water: 2,840 sq km note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea Topic: Eswatinitotal: 17,364 sq km land: 17,204 sq km water: 160 sq km Topic: Ethiopiatotal: 1,104,300 sq km land: 1,096,570 sq km water: 7,730 sq km note: area numbers are approximate since a large portion of the Ethiopia-Somalia border is undefined Topic: European Uniontotal: 4,236,351 sq km rank by area (sq km): 1. France (includes five overseas regions) 643,801 2. Spain 505,370 3. Sweden 450,295 4. Germany 357,022 5. Finland 338,145 6. Poland 312,685 7. Italy 301,340 8. Romania 238,391 9. Greece 131,957 10. Bulgaria 110,879 11. Hungary 93,028 12. Portugal 92,090 13. Austria 83,871 14. Czechia 78,867 15. Ireland 70,273 16. Lithuania 65,300 17. Latvia 64,589 18. Croatia 56,594 19. Slovakia 49,035 20. Estonia 45,228 21. Denmark 43,094 22. Netherlands 41,543 23. Belgium 30,528 24. Slovenia 20,273 25. Cyprus 9,251 26. Luxembourg 2,586 27. Malta 316 Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total: 12,173 sq km land: 12,173 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands Topic: Faroe Islandstotal: 1,393 sq km land: 1,393 sq km water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams) Topic: Fijitotal: 18,274 sq km land: 18,274 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Finlandtotal: 338,145 sq km land: 303,815 sq km water: 34,330 sq km Topic: Francetotal: 643,801 sq km ; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France) land: 640,427 sq km ; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France) water: 3,374 sq km ; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France) note: the first numbers include the overseas regions of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion Topic: French Polynesiatotal: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls; 67 are inhabited) land: 3,827 sq km water: 340 sq km Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsIle Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 7 sq km; land - 7 sq km; water - 0 sq km Iles Crozet: total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km Iles Kerguelen: total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0 sq km Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km; water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon) Europa Island (Iles Eparses): total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km; water - 0 sq km Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km; water - 0 sq km Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq km; water - 0 sq km Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km; water - 0 sq km note: excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US Topic: Gabontotal: 267,667 sq km land: 257,667 sq km water: 10,000 sq km Topic: Gambia, Thetotal: 11,300 sq km land: 10,120 sq km water: 1,180 sq km Topic: Gaza Striptotal: 360 sq km land: 360 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Georgiatotal: 69,700 sq km land: 69,700 sq km water: 0 sq km note: approximately 12,560 sq km, or about 18% of Georgia's area, is Russian occupied; the seized area includes all of Abkhazia and the breakaway region of South Ossetia, which consists of the northern part of Shida Kartli, eastern slivers of the Imereti region and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and part of western Mtskheta-Mtianeti Topic: Germanytotal: 357,022 sq km land: 348,672 sq km water: 8,350 sq km Topic: Ghanatotal: 238,533 sq km land: 227,533 sq km water: 11,000 sq km Topic: Gibraltartotal: 7 sq km land: 6.5 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Greecetotal: 131,957 sq km land: 130,647 sq km water: 1,310 sq km Topic: Greenlandtotal: 2,166,086 sq km land: 2,166,086 sq km (approximately 1,710,000 sq km ice-covered) Topic: Grenadatotal: 344 sq km land: 344 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Guamtotal: 544 sq km land: 544 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Guatemalatotal: 108,889 sq km land: 107,159 sq km water: 1,730 sq km Topic: Guernseytotal: 78 sq km land: 78 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands Topic: Guineatotal: 245,857 sq km land: 245,717 sq km water: 140 sq km Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal: 36,125 sq km land: 28,120 sq km water: 8,005 sq km Topic: Guyanatotal: 214,969 sq km land: 196,849 sq km water: 18,120 sq km Topic: Haititotal: 27,750 sq km land: 27,560 sq km water: 190 sq km Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandstotal: 412 sq km land: 412 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)total: 0 sq km land: 0.44 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Hondurastotal: 112,090 sq km land: 111,890 sq km water: 200 sq km Topic: Hong Kongtotal: 1,108 sq km land: 1,073 sq km water: 35 sq km Topic: Hungarytotal: 93,028 sq km land: 89,608 sq km water: 3,420 sq km Topic: Icelandtotal: 103,000 sq km land: 100,250 sq km water: 2,750 sq km Topic: Indiatotal: 3,287,263 sq km land: 2,973,193 sq km water: 314,070 sq km Topic: Indian Oceantotal: 70.56 million sq km note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies Topic: Indonesiatotal: 1,904,569 sq km land: 1,811,569 sq km water: 93,000 sq km Topic: Irantotal: 1,648,195 sq km land: 1,531,595 sq km water: 116,600 sq km Topic: Iraqtotal: 438,317 sq km land: 437,367 sq km water: 950 sq km Topic: Irelandtotal: 70,273 sq km land: 68,883 sq km water: 1,390 sq km Topic: Isle of Mantotal: 572 sq km land: 572 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Israeltotal: 21,937 sq km land: 21,497 sq km water: 440 sq km Topic: Italytotal: 301,340 sq km land: 294,140 sq km water: 7,200 sq km note: includes Sardinia and Sicily Topic: Jamaicatotal: 10,991 sq km land: 10,831 sq km water: 160 sq km Topic: Jan Mayentotal: 377 sq km land: 377 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Japantotal: 377,915 sq km land: 364,485 sq km water: 13,430 sq km note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto) Topic: Jerseytotal: 116 sq km land: 116 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Jordantotal: 89,342 sq km land: 88,802 sq km water: 540 sq km Topic: Kazakhstantotal: 2,724,900 sq km land: 2,699,700 sq km water: 25,200 sq km Topic: Kenyatotal: 580,367 sq km land: 569,140 sq km water: 11,227 sq km Topic: Kiribatitotal: 811 sq km land: 811 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, and Phoenix Islands - dispersed over about 3.5 million sq km (1.35 million sq mi) Topic: Korea, Northtotal: 120,538 sq km land: 120,408 sq km water: 130 sq km Topic: Korea, Southtotal: 99,720 sq km land: 96,920 sq km water: 2,800 sq km Topic: Kosovototal: 10,887 sq km land: 10,887 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Kuwaittotal: 17,818 sq km land: 17,818 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal: 199,951 sq km land: 191,801 sq km water: 8,150 sq km Topic: Laostotal: 236,800 sq km land: 230,800 sq km water: 6,000 sq km Topic: Latviatotal: 64,589 sq km land: 62,249 sq km water: 2,340 sq km Topic: Lebanontotal: 10,400 sq km land: 10,230 sq km water: 170 sq km Topic: Lesothototal: 30,355 sq km land: 30,355 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Liberiatotal: 111,369 sq km land: 96,320 sq km water: 15,049 sq km Topic: Libyatotal: 1,759,540 sq km land: 1,759,540 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Liechtensteintotal: 160 sq km land: 160 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Lithuaniatotal: 65,300 sq km land: 62,680 sq km water: 2,620 sq km Topic: Luxembourgtotal: 2,586 sq km land: 2,586 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Macautotal: 28 sq km land: 28.2 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Madagascartotal: 587,041 sq km land: 581,540 sq km water: 5,501 sq km Topic: Malawitotal: 118,484 sq km land: 94,080 sq km water: 24,404 sq km Topic: Malaysiatotal: 329,847 sq km land: 328,657 sq km water: 1,190 sq km Topic: Maldivestotal: 298 sq km land: 298 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Malitotal: 1,240,192 sq km land: 1,220,190 sq km water: 20,002 sq km Topic: Maltatotal: 316 sq km land: 316 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Marshall Islandstotal: 181 sq km land: 181 sq km water: 0 sq km note: the archipelago includes 11,673 sq km of lagoon waters and encompasses the atolls of Bikini, Enewetak, Kwajalein, Majuro, Rongelap, and Utirik Topic: Mauritaniatotal: 1,030,700 sq km land: 1,030,700 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Mauritiustotal: 2,040 sq km land: 2,030 sq km water: 10 sq km note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues Topic: Mexicototal: 1,964,375 sq km land: 1,943,945 sq km water: 20,430 sq km Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal: 702 sq km land: 702 sq km water: 0 sq km (fresh water only) note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie) Topic: Moldovatotal: 33,851 sq km land: 32,891 sq km water: 960 sq km Topic: Monacototal: 2 sq km land: 2 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Mongoliatotal: 1,564,116 sq km land: 1,553,556 sq km water: 10,560 sq km Topic: Montenegrototal: 13,812 sq km land: 13,452 sq km water: 360 sq km Topic: Montserrattotal: 102 sq km land: 102 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Moroccototal: 716,550 sq km land: 716,300 sq km water: 250 sq km Topic: Mozambiquetotal: 799,380 sq km land: 786,380 sq km water: 13,000 sq km Topic: Namibiatotal: 824,292 sq km land: 823,290 sq km water: 1,002 sq km Topic: Naurutotal: 21 sq km land: 21 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Navassa Islandtotal: 5 sq km land: 5.4 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Nepaltotal: 147,181 sq km land: 143,351 sq km water: 3,830 sq km Topic: Netherlandstotal: 41,543 sq km land: 33,893 sq km water: 7,650 sq km Topic: New Caledoniatotal: 18,575 sq km land: 18,275 sq km water: 300 sq km Topic: New Zealandtotal: 268,838 sq km land: 264,537 sq km water: 4,301 sq km note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands Topic: Nicaraguatotal: 130,370 sq km land: 119,990 sq km water: 10,380 sq km Topic: Nigertotal: 1.267 million sq km land: 1,266,700 sq km water: 300 sq km Topic: Nigeriatotal: 923,768 sq km land: 910,768 sq km water: 13,000 sq km Topic: Niuetotal: 260 sq km land: 260 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Norfolk Islandtotal: 36 sq km land: 36 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: North Macedoniatotal: 25,713 sq km land: 25,433 sq km water: 280 sq km Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal: 464 sq km land: 464 sq km water: 0 sq km note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Topic: Norwaytotal: 323,802 sq km land: 304,282 sq km water: 19,520 sq km Topic: Omantotal: 309,500 sq km land: 309,500 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Pacific Oceantotal: 168.723 million sq km note: includes Arafura Sea, Bali Sea, Banda Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Flores Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, Java Sea, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, Solomon Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies Topic: Pakistantotal: 796,095 sq km land: 770,875 sq km water: 25,220 sq km Topic: Palautotal: 459 sq km land: 459 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Panamatotal: 75,420 sq km land: 74,340 sq km water: 1,080 sq km Topic: Papua New Guineatotal: 462,840 sq km land: 452,860 sq km water: 9,980 sq km Topic: Paracel Islandstotal: 8 sq km ca. land: 7.75 sq km ca. water: 0 sq km Topic: Paraguaytotal: 406,752 sq km land: 397,302 sq km water: 9,450 sq km Topic: Perutotal: 1,285,216 sq km land: 1,279,996 sq km water: 5,220 sq km Topic: Philippinestotal: 300,000 sq km land: 298,170 sq km water: 1,830 sq km Topic: Pitcairn Islandstotal: 47 sq km land: 47 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Polandtotal: 312,685 sq km land: 304,255 sq km water: 8,430 sq km Topic: Portugaltotal: 92,090 sq km land: 91,470 sq km water: 620 sq km note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands Topic: Puerto Ricototal: 9,104 sq km land: 8,959 sq km water: 145 sq km Topic: Qatartotal: 11,586 sq km land: 11,586 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Romaniatotal: 238,391 sq km land: 229,891 sq km water: 8,500 sq km Topic: Russiatotal: 17,098,242 sq km land: 16,377,742 sq km water: 720,500 sq km Topic: Rwandatotal: 26,338 sq km land: 24,668 sq km water: 1,670 sq km Topic: Saint Barthelemytotal: 25 sq km land: 25 sq km water: negligible Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal: 394 sq km land: 122 sq km Saint Helena Island water: 0 sq km 88 sq km Ascension Island, 184 sq km Tristan da Cunha island group (includes Tristan (98 sq km), Inaccessible, Nightingale, and Gough islands) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km) land: 261 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Saint Luciatotal: 616 sq km land: 606 sq km water: 10 sq km Topic: Saint Martintotal: 50 sq km land: 50 sq km water: negligible Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal: 242 sq km land: 242 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km) land: 389 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Samoatotal: 2,831 sq km land: 2,821 sq km water: 10 sq km Topic: San Marinototal: 61 sq km land: 61 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal: 964 sq km land: 964 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal: 2,149,690 sq km land: 2,149,690 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Senegaltotal: 196,722 sq km land: 192,530 sq km water: 4,192 sq km Topic: Serbiatotal: 77,474 sq km land: 77,474 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Seychellestotal: 455 sq km land: 455 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Sierra Leonetotal: 71,740 sq km land: 71,620 sq km water: 120 sq km Topic: Singaporetotal: 719 sq km land: 709.2 sq km water: 10 sq km Topic: Sint Maartentotal: 34 sq km land: 34 sq km water: 0 sq km note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin Topic: Slovakiatotal: 49,035 sq km land: 48,105 sq km water: 930 sq km Topic: Sloveniatotal: 20,273 sq km land: 20,151 sq km water: 122 sq km Topic: Solomon Islandstotal: 28,896 sq km land: 27,986 sq km water: 910 sq km Topic: Somaliatotal: 637,657 sq km land: 627,337 sq km water: 10,320 sq km Topic: South Africatotal: 1,219,090 sq km land: 1,214,470 sq km water: 4,620 sq km note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island) Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandstotal: 3,903 sq km land: 3,903 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist of 11 islands Topic: South Sudantotal: 644,329 sq km land: NA water: NA Topic: Southern Oceantotal: 21.96 million sq km note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies Topic: Spaintotal: 505,370 sq km land: 498,980 sq km water: 6,390 sq km note: there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera Topic: Spratly Islandstotal: 5 sq km less than land: 5 sq km less than water: 0 sq km note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km (158,000 sq mi) of the central South China Sea Topic: Sri Lankatotal: 65,610 sq km land: 64,630 sq km water: 980 sq km Topic: Sudantotal: 1,861,484 sq km land: 1,731,671 sq km water: 129,813 sq km Topic: Surinametotal: 163,820 sq km land: 156,000 sq km water: 7,820 sq km Topic: Svalbardtotal: 62,045 sq km land: 62,045 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island) Topic: Swedentotal: 450,295 sq km land: 410,335 sq km water: 39,960 sq km Topic: Switzerlandtotal: 41,277 sq km land: 39,997 sq km water: 1,280 sq km Topic: Syriatotal: 187,437 sq km land: 185,887 sq km water: 1,550 sq km note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territory Topic: Taiwantotal: 35,980 sq km land: 32,260 sq km water: 3,720 sq km note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Kinmen islands Topic: Tajikistantotal: 144,100 sq km land: 141,510 sq km water: 2,590 sq km Topic: Tanzaniatotal: 947,300 sq km land: 885,800 sq km water: 61,500 sq km note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar Topic: Thailandtotal: 513,120 sq km land: 510,890 sq km water: 2,230 sq km Topic: Timor-Lestetotal: 14,874 sq km land: 14,874 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Togototal: 56,785 sq km land: 54,385 sq km water: 2,400 sq km Topic: Tokelautotal: 12 sq km land: 12 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Tongatotal: 747 sq km land: 717 sq km water: 30 sq km Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal: 5,128 sq km land: 5,128 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Tunisiatotal: 163,610 sq km land: 155,360 sq km water: 8,250 sq km Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total: 783,562 sq km land: 769,632 sq km water: 13,930 sq km Topic: Turkmenistantotal: 488,100 sq km land: 469,930 sq km water: 18,170 sq km Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal: 948 sq km land: 948 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Tuvalutotal: 26 sq km land: 26 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Ugandatotal: 241,038 sq km land: 197,100 sq km water: 43,938 sq km Topic: Ukrainetotal: 603,550 sq km land: 579,330 sq km water: 24,220 sq km note: approximately 43,133 sq km, or about 7.1% of Ukraine's area, is Russian occupied; the seized area includes all of Crimea and about one-third of both Luhans'k and Donets'k oblasts Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal: 83,600 sq km land: 83,600 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: United Kingdomtotal: 243,610 sq km land: 241,930 sq km water: 1,680 sq km note 1: the percentage area breakdown of the four UK countries is: England 53%, Scotland 32%, Wales 9%, and Northern Ireland 6% note 2: includes Rockall and the Shetland Islands, which are part of Scotland Topic: United Statestotal: 9,833,517 sq km land: 9,147,593 sq km water: 685,924 sq km note: includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia, no overseas territories Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugesland: 6,959.41 sq km (emergent land - 22.41 sq km; submerged - 6,937 sq km) Baker Island: total - 129.1 sq km; emergent land - 2.1 sq km; submerged - 127 sq km Howland Island: total - 138.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km; submerged - 136 sq km Jarvis Island: total - 152 sq km; emergent land - 5 sq km; submerged - 147 sq km Johnston Atoll: total - 276.6 sq km; emergent land - 2.6 sq km; submerged - 274 sq km Kingman Reef: total - 1,958.01 sq km; emergent land - 0.01 sq km; submerged - 1,958 sq km Midway Islands: total - 2,355.2 sq km; emergent land - 6.2 sq km; submerged - 2,349 sq km Palmyra Atoll: total - 1,949.9 sq km; emergent land - 3.9 sq km; submerged - 1,946 sq km Topic: Uruguaytotal: 176,215 sq km land: 175,015 sq km water: 1,200 sq km Topic: Uzbekistantotal: 447,400 sq km land: 425,400 sq km water: 22,000 sq km Topic: Vanuatutotal: 12,189 sq km land: 12,189 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited Topic: Venezuelatotal: 912,050 sq km land: 882,050 sq km water: 30,000 sq km Topic: Vietnamtotal: 331,210 sq km land: 310,070 sq km water: 21,140 sq km Topic: Virgin Islandstotal: 1,910 sq km land: 346 sq km water: 1,564 sq km Topic: Wake Islandtotal: 7 sq km land: 6.5 sq km water: 0 sq km Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal: 142 sq km land: 142 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets Topic: West Banktotal: 5,860 sq km land: 5,640 sq km water: 220 sq km note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967 Topic: Worldtotal: 510.072 million sq km land: 148.94 million sq km water: 361.9 million sq km note: 70.9% of the world's surface is water, 29.1% is land Topic: Yementotal: 527,968 sq km land: 527,968 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen) Topic: Zambiatotal: 752,618 sq km land: 743,398 sq km water: 9,220 sq km Topic: Zimbabwetotal: 390,757 sq km land: 386,847 sq km water: 3,910 sq km

20220901

references-guide-to-country-comparisons

Topic: Geography Topic: People and Society Topic: Environment Topic: Economy Topic: Energy Topic: Communications Topic: Transportation Topic: Military and Security

20220901

countries-paraguay

Topic: Photos of Paraguay Topic: Introduction Background: Several Indigenous groups, principally belonging to the Guarani language family, inhabited the area of modern Paraguay before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century, when the territory was incorporated into the Viceroyalty of Peru. Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811 with the help of neighboring states. In the aftermath of independence, a series of military dictators ruled the country until 1870. During the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1864-70) - fought against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay - Paraguay lost two thirds of its adult males and much of its territory. The country stagnated economically for the next half century and experienced a tumultuous series of political regimes. Following the Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and Paraguay has held relatively free and regular presidential elections since the country's return to democracy.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil Geographic coordinates: 23 00 S, 58 00 W Map references: South America Area: total: 406,752 sq km land: 397,302 sq km water: 9,450 sq km Area - comparative: about three times the size of New York state; slightly smaller than California Land boundaries: total: 4,655 km border countries (3): Argentina 2,531 km; Bolivia 753 km; Brazil 1,371 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west Terrain: grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere Elevation: highest point: Cerro Pero 842 m lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m mean elevation: 178 m Natural resources: hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone Land use: agricultural land: 53.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 42.8% (2018 est.) forest: 43.8% (2018 est.) other: 2.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1,362 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Rio de la Plata/Parana (shared with Brazil [s], Argentina, and Uruguay [m]) - 4,880 km; Paraguay river mouth (shared with Brazil [s] and Argentina) - 2,549 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Paraná (2,582,704 sq km) Major aquifers: Guarani Aquifer System Population distribution: most of the population resides in the eastern half of the country; to the west lies the Gran Chaco (a semi-arid lowland plain), which accounts for 60% of the land territory, but only 2% of the overall population Natural hazards: local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June) Geography - note: note 1: landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in eastern and southern part of country note 2: pineapples are probably indigenous to the southern Brazil-Paraguay region  Map description: Paraguay map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries.Paraguay map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 7,356,409 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Paraguayan(s) adjective: Paraguayan Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian ancestry) 95%, other 5% Languages: Spanish (official) and Guarani (official) 46.3%, only Guarani 34%, only Spanish 15.2%, other (includes Portuguese, German, other Indigenous languages) 4.1%, no response 0.4%; note - data represent predominant household language (2012 est.) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 est.) Demographic profile: Paraguay falls below the Latin American average in several socioeconomic categories, including immunization rates, potable water, sanitation, and secondary school enrollment, and has greater rates of income inequality and child and maternal mortality. Paraguay's poverty rate has declined in recent years but remains high, especially in rural areas, with more than a third of the population below the poverty line. However, the well-being of the poor in many regions has improved in terms of housing quality and access to clean water, telephone service, and electricity. The fertility rate continues to drop, declining sharply from an average 4.3 births per woman in the late 1990s to about 2 in 2013, as a result of the greater educational attainment of women, increased use of contraception, and a desire for smaller families among young women.Paraguay is a country of emigration; it has not attracted large numbers of immigrants because of political instability, civil wars, years of dictatorship, and the greater appeal of neighboring countries. Paraguay first tried to encourage immigration in 1870 in order to rebound from the heavy death toll it suffered during the War of the Triple Alliance, but it received few European and Middle Eastern immigrants. In the 20th century, limited numbers of immigrants arrived from Lebanon, Japan, South Korea, and China, as well as Mennonites from Canada, Russia, and Mexico. Large flows of Brazilian immigrants have been arriving since the 1960s, mainly to work in agriculture. Paraguayans continue to emigrate to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, Italy, Spain, and France.Paraguay falls below the Latin American average in several socioeconomic categories, including immunization rates, potable water, sanitation, and secondary school enrollment, and has greater rates of income inequality and child and maternal mortality. Paraguay's poverty rate has declined in recent years but remains high, especially in rural areas, with more than a third of the population below the poverty line. However, the well-being of the poor in many regions has improved in terms of housing quality and access to clean water, telephone service, and electricity. The fertility rate continues to drop, declining sharply from an average 4.3 births per woman in the late 1990s to about 2 in 2013, as a result of the greater educational attainment of women, increased use of contraception, and a desire for smaller families among young women.Paraguay is a country of emigration; it has not attracted large numbers of immigrants because of political instability, civil wars, years of dictatorship, and the greater appeal of neighboring countries. Paraguay first tried to encourage immigration in 1870 in order to rebound from the heavy death toll it suffered during the War of the Triple Alliance, but it received few European and Middle Eastern immigrants. In the 20th century, limited numbers of immigrants arrived from Lebanon, Japan, South Korea, and China, as well as Mennonites from Canada, Russia, and Mexico. Large flows of Brazilian immigrants have been arriving since the 1960s, mainly to work in agriculture. Paraguayans continue to emigrate to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, Italy, Spain, and France. Age structure: 0-14 years: 23.41% (male 857,303/female 826,470) 15-24 years: 17.71% (male 640,400/female 633,525) 25-54 years: 42.63% (male 1,532,692/female 1,532,851) 55-64 years: 8.37% (male 306,100/female 295,890) 65 years and over: 7.88% (2020 est.) (male 267,351/female 299,103) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.5 youth dependency ratio: 49.9 elderly dependency ratio: 10.6 potential support ratio: 9.4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 29.7 years male: 29.5 years female: 29.9 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.14% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 16.32 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 4.87 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the population resides in the eastern half of the country; to the west lies the Gran Chaco (a semi-arid lowland plain), which accounts for 60% of the land territory, but only 2% of the overall population Urbanization: urban population: 62.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 3.452 million ASUNCION (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 22.9 years (2008 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 Maternal mortality ratio: 84 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 23.21 deaths/1,000 live births male: 27.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 18.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.37 years male: 75.72 years female: 81.15 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.89 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 68.4% (2016) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7.2% (2019) Physicians density: 1.05 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 0.8 beds/1,000 population (2016) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.6% of population rural: 90.6% of population total: 96.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0.4% of population rural: 9.4% of population total: 3.8% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 19,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 20.3% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 11.5% (2020 est.) male: 18.6% (2020 est.) female: 4.4% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 1.3% (2016) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 3.6% women married by age 18: 21.6% (2016 est.) Education expenditures: 3.5% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 94.5% male: 94.9% female: 94.2% (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17.1% male: 13.1% female: 23.3% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; water pollution; rivers suffer from toxic dumping; tanneries release mercury and chromium into rivers and streams; loss of wetlands; inadequate means for waste disposal pose health risks for many urban residents 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, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 2006 Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 11.16 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7.41 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 27.65 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west Land use: agricultural land: 53.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 42.8% (2018 est.) forest: 43.8% (2018 est.) other: 2.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 62.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.21% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,818,501 tons (2015 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Rio de la Plata/Parana (shared with Brazil [s], Argentina, and Uruguay [m]) - 4,880 km; Paraguay river mouth (shared with Brazil [s] and Argentina) - 2,549 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Paraná (2,582,704 sq km) Major aquifers: Guarani Aquifer System Total water withdrawal: municipal: 362 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 154 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.897 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 387.77 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay conventional short form: Paraguay local long form: Republica del Paraguay local short form: Paraguay etymology: the precise meaning of the name Paraguay is unclear, but it seems to derive from the river of the same name; one explanation has the name meaning "water of the Payagua" (an indigenous tribe that lived along the river) Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Asuncion geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends last Sunday in March etymology: the name means "assumption" and derives from the original name given to the city at its founding in 1537, Nuestra Senora Santa Maria de la Asuncion (Our Lady Saint Mary of the Assumption) Administrative divisions: 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro Independence: 14-15 May 1811 (from Spain); note - the uprising against Spanish authorities took place during the night of 14-15 May 1811 and both days are celebrated in Paraguay National holiday: Independence Day, 14-15 May (1811) (observed 15 May); 14 May is celebrated as Flag Day Constitution: history: several previous; latest approved and promulgated 20 June 1992 amendments: proposed at the initiative of at least one quarter of either chamber of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by petition of at least 30,000 voters; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum; amended 2011 Legal system: civil law system with influences from Argentine, Spanish, Roman, and French civil law models; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Paraguay dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75 Executive branch: chief of state: President Mario ABDO BENITEZ (since 15 August 2018); Vice President Hugo Adalberto VELAZQUEZ Moreno (since 15 August 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Mario ABDO BENITEZ (since 15 August 2018); Vice President Hugo Adalberto VELAZQUEZ Moreno (since 15 August 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple majority popular vote for a single 5-year term; election last held on 22 April 2018 (next to be held in April 2023) election results: 2018: Mario ABDO BENITEZ elected president; percent of vote - Mario ABDO BENITEZ (ANR) 49%, Efrain ALEGRE (PLRA) 45.1%, Juan Bautista YBANEZ 3.4%, other 2.5% 2013: Horacio CARTES elected president; percent of vote - Horacio CARTES (ANR) 48.5%, Efrain ALEGRE (PLRA) 39%, Mario FERREIRO (AP) 6.2%, Anibal CARRILLO (FG) 3.5%, other 2.8% Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of: Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by closed-list proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms) Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members directly elected in 18 multi-seat constituencies - corresponding to the country's 17 departments and capital city - by closed-list proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms) elections: Chamber of Senators - last held on 22 April 2018 (next to be held in April 2023) Chamber of Deputies - last held on 22 April 2018 (next to be held in April 2023) election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party/coalition - ANR 32.52%, PLRA 24.18%, FG 11.83%, PPQ 6.77%, MH 4.47%, PDP 3.66%, MCN 2.48%, UNACE 2.12%, other 11.97%; seats by party/coalition - ANR 17, PLRA 13, FG 6, PPQ 3, MH 2, PDP 2, MCN 1, UNACE 1; composition - men 38, women 7, percent of women 15.6% Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party/coalition - ANR 39.1%, PLRA 17.74%, Ganar Alliance 12.08%, PPQ 4.46%, MH 3.19%; other 23.43%; seats by party/coalition - ANR 42, PLRA 17, Ganar Alliance 13, PPQ 3, MH 2, other 3; composition - men 66, women 14, percent of women 17.5%; note - total National Congress percent of women 16.8% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 9 justices divided 3 each into the Constitutional Court, Civil and Commercial Chamber, and Criminal Division) judge selection and term of office: justices proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura, a 6-member independent body, and appointed by the Chamber of Senators with presidential concurrence; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 75 subordinate courts: appellate courts; first instance courts; minor courts, including justices of the peace Political parties and leaders: Asociacion Nacional Republicana - Colorado Party or ANR [Pedro ALLIANA] Avanza Pais coalition or AP [Adolfo FERREIRO] Broad Front coalition (Frente Guasu) or FG [Carlos FILIZZOLA] Ganar Alliance (alliance between PLRA and Guasu Front) Movimiento Cruzada Nacional or MCN Movimiento Hagamos or MH [Antonio "Tony" APURIL] Movimiento Union Nacional de Ciudadanos Eticos or UNACE [Jorge OVIEDO MATTO] Partido del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS [Camilo Ernesto SOARES Machado] Partido Democratica Progresista or PDP [Rafael FILIZZOLA] Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN [Fernando CAMACHO] Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or PLRA [Efrain ALEGRE] Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto FILIZZOLA Pallares] Partido Popular Tekojoja or PPT [Sixto PEREIRA Galeano] Patria Querida (Beloved Fatherland Party) or PPQ [Miguel CARRIZOSA] International organization participation: CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PROSUR, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Antonio DOS SANTOS BEDOYA (since 15 September 2021) chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC  20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508 email address and website: eeuuembaparsc@mre.gov.py; secretaria@embaparusa.gov.py consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marc OSTFIELD (since 9 March 2022) embassy: 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, Asuncion mailing address: 3020 Asuncion Place, Washington DC  20521-3020 telephone: [595] (21) 248-3000 FAX: [595] (21) 213-728 email address and website: ParaguayACS@state.gov https://py.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears a circular seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA (Peace and Justice)); red symbolizes bravery and patriotism, white represents integrity and peace, and blue denotes liberty and generosity note: the three color bands resemble those on the flag of the Netherlands; one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Moldova and Saudi Arabia National symbol(s): lion; national colors: red, white, blue National anthem: name: "Paraguayos, Republica o muerte!" (Paraguayans, The Republic or Death!) lyrics/music: Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/disputed note: adopted 1934, in use since 1846; officially adopted following its re-arrangement in 1934 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Jesuit Missions of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná and Jesús de Tavarangue Topic: Economy Economic overview: Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a large informal sector, featuring re-export of imported consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are difficult to obtain.   On a per capita basis, real income has grown steadily over the past five years as strong world demand for commodities, combined with high prices and favorable weather, supported Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the fifth largest soy producer in the world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and slowing the economy even before the onset of the global recession. The economy fell 3.8% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity prices caused exports to contract. Severe drought and outbreaks of hoof-and-mouth disease in 2012 led to a brief drop in beef and other agricultural exports. Since 2014, however, Paraguay’s economy has grown at a 4% average annual rate due to strong production and high global prices, at a time when other countries in the region have contracted.   The Paraguayan Government recognizes the need to diversify its economy and has taken steps in recent years to do so. In addition to looking for new commodity markets in the Middle East and Europe, Paraguayan officials have promoted the country’s low labor costs, cheap energy from its massive Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam, and single-digit tax rate on foreign firms. As a result, the number of factories operating in the country – mostly transplants from Brazil - has tripled since 2014.   Corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the main obstacles to long-term growth. Judicial corruption is endemic and is seen as the greatest barrier to attracting more foreign investment. Paraguay has been adverse to public debt throughout its history, but has recently sought to finance infrastructure improvements to attract foreign investment.Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a large informal sector, featuring re-export of imported consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income has grown steadily over the past five years as strong world demand for commodities, combined with high prices and favorable weather, supported Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the fifth largest soy producer in the world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and slowing the economy even before the onset of the global recession. The economy fell 3.8% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity prices caused exports to contract. Severe drought and outbreaks of hoof-and-mouth disease in 2012 led to a brief drop in beef and other agricultural exports. Since 2014, however, Paraguay’s economy has grown at a 4% average annual rate due to strong production and high global prices, at a time when other countries in the region have contracted. The Paraguayan Government recognizes the need to diversify its economy and has taken steps in recent years to do so. In addition to looking for new commodity markets in the Middle East and Europe, Paraguayan officials have promoted the country’s low labor costs, cheap energy from its massive Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam, and single-digit tax rate on foreign firms. As a result, the number of factories operating in the country – mostly transplants from Brazil - has tripled since 2014. Corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the main obstacles to long-term growth. Judicial corruption is endemic and is seen as the greatest barrier to attracting more foreign investment. Paraguay has been adverse to public debt throughout its history, but has recently sought to finance infrastructure improvements to attract foreign investment. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $87.98 billion (2020 est.) $88.87 billion (2019 est.) $89.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.8% (2017 est.) 4.3% (2016 est.) 3.1% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $12,300 (2020 est.) $12,600 (2019 est.) $12,800 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $38.94 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (2017 est.) 4.1% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB+ (2018) Moody's rating: Ba1 (2015) Standard & Poors rating: BB (2014) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 17.9% (2017 est.) industry: 27.7% (2017 est.) services: 54.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 66.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 46.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: soybeans, sugar cane, maize, cassava, wheat, rice, beef, milk, oranges, oil palm fruit Industries: sugar processing, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, base metals, electric power Industrial production growth rate: 2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 3.428 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 26.5% industry: 18.5% services: 55% (2008) Unemployment rate: 5.7% (2017 est.) 6% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17.1% male: 13.1% female: 23.3% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 23.5% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 46.2 (2018 est.) 53.2 (2009) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.5% highest 10%: 37.6% (2013 est.) Budget: revenues: 5.524 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.968 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 19.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 18.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 14.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$298 million (2017 est.) $416 million (2016 est.) Exports: $11.81 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.27 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $14.36 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Brazil 32%, Argentina 22%, Chile 8%, Russia 8% (2019) Exports - commodities: soybeans and soybean products, electricity, beef, corn, insulated wiring (2019) Imports: $10.62 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.15 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.88 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Brazil 24%, United States 22%, China 17%, Argentina 10%, Chile 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: broadcasting equipment, cars, pesticides, refined petroleum, tires (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $7.877 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $6.881 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $16.622 billion (2019 est.) $16.238 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: guarani (PYG) per US dollar - 7,045 (2020 est.) 6,426 (2019 est.) 5,915.4 (2018 est.) 5,160.4 (2014 est.) 4,462.2 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 8.831 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 12,718,590,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 31.748 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.47 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 56,900 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 40,760 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.896 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 3,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 7.893 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 62.775 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 249,231 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 7,865,050 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 110 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: limited progress on structural reform and deficient infrastructure of the landlocked country are obstacles to telecom platform; monopolized fixed-line service; effective competition in mobile market, serving 96% of population through LTE; deployment of fiber; South Korean investment in education centers; operator enabled 109 free Internet points across the country and is looking to expand to 430 points in 2022; Inter-American Development Bank loan supports modernization within regulatory framework; dependent on neighboring countries for access to submarine cables; major importer of broadcasting equipment from the USA (2022) domestic: deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have resulted in expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered by competition among multiple providers; Internet market also open to competition; fixed-line just over 3 per 100 and mobile-cellular just over 105 per 100 of the population (2020) international: country code - 595; Paraguay's landlocked position means they must depend on neighbors for interconnection with submarine cable networks, making it cost more for broadband services; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 6 privately owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and community radio stations; 1 state-owned radio network (2019) Internet country code: .py Internet users: total: 4.92 million (2021 est.) percent of population: 64% (2021 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 562,369 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 560,631 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.97 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: ZP Airports: total: 799 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 15 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 784 1,524 to 2,437 m: 23 914 to 1,523 m: 290 under 914 m: 471 (2021) Railways: total: 30 km (2014) standard gauge: 30 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge Roadways: total: 78,811 km (2020) paved: 8,573 km (2020) unpaved: 70,238 km (2020) Waterways: 3,100 km (2012) (primarily on the Paraguay and Paraná River systems) Merchant marine: total: 110 by type: container ship 3, general cargo 25, oil tanker 5, other 77 (2021) note: as of 2017, Paraguay registered 2,012 fluvial vessels of which 1,741 were commercial barges Ports and terminals: river port(s): Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion (Parana) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces Command (Commando de las Fuerzas Militares): Army (Ejercito), Navy (Armada, includes marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea) Ministry of Internal Affairs: the National Police of Paraguay includes the Special Police Operations Force (Fuerza de Operaciones Policiales Especiales) (2022) Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1% of GDP (2020 est.) 1% of GDP (2019) (approximately $590 million) 1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $590 million) 0.9% of GDP (2017) (approximately $550 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 15,000 active duty personnel (10,000 Army; 3,500 Navy; 1,500 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Paraguayan military forces inventory is comprised of mostly older equipment from a variety of foreign suppliers, particularly Brazil and the US; since 2010, Paraguay has acquired small quantities of mostly second-hand military equipment from several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Taiwan, and the US (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy (conscripts also serve in the National Police); volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than 22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2022) note: as of 2021, women made up about 6% of the active military Military - note: as of 2022, the armed forces were conducting operations against the Paraguayan People's Army (Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo, EPP), a Marxist-nationalist insurgent group operating in the rural northern part of the country along the border with Brazil; they were also assisting internal security forces in countering narco-trafficking networks Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Hizballah (2022) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Paraguay-Argentina-Brazil: unruly region at convergence of Paraguay-Argentina-Brazil borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for violent extremist organizationsParaguay-Argentina-Brazil: unruly region at convergence of Paraguay-Argentina-Brazil borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for violent extremist organizations Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 5,900 (Venezuela) (2022) Illicit drugs: cannabis cultivation and the trafficking of Andean cocaine in the tri-border area shared with Argentina, and Brazil facilitates money laundering, violence and other criminal activity. cannabis cultivation and the trafficking of Andean cocaine in the tri-border area shared with Argentina, and Brazil facilitates money laundering, violence and other criminal activity. 

20220901

field-ethnic-groups

This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population. Topic: AfghanistanCurrent, reliable statistical data on ethnicity in Afghanistan are not available; Afghanistan's 2004 Constitution cited Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Turkman, Baluch, Pachaie, Nuristani, Aymaq, Arab, Qirghiz, Qizilbash, Gujur, and Brahwui ethnicities; Afghanistan has dozens of other small ethnic groups Topic: AlbaniaAlbanian 82.6%, Greek 0.9%, other 1% (including Vlach, Romani, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Egyptian), unspecified 15.5% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic and cultural affiliation Topic: AlgeriaArab-Berber 99%, European less than 1% note: although almost all Algerians are Berber in origin (not Arab), only a minority identify themselves as primarily Berber, about 15% of the total population; these people live mostly in the mountainous region of Kabylie east of Algiers and several other communities; the Berbers are also Muslim but identify with their Berber rather than Arab cultural heritage; Berbers have long agitated, sometimes violently, for autonomy; the government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has officially recognized Berber languages and introduced them into public schools Topic: American SamoaPacific Islander 92.6% (includes Samoan 88.9%, Tongan 2.9%, other .8%), Asian 3.6% (includes Filipino 2.2%, other 1.4%), mixed 2.7%, other 1.2% (2010 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic origin or race Topic: AndorraAndorran 48.3%, Spanish 24.8%, Portuguese 11.2%, French 4.5%, Argentine 1.4%, other 9.8% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Topic: AngolaOvimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22% Topic: AnguillaAfrican/Black 85.3%, Hispanic 4.9%, mixed 3.8%, White 3.2%, East Indian/Indian 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic origin Topic: Antigua and BarbudaAfrican descent 87.3%, mixed 4.7%, Hispanic 2.7%, White 1.6%, other 2.7%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic group Topic: ArgentinaEuropean (mostly Spanish and Italian descent) and Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) 97.2%, Amerindian 2.4%, African descent 0.4% (2010 est.) Topic: ArmeniaArmenian 98.1%, Yezidi (Kurd) 1.2%, other 0.7% (2011 est.) Topic: ArubaAruban 66%, Colombian 9.1%, Dutch 4.3%, Dominican 4.1%, Venezuelan 3.2%, Curacaoan 2.2%, Haitian 1.5%, Surinamese 1.2%, Peruvian 1.1%, Chinese 1.1%, other 6.2% (2010 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth Topic: AustraliaEnglish 36.1%, Australian 33.5%, Irish 11.0%, Scottish 9.3%, Chinese 5.6%, Italian 4.6%, German 4.5%, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 2.8%, Indian 2.8%, Greek 1.8%, Dutch 1.6% (2016 est.) note: data represent self-identified ancestry, with the option of reporting two ancestriesEnglish 36.1%, Australian 33.5%, Irish 11.0%, Scottish 9.3%, Chinese 5.6%, Italian 4.6%, German 4.5%, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 2.8%, Indian 2.8%, Greek 1.8%, Dutch 1.6% Topic: AustriaAustrian 80.8%, German 2.6%, Bosnian and Herzegovinian 1.9%, Turkish 1.8%, Serbian 1.6%, Romanian 1.3%, other 10% (2018 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth Topic: AzerbaijanAzerbaijani 91.6%, Lezghin 2%, Russian 1.3%, Armenian 1.3%, Talysh 1.3%, other 2.4% (2009 est.) note: the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is part of Azerbaijan on the basis of the borders recognized when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, is populated almost entirely by ethnic Armenians; Azerbaijan has over 80 ethnic groups Topic: Bahamas, TheAfrican descent 90.6%, White 4.7%, mixed 2.1%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.) note: data represent population by racial group Topic: BahrainBahraini 46%, Asian 45.5%, other Arab 4.7%, African 1.6%, European 1%, other 1.2% (includes Gulf Co-operative country nationals, North and South Americans, and Oceanians) (2010 est.) Topic: BangladeshBengali at least 98%, other indigenous ethnic groups 1.1% (2011 est.) note: Bangladesh's government recognizes 27 indigenous ethnic groups under the 2010 Cultural Institution for Small Anthropological Groups Act; other sources estimate there are about 75 ethnic groups; critics of the 2011 census claim that it underestimates the size of Bangladesh's ethnic population Topic: BarbadosAfrican descent 92.4%, mixed 3.1%, White 2.7%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2010 est.) Topic: BelarusBelarusian 83.7%, Russian 8.3%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.9% (2009 est.) Topic: BelgiumBelgian 75.2%, Italian 4.1%, Moroccan 3.7%, French 2.4%, Turkish 2%, Dutch 2%, other 10.6% (2012 est.) Topic: BelizeMestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, White 1.2%, Asian 1%, other 1.2%, unknown 0.3% (2010 est.) note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin Topic: BeninFon and related 38.4%, Adja and related 15.1%, Yoruba and related 12%, Bariba and related 9.6%, Fulani and related 8.6%, Ottamari and related 6.1%, Yoa-Lokpa and related 4.3%, Dendi and related 2.9%, other 0.9%, foreigner 1.9% (2013 est.) Topic: BermudaAfrican descent 52%, White 31%, mixed 9%, Asian 4%, other 4% (2010 est.) Topic: BhutanNgalop (also known as Bhote) 50%, ethnic Nepali 35% (predominantly Lhotshampas), indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Topic: BoliviaMestizo (mixed White and Amerindian ancestry) 68%, Indigenous 20%, White 5%, Cholo/Chola 2%, African descent 1%, other 1%, unspecified 3%; 44% of respondents indicated feeling part of some indigenous group, predominantly Quechua or Aymara (2009 est.) note: results among surveys vary based on the wording of the ethnicity question and the available response choices; the 2001 national census did not provide "Mestizo" as a response choice, resulting in a much higher proportion of respondents identifying themselves as belonging to one of the available indigenous ethnicity choices; the use of "Mestizo" and "Cholo" varies among response choices in surveys, with surveys using the terms interchangeably, providing one or the other as a response choice, or providing the two as separate response choices Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosniak 50.1%, Serb 30.8%, Croat 15.4%, other 2.7%, not declared/no answer 1% (2013 est.) note: Republika Srpska authorities dispute the methodology and refuse to recognize the results; Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam Topic: BotswanaTswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and people of European ancestry 7% Topic: BrazilWhite 47.7%, mixed 43.1%, Black 7.6%, Asian 1.1%, Indigenous 0.4% (2010 est.) Topic: British Virgin IslandsAfrican/Black 76.3%, Latino 5.5%, White 5.4%, mixed 5.3%, Indian 2.1%, East Indian 1.6%, other 3%, unspecified 0.8% (2010 est.) Topic: BruneiMalay 65.8%, Chinese 10.2%, other 24% (2020 est.) Topic: BulgariaBulgarian 76.9%, Turkish 8%, Romani 4.4%, other 0.7% (including Russian, Armenian, and Vlach), other (unknown) 10% (2011 est.) note: Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 9–11% of Bulgaria's population Topic: Burkina FasoMossi 52%, Fulani 8.4%, Gurma 7%, Bobo 4.9%, Gurunsi 4.6%, Senufo 4.5%, Bissa 3.7%, Lobi 2.4%, Dagara 2.4%, Tuareg/Bella 1.9%, Dioula 0.8%, unspecified/no answer 0.3%, other 7.2% (2010 est.) Topic: BurmaBurman (Bamar) 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5% note: government recognizes 135 indigenous ethnic groups Topic: BurundiHutu, Tutsi, Twa (Pygmy) Topic: Cabo VerdeCreole (Mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1% Topic: CambodiaKhmer 95.4%, Cham 2.4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 0.7% (2019-20 est.) Topic: CameroonBamileke-Bamu 24.3%, Beti/Bassa, Mbam 21.6%, Biu-Mandara 14.6%, Arab-Choa/Hausa/Kanuri 11%, Adamawa-Ubangi, 9.8%, Grassfields 7.7%, Kako, Meka/Pygmy 3.3%, Cotier/Ngoe/Oroko 2.7%, Southwestern Bantu 0.7%, foreign/other ethnic group 4.5% (2018 est.) Topic: CanadaCanadian 32.3%, English 18.3%, Scottish 13.9%, French 13.6%, Irish 13.4%, German 9.6%, Chinese 5.1%, Italian 4.6%, North American Indian 4.4%, East Indian 4%, Ukrainian 3.9%, other 47.7% (2016 est.) note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin Topic: Cayman Islandsmixed 40%, White 20%, African descent 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20% Topic: Central African RepublicBaya 28.8%, Banda 22.9%, Mandjia 9.9%, Sara 7.9%, M'Baka-Bantu 7.9%, Arab-Fulani (Peul) 6%, Mbum 6%, Ngbanki 5.5%, Zande-Nzakara 3%, other Central African Republic ethnic groups 2%, non-Central African Republic ethnic groups .1% (2003 est.) Topic: ChadSara (Ngambaye/Sara/Madjingaye/Mbaye) 30.5%, Kanembu/Bornu/Buduma 9.8%, Arab 9.7%, Wadai/Maba/Masalit/Mimi 7%, Gorane 5.8%, Masa/Musseye/Musgum 4.9%, Bulala/Medogo/Kuka 3.7%, Marba/Lele/Mesme 3.5%, Mundang 2.7%, Bidiyo/Migaama/Kenga/Dangleat 2.5%, Dadjo/Kibet/Muro 2.4%, Tupuri/Kera 2%, Gabri/Kabalaye/Nanchere/Somrai 2%, Fulani/Fulbe/Bodore 1.8%, Karo/Zime/Peve 1.3%, Baguirmi/Barma 1.2%, Zaghawa/Bideyat/Kobe 1.1%, Tama/Assongori/Mararit 1.1%, Mesmedje/Massalat/Kadjakse 0.8%, other Chadian ethnicities 3.4%, Chadians of foreign ethnicities 0.9%, foreign nationals 0.3%, unspecified 1.7% (2014-15 est.) Topic: ChileWhite and non-Indigenous 88.9%, Mapuche 9.1%, Aymara 0.7%, other Indigenous groups 1% (includes Rapa Nui, Likan Antai, Quechua, Colla, Diaguita, Kawesqar, Yagan or Yamana), unspecified 0.3% (2012 est.) Topic: ChinaHan Chinese 91.1%, ethnic minorities 8.9% (includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.) note: the PRC officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups Topic: Christmas IslandChinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10% (2001) note: no indigenous population Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsEuropeans, Cocos Malays Topic: ColombiaMestizo and White 87.6%, Afro-Colombian (includes Mulatto, Raizal, and Palenquero) 6.8%, Amerindian 4.3%, unspecified 1.4% (2018 est.) Topic: ComorosAntalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of themore than 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) - make up about 45% of the population Topic: Congo, Republic of theKongo 40.5%, Teke 16.9%, Mbochi 13.1%, foreigner 8.2%, Sangha 5.6%, Mbere/Mbeti/Kele 4.4%, Punu 4.3%, Pygmy 1.6%, Oubanguiens 1.6%, Duma 1.5%, Makaa 1.3%, other and unspecified 1% (2014-15 est.) Topic: Cook IslandsCook Island Maori (Polynesian) 81.3%, part Cook Island Maori 6.7%, other 11.9% (2011 est.) Topic: Costa RicaWhite or Mestizo 83.6%, Mulatto 6.7%, Indigenous 2.4%, Black or African descent 1.1%, other 1.1%, none 2.9%, unspecified 2.2% (2011 est.) Topic: Cote d'IvoireAkan 28.9%, Voltaique or Gur 16.1%, Northern Mande 14.5%, Kru 8.5%, Southern Mande 6.9%, unspecified 0.9%, non-Ivoirian 24.2% (2014 est.) Topic: CroatiaCroat 90.4%, Serb 4.4%, other 4.4% (including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Romani), unspecified 0.8% (2011 est.) Topic: CubaWhite 64.1%, Mulatto or mixed 26.6%, Black 9.3% (2012 est.) note: data represent racial self-identification from Cuba's 2012 national census Topic: CuracaoCuracaoan 75.4%, Dutch 6%, Dominican 3.6%, Colombian 3%, Bonairean, Sint Eustatian, Saban 1.5%, Haitian 1.2%, Surinamese 1.2%, Venezuelan 1.1%, Aruban 1.1%, other 5%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) Topic: CyprusGreek 98.8%, other 1% (includes Maronite, Armenian, Turkish-Cypriot), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.) note: data represent only the Greek-Cypriot citizens in the Republic of Cyprus Topic: CzechiaCzech 57.3%, Moravian 3.4%, other 7.7%, unspecified 31.6% (2021 est.) note: includes only persons with one ethnicity Topic: DenmarkDanish (includes Greenlandic (who are predominantly Inuit) and Faroese) 85.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 13.3% (largest groups are Polish, Syrian, Romanian, German, and Iraqi) (2022 est.) note: data represent population by ancestry Topic: DjiboutiSomali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (mostly Yemeni Arab, also French, Ethiopian, and Italian) Topic: DominicaAfrican descent 84.5%, mixed 9%, Indigenous 3.8%, other 2.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.) Topic: Dominican Republicmixed 70.4% (Mestizo/Indio 58%, Mulatto 12.4%), Black 15.8%, White 13.5%, other 0.3% (2014 est.) note: respondents self-identified their race; the term "indio" in the Dominican Republic is not associated with people of indigenous ancestry but people of mixed ancestry or skin color between light and dark Topic: EcuadorMestizo (mixed Amerindian and White) 71.9%, Montubio 7.4%, Amerindian 7%, White 6.1%, Afroecuadorian 4.3%, Mulatto 1.9%, Black 1%, other 0.4% (2010 est.) Topic: EgyptEgyptian 99.7%, other 0.3% (2006 est.) note: data represent respondents by nationality Topic: El SalvadorMestizo 86.3%, White 12.7%, Amerindian 0.2% (includes Lenca, Kakawira, Nahua-Pipil), Black 0.1%, other 0.6% (2007 est.) Topic: Equatorial GuineaFang 85.7%, Bubi 6.5%, Mdowe 3.6%, Annobon 1.6%, Bujeba 1.1%, other 1.4% (1994 est.) Topic: EritreaTigrinya 50%, Tigre 30%, Saho 4%, Afar 4%, Kunama 4%, Bilen 3%, Hedareb/Beja 2%, Nara 2%, Rashaida 1% (2021 est.) note: data represent Eritrea's nine recognized ethnic groups Topic: EstoniaEstonian 68.7%, Russian 24.8%, Ukrainian 1.7%, Belarusian 1%, Finn 0.6%, other 1.6%, unspecified 1.6% (2011 est.) Topic: Eswatinipredominantly Swazi; smaller populations of other African ethnic groups, including the Zulu, as well as people of European ancestrypredominantly Swazi; smaller populations of other African ethnic groups, including the Zulu, as well as people of European ancestry Topic: EthiopiaOromo 35.8%, Amhara 24.1%, Somali 7.2%, Tigray 5.7%, Sidama 4.1%, Guragie 2.6%, Welaita 2.3%, Afar 2.2%, Silte 1.3%, Kefficho 1.2%, other 13.5% (2022 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Falkland Islander 48.3%, British 23.1%, St. Helenian 7.5%, Chilean 4.6%, mixed 6%, other 8.5%, unspecified 2% (2016 est.) note: data represent population by national identity Topic: Faroe IslandsFaroese 85.3% (Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon descent), Danish 8.3%, other Nordic 1.4%, other 4.5% (includes Filipino, Poland, Romanian) (2022 est.) note: data represent respondents by country of birth Topic: FijiiTaukei 56.8% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture), Indo-Fijian 37.5%, Rotuman 1.2%, other 4.5% (European, part European, other Pacific Islanders, Chinese) (2007 est.) note: a 2010 law replaces 'Fijian' with 'iTaukei' when referring to the original and native settlers of Fiji Topic: FinlandFinnish, Swedish, Russian, Estonian, Romani, Sami note: 91.5% of the population has a Finnish background Topic: FranceCeltic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African (Algerian, Moroccan, Tunisian), Indochinese, Basque minorities note: overseas departments: Black, White, Mulatto, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian Topic: French PolynesiaPolynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4% Topic: GabonGabonese-born 80.1% (includes Fang 23.2%, Shira-Punu/Vili 18.9%, Nzabi-Duma 11.3%, Mbede-Teke 6.9%, Myene 5%, Kota-Kele 4.9%, Okande-Tsogo 2.1%, Pygmy .3%, other 7.5%), Cameroonian 4.6%, Malian 2.4%, Beninese 2.1%, acquired Gabonese nationality 1.6%, Togolese 1.6%, Senegalese 1.1%, Congolese (Brazzaville) 1%, other 5.5% (includes Congolese (Kinshasa), Equatorial Guinean, Nigerian) (2012 est.) Topic: Gambia, TheMandinka/Jahanka 33.3%, Fulani/Tukulur/Lorobo 18.2%, Wolof 12.9%, Jola/Karoninka 11%, Serahuleh 7.2%, Serer 3.5%, other 4%, non-Gambian 9.9% (2019-20 est.) Topic: Gaza StripPalestinian Arab Topic: GeorgiaGeorgian 86.8%, Azeri 6.3%, Armenian 4.5%, other 2.3% (includes Russian, Ossetian, Yazidi, Ukrainian, Kist, Greek) (2014 est.) Topic: GermanyGerman 86.3%, Turkish 1.8%, Polish 1%, Syrian 1%, Romanian 1%, other/stateless/unspecified 8.9% (2020 est.) note:  data represent population by nationality Topic: GhanaAkan 45.7%, Mole-Dagbani 18.5%, Ewe 12.8%, Ga-Dangme 7.1%, Gurma 6.4%, Guan 3.2%, Grusi 2.7%, Mande 2%, other 1.6% (2021 est.) Topic: GibraltarGibraltarian 79%, other British 13.2%, Spanish 2.1%, Moroccan 1.6%, other EU 2.4%, other 1.6% (2012 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Topic: GreeceGreek 91.6%, Albanian 4.4%, other 4% (2011 est.) note: data represent citizenship; Greece does not collect data on ethnicity Topic: GreenlandGreenlandic 89.1%, Danish 7.5%, other Nordic peoples 0.9%, and other 2.5% (2022 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth Topic: GrenadaAfrican descent 82.4%, mixed 13.3%, East Indian 2.2%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) Topic: GuamChamorro 37.3%, Filipino 26.3%, White 7.1%, Chuukese 7%, Korean 2.2%, other Pacific Islander 2%, other Asian 2%, Chinese 1.6%, Palauan 1.6%, Japanese 1.5%, Pohnpeian 1.4%, mixed 9.4%, other 0.6% (2010 est.) Topic: GuatemalaMestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Maya 41.7%, Xinca (Indigenous, non-Maya) 1.8%, African descent 0.2%, Garifuna (mixed West and Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak) 0.1%, foreign 0.2% (2018 est.) Topic: GuernseyGuernsey 53.1%, UK and Ireland 23.9%, Portugal 2.2%, Latvia 1.5%, other Europe 2.8%, other 4.4%, unspecified 11.4% (2020 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth; the native population is of British and Norman-French descent Topic: GuineaFulani (Peuhl) 33.4%, Malinke 29.4%, Susu 21.2%, Guerze 7.8%, Kissi 6.2%, Toma 1.6%, other/foreign 0.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Guinea-BissauBalanta 30%, Fulani 30%, Manjaco 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%, unspecified smaller ethnic groups 6% (2015 est.) Topic: GuyanaEast Indian 39.8%, African descent 29.3%, mixed 19.9%, Amerindian 10.5%, other 0.5% (includes Portuguese, Chinese, White) (2012 est.) Topic: HaitiBlack 95%, mixed and White 5% Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)Italian, Swiss, Argentinian, and other nationalities from around the world (2017) Topic: HondurasMestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, African descent 2%, White 1% Topic: Hong KongChinese 92%, Filipino 2.5%, Indonesian 2.1%, other 3.4% (2016 est.) Topic: HungaryHungarian 85.6%, Romani 3.2%, German 1.9%, other 2.6%, unspecified 14.1% (2011 est.) note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic group; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 5–10% of Hungary's population Topic: IcelandIcelandic 81.3%, Polish 5.6%, Danish 1%, other 12.1% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth Topic: IndiaIndo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, and other 3% (2000) Topic: IndonesiaJavanese 40.1%, Sundanese 15.5%, Malay 3.7%, Batak 3.6%, Madurese 3%, Betawi 2.9%, Minangkabau 2.7%, Buginese 2.7%, Bantenese 2%, Banjarese 1.7%, Balinese 1.7%, Acehnese 1.4%, Dayak 1.4%, Sasak 1.3%, Chinese 1.2%, other 15% (2010 est.) Topic: IranPersian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen, and Turkic tribes Topic: IraqArab 75-80%, Kurdish 15-20%, other 5% (includes Turkmen, Yezidi, Shabak, Kaka'i, Bedouin, Romani, Assyrian, Circassian, Sabaean-Mandaean, Persian) note: data is a 1987 government estimate; no more recent reliable numbers are available Topic: IrelandIrish 82.2%, Irish travelers 0.7%, other White 9.5%, Asian 2.1%, Black 1.4%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2016 est.) Topic: Isle of ManWhite 94.7%, Asian 3.1%, Mixed 1%, Black 0.6%, other 0.4% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Topic: IsraelJewish 74% (of which Israel-born 78.7%, Europe/America/Oceania-born 14.8%, Africa-born 4.2%, Asia-born 2.3%), Arab 21.1%, other 4.9% (2020 est.) Topic: ItalyItalian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south) Topic: JamaicaBlack 92.1%, mixed 6.1%, East Indian 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.7% (2011 est.) Topic: JapanJapanese 97.9%, Chinese 0.6%, Korean 0.4%, other 1.1% (includes Vietnamese, Filipino, and Brazilian) (2017 est.) note: data represent population by nationality; up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil Topic: JerseyJersey 44.4%, British 30.5%, Portuguese/Madeiran 9.4%, Polish 3%, Irish 2.1%, other 10.6% (2021 est.) Topic: JordanJordanian 69.3%, Syrian 13.3%, Palestinian 6.7%, Egyptian 6.7%, Iraqi 1.4%, other 2.6% (includes Armenian, Circassian) (2015 est.) note: data represent population by self-identified nationality Topic: KazakhstanKazakh (Qazaq) 68%, Russian 19.3%, Uzbek 3.2%, Ukrainian 1.5%, Uighur 1.5%, Tatar 1.1%, German 1%, other 4.4% (2019 est.) Topic: KenyaKikuyu 17.1%, Luhya 14.3%, Kalenjin 13.4%, Luo 10.7%, Kamba 9.8%, Somali 5.8%, Kisii 5.7%, Mijikenda 5.2%, Meru 4.2%, Maasai 2.5%, Turkana 2.1%, non-Kenyan 1%, other 8.2% (2019 est.) Topic: KiribatiI-Kiribati 95.78%, I-Kiribati/mixed 3.8%, Tuvaluan 0.2%, other 1.7% (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Northracially homogeneous; there is a small Chinese community and a few ethnic Japanese Topic: Korea, Southhomogeneous Topic: KosovoAlbanians 92.9%, Bosniaks 1.6%, Serbs 1.5%, Turk 1.1%, Ashkali 0.9%, Egyptian 0.7%, Gorani 0.6%, Romani 0.5%, other/unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.) note: these estimates may under-represent Serb, Romani, and some other ethnic minorities because they are based on the 2011 Kosovo national census, which excluded northern Kosovo (a largely Serb-inhabited region) and was partially boycotted by Serb and Romani communities in southern Kosovo Topic: KuwaitKuwaiti 30.4%, other Arab 27.4%, Asian 40.3%, African 1%, other 0.9% (includes European, North American, South American, and Australian) (2018 est.) Topic: KyrgyzstanKyrgyz 73.8%, Uzbek 14.8%, Russian 5.1%, Dungan 1.1%, other 5.2% (includes Uyghur, Tajik, Turk, Kazakh, Tatar, Ukrainian, Korean, German) (2021 est.) Topic: LaosLao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.) note: the Laos Government officially recognizes 49 ethnic groups, but the total number of ethnic groups is estimated to be well over 200 Topic: LatviaLatvian 62.7%, Russian 24.5%, Belarusian 3.1%, Ukrainian 2.2%, Polish 2%, Lithuanian 1.1%, other 1.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2021 est.) Topic: LebanonArab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1% note: many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but rather as descendants of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians Topic: LesothoSotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3% Topic: LiberiaKpelle 20.3%, Bassa 13.4%, Grebo 10%, Gio 8%, Mano 7.9%, Kru 6%, Lorma 5.1%, Kissi 4.8%, Gola 4.4%, Krahn 4%, Vai 4%, Mandingo 3.2%, Gbandi 3%, Mende 1.3%, Sapo 1.3%, other Liberian 1.7%, other African 1.4%, non-African .1% (2008 est.) Topic: LibyaBerber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Egyptian, Greek, Indian, Italian, Maltese, Pakistani, Tunisian, and Turkish) Topic: LiechtensteinLiechtensteiner 65.5%, Swiss 9.6%, Austrian 6%, German 4.5%, Italian 3.1%, other 11.4% (2020 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Topic: LithuaniaLithuanian 84.6%, Polish 6.5%, Russian 5%, Belarusian 1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.8% (2021 est.) Topic: LuxembourgLuxembourger 52.9%, Portuguese 14.5%, French 7.6%, Italian 3.7%, Belgian 3%, German 2%, Spanish 1.3%, Romania 1%, other 14% (2022 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Topic: MacauChinese 88.7%, Portuguese 1.1%, mixed 1.1%, other 9.2% (includes Macanese - mixed Portuguese and Asian ancestry) (2016 est.) Topic: MadagascarMalayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran Topic: MalawiChewa 34.3%, Lomwe 18.8%, Yao 13.2%, Ngoni 10.4%, Tumbuka 9.2%, Sena 3.8%, Mang'anja 3.2%, Tonga 1.8%, Nyanja 1.8%, Nkhonde 1%, other 2.2%, foreign 0.3% (2018 est.) Topic: MalaysiaBumiputera 62.5% (Malays and indigenous peoples, including Orang Asli, Dayak, Anak Negeri), Chinese 20.6%, Indian 6.2%, other 0.9%, non-citizens 9.8% (2019 est.) Topic: Maldiveshomogeneous mixture of Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, Australasian, and African resulting from historical changes in regional hegemony over marine trade routes Topic: MaliBambara 33.3%, Fulani (Peuhl) 13.3%, Sarakole/Soninke/Marka 9.8%, Senufo/Manianka 9.6%, Malinke 8.8%, Dogon 8.7%, Sonrai 5.9%, Bobo 2.1%, Tuareg/Bella 1.7%, other Malian 6%, from members of Economic Community of West Africa 0.4%, other 0.3% (2018 est.) Topic: MaltaMaltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock) Topic: Marshall IslandsMarshallese 92.1%, mixed Marshallese 5.9%, other 2% (2006 est.) Topic: MauritaniaBlack Moors (Haratines - Arabic-speaking descendants of African origin who are or were enslaved by White Moors) 40%, White Moors (of Arab-Berber descent, known as Beydane) 30%, Sub-Saharan Mauritanians (non-Arabic speaking, largely resident in or originating from the Senegal River Valley, including Halpulaar, Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and Bambara ethnic groups) 30% Topic: MauritiusIndo-Mauritian (compose approximately two thirds of the total population), Creole, Sino-Mauritian, Franco-Mauritian note: Mauritius has not had a question on ethnicity on its national census since 1972 Topic: MexicoMestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 62%, predominantly Amerindian 21%, Amerindian 7%, other 10% (mostly European) (2012 est.) note: Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofChuukese/Mortlockese 49.3%, Pohnpeian 29.8%, Kosraean 6.3%, Yapese 5.7%, Yap outer islanders 5.1%, Polynesian 1.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 0.8% (2010 est.) Topic: MoldovaMoldovan 75.1%, Romanian 7%, Ukrainian 6.6%, Gagauz 4.6%, Russian 4.1%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 0.8% (2014 est.) Topic: MonacoMonegasque 32.1%, French 19.9%, Italian 15.3%, British 5%, Belgian 2.3%, Swiss 2%, German 1.9%, Russian 1.8%, American 1.1%, Dutch 1.1%, Moroccan 1%, other 16.6% (2016 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth Topic: MongoliaKhalkh 83.8%, Kazak 3.8%, Durvud 2.6%, Bayad 2%, Buriad 1.4%, Zakhchin 1.2%, Dariganga 1.1%, other 4.1% (2020 est.) Topic: MontenegroMontenegrin 45%, Serbian 28.7%, Bosniak 8.7%, Albanian 4.9%, Muslim 3.3%, Romani 1%, Croat 1%, other 2.6%, unspecified 4.9% (2011 est.) Topic: MontserratAfrican/Black 86.2%, mixed 4.8%, Hispanic/Spanish 3%, Caucasian/White 2.7%, East Indian/Indian 1.6%, other 1.8% (2018 est.) Topic: MoroccoArab-Berber 99%, other 1% note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: MozambiqueAfrican 99% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Mestizo 0.8%, other (includes European, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese) 0.2% (2017 est.) Topic: NamibiaOvambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, mixed European and African ancestry 6.5%, European 6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana .5% Topic: NauruNauruan 88.9%, part Nauruan 6.6%, I-Kiribati 2%, other 2.5% (2007 est.) Topic: NepalChhettri 16.6%, Brahman-Hill 12.2%, Magar 7.1%, Tharu 6.6%, Tamang 5.8%, Newar 5%, Kami 4.8%, Muslim 4.4%, Yadav 4%, Rai 2.3%, Gurung 2%, Damai/Dholii 1.8%, Thakuri 1.6%, Limbu 1.5%, Sarki 1.4%, Teli 1.4%, Chamar/Harijan/Ram 1.3%, Koiri/Kushwaha 1.2%, other 19% (2011 est.) note: 125 caste/ethnic groups were reported in the 2011 national census Topic: NetherlandsDutch 75.4%, EU (excluding Dutch) 6.4%, Turkish 2.4%, Moroccan 2.4%, Surinamese 2.1%, Indonesian 2%, other 9.3% (2021 est.) Topic: New CaledoniaKanak 39.1%, European 27.1%, Wallisian, Futunian 8.2%, Tahitian 2.1%, Indonesian 1.4%, Ni-Vanuatu 1%, Vietnamese 0.9%, other 17.7%, unspecified 2.5% (2014 est.) Topic: New ZealandEuropean 64.1%, Maori 16.5%, Chinese 4.9%, Indian 4.7%, Samoan 3.9%, Tongan 1.8%, Cook Islands Maori 1.7%, English 1.5%, Filipino 1.5%, New Zealander 1%, other 13.7% (2018 est.) note: based on the 2018 census of the usually resident population; percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic group Topic: NicaraguaMestizo (mixed Amerindian and White) 69%, White 17%, Black 9%, Amerindian 5% Topic: NigerHausa 53.1%, Zarma/Songhai 21.2%, Tuareg 11%, Fulani (Peuhl) 6.5%, Kanuri 5.9%, Gurma 0.8%, Arab 0.4%, Tubu 0.4%, other/unavailable 0.9% (2006 est.) Topic: NigeriaHausa 30%, Yoruba 15.5%, Igbo (Ibo) 15.2%, Fulani 6%, Tiv 2.4%, Kanuri/Beriberi 2.4%, Ibibio 1.8%, Ijaw/Izon 1.8%, other 24.9% (2018 est.) note: Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups Topic: NiueNiuean 65.4%, part-Niuean 14%, non-Niuean 20.6% (2017 est.) note: data represent the resident population Topic: Norfolk IslandAustralian 22.8%, English 22.4%, Pitcairn Islander 20%, Scottish 6%, Irish 5.2% (2011 est.) note: respondents were able to identify up to two ancestries; percentages represent a proportion of all responses from people in Norfolk Island, including those who did not identify an ancestry; only top responses are shownAustralian 22.8%, English 22.4%, Pitcairn Islander 20%, Scottish 6%, Irish 5.2% Topic: North MacedoniaMacedonian 58.4%, Albanian 24.3%, Turkish 3.9%, Romani 2.5%, Serb 1.3%, other 2.3%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no ethnic affiliation data was available 7.2% (2021 est.) note: Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 6.5–13% of North Macedonia’s population Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsAsian 50% (includes Filipino 35.3%, Chinese 6.8%, Korean 4.2%, and other Asian 3.7%), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 34.9% (includes Chamorro 23.9%, Carolinian 4.6%, and other Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 6.4%), other 2.5%, two or more ethnicities or races 12.7% (2010 est.) Topic: NorwayNorwegian 81.5% (includes about 60,000 Sami), other European 8.9%, other 9.6% (2021 est.) Topic: OmanArab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African Topic: PakistanPunjabi 44.7%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.4%, Sindhi 14.1%, Saraiki 8.4%, Muhajirs 7.6%, Balochi 3.6%, other 6.3% Topic: PalauPalauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 73%, Carolinian 2%, Asian 21.7%, Caucasian 1.2%, other 2.1% (2015 est.) Topic: PanamaMestizo (mixed Amerindian and White) 65%, Native American 12.3% (Ngabe 7.6%, Kuna 2.4%, Embera 0.9%, Bugle 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.2%), Black or African descent 9.2%, Mulatto 6.8%, White 6.7% (2010 est.) Topic: Papua New GuineaMelanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian Topic: ParaguayMestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian ancestry) 95%, other 5% Topic: PeruMestizo (mixed Amerindian and White) 60.2%, Amerindian 25.8%, White 5.9%, African descent 3.6%, other (includes Chinese and Japanese descent) 1.2%, unspecified 3.3% (2017 est.) Topic: PhilippinesTagalog 24.4%, Bisaya/Binisaya 11.4%, Cebuano 9.9%, Ilocano 8.8%, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo 8.4%, Bikol/Bicol 6.8%, Waray 4%, other local ethnicity 26.1%, other foreign ethnicity 0.1% (2010 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islandsdescendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives Topic: PolandPolish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.) note: represents ethnicity declared first Topic: PortugalPortuguese 95%; citizens from Portugal’s former colonies in Africa, Asia (Han Chinese), and South America (Brazilian) and other foreign born 5% Topic: Puerto RicoWhite 75.8%, Black/African American 12.4%, other 8.5% (includes American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and others), mixed 3.3% (2010 est.) note: 99% of the population is Latino Topic: Qatarnon-Qatari 88.4%, Qatari 11.6% (2015 est.) Topic: RomaniaRomanian 83.4%, Hungarian 6.1%, Romani 3.1%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.2%, other 0.7%, unspecified 6.1% (2011 est.) note: Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 5–11% of Romania's population Topic: RussiaRussian 77.7%, Tatar 3.7%, Ukrainian 1.4%, Bashkir 1.1%, Chuvash 1%, Chechen 1%, other 10.2%, unspecified 3.9% (2010 est.) note: nearly 200 national and/or ethnic groups are represented in Russia's 2010 census Topic: RwandaHutu, Tutsi, Twa (Pygmy) Topic: Saint BarthelemyFrench, Portuguese, Caribbean, Afro-Caribbean Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaAfrican descent 50%, White 25%, Chinese 25% Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisAfrican descent 92.5%, mixed 3%, White 2.1%, East Indian 1.5%, other 0.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2001 est.) Topic: Saint LuciaBlack/African descent 85.3%, mixed 10.9%, East Indian 2.2%, other 1.6%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.) Topic: Saint MartinCreole (Mulatto), Black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), White, East Indian, other Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonBasques and Bretons (French fishermen) Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesAfrican descent 71.2%, mixed 23%, Indigenous 3%, East Indian/Indian 1.1%, European 1.5%, other 0.2% (2012 est.) Topic: SamoaSamoan 96%, Samoan/New Zealander 2%, other 1.9% (2011 est.) note: data represent the population by country of citizenship Topic: San MarinoSammarinese, Italian Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipeMestico, Angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), Forros (descendants of freed slaves), Servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cabo Verde), Tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese), Asians (mostly Chinese) Topic: Saudi ArabiaArab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% Topic: SenegalWolof 39.7%, Pular 27.5%, Serer 16%, Mandinka 4.9%, Jola 4.2%, Soninke 2.4%, other 5.4% (includes Europeans and persons of Lebanese descent) (2019 est.) Topic: SerbiaSerb 83.3%, Hungarian 3.5%, Romani 2.1%, Bosniak 2%, other 5.7%, undeclared or unknown 3.4% (2011 est.) note: most ethnic Albanians boycotted the 2011 census; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 5–11% of Serbia's population Topic: Seychellespredominantly Creole (mainly of East African and Malagasy heritage); also French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab populations Topic: Sierra LeoneTemne 35.4%, Mende 30.8%, Limba 8.8%, Kono 4.3%, Korankoh 4%, Fullah 3.8%, Mandingo 2.8%, Loko 2%, Sherbro 1.9%, Creole 1.2% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio), other 5% (2019 est.) Topic: SingaporeChinese 74.2%, Malay 13.7%, Indian 8.9%, other 3.2% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by self-identification; the population is divided into four categories: Chinese, Malay (includes indigenous Malays and Indonesians), Indian (includes Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Sri Lankan), and other ethnic groups (includes Eurasians, Caucasians, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese) Topic: Sint MaartenSaint Maarten 29.9%, Dominican Republic 10.2%, Haiti 7.8%, Jamaica 6.6%, Saint Martin 5.9%, Guyana 5%, Dominica 4.4%, Curacao 4.1%, Aruba 3.4%, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.8%, India 2.6%, Netherlands 2.2%, US 1.6%, Suriname 1.4%, Saint Lucia 1.3%, Anguilla 1.1%, other 8%, unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.) note:  data represent population by country of birth Topic: SlovakiaSlovak 83.8%, Hungarian 7.8%, Romani 1.2%, other 1.8% (includes Czech, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Russian, German, Polish), unspecified 5.4% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by nationality; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 7–11% of Slovakia's population Topic: SloveniaSlovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 est.) Topic: Solomon IslandsMelanesian 95.3%, Polynesian 3.1%, Micronesian 1.2%, other 0.3% (2009 est.) Topic: SomaliaSomali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including 30,000 Arabs) Topic: South AfricaBlack African 80.9%, Colored 8.8%, White 7.8%, Indian/Asian 2.6% (2021 est.) note: colored is a term used in South Africa, including on the national census, for persons of mixed race ancestry who developed a distinct cultural identity over several hundred years Topic: South SudanDinka (Jieng) approximately 35-40%, Nuer (Naath) approximately 15%, Shilluk (Chollo), Azande, Bari, Kakwa, Kuku, Murle, Mandari, Didinga, Ndogo, Bviri, Lndi, Anuak, Bongo, Lango, Dungotona, Acholi, Baka, Fertit (2011 est.) note: Figures are estimations due to population changes during South Sudan's civil war and the lack of updated demographic studies Topic: SpainSpanish 84.8%, Moroccan 1.7%, Romanian 1.2%, other 12.3% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth Topic: Sri LankaSinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2%, Sri Lankan Moors 9.2%, Indian Tamil 4.2%, other 0.5% (2012 est.) Topic: SudanSudanese Arab (approximately 70%), Fur, Beja, Nuba, Ingessana, Uduk, Fallata, Masalit, Dajo, Gimir, Tunjur, Berti; there are over 500 ethnic groups Topic: SurinameHindustani (also known locally as "East Indians"; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 27.4%, Maroon (their African ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves and escaped to the interior) 21.7%, Creole (mixed White and Black) 15.7%, Javanese 13.7%, mixed 13.4%, other 7.6%, unspecified 0.6% (2012 est.) Topic: SvalbardNorwegian 61.1%, foreign population 38.9% (consists primarily of Russians, Thais, Swedes, Filipinos, and Ukrainians) (2021 est.) note: foreigners account for almost one third of the population of the Norwegian settlements, Longyearbyen and Ny-Alesund (where the majority of Svalbard's resident population lives), as of mid-2021 Topic: SwedenSwedish 80.3%, Syrian 1.9%, Iraqi 1.4%, Finnish 1.4%, other 15% (2020 est.) note: data represent the population by country of birth; the indigenous Sami people are estimated to number between 20,000 and 40,000Swedish 80.3%, Syrian 1.9%, Iraqi 1.4%, Finnish 1.4%, other 15% Topic: SwitzerlandSwiss 69.2%, German 4.2%, Italian 3.2%, Portuguese 2.5%, French 2.1%, Kosovo 1.1%, Turkish 1%, other 16.7% (2020 est.) note: data represent permanent and non-permanent resident population by country of birth Topic: SyriaArab ~50%, Alawite ~15%, Kurd ~10%, Levantine ~10%, other ~15% (includes Druze, Ismaili, Imami, Nusairi, Assyrian, Turkoman, Armenian) Topic: TaiwanHan Chinese (including Holo, who compose approximately 70% of Taiwan's population, Hakka, and other groups originating in mainland China) more than 95%, indigenous Malayo-Polynesian peoples 2.3% note 1: there are 16 officially recognized indigenous groups: Amis, Atayal, Bunun, Hla'alua, Kanakaravu, Kavalan, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiyat, Sakizaya, Seediq, Thao, Truku, Tsou, and Yami; Amis, Paiwan, and Atayal are the largest and account for roughly 70% of the indigenous population note 2: although not definitive, the majority of current genetic, archeological, and linguistic data support the theory that Taiwan is the ultimate source for the spread of humans across the Pacific to Polynesia; the expansion (ca. 3000 B.C. to A.D. 1200) took place via the Philippines and eastern Indonesia and reached Fiji and Tonga by about 900 B.C.; from there voyagers spread across the rest of the Pacific islands over the next two millennia Topic: TajikistanTajik 84.3% (includes Pamiri and Yagnobi), Uzbek 13.8%, other 2% (includes Kyrgyz, Russian, Turkmen, Tatar, Arab) (2014 est.) Topic: Tanzaniamainland - African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African Topic: ThailandThai 97.5%, Burmese 1.3%, other 1.1%, unspecified <.1% (2015 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Topic: Timor-LesteAustronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) (includes Tetun, Mambai, Tokodede, Galoli, Kemak, Baikeno), Melanesian-Papuan (includes Bunak, Fataluku, Bakasai), small Chinese minority Topic: TogoAdja-Ewe/Mina 42.4%, Kabye/Tem 25.9%, Para-Gourma/Akan 17.1%, Akposso/Akebu 4.1%, Ana-Ife 3.2%, other Togolese 1.7%, foreigners 5.2%, no response 0.4% (2013-14 est.) note: Togo has an estimated 37 ethnic groups Topic: TokelauTokelauan 64.5%, part Tokelauan/Samoan 9.7%, part Tokelauan/Tuvaluan 2.8%, Tuvaluan 7.5%, Samoan 5.8%, other Pacific Islander 3.4%, other 5.6%, unspecified 0.8% (2016 est.) Topic: TongaTongan 97%, part-Tongan 0.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified <0.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Trinidad and TobagoEast Indian 35.4%, African descent 34.2%, mixed - other 15.3%, mixed - African/East Indian 7.7%, other 1.3%, unspecified 6.2% (2011 est.) Topic: TunisiaArab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1% Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)Turkish 70-75%, Kurdish 19%, other minorities 6-11% (2016 est.) Topic: TurkmenistanTurkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6% (2003 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsBlack 87.6%, White 7.9%, mixed 2.5%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.7% (2006 est.) Topic: TuvaluTuvaluan 97%, Tuvaluan/I-Kiribati 1.6%, Tuvaluan/other 0.8%, other 0.6% (2017 est.) Topic: UgandaBaganda 16.5%, Banyankole 9.6%, Basoga 8.8%, Bakiga 7.1%, Iteso 7%, Langi 6.3%, Bagisu 4.9%, Acholi 4.4%, Lugbara 3.3%, other 32.1% (2014 est.) Topic: UkraineUkrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan 0.5%, Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian 0.3%, Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001 est.) Topic: United Arab EmiratesEmirati 11.6%, South Asian 59.4% (includes Indian 38.2%, Bangladeshi 9.5%, Pakistani 9.4%, other 2.3%), Egyptian 10.2%, Filipino 6.1%, other 12.8% (2015 est.) note: data represent the total population; as of 2019, immigrants make up about 87.9% of the total population, according to UN data Topic: United KingdomWhite 87.2%, Black/African/Caribbean/black British 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.) Topic: United StatesWhite 61.6%, Black or African American 12.4%, Asian 6%, Amerindian and Alaska native 1.1%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.2%, other 8.4%, two or more races 10.2% (2020 est.) note: a separate listing for Hispanic is not included because the US Census Bureau considers Hispanic to mean persons of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin including those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican Republic, Spanish, and Central or South American origin living in the US who may be of any race or ethnic group (White, Black, Asian, etc.); an estimated 18.7% of the total US population is Hispanic as of 2020 Topic: UruguayWhite 87.7%, Black 4.6%, Indigenous 2.4%, other 0.3%, none or unspecified 5% (2011 est.) note: data represent primary ethnic identity Topic: UzbekistanUzbek 83.8%, Tajik 4.8%, Kazakh 2.5%, Russian 2.3%, Karakalpak 2.2%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.9% (2017 est.) Topic: VanuatuMelanesian 99.2%, non-Melanesian 0.8% (2016 est.) Topic: Venezuelaunspecified Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, Indigenous Topic: VietnamKinh (Viet) 85.3%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.9%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.4%, Mong 1.4%, Nung 1.1%, other 5.5% (2019 est.) note: 54 ethnic groups are recognized by the Vietnamese Government Topic: Virgin IslandsBlack 76%, White 15.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 4.9%, mixed 2.1% (2010 est.) note: 17.4% self-identify as Latino Topic: Wallis and FutunaPolynesian Topic: West BankPalestinian Arab, Jewish, other Topic: Yemenpredominantly Arab; but also Afro-Arab, South Asian, European Topic: ZambiaBemba 21%, Tonga 13.6%, Chewa 7.4%, Lozi 5.7%, Nsenga 5.3%, Tumbuka 4.4%, Ngoni 4%, Lala 3.1%, Kaonde 2.9%, Namwanga 2.8%, Lunda (north Western) 2.6%, Mambwe 2.5%, Luvale 2.2%, Lamba 2.1%, Ushi 1.9%, Lenje 1.6%, Bisa 1.6%, Mbunda 1.2%, other 13.8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) Topic: ZimbabweAfrican 99.4% (predominantly Shona; Ndebele is the second largest ethnic group), other 0.4%, unspecified 0.2% (2012 est.)

20220901

countries-guinea-bissau

Topic: Photos of Guinea-Bissau Topic: Introduction Background: For much of its history, Guinea-Bissau was under the control of the Mali Empire and the Kaabu Kingdom. In the 16th century, Portugal began establishing trading posts along Guinea-Bissau’s shoreline. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to the coastline and islands. However, the slave and gold trades were lucrative to local African leaders, and the Portuguese were slowly able to expand their power and influence inland. Starting in the 18th century, the Mali Empire and Kingdom of Kaabu slowly disintegrated into smaller local entities. By the 19th century, Portugal had fully incorporated Guinea-Bissau into its empire. Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established General Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. VIEIRA's regime suppressed political opposition and purged political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In May 1999, a military mutiny and civil war led to VIEIRA's ouster. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA. In September 2003, a bloodless military coup overthrew YALA and installed businessman Henrique ROSA as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was reelected, pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. In June 2009, Malam Bacai SANHA was elected president, but he passed away in January 2012 from a long-term illness. In April 2012, a military coup prevented the second-round of the presidential election from taking place. Following mediation from the Economic Community of Western African States, a civilian transitional government assumed power. In 2014, Jose Mario VAZ was elected president after a free and fair election. In June 2019, VAZ became the first president in Guinea-Bissau’s history to complete a full presidential term. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO was elected president in December 2019, but he did not take office until February 2020 because of a prolonged challenge to the election results.For much of its history, Guinea-Bissau was under the control of the Mali Empire and the Kaabu Kingdom. In the 16th century, Portugal began establishing trading posts along Guinea-Bissau’s shoreline. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to the coastline and islands. However, the slave and gold trades were lucrative to local African leaders, and the Portuguese were slowly able to expand their power and influence inland. Starting in the 18th century, the Mali Empire and Kingdom of Kaabu slowly disintegrated into smaller local entities. By the 19th century, Portugal had fully incorporated Guinea-Bissau into its empire. Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established General Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. VIEIRA's regime suppressed political opposition and purged political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In May 1999, a military mutiny and civil war led to VIEIRA's ouster. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA. In September 2003, a bloodless military coup overthrew YALA and installed businessman Henrique ROSA as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was reelected, pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. In June 2009, Malam Bacai SANHA was elected president, but he passed away in January 2012 from a long-term illness. In April 2012, a military coup prevented the second-round of the presidential election from taking place. Following mediation from the Economic Community of Western African States, a civilian transitional government assumed power. In 2014, Jose Mario VAZ was elected president after a free and fair election. In June 2019, VAZ became the first president in Guinea-Bissau’s history to complete a full presidential term. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO was elected president in December 2019, but he did not take office until February 2020 because of a prolonged challenge to the election results.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal Geographic coordinates: 12 00 N, 15 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 36,125 sq km land: 28,120 sq km water: 8,005 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: total: 762 km border countries (2): Guinea 421 km; Senegal 341 km Coastline: 350 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Terrain: mostly low-lying coastal plain with a deeply indented estuarine coastline rising to savanna in east; numerous off-shore islands including the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos consisting of 18 main islands and many small islets Elevation: highest point: Dongol Ronde 277 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 70 m Natural resources: fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum Land use: agricultural land: 44.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 29.7% (2018 est.) forest: 55.2% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 250 sq km (2012) Major aquifers: Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin Population distribution: approximately one-fifth of the population lives in the capital city of Bissau along the Atlantic coast; the remainder is distributed among the eight other, mainly rural, regions as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires Geography - note: this small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland Map description: Guinea-Bissau map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean.Guinea-Bissau map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 2,026,778 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Bissau-Guinean(s) adjective: Bissau-Guinean Ethnic groups: Balanta 30%, Fulani 30%, Manjaco 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%, unspecified smaller ethnic groups 6% (2015 est.) Languages: Portuguese-based Creole, Portuguese (official; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo Religions: Muslim 46.1%, folk religions 30.6%, Christian 18.9%, other or unaffiliated 4.4% (2020 est.) Demographic profile: Guinea-Bissau’s young and growing population is sustained by high fertility; approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Its large reproductive-age population and total fertility rate of more than 4 children per woman offsets the country’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. The latter is among the world’s highest because of the prevalence of early childbearing, a lack of birth spacing, the high percentage of births outside of health care facilities, and a shortage of medicines and supplies.Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, a civil war, and several coups (the latest in 2012) have resulted in a fragile state with a weak economy, high unemployment, rampant corruption, widespread poverty, and thriving drug and child trafficking. With the country lacking educational infrastructure, school funding and materials, and qualified teachers, and with the cultural emphasis placed on religious education, parents frequently send boys to study in residential Koranic schools (daaras) in Senegal and The Gambia. They often are extremely deprived and are forced into street begging or agricultural work by marabouts (Muslim religious teachers), who enrich themselves at the expense of the children. Boys who leave their marabouts often end up on the streets of Dakar or other large Senegalese towns and are vulnerable to even worse abuse.Some young men lacking in education and job prospects become involved in the flourishing international drug trade. Local drug use and associated violent crime are growing.Guinea-Bissau’s young and growing population is sustained by high fertility; approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Its large reproductive-age population and total fertility rate of more than 4 children per woman offsets the country’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. The latter is among the world’s highest because of the prevalence of early childbearing, a lack of birth spacing, the high percentage of births outside of health care facilities, and a shortage of medicines and supplies.Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, a civil war, and several coups (the latest in 2012) have resulted in a fragile state with a weak economy, high unemployment, rampant corruption, widespread poverty, and thriving drug and child trafficking. With the country lacking educational infrastructure, school funding and materials, and qualified teachers, and with the cultural emphasis placed on religious education, parents frequently send boys to study in residential Koranic schools (daaras) in Senegal and The Gambia. They often are extremely deprived and are forced into street begging or agricultural work by marabouts (Muslim religious teachers), who enrich themselves at the expense of the children. Boys who leave their marabouts often end up on the streets of Dakar or other large Senegalese towns and are vulnerable to even worse abuse.Some young men lacking in education and job prospects become involved in the flourishing international drug trade. Local drug use and associated violent crime are growing. Age structure: 0-14 years: 43.17% (male 417,810/female 414,105) 15-24 years: 20.38% (male 192,451/female 200,370) 25-54 years: 30.24% (male 275,416/female 307,387) 55-64 years: 3.12% (male 29,549/female 30,661) 65 years and over: 3.08% (2020 est.) (male 25,291/female 34,064) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 81.2 youth dependency ratio: 76 elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 potential support ratio: 19.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 18 years male: 17.4 years female: 18.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.53% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 36.45 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.5 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -3.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: approximately one-fifth of the population lives in the capital city of Bissau along the Atlantic coast; the remainder is distributed among the eight other, mainly rural, regions as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 45% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 643,000 BISSAU (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 667 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 49.05 deaths/1,000 live births male: 54.84 deaths/1,000 live births female: 43.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.68 years male: 61.45 years female: 65.99 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.69 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 20.6% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 90.6% of population rural: 59.1% of population total: 73.1% of population unimproved: urban: 9.4% of population rural: 40.9% of population total: 26.9% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 8.4% (2019) Physicians density: 0.2 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 62.4% of population rural: 7.6% of population total: 31.8% of population unimproved: urban: 37.6% of population rural: 92.4% of population total: 68.2% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 3% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 37,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,500 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea-Bissau is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 9.5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 9% (2020 est.) male: 17% (2020 est.) female: 0.9% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 18.8% (2019) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 8.1% women married by age 18: 25.7% men married by age 18: 2.2% (2019 est.) Education expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 59.9% male: 71.8% female: 48.3% (2015) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation (rampant felling of trees for timber and agricultural purposes); soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 27.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.29 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.46 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Land use: agricultural land: 44.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 29.7% (2018 est.) forest: 55.2% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 45% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 9.24% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea-Bissau is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 289,514 tons (2015 est.) Major aquifers: Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 34.1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 11.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 144 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 31.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau local short form: Guine-Bissau former: Portuguese Guinea etymology: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel; "Bissau," the name of the capital city, distinguishes the country from neighboring Guinea Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Bissau geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the meaning of Bissau is uncertain, it might be an alternative name for the Papel people who live in the area of the city of Bissau Administrative divisions: 9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama/Bijagos, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali Independence: 24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 24 September (1973) Constitution: history: promulgated 16 May 1984; note - constitution suspended following military coup April 2012, restored 2014; note - in May 2020, President EMBALO established a commission to draft a revised constitution amendments: proposed by the National People’s Assembly if supported by at least one third of its members, by the Council of State (a presidential consultant body), or by the government; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the republican and secular form of government and national sovereignty cannot be amended; amended 1991, 1993, 1996 Legal system: mixed legal system of civil law, which incorporated Portuguese law at independence and influenced by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), African Francophone Public Law, and customary law International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Umaro Sissoko EMBALO (since 27 February 2020); note - President EMBALO was declared winner of the 29 December 2019 runoff presidential election by the electoral commission, in late February 2020, EMBALO inaugurated himself with only military leadership present, even though the Supreme Court of Justice had yet to rule on an electoral litigation appeal lodged by his political rival Domingos Simoes PEREIRA head of government: Prime Minister Nuno NABIAM (since 27 February 2020) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for up to 2 consecutive 5-year terms; election last held on 24 November 2019 with a runoff on 29 December 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly; note - the president cannot apply for a third consecutive term election results: Umaro Sissoco EMBALO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Domingos Simoes PEREIRA (PAIGC) 40.1%, Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Madem G15) 27.7%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (APU-PDGB) 13.2%, Jose Mario VAZ (independent) 12.4%, other 6.6%; percent of vote in second round - Umaro Sissoco EMBALO 53.6%, Domingos Simoes PEREIRA 46.5% (2019) Legislative branch: description: unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (102 seats; 100 members directly elected in 27 multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote and 2 elected in single-seat constituencies for citizens living abroad (Africa 1, Europe 1 ); all members serve 4-year terms) elections: note: President dissolved parliament on 16 May 2022 and decreed new elections for 18 December 2022    last held on 10 March 2019 (next to be held in March 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 35.2%, Madem G-15 21.1%, PRS 21.1%, other 22.6%; seats by party - PAIGC 47, Madem G-15 27, PRS 21, other 7; composition - men 88, women 14, percent of women 13.7% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and Administrative Disputes Chambers); note - the Supreme Court has both appellate and constitutional jurisdiction judge selection and term of office: judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life subordinate courts: Appeals Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court Political parties and leaders: African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde or PAIGC [Domingos SIMOES PEREIRA] Democratic Convergence Party or PCD [Vicente FERNANDES] Movement for Democratic Alternation Group of 15 or MADEM-G15 [Braima CAMARA] National People’s Assembly – Democratic Party of Guinea Bissau or APU-PDGB [Nuno Gomes NABIAM] New Democracy Party or PND [Mamadu Iaia DJALO] Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Alberto NAMBEIA] Republican Party for Independence and Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES] Union for Change or UM [Agnelo REGALA] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998; the US Ambassador to Senegal is accredited to Guinea-Bissau; US diplomatic representation in Guinea-Bissau is conducted through the US Embassy in Dakar and the Guinea-Bissau Liaison Office located in Bissau mailing address: 2080 Bissau Place, Washington DC  20521-2080 email address and website: dakarACS@state.gov https://gw.usmission.gov/ Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanaian flag National symbol(s): black star; national colors: red, yellow, green, black National anthem: name: "Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This Is Our Beloved Country) lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He note: adopted 1974; a delegation from then Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRAL, the leader of Guinea-Bissau's independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence Topic: Economy Economic overview: Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance. Two out of three Bissau-Guineans remain below the absolute poverty line. The legal economy is based on cashews and fishing. Illegal logging and trafficking in narcotics also play significant roles. The combination of limited economic prospects, weak institutions, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe.   Guinea-Bissau has substantial potential for development of mineral resources, including phosphates, bauxite, and mineral sands. Offshore oil and gas exploration has begun. The country’s climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashews generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities.   The government was deposed in August 2015, and since then, a political stalemate has resulted in weak governance and reduced donor support.   The country is participating in a three-year, IMF extended credit facility program that was suspended because of a planned bank bailout. The program was renewed in 2017, but the major donors of direct budget support (the EU, World Bank, and African Development Bank) have halted their programs indefinitely. Diversification of the economy remains a key policy goal, but Guinea-Bissau’s poor infrastructure and business climate will constrain this effort.Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance. Two out of three Bissau-Guineans remain below the absolute poverty line. The legal economy is based on cashews and fishing. Illegal logging and trafficking in narcotics also play significant roles. The combination of limited economic prospects, weak institutions, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe. Guinea-Bissau has substantial potential for development of mineral resources, including phosphates, bauxite, and mineral sands. Offshore oil and gas exploration has begun. The country’s climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashews generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities. The government was deposed in August 2015, and since then, a political stalemate has resulted in weak governance and reduced donor support. The country is participating in a three-year, IMF extended credit facility program that was suspended because of a planned bank bailout. The program was renewed in 2017, but the major donors of direct budget support (the EU, World Bank, and African Development Bank) have halted their programs indefinitely. Diversification of the economy remains a key policy goal, but Guinea-Bissau’s poor infrastructure and business climate will constrain this effort. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.64 billion (2020 est.) $3.73 billion (2019 est.) $3.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5.9% (2017 est.) 6.3% (2016 est.) 6.1% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $1,800 (2020 est.) $1,900 (2019 est.) $1,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1.339 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.2% (2019 est.) 0.3% (2018 est.) 1.6% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 50% (2017 est.) industry: 13.1% (2017 est.) services: 36.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 83.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 4.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -26.5% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: rice, cashew nuts, roots/tubers nes, oil palm fruit, plantains, cassava, groundnuts, vegetables, coconuts, fruit Industries: agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks Industrial production growth rate: 2.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 731,300 (2013 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 82% industry and services: 18% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: NANA Population below poverty line: 67% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 50.7 (2010 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% highest 10%: 28% (2002) Budget: revenues: 246.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 263.5 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 53.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 57.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$27 million (2017 est.) $16 million (2016 est.) Exports: $290 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $380 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: India 50%, Belgium 28%, Cote d'Ivoire 8% (2019) Exports - commodities: cashews, gold, fish, lumber, aluminum ores (2019) Imports: $500 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $460 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Portugal 31%, Senegal 20%, China 10%, Netherlands 7%, Pakistan 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, rice, wheat products, soups/broths, malt extract (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $356.4 million (31 December 2017 est.) $349.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $941.5 million (31 December 2000 est.) Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 605.3 (2017 est.) 593.01 (2016 est.) 593.01 (2015 est.) 591.45 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 28% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 56% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 7% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 28,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 76.458 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 97.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 2,200 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 2,625 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 342,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 342,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 2.46 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1,913,858 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile cellular communications; 2 mobile network operators; one of the poorest countries in the world and this is reflected in the country's telecommunications development; radio is the most important source of information for the public (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile cellular teledensity is just over 97 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 245; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea-Bissau with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station, Televisao da Guine-Bissau (TGB) and a second station, Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster (RTP); 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2019) Internet country code: .gw Internet users: total: 452,640 (2020 est.) percent of population: 23% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,383 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: J5 Airports: total: 8 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Roadways: total: 4,400 km (2018) paved: 453 km (2018) unpaved: 3,947 km (2018) Waterways: 1,367 km (2022) major rivers Geba- 550km, Corubal 560 km, Cacheu 257 km (rivers are partially navigable; many inlets and creeks provide shallow-water access to much of interior) Merchant marine: total: 8 by type: general cargo 5, other 3 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force Ministry of Internal Administration: Guard Nacional (a gendarmerie force), Public Order Police, Border Police, Rapid Intervention Police, Maritime Police (2022) note: the Public Order Police is responsible for maintaining law and order, while the Judicial Police, under the Ministry of Justice, has primary responsibility for investigating drug trafficking, terrorism, and other transnational crimes Military expenditures: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.9% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $50 million) 1.7% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $45 million) 1.7% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $45 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 4,000 total active troops, including a few hundred air and naval personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FARP is poorly armed with an inventory consisting of Soviet-era equipment, much of which is reportedly unserviceable; the only reported deliveries of military equipment since 2015 were patrol boats from Spain in 2017 and non-lethal equipment from China in 2015; Guinea-Bissau has also discussed acquiring military equipment with Indonesia (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger, with parental consent, for voluntary service (2022) Military - note: from 2012-2020, the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) deployed a security force to Guinea-Bissau to manage the post-coup transition, including protecting key political figures and public buildings, restoring civil institutions, and re-establishing the rule of law; at the height of the deployment, the force, known as the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB), deployed nearly 700 military and police personnel from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Senegal (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: a longstanding low-grade conflict continues in parts of Casamance, in Senegal across the border; some rebels use Guinea-Bissau as a safe havena longstanding low-grade conflict continues in parts of Casamance, in Senegal across the border; some rebels use Guinea-Bissau as a safe haven Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 7,757 (Senegal) (2022) Trafficking in persons: current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a country of origin and destination for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the scope of the problem of trafficking women or men for forced labor or forced prostitution is unknown; boys reportedly were transported to southern Senegal for forced manual and agricultural labor; girls may be subjected to forced domestic service and child prostitution in Senegal and Guinea; both boys and girls are forced to work as street vendors in cities in Guinea-Bissau and Senegal tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Guinea-Bissau does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include identifying forced child begging victims, cooperating with Moroccan authorities on international crime investigations, and approving a new action plan; yet, the government has not convicted a trafficker, identified fewer trafficking victims, and lacked resources or the political will to fight trafficking or to enact its action plan, which would meet minimum standards; Guinea-Bissau was granted a waiver under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from downgrade to Tier 3 (2020) Illicit drugs: important transit country for South American cocaine en route to Europe; enabling environment for trafficker operations due to pervasive corruption; archipelago-like geography near the capital facilitates drug smuggling

20220901

field-refined-petroleum-products-exports-country-comparison

20220901

countries-saint-kitts-and-nevis

Topic: Photos of Saint Kitts and Nevis Topic: Introduction Background: Carib Indians occupied the islands of the West Indies for hundreds of years before the British and French began settlement in 1623. During the course of the 17th century, Saint Kitts became the premier base for English and French expansion into the Caribbean. The French ceded the territory to the UK in 1713. At the turn of the 18th century, Saint Kitts was the richest British Crown Colony per capita in the Caribbean, a result of the sugar trade. Although small in size and separated by only 3 km (2 mi) of water, Saint Kitts and Nevis were viewed and governed as different states until the late-19th century, when the British forcibly unified them along with the island of Anguilla. In 1967, the island territory of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla became an associated state of the UK with full internal autonomy. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. The remaining islands achieved independence in 1983 as Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 1998, a referendum on Nevis to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority vote needed.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago Geographic coordinates: 17 20 N, 62 45 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km) land: 261 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 135 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) Terrain: volcanic with mountainous interiors Elevation: highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Natural resources: arable land Land use: agricultural land: 23.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 19.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.) forest: 42.3% (2018 est.) other: 34.6% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 8 sq km (2012) Population distribution: population clusters are found in the small towns located on the periphery of both islands Natural hazards: hurricanes (July to October)volcanism: Mount Liamuiga (1,156 m) on Saint Kitts, and Nevis Peak (985 m) on Nevis, are both volcanoes that are part of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles, which extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the southhurricanes (July to October)volcanism: Mount Liamuiga (1,156 m) on Saint Kitts, and Nevis Peak (985 m) on Nevis, are both volcanoes that are part of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles, which extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south Geography - note: smallest country in the Western Hemisphere both in terms of area and population; with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that of its sister island Map description: Saint Kitts and Nevis map shows a few of the major features on these two islands in the Caribbean Sea.Saint Kitts and Nevis map shows a few of the major features on these two islands in the Caribbean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 54,488 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s) adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian Ethnic groups: African descent 92.5%, mixed 3%, White 2.1%, East Indian 1.5%, other 0.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2001 est.) Languages: English (official) Religions: Protestant 75.6% (includes Anglican 16.6%, Methodist 15.8%, Pentecostal 10.8%, Church of God 7.4%, Baptist 5.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Wesleyan Holiness 5.3%, Moravian 4.8%, Evangelical 2.1%, Brethren 1.7%, Presbyterian 0.3%), Roman Catholic 5.9%, Hindu 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, Rastafarian 1.3%, other 5%, none 8.8%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 19.87% (male 5,357/female 5,336) 15-24 years: 13.46% (male 3,504/female 3,741) 25-54 years: 43.64% (male 12,010/female 11,477) 55-64 years: 13.03% (male 3,527/female 3,485) 65 years and over: 10% (2020 est.) (male 2,540/female 2,844) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 36.5 years male: 36.7 years female: 36.3 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.61% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 12.24 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.27 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population clusters are found in the small towns located on the periphery of both islands Urbanization: urban population: 31% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 14,000 BASSETERRE (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 8.35 deaths/1,000 live births male: 5.69 deaths/1,000 live births female: 11.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.08 years male: 74.63 years female: 79.58 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.76 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.3% of population rural: 98.3% of population total: 98.3% of population unimproved: urban: 1.7% of population rural: 1.7% of population total: 1.7% of population (2015 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.4% (2019) Physicians density: 2.77 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 4.8 beds/1,000 population (2012) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 87.3% of population rural: 87.3% of population total: 87.3% of population unimproved: urban: 12.7% of population rural: 12.7% of population total: 12.7% of population (2017 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.5% (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2018) <200 HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 22.9% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 2.6% of GDP (2015 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years male: 16 years female: 19 years (2015) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion and silting affects marine life on coral reefs; water pollution from uncontrolled dumping of sewage 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, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 12.31 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.24 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.1 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) Land use: agricultural land: 23.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 19.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.) forest: 42.3% (2018 est.) other: 34.6% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 31% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 32,892 tons (2015 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 15.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 200,000 cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 24 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis etymology: Saint Kitts was, and still is, referred to as Saint Christopher and this name was well established by the 17th century (although who first applied the name is unclear); in the 17th century a common nickname for Christopher was Kit or Kitt, so the island began to be referred to as "Saint Kitt's Island" or just "Saint Kitts"; Nevis is derived from the original Spanish name "Nuestra Senora de las Nieves" (Our Lady of the Snows) and refers to the white halo of clouds that generally wreathes Nevis Peak note: Nevis is pronounced nee-vis Government type: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Basseterre geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the French name translates as "low land" in English; the reference is to the city's low-lying location within a valley, as well as to the fact that the city is on the leeward (downwind) part of the island, and is thus a safe anchorage Administrative divisions: 14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point Independence: 19 September 1983 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 19 September (1983) Constitution: history: several previous (preindependence); latest presented 22 June 1983, effective 23 June 1983 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the total Assembly membership and assent of the governor general; amendments to constitutional provisions such as the sovereignty of the federation, fundamental rights and freedoms, the judiciary, and the Nevis Island Assembly also require approval in a referendum by at least two thirds of the votes cast in Saint Kitts and in Nevis Legal system: English common law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 14 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Samuel W.T. SEATON (since 2 September 2015); note - SEATON was Acting Governor General from 20 May to 2 September 2015 head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance DREW (since 6 August 2022); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey HANLEY (since 13 August 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor general in consultation with prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by governor general Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly (14 or 15 seats, depending on inclusion of attorney general; 11 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 3 appointed by the governor general - 2 on the advice of the prime minister and the third on the advice of the opposition leader; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 5 August 2022 (next to be held on 2027) election results: percent of vote by party - SKNLP 44.4%, PLP 16.1%, PAM 16.2%, CCM 12.7%; seats by party - SKNLP 6, CCM 3, PLP 1, CCM 1 Judicial branch: highest courts: the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC - headquartered on St. Lucia - consists of the Court of Appeal - headed by the chief justice and 4 judges - and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal is itinerant, traveling to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; High Court judges reside in the member states, with 2 assigned to Saint Kitts and Nevis; note - the ECSC in 2003 replaced the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) as the final court of appeal on Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Kitts and Nevis is also a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by Her Majesty, Queen ELIZABETH II; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: magistrates' courts Political parties and leaders: Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Mark BRANTLEY] Nevis Reformation Party or NRP [Janice DANIEL-HODGE] People's Action Movement or PAM [Shawn RICHARDS] People's Labour Party or PLP [Dr. Timothy HARRIS] Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP [Terrance DREW] International organization participation: ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Thelma Patricia PHILLIP-BROWNE (since 28 January 2016) chancery: 1203 19th St. NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636 FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740 email address and website: info@embskn.com consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red; green signifies the island's fertility, red symbolizes the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow denotes year-round sunshine, and black represents the African heritage of the people; the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis, but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and optimism National symbol(s): brown pelican, royal poinciana (flamboyant) tree; national colors: green, yellow, red, black, white National anthem: name: "Oh Land of Beauty!" lyrics/music: Kenrick Anderson GEORGES note: adopted 1983 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Topic: Economy Economic overview: The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis depends on tourism; since the 1970s, tourism has replaced sugar as the economy’s traditional mainstay. Roughly 200,000 tourists visited the islands in 2009, but reduced tourism arrivals and foreign investment led to an economic contraction in the 2009-2013 period, and the economy returned to growth only in 2014. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts in tourism demand.   Following the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after several decades of losses. To compensate for lost jobs, the government has embarked on a program to diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as export-oriented manufacturing and offshore banking. The government has made notable progress in reducing its public debt, from 154% of GDP in 2011 to 83% in 2013, although it still faces one of the highest levels in the world, largely attributable to public enterprise losses. Saint Kitts and Nevis is among other countries in the Caribbean that supplement their economic activity through economic citizenship programs, whereby foreigners can obtain citizenship from Saint Kitts and Nevis by investing there.The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis depends on tourism; since the 1970s, tourism has replaced sugar as the economy’s traditional mainstay. Roughly 200,000 tourists visited the islands in 2009, but reduced tourism arrivals and foreign investment led to an economic contraction in the 2009-2013 period, and the economy returned to growth only in 2014. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts in tourism demand. Following the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after several decades of losses. To compensate for lost jobs, the government has embarked on a program to diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as export-oriented manufacturing and offshore banking. The government has made notable progress in reducing its public debt, from 154% of GDP in 2011 to 83% in 2013, although it still faces one of the highest levels in the world, largely attributable to public enterprise losses. Saint Kitts and Nevis is among other countries in the Caribbean that supplement their economic activity through economic citizenship programs, whereby foreigners can obtain citizenship from Saint Kitts and Nevis by investing there. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.24 billion (2020 est.) $1.39 billion (2019 est.) $1.36 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.1% (2017 est.) 2.9% (2016 est.) 2.7% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $23,300 (2020 est.) $26,200 (2019 est.) $25,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $964 million (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0% (2017 est.) -0.3% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.1% (2017 est.) industry: 30% (2017 est.) services: 68.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 41.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 25.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 30.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 62.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -60.4% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: coconuts, tropical fruit, roots/tubers, vegetables, sweet potatoes, pulses, watermelons, carrots/turnips, eggs, tomatoes Industries: tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages Industrial production growth rate: 5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 18,170 (June 1995 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.5% (1997) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 307 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 291.1 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 1.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 62.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 61.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 31.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$97 million (2017 est.) -$102 million (2016 est.) Exports: $610 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $53.9 million (2016 est.) Exports - partners: United States 69%, Germany 8%, Italy 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: low-voltage protection equipment, broadcasting equipment, measuring instruments, electric motor parts, electrical transformers (2019) Imports: $590 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $307.9 million (2016 est.) Imports - partners: United States 59%, Peru 6%, Germany 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, jewelry, ships, cars, poultry meats, cement (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $365.1 million (31 December 2017 est.) $320.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $201.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $187.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2017 est.) 2.7 (2016 est.) 2.7 (2015 est.) 2.7 (2014 est.) 2.7 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 71,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 175.34 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 40 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 96.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 1,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 1,743 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 71.96 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 15,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 78,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 147 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: good interisland and international connections; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) and LTE markets; regulatory development; telecom sector contributes greatly to the overall GDP; telecom sector is a growth area (2020) domestic: interisland links via ECFS; fixed-line teledensity about 33 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 148 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-869; landing points for the ECFS, Southern Caribbean Fiber and the SSCS submarine cables providing connectivity for numerous Caribbean Islands (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: the government operates a national TV network that broadcasts on 2 channels; cable subscription services provide access to local and international channels; the government operates a national radio network; a mix of government-owned and privately owned broadcasters operate roughly 15 radio stations (2019) Internet country code: .kn Internet users: total: 42,796 (2019 est.) percent of population: 81% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 30,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: V4 Airports: total: 2 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Railways: total: 50 km (2008) narrow gauge: 50 km (2008) 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists Roadways: total: 383 km (2002) paved: 163 km (2002) unpaved: 220 km (2002) Merchant marine: total: 244 by type: bulk carrier 6, container ship 7, general cargo 45, oil tanker 53, other 133 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Basseterre, Charlestown Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Ministry of National Security: St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF), St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (includes a paramilitary Special Services Unit) (2022) Military and security service personnel strengths: the SKNDF has approximately 400 personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the SKNDF is lightly armed with equipment from Belgium, the UK, and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service (under 18 with written parental permission); no conscription (2021) Military - note: St. Kitts joined the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) in 1984; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Saint Kitts and Nevis-Venezuela: joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean SeaSaint Kitts and Nevis-Venezuela: joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea Illicit drugs: a transit point for cocaine and marijuana destined for North America, Europe, and elsewhere in the Caribbeana transit point for cocaine and marijuana destined for North America, Europe, and elsewhere in the Caribbean

20220901

countries-baker-island

20220901

field-climate

This entry includes a brief description of typical weather regimes throughout the year; in the World entry only, it includes four subfields that describe climate extremes: ten driest places on earth (average annual precipitation) describes the annual average precipitation measured in both millimeters and inches for selected countries with climate extremes. ten wettest places on earth (average annual precipitation) describes the annual average precipitation measured in both millimeters and inches for selected countries with climate extremes. ten coldest places on earth (lowest average monthly temperature) describes temperature measured in both degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit as well as the month of the year for selected countries with climate extremes. ten hottest places on earth (highest average monthly temperature) describes the temperature measured both in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit as well the month of the year for selected countries with climate extremes.ten wettest places on earth (average annual precipitation) describes the annual average precipitation measured in both millimeters and inches for selected countries with climate extremes.ten coldest places on earth (lowest average monthly temperature) describes temperature measured in both degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit as well as the month of the year for selected countries with climate extremes.ten hottest places on earth (highest average monthly temperature) describes the temperature measured both in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit as well the month of the year for selected countries with climate extremes. Topic: Afghanistanarid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers Topic: Akrotiritemperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters Topic: Albaniamild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter Topic: Algeriaarid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer Topic: American Samoatropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October); little seasonal temperature variation Topic: Andorratemperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers Topic: Angolasemiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April) Topic: Anguillatropical; moderated by northeast trade winds Topic: Antarcticathe coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth; severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing; summers characterized by continuous daylight, while winters bring continuous darkness; persistent high pressure over the interior brings dry, subsiding air that results in very little cloud cover Topic: Antigua and Barbudatropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation Topic: Arctic Oceanpolar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature range; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow Topic: Argentinamostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest Topic: Armeniahighland continental, hot summers, cold winters Topic: Arubatropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandstropical Topic: Atlantic Oceantropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cabo Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December but are most frequent from August to November Topic: Australiagenerally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Topic: Austriatemperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers Topic: Azerbaijandry, semiarid steppe Topic: Bahamas, Thetropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream Topic: Bahrainarid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Topic: Bangladeshtropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October) Topic: Barbadostropical; rainy season (June to October) Topic: Belaruscold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime Topic: Belgiumtemperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Topic: Belizetropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May) Topic: Benintropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Topic: Bermudasubtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Topic: Bhutanvaries; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Topic: Boliviavaries with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast Topic: Botswanasemiarid; warm winters and hot summers Topic: Bouvet Islandantarctic Topic: Brazilmostly tropical, but temperate in south Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorytropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Topic: British Virgin Islandssubtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Topic: Bruneitropical; hot, humid, rainy Topic: Bulgariatemperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Topic: Burkina Fasothree climate zones including a hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half, a tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half, and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desertthree climate zones including a hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half, a tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half, and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desert Topic: Burmatropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April) Topic: Burundiequatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees Celsius but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January) Topic: Cabo Verdetemperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and erratic Topic: Cambodiatropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation Topic: Cameroonvaries with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north Topic: Canadavaries from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north Topic: Cayman Islandstropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Topic: Central African Republictropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers Topic: Chadtropical in south, desert in north Topic: Chiletemperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south Topic: Chinaextremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north Topic: Christmas Islandtropical with a wet season (December to April) and dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds Topic: Clipperton Islandtropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees Celsius, wet season (May to October) Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year Topic: Colombiatropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands Topic: Comorostropical marine; rainy season (November to May) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season (April to October), dry season (December to February); south of Equator - wet season (November to March), dry season (April to October) Topic: Congo, Republic of thetropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator Topic: Cook Islandstropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March Topic: Coral Sea Islandstropical Topic: Costa Ricatropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October) Topic: CroatiaMediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast Topic: Cubatropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) Topic: Curacaotropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/yeartropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year Topic: Cyprustemperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters Topic: Czechiatemperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters Topic: Denmarktemperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers Topic: Dhekeliatemperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters Topic: Djiboutidesert; torrid, dry Topic: Dominicatropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall Topic: Dominican Republictropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall Topic: Ecuadortropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands Topic: Egyptdesert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters Topic: El Salvadortropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands Topic: Equatorial Guineatropical; always hot, humid Topic: Eritreahot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands Topic: Estoniamaritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers Topic: Eswatinivaries from tropical to near temperate Topic: Ethiopiatropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation Topic: European Unioncold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 60 cm in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate Topic: Faroe Islandsmild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy Topic: Fijitropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation Topic: Finlandcold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes Topic: Francemetropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral; French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation; Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average; Mayotte: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November); Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April)metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral;French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation;Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average;Mayotte: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November);Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April) Topic: French Polynesiatropical, but moderate Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsIle Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul: oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity; Iles Crozet: windy, cold, wet, and cloudy; Iles Kerguelen: oceanic, cold, overcast, windy; Iles Eparses: tropicalIle Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul: oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity; Iles Crozet: windy, cold, wet, and cloudy; Iles Kerguelen: oceanic, cold, overcast, windy; Iles Eparses: tropical Topic: Gabontropical; always hot, humid Topic: Gambia, Thetropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May) Topic: Gaza Striptemperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers Topic: Georgiawarm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast Topic: Germanytemperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind Topic: Ghanatropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north Topic: GibraltarMediterranean with mild winters and warm summers Topic: Greecetemperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers Topic: Greenlandarctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters Topic: Grenadatropical; tempered by northeast trade winds Topic: Guamtropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation Topic: Guatemalatropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands Topic: Guernseytemperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast Topic: Guineagenerally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Topic: Guinea-Bissautropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Topic: Guyanatropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January) Topic: Haititropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandsantarctic Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September) Topic: Hondurassubtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains Topic: Hong Kongsubtropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring through summer, warm and sunny in fall Topic: Hungarytemperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers Topic: Icelandtemperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers Topic: Indiavaries from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north Topic: Indian Oceannortheast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February in the southern Indian Ocean Topic: Indonesiatropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands Topic: Iranmostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast Topic: Iraqmostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq Topic: Irelandtemperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time Topic: Isle of Mantemperate; cool summers and mild winters; overcast about a third of the time Topic: Israeltemperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas Topic: Italypredominantly Mediterranean; alpine in far north; hot, dry in south Topic: Jamaicatropical; hot, humid; temperate interior Topic: Jan Mayenarctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog Topic: Japanvaries from tropical in south to cool temperate in north Topic: Jerseytemperate; mild winters and cool summers Topic: Jordanmostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April) Topic: Kazakhstancontinental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid Topic: Kenyavaries from tropical along coast to arid in interior Topic: Kiribatitropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds Topic: Korea, Northtemperate, with rainfall concentrated in summer; long, bitter winters Topic: Korea, Southtemperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters Topic: Kosovoinfluenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December Topic: Kuwaitdry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters Topic: Kyrgyzstandry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone Topic: Laostropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April) Topic: Latviamaritime; wet, moderate winters Topic: LebanonMediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; the Lebanon Mountains experience heavy winter snows Topic: Lesothotemperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers Topic: Liberiatropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers Topic: LibyaMediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior Topic: Liechtensteincontinental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers Topic: Lithuaniatransitional, between maritime and continental; wet, moderate winters and summers Topic: Luxembourgmodified continental with mild winters, cool summers Topic: Macausubtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers Topic: Madagascartropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south Topic: Malawisub-tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November) Topic: Malaysiatropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons Topic: Maldivestropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August) Topic: Malisubtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy, humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to February) Topic: MaltaMediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers Topic: Marshall Islandstropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November; islands border typhoon belt Topic: Mauritaniadesert; constantly hot, dry, dusty Topic: Mauritiustropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May) Topic: Mexicovaries from tropical to desert Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage Topic: Moldovamoderate winters, warm summers Topic: MonacoMediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers Topic: Mongoliadesert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges) Topic: MontenegroMediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland Topic: Montserrattropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation Topic: MoroccoMediterranean in the north, becoming more extreme in the interior; in the south, hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce fog and heavy dew note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambiquetropical to subtropical Topic: Namibiadesert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic Topic: Naurutropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February) Topic: Navassa Islandmarine, tropical Topic: Nepalvaries from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south Topic: Netherlandstemperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters Topic: New Caledoniatropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid Topic: New Zealandtemperate with sharp regional contrasts Topic: Nicaraguatropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands Topic: Nigerdesert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south Topic: Nigeriavaries; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north Topic: Niuetropical; modified by southeast trade winds Topic: Norfolk Islandsubtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation Topic: North Macedoniawarm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October Topic: Norwaytemperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast Topic: Omandry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south Topic: Pacific Oceanplanetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and east Asia from May to December Topic: Pakistanmostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north Topic: Palautropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November Topic: Panamatropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May) Topic: Papua New Guineatropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation Topic: Paracel Islandstropical Topic: Paraguaysubtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west Topic: Peruvaries from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes Topic: Philippinestropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October) Topic: Pitcairn Islandstropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March) Topic: Polandtemperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers Topic: Portugalmaritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south Topic: Puerto Ricotropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation Topic: Qatararid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Topic: Romaniatemperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms Topic: Russiaranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast Topic: Rwandatemperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible Topic: Saint Barthelemytropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid; Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid; Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) Topic: Saint Luciatropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August Topic: Saint Martintemperature averages 27-29 degrees Celsius all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; hurricane season stretches from July to November Topic: Saint Pierre and Miqueloncold and wet, with considerable mist and fog; spring and autumn are often windy Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) Topic: Samoatropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October) Topic: San MarinoMediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers Topic: Sao Tome and Principetropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May) Topic: Saudi Arabiaharsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes Topic: Senegaltropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind Topic: Serbiain the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid summers with well-distributed rainfall); in other parts, continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns) Topic: Seychellestropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May) Topic: Sierra Leonetropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April) Topic: Singaporetropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - northeastern monsoon (December to March) and southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms Topic: Sint Maartentropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to Novembertropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November Topic: Slovakiatemperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters Topic: SloveniaMediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east Topic: Solomon Islandstropical monsoon; few temperature and weather extremes Topic: Somaliaprincipally desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), moderate temperatures in north and hot in south; southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons Topic: South Africamostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandsvariable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow Topic: South Sudanhot with seasonal rainfall influenced by the annual shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone; rainfall heaviest in upland areas of the south and diminishes to the north Topic: Southern Oceansea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter Topic: Spaintemperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast Topic: Spratly Islandstropical Topic: Sri Lankatropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October) Topic: Sudanhot and dry; arid desert; rainy season varies by region (April to November) Topic: Surinametropical; moderated by trade winds Topic: Svalbardarctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the year Topic: Swedentemperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in north Topic: Switzerlandtemperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers Topic: Syriamostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus Topic: Taiwantropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); persistent and extensive cloudiness all year Topic: Tajikistanmid-latitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains Topic: Tanzaniavaries from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands Topic: Thailandtropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid Topic: Timor-Lestetropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons Topic: Togotropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Topic: Tokelautropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November) Topic: Tongatropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagotropical; rainy season (June to December) Topic: Tunisiatemperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south Topic: Turkeytemperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior Topic: Turkmenistansubtropical desert Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry Topic: Tuvalutropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March) Topic: Ugandatropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast Topic: Ukrainetemperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; warm summers across the greater part of the country, hot in the south Topic: United Arab Emiratesdesert; cooler in eastern mountains Topic: United Kingdomtemperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast Topic: United Statesmostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains note: many consider Denali, the highest peak in the US, to be the world’s coldest mountain because of its combination of high elevation and its subarctic location at 63 degrees north latitude; permanent snow and ice cover over 75 percent of the mountain, and enormous glaciers, up to 45 miles long and 3,700 feet thick, spider out from its base in every direction; it is home to some of the world’s coldest and most violent weather, where winds of over 150 miles per hour and temperatures of -93˚F have been recorded.   Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesBaker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun; Johnston Atoll and Kingman Reef: tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature variation; Midway Islands: subtropical with cool, moist winters (December to February) and warm, dry summers (May to October); moderated by prevailing easterly winds; most of the 107 cm of annual rainfall occurs during the winter; Palmyra Atoll: equatorial, hot; located within the low pressure area of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northeast and southeast trade winds meet, it is extremely wet with between 400-500 cm of rainfall each yearBaker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun; Johnston Atoll and Kingman Reef: tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature variation; Midway Islands: subtropical with cool, moist winters (December to February) and warm, dry summers (May to October); moderated by prevailing easterly winds; most of the 107 cm of annual rainfall occurs during the winter; Palmyra Atoll: equatorial, hot; located within the low pressure area of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the northeast and southeast trade winds meet, it is extremely wet with between 400-500 cm of rainfall each year Topic: Uruguaywarm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown Topic: Uzbekistanmostly mid-latitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in east Topic: Vanuatutropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April Topic: Venezuelatropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands Topic: Vietnamtropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March) Topic: Virgin Islandssubtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November Topic: Wake Islandtropical Topic: Wallis and Futunatropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October); rains 250-300 cm per year (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees Celsius Topic: West Banktemperate; temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild winters Topic: Worlda wide equatorial band of hot and humid tropical climates, bordered north and south by subtropical temperate zones that separate two large areas of cold and dry polar climates Ten Driest Places on Earth (Average Annual Precipitation): McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica 0 mm (0 in) Arica, Chile 0.76 mm (0.03 in) Al Kufrah, Libya 0.86 mm (0.03 in) Aswan, Egypt 0.86 mm (0.03 in) Luxor, Egypt 0.86 mm (0.03 in) Ica, Peru 2.29 mm (0.09 in) Wadi Halfa, Sudan 2.45 mm (0.1 in) Iquique, Chile 5.08 mm (0.2 in) Pelican Point, Namibia 8.13 mm (0.32 in) El Arab (Aoulef), Algeria 12.19 mm (0.48 in) Ten Wettest Places on Earth (Average Annual Precipitation): Mawsynram, India 11,871 mm (467.4 in) Cherrapunji, India 11,777 mm (463.7 in) Tutunendo, Colombia 11,770 mm (463.4 in) Cropp River, New Zealand 11,516 mm (453.4 in) San Antonia de Ureca, Equatorial Guinea 10,450 mm (411.4 in) Debundsha, Cameroon 10,299 mm (405.5 in) Big Bog, US (Hawaii) 10,272 mm (404.4 in) Mt Waialeale, US (Hawaii) 9,763 mm (384.4 in) Kukui, US (Hawaii) 9,293 mm (365.9 in) Emeishan, China 8,169 mm (321.6 in) Ten Coldest Places on Earth (Lowest Average Monthly Temperature): Verkhoyansk, Russia (Siberia) -47°C (-53°F) January Oymyakon, Russia (Siberia) -46°C (-52°F) January Eureka, Canada -38.4°C (-37.1°F) February Isachsen, Canada -36°C (-32.8°F) February Alert, Canada -34°C (-28°F) February Kap Morris Jesup, Greenland -34°C (-29°F) March Cornwallis Island, Canada -33.5°C (-28.3°F) February Cambridge Bay, Canada -33.5°C (28.3°F) February Ilirnej, Russia -33°C (-28°F) January Resolute, Canada -33°C (-27.4°F) February Ten Hottest Places on Earth (Highest Average Monthly Temperature): Death Valley, US (California) 39°C (101°F) July Iranshahr, Iran 38.3°C (100.9°F) June Ouallene, Algeria 38°C (100.4°F) July Kuwait City, Kuwait 37.7°C (100°F) July Medina, Saudi Arabia 36°C (97°F) July Buckeye, US (Arizona) 34°C (93°F) July Jazan, Saudi Arabia 33°C (91°F) June Al Kufrah, Libya 31°C (87°F) July Alice Springs, Australia 29°C (84°F) January Tamanrasset, Algeria 29°C (84°F) June Topic: Yemenmostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert in east Topic: Zambiatropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April) Topic: Zimbabwetropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)

20220901

countries-afghanistan

Topic: Photos of Afghanistan Topic: Introduction Background: Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in increased democracy ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 communist countercoup. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan communist regime, touching off a long and destructive war. The USSR withdrew in 1989 under relentless pressure by internationally supported anti-communist mujahidin rebels. A series of subsequent civil wars saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the country's civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, a US, Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Usama BIN LADIN. A UN-sponsored Bonn Conference in 2001 established a process for political reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in 2005. In December 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan and was reelected in August 2009. In February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed the “US-Taliban Agreement,” which contained commitments by the US related to the withdrawal from Afghanistan of military forces of the US, its allies, and Coalition partners, as well as commitments by the Taliban related to counterterrorism, among other topics. Following a US drawdown of virtually all of its troops, a summer 2021 Taliban offensive quickly overran the country and the Taliban took over Kabul in August of 2021. Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in increased democracy ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 communist countercoup. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979 to support the tottering Afghan communist regime, touching off a long and destructive war. The USSR withdrew in 1989 under relentless pressure by internationally supported anti-communist mujahidin rebels. A series of subsequent civil wars saw Kabul finally fall in 1996 to the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement that emerged in 1994 to end the country's civil war and anarchy. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, a US, Allied, and anti-Taliban Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Usama BIN LADIN.A UN-sponsored Bonn Conference in 2001 established a process for political reconstruction that included the adoption of a new constitution, a presidential election in 2004, and National Assembly elections in 2005. In December 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan and was reelected in August 2009. In February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed the “US-Taliban Agreement,” which contained commitments by the US related to the withdrawal from Afghanistan of military forces of the US, its allies, and Coalition partners, as well as commitments by the Taliban related to counterterrorism, among other topics. Following a US drawdown of virtually all of its troops, a summer 2021 Taliban offensive quickly overran the country and the Taliban took over Kabul in August of 2021. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran Geographic coordinates: 33 00 N, 65 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 652,230 sq km land: 652,230 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: almost six times the size of Virginia; slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total: 5,987 km border countries (6): China 91 km; Iran 921 km; Pakistan 2,670 km; Tajikistan 1,357 km; Turkmenistan 804 km; Uzbekistan 144 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest Elevation: highest point: Noshak 7,492 m lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m mean elevation: 1,884 m Natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018) permanent pasture: 46% (2018) forest: 1.85% (2018 est.) other: 40.1% (2018) Irrigated land: 32,080 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Ab-e Istadah-ye Muqur (endorheic basin) - 520 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Amu Darya (shared with Tajikistan [s], Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan [m]) - 2,620 km; Helmand river source (shared with Iran) - 1,130 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Indus (1,081,718 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Amu Darya (534,739 sq km); Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km) Population distribution: populations tend to cluster in the foothills and periphery of the rugged Hindu Kush range; smaller groups are found in many of the country's interior valleys; in general, the east is more densely settled, while the south is sparsely populated Natural hazards: damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughts Geography - note: landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor) Map description: Afghanistan map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Afghanistan map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 38,346,720 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Afghan(s) adjective: Afghan Ethnic groups: Current, reliable statistical data on ethnicity in Afghanistan are not available; Afghanistan's 2004 Constitution cited Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Turkman, Baluch, Pachaie, Nuristani, Aymaq, Arab, Qirghiz, Qizilbash, Gujur, and Brahwui ethnicities; Afghanistan has dozens of other small ethnic groups Languages: Afghan Persian or Dari (official, lingua franca) 77%, Pashto (official) 48%, Uzbeki 11%, English 6%, Turkmani 3%, Urdu 3%, Pachaie 1%, Nuristani 1%, Arabic 1%, Balochi 1%, other <1% (2020 est.) major-language sample(s): کتاب حقایق جهان، مرجعی ضروری برای اطلاعات اولیە (Dari) د دنیا د حقائېقو کتاب، بنیادی معلوماتو لپاره ضروری سرچینه- (Pashto) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note 1: percentages sum to more than 100% because many people are multilingual note 2: Uzbeki, Turkmani, Pachaie, Nuristani, Balochi, and Pamiri are the third official languages in areas where the majority speaks themکتاب حقایق جهان، مرجعی ضروری برای اطلاعات اولیە (Dari) Religions: Muslim 99.7% (Sunni 84.7 - 89.7%, Shia 10 - 15%), other <0.3% (2009 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 40.62% (male 7,562,703/female 7,321,646) 15-24 years: 21.26% (male 3,960,044/female 3,828,670) 25-54 years: 31.44% (male 5,858,675/female 5,661,887) 55-64 years: 4.01% (male 724,597/female 744,910) 65 years and over: 2.68% (2020 est.) (male 451,852/female 528,831) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 88.8 youth dependency ratio: 75.3 elderly dependency ratio: 4.8 potential support ratio: 21 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 19.5 years male: 19.4 years female: 19.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.3% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 35.46 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 12.33 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: populations tend to cluster in the foothills and periphery of the rugged Hindu Kush range; smaller groups are found in many of the country's interior valleys; in general, the east is more densely settled, while the south is sparsely populated Urbanization: urban population: 26.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 4.458 million KABUL (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.9 years (2015 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 638 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 104.89 deaths/1,000 live births male: 113.33 deaths/1,000 live births female: 96.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 53.65 years male: 52.1 years female: 55.28 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.62 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 18.9% (2018) note:  percent of women aged 12-49 Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 68.3% of population total: 76.5% of population 70.2% unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 31.7% of population total: 23.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 13.2% (2019) Physicians density: 0.25 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 0.4 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 88.2% of population rural: 52% of population total: 61.4% of population unimproved: urban: 11.8% of population rural: 48% of population total: 38.6% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 12,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <1,000 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever, malaria note: Afghanistan is one of two countries with endemic wild polio virus (the other is Pakistan) and considered high risk for international spread of the disease; before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 5.5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 23.3% (2020 est.) male: 39.4% (2020 est.) female: 7.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 19.1% (2018) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 4.2% women married by age 18: 28.3% (2017 est.) Education expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 37.3% male: 52.1% female: 22.6% (2021) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 10 years male: 13 years female: 8 years (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 16.2% male: 14.5% female: 21.1% (2020) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil degradation; overgrazing; deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials); desertification; air and water pollution in overcrowded urban areas Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 53.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 8.67 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 90.98 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers Land use: agricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018) permanent pasture: 46% (2018) forest: 1.85% (2018 est.) other: 40.1% (2018) Urbanization: urban population: 26.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.2% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.45% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever, malaria note: Afghanistan is one of two countries with endemic wild polio virus (the other is Pakistan) and considered high risk for international spread of the disease; before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to civil conflict, population displacement, and economic slowdown - between November 2021 and March 2022, during the winter lean season, the food insecurity situation is expected to deteriorate and the number of people in "Crisis" or above is likely to increase to 22.8 million, about 35% more than during the same season in 2020/21; following the developments of August 2021 in the country, the international aid flows, an important element of public spending, were halted; the food security situation and agricultural livelihoods in the country is likely to significantly deteriorate in the coming months due to cumulative and cascading impact of multiple shocks, including weather, conflict, economic crisis and the lingering effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 5,628,525 tons (2016 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Ab-e Istadah-ye Muqur (endorheic basin) - 520 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Amu Darya (shared with Tajikistan [s], Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan [m]) - 2,620 km; Helmand river source (shared with Iran) - 1,130 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Indus (1,081,718 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Amu Darya (534,739 sq km); Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 203.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 169.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 20 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 65.33 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: formerly Islamic Republic of Afghanistan conventional short form: Afghanistan local long form: formerly Jamhuri-ye Islami-ye Afghanistan local short form: Afghanistan former: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan etymology: the name "Afghan" originally referred to the Pashtun people (today it is understood to include all the country's ethnic groups), while the suffix "-stan" means "place of" or "country"; so Afghanistan literally means the "Land of the Afghans" Government type: the United States does not recognize the Taliban governmentthe United States does not recognize the Taliban government Capital: name: Kabul geographic coordinates: 34 31 N, 69 11 E time difference: UTC+4.5 (9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: does not observe daylight savings time etymology: named for the Kabul River, but the river's name is of unknown origin Administrative divisions: 34 provinces (welayat, singular - welayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Kunduz, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nimroz, Nuristan, Paktika, Paktiya, Panjshir, Parwan, Samangan, Sar-e Pul, Takhar, Uruzgan, Wardak, Zabul Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign affairs) National holiday: Independence Day, 19 August (1919) Constitution: history: last ratified in 2004 amendments: formerly proposed by a commission formed by presidential decree followed by the convention of a Grand Council (Loya Jirga) decreed by the president; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Loya Jirga membership and endorsement by the president Legal system: before the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan had a mixed legal system of civil, customary, and Islamic (sharia) law; after August 2021, the Taliban’s so-called “interim government” has claimed to be implementing its own interpretation of Islamic law, partially based on the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence. (2021)before the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan had a mixed legal system of civil, customary, and Islamic (sharia) law; after August 2021, the Taliban’s so-called “interim government” has claimed to be implementing its own interpretation of Islamic law, partially based on the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence. International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; formerly accepted ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must have been born in - and continuously lived in - Afghanistan dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: president (vacant); note – before 15 August, 2021, the president was both chief of state and head of government; President Ashraf GHANI departed the country on 15 August 2021; on 7 September 2021, the Taliban announced Mullah Mohammad HASSAN Akhund as the so-called “acting Prime Minister” of a so-called “interim government”; as of November 2021, the group had announced three acting so-called “Deputy Prime Ministers”: Mullah Abdul Ghani BERADER, Mullah Abdul Salam HANAFI, and Maulawi Abdul KABIR head of government: president (vacant); note - President Ashraf GHANI departed the country on 15 August 2021; on 7 September 2021, the Taliban announced Mullah Mohammad HASSAN Akhund as the acting Prime Minister of an interim Taliban government; the US does not recognize the Taliban government; as of November 2021, the group had announced three acting Deputy Prime Ministers: Mullah Abdul Ghani BERADER, Mullah Abdul Salam HANAFI, and Maulawi Abdul KABIR cabinet: before 15 August 2021, the cabinet formerly consisted of 25 ministers appointed by the president, approved by the National Assembly; the Taliban have announced a so-called “cabinet” which includes 33 ministries elections/appointments: the 2004 Afghan constitution directed that the president should be elected by majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 September 2019 election results: no elections have been held since 2019; in that election, Ashraf GHANI was declared winner by the Independent Election Commission on 18 February 2020; the IEC declared Ashraf GHANI the winner with 50.6% of the vote, Abdullah ABDULLAH, Dr. 39.5%, other 0.9%president (vacant); note – before 15 August, 2021, the president was both chief of state and head of government; President Ashraf GHANI departed the country on 15 August 2021; on 7 September 2021, the Taliban announced Mullah Mohammad HASSAN Akhund as the so-called “acting Prime Minister” of a so-called “interim government”; as of November 2021, the group had announced three acting so-called “Deputy Prime Ministers”: Mullah Abdul Ghani BERADER, Mullah Abdul Salam HANAFI, and Maulawi Abdul KABIR Legislative branch: description: before 15 August, 2021, Afghanistan had a bicameral National Assembly that consisted of a House of Elders and a House of People; since August 15, the Taliban’s so-called “interim government” has not purported to announce the formation of a legislative branch elections: before 15 August, 2021:  House of Elders - district councils - held within 5 days of installation; provincial councils - within 15 days of installation; and presidential appointees - within 2 weeks after the presidential inauguration; note - in early 2016, former President Ashraf Ghani extended their mandate until parliamentary and district elections could be held; former House of People - last held on 20 October 2018 election results: before 15 August 2021, House of Elders - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition - men 85, women 17, percent of women 16.7% before 15 August 2021, House of People - percent of vote by party NA; seats by party - NA; composition - men 179, women 69, percent of women 27.7%; note - total National Assembly percent of women 24.4% Judicial branch: highest courts: the Taliban’s so-called “interim government” has a “Supreme Court” (consisting of a supreme court chief and an unknown number of justices); before 15 August, 2021, Afghanistan had a Supreme Court (consisting of a supreme court chief and 8 justices organized into criminal, public security, civil, and commercial divisions) judge selection and term of office: the court chief and justices were appointed by the president with the approval of the Wolesi Jirga; court chief and justices served single 10-year terms subordinate courts: before 15 August 2021, consisted of Appeals Courts; Primary Courts; and Special Courts for issues including narcotics, security, property, family, and juveniles Political parties and leaders: the Taliban’s so-called “interim government” includes mostly Taliban members and not other political parties; before 15 August, 2021, the Ministry of Justice had licensed 72 political parties as of April 2019             International organization participation: before 15 August, 2021, Afghanistan was a member or participant in the following organizations: ADB, CICA, CP, ECO, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNAMA, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: the Afghan Embassy closed in March 2022 chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-6410 FAX: [1] (202) 483-6488 email address and website: info@afghanembassy.us https://www.afghanembassy.us/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires: Ian MCCARY (since August 2021); note – since 15 August 2021, the United States has not yet made a decision whether to recognize the Taliban or any other entity as the Government of Afghanistan         embassy: Embassy Kabul, operations have been suspended; Department of State’s Afghanistan Affairs Unit operates from Doha, Qatar.                 Flag description: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), red, and green, with the national emblem in white centered on the red band and slightly overlapping the other 2 bands; the center of the emblem features a mosque with pulpit and flags on either side, below the mosque are Eastern Arabic numerals for the solar year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar, the year of Afghan independence from the UK); this central image is circled by a border consisting of sheaves of wheat on the left and right, in the upper-center is an Arabic inscription of the Shahada (Muslim creed) below which are rays of the rising sun over the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great"), and at bottom center is a scroll bearing the name Afghanistan; black signifies the past, red is for the blood shed for independence, and green can represent either hope for the future, agricultural prosperity, or Islam note 1: the United States has not recognized the Taliban or any other entity as the government of Afghanistan and, accordingly, continues to display the flag of Afghanistan as set forth in the country's constitution note 2: Afghanistan had more changes to its national flag in the 20th century - 19 by one count - than any other country; the colors black, red, and green appeared on most of them National symbol(s): lion; national colors: red, green, black National anthem: name: "Milli Surood" (National Anthem) lyrics/music: Abdul Bari JAHANI/Babrak WASA note: adopted 2006; the 2004 constitution of the post-Taliban government mandated that a new national anthem should be written containing the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) and mentioning the names of Afghanistan's ethnic groups National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Minaret of Jam; Buddhas of Bamyan Topic: Economy Economic overview: Prior to 2001, Afghanistan was an extremely poor, landlocked, and foreign aid-dependent country. Increased domestic economic activity occurred following the US-led invasion, as well as significant international economic development assistance. This increased activity expanded access to water, electricity, sanitation, education, and health services, and fostered consistent growth in government revenues since 2014. While international security forces have been drawing down since 2012, with much higher U.S. forces’ drawdowns occurring since 2017, economic progress continues, albeit uneven across sectors and key economic indicators. After recovering from the 2018 drought and growing 3.9% in 2019, political instability, expiring international financial commitments, and the COVID-19 pandemic have wrought significant adversity on the Afghan economy, with a projected 5% contraction. Current political parties’ power-sharing agreement following the September 2019 presidential elections as well as ongoing Taliban attacks and peace talks have led to Afghan economic instability. This instability, coupled with expiring international grant and assistance, endangers recent fiscal gains and has led to more internally displaced persons. In November 2020, Afghanistan secured $12 billion in additional international aid for 2021-2025, much of which is conditional upon Taliban peace progress. Additionally, Afghanistan continues to experience influxes of repatriating Afghanis, mostly from Iran, significantly straining economic and security institutions. Afghanistan’s trade deficit remains at approximately 31% of GDP and is highly dependent on financing through grants and aid. While Afghan agricultural growth remains consistent, recent industrial and services growth have been enormously impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and trade cessations. While trade with the People’s Republic of China has rapidly expanded in recent years, Afghanistan still relies heavily upon India and Pakistan as export partners but is more diverse in its import partners. Furthermore, Afghanistan still struggles to effectively enforce business contracts, facilitate easy tax collection, and enable greater international trade for domestic enterprises. Current Afghan priorities focus on the following goals: Securing international economic agreements, many of which are contingent on Taliban peace progress; Increasing exports to $2 billion USD by 2023; Continuing to expand government revenue collection; Countering corruption and navigating challenges from the power-sharing agreement; and Developing a strong private sector that can empower the economy. Prior to 2001, Afghanistan was an extremely poor, landlocked, and foreign aid-dependent country. Increased domestic economic activity occurred following the US-led invasion, as well as significant international economic development assistance. This increased activity expanded access to water, electricity, sanitation, education, and health services, and fostered consistent growth in government revenues since 2014. While international security forces have been drawing down since 2012, with much higher U.S. forces’ drawdowns occurring since 2017, economic progress continues, albeit uneven across sectors and key economic indicators. After recovering from the 2018 drought and growing 3.9% in 2019, political instability, expiring international financial commitments, and the COVID-19 pandemic have wrought significant adversity on the Afghan economy, with a projected 5% contraction.Current political parties’ power-sharing agreement following the September 2019 presidential elections as well as ongoing Taliban attacks and peace talks have led to Afghan economic instability. This instability, coupled with expiring international grant and assistance, endangers recent fiscal gains and has led to more internally displaced persons. In November 2020, Afghanistan secured $12 billion in additional international aid for 2021-2025, much of which is conditional upon Taliban peace progress. Additionally, Afghanistan continues to experience influxes of repatriating Afghanis, mostly from Iran, significantly straining economic and security institutions.Afghanistan’s trade deficit remains at approximately 31% of GDP and is highly dependent on financing through grants and aid. While Afghan agricultural growth remains consistent, recent industrial and services growth have been enormously impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and trade cessations. While trade with the People’s Republic of China has rapidly expanded in recent years, Afghanistan still relies heavily upon India and Pakistan as export partners but is more diverse in its import partners. Furthermore, Afghanistan still struggles to effectively enforce business contracts, facilitate easy tax collection, and enable greater international trade for domestic enterprises. Current Afghan priorities focus on the following goals: Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $77.04 billion (2020 est.) $78.56 billion (2019 est.) $75.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.7% (2017 est.) 2.2% (2016 est.) 1% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,000 (2020 est.) $2,100 (2019 est.) $2,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $20.24 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (2017 est.) 4.4% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 23% (2016 est.) industry: 21.1% (2016 est.) services: 55.9% (2016 est.) note: data exclude opium production GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 81.6% (2016 est.) government consumption: 12% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.2% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 30% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 6.7% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -47.6% (2016 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, milk, grapes, vegetables, potatoes, watermelons, melons, rice, onions, apples Industries: small-scale production of bricks, textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, apparel, food products, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral water, cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, coal, copper Industrial production growth rate: -1.9% (2016 est.) Labor force: 8.478 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 44.3% industry: 18.1% services: 37.6% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 23.9% (2017 est.) 22.6% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 16.2% male: 14.5% female: 21.1% (2020) Population below poverty line: 54.5% (2016 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 29.4 (2008) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.8% highest 10%: 24% (2008) Budget: revenues: 2.276 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.328 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -15.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 7% of GDP (2017 est.) 7.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 11.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 21 December - 20 December Current account balance: $1.014 billion (2017 est.) $1.409 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $1.48 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.61 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: not including illicit exports or reexports Exports - partners: United Arab Emirates 45%, Pakistan 24%, India 22%, China 1% (2019) Exports - commodities: gold, grapes, opium, fruits and nuts, insect resins, cotton, handwoven carpets, soapstone, scrap metal (2019) Imports: $6.98 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.37 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.98 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: United Arab Emirates 23%, Pakistan 17%, India 13%, China 9%, United States 9%, Uzbekistan 7%, Kazakhstan 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: wheat flours, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, rolled tobacco, aircraft parts, synthetic fabrics (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $7.187 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $6.901 billion (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $284 million (FY10/11) Exchange rates: afghanis (AFA) per US dollar - 7.87 (2017 est.) 68.03 (2016 est.) 67.87 (2015) 61.14 (2014 est.) 57.25 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 99% (2018) electrification - urban areas: 100% (2018) electrification - rural areas: 98% (2018) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 776,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 5,913,090,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 4.912 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 61.6 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 15.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 5.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 79.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 2.096 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 2.096 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 66 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 24,300 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 34,210 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 80.193 million cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 80.193 million cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 49.554 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.893 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 4.158 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 3.468 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 267,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 3.227 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 145,787 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 22,678,024 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 58 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: before 15 August 2021, Afghanistan had successfully rebuilt infrastructure to create a functional telecom sector that covered nearly all of the population; due to mountainous geography, Afghanistan relies on its mobile network; mobile broadband penetration growing, but is still low compared to other countries in Asia; operator launched LTE in Kabul; World Bank and other donors support development of a nationwide fiber backbone; terrestrial cable connectivity to five neighboring countries; work on the ‘Wakhan Corridor Fiber Optic Survey Project’ to connect to China is nearing completion; major importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE (2021) domestic: before 15 August 2021, less than 1 per 100 for fixed-line teledensity; 59 per 100 for mobile-cellular; an increasing number of Afghans utilize mobile-cellular phone networks (2021) international: country code - 93; multiple VSAT's provide international and domestic voice and data connectivity (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: since 15 August 2021, independent media outlets have decreased in number due to financial hardships, departure of staff from the country, and restrictions placed by the Taliban; media workers report self-censoring criticism of the Taliban; before 15 August 2021, the former Afghan Government-owned broadcaster, Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), operated a series of radio and television stations in Kabul and the provinces and the country had an estimated 174 private radio stations and 83 TV stations; television and radio are key media platforms; only about a fifth of Afghans in urban areas use the internet, mostly through smartphones, and young adults are significantly more likely to use the internet (2021) Internet country code: .af Internet users: total: 7,007,101 (2020 est.) percent of population: 18% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 26,570 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 13 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,722,612 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 29.56 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: YA Airports: total: 46 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 29 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 466 km gas (2013) Roadways: total: 34,903 km (2017) paved: 17,903 km (2017) unpaved: 17,000 km (2017) Waterways: 1,200 km (2011) (chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Hairatan, Qizil Qal`ah (Amu Darya) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: as of 2022, the Taliban had established a de facto Ministry of Defense and named commanders and deputy commanders for 8 regional corps; in December 2021, it announced the formation of a police force (2022) Military expenditures: 3.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $2.35 billion) 3.2% of GDP (2018) (approximately $2.31 billion) 3.3% of GDP (2017) (approximately $2.34 billion) 3.1% of GDP (2016) (approximately $2.6 billion) 2.9% of GDP (2015) (approximately $2.22 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: in 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 Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the former Afghan military's inventory was mostly a mix of Soviet-era and more modern US and Russian equipment (2021) Military service age and obligation: not available note: the Taliban dismissed nearly all women from the former Afghan Government security forces, except those serving in detention facilities and assisting with body searches  Military - note: as of mid-2022, the Taliban’s primary security threats included ISIS-Khorasan and former Afghan Government resistance elements known as the National Resistance Front and Afghanistan Freedom Front Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Haqqani Taliban Network; Harakat ul-Mujahidin; Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami; Islamic Jihad Union; Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force; Jaish-e-Mohammed; Jaysh al Adl (Jundallah); Lashkar i Jhangvi; Lashkar-e Tayyiba; al-Qa’ida; al-Qa'ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS); Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) note 1:  as of mid-2022, TTP was reportedly the largest component of foreign terrorist fighters in Afghanistan, with an estimated 3-4,000 armed fighters operating primarily along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border note 2: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Afghanistan-China: None identified Afghanistan-Iran: Afghan and Iranian commissioners have discussed boundary monument densification and resurvey; Iran protests Afghanistan's restricting flow of dammed Helmand River tributaries during drought Afghanistan-Pakistan: Pakistan has built fences in some portions of its border with Afghanistan which remains open in some areas to terrorist and other illegal activities. Their alignments may not always be in conformance with Durand Line and original surveyed definitions of the boundary. Afghan, Coalition, and Pakistan military meet periodically to clarify the alignment of the boundary on the ground and on maps and since 2014 have met to discuss collaboration on the Taliban insurgency and counterterrorism efforts. Afghanistan-Tajikistan: None identified Afghanistan-Turkmenistan: None identified Afghanistan-Uzbekistan: None identified. Boundary follows Amu Darya river as delimited in the Afghan-Soviet treaties and not by the river's current course. The boundary was delimited and possibly demarcated during Soviet times (pre-1991). No current negotiations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to redelimit the boundary have been identified.  Russia remains concerned about the smuggling of poppy derivatives from Afghanistan through Central Asian countriesAfghanistan-China: None identified Afghanistan-Iran: Afghan and Iranian commissioners have discussed boundary monument densification and resurvey; Iran protests Afghanistan's restricting flow of dammed Helmand River tributaries during drought Afghanistan-Pakistan: Pakistan has built fences in some portions of its border with Afghanistan which remains open in some areas to terrorist and other illegal activities. Their alignments may not always be in conformance with Durand Line and original surveyed definitions of the boundary. Afghan, Coalition, and Pakistan military meet periodically to clarify the alignment of the boundary on the ground and on maps and since 2014 have met to discuss collaboration on the Taliban insurgency and counterterrorism efforts. Afghanistan-Tajikistan: None identified Afghanistan-Turkmenistan: None identified Afghanistan-Uzbekistan: None identified. Boundary follows Amu Darya river as delimited in the Afghan-Soviet treaties and not by the river's current course. The boundary was delimited and possibly demarcated during Soviet times (pre-1991). No current negotiations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to redelimit the boundary have been identified.  Russia remains concerned about the smuggling of poppy derivatives from Afghanistan through Central Asian countries Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 72,188 (Pakistan) (mid-year 2021) IDPs: 4.314 million (mostly Pashtuns and Kuchis displaced in the south and west due to natural disasters and political instability) (2021) Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims and returning Afghan migrants and exploit Afghan victims abroad; internal trafficking is more prevalent than transnational trafficking; traffickers exploit men, women, and a large number of children domestically; victims are subjected to forced labor in agriculture, brick kilns, carpet weaving, domestic servitude, commercial sex, begging, poppy cultivation and harvesting, salt mining, transnational drug smuggling, and truck driving; Afghan security forces and non-state armed groups, including the pro-government militias and the Taliban, continue to unlawfully recruit and use child soldiers; sexual exploitation of boys remains pervasive nationwide, and traffickers subject some boys to sexual exploitation abroad tier rating: Tier 3 — Afghanistan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government decreased law enforcement efforts against civilian and official perpetrators of trafficking, and officials complicit in recruitment and use of child soldiers and the sexual exploitation of boys continued to operate with impunity; authorities continued to arrest, detain, and penalize many trafficking victims, including punishing sex trafficking victims for “moral crimes”; the judiciary remained underfunded, understaffed, and undertrained (2020)Tier 3 — Afghanistan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government decreased law enforcement efforts against civilian and official perpetrators of trafficking, and officials complicit in recruitment and use of child soldiers and the sexual exploitation of boys continued to operate with impunity; authorities continued to arrest, detain, and penalize many trafficking victims, including punishing sex trafficking victims for “moral crimes”; the judiciary remained underfunded, understaffed, and undertrained (2020) Illicit drugs: the world’s largest producer of illicit opiates but it is not a major supplier to the United States; 215,000 hectares (ha) of opium poppy cultivated in Afghanistan in 2020; also produces methamphetamine and cannabis products; one of the highest domestic substance abuse rates in the world (2022)the world’s largest producer of illicit opiates but it is not a major supplier to the United States; 215,000 hectares (ha) of opium poppy cultivated in Afghanistan in 2020; also produces methamphetamine and cannabis products; one of the highest domestic substance abuse rates in the world

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countries-northern-mariana-islands

Topic: Photos of Northern Mariana Islands Topic: Introduction Background: The Northern Mariana Islands were settled by Austronesian people around 1500 B.C. These people became the indigenous Chamorro and were influenced by later migrations, including of Micronesians in the first century A.D., and island Southeast Asians around 900. Spanish explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN sailed through the Mariana Islands in 1521 and Spain claimed them in 1565. Spain formally colonized the Mariana Islands in 1668 and administered the archipelago from Guam. Spain’s brutal repression of the Chamorro, along with new diseases and intermittent warfare, reduced the indigenous population by about 90% in the 1700s. With a similar dynamic occurring on Guam, Spain forced the Chamorro from the Northern Mariana Islands to resettle on Guam and prevented them from returning to their home islands. By the time the Northern Mariana Islands’ Chamorro returned, many other Micronesians, including Chuukese and Yapese, had already settled on their islands. In 1898, Spain ceded Guam to the US following the Spanish-American War but sold the Northern Mariana Islands to Germany under the German-Spanish Treaty of 1899. Germany administered the territory from German New Guinea but took a hands-off approach to day-to-day life. Following World War I, Japan administered the islands under a League of Nations mandate. Japan focused on sugar production and brought in thousands of Japanese laborers, who quickly outnumbered the Chamorro on the islands. During World War II, Japan invaded Guam from the Northern Mariana Islands and used Marianan Chamorro as translators with Guamanian Chamorro, creating friction between the two Chamorro communities that continues to this day. The US captured the Northern Mariana Islands in 1944 after the Battle of Saipan and administered them post-World War II as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). On four occasions in the 1950s and 1960s, voters opted for integration with Guam, although Guam rejected it in 1969. In 1978, the Northern Mariana Islands was granted self-government separate from the rest of the TTPI and in 1986, islanders were granted US citizenship and the territory came under US sovereignty as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In 2009, the CNMI became the final US territory to elect a nonvoting delegate to the US Congress.The Northern Mariana Islands were settled by Austronesian people around 1500 B.C. These people became the indigenous Chamorro and were influenced by later migrations, including of Micronesians in the first century A.D., and island Southeast Asians around 900. Spanish explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN sailed through the Mariana Islands in 1521 and Spain claimed them in 1565. Spain formally colonized the Mariana Islands in 1668 and administered the archipelago from Guam. Spain’s brutal repression of the Chamorro, along with new diseases and intermittent warfare, reduced the indigenous population by about 90% in the 1700s. With a similar dynamic occurring on Guam, Spain forced the Chamorro from the Northern Mariana Islands to resettle on Guam and prevented them from returning to their home islands. By the time the Northern Mariana Islands’ Chamorro returned, many other Micronesians, including Chuukese and Yapese, had already settled on their islands. In 1898, Spain ceded Guam to the US following the Spanish-American War but sold the Northern Mariana Islands to Germany under the German-Spanish Treaty of 1899. Germany administered the territory from German New Guinea but took a hands-off approach to day-to-day life. Following World War I, Japan administered the islands under a League of Nations mandate. Japan focused on sugar production and brought in thousands of Japanese laborers, who quickly outnumbered the Chamorro on the islands. During World War II, Japan invaded Guam from the Northern Mariana Islands and used Marianan Chamorro as translators with Guamanian Chamorro, creating friction between the two Chamorro communities that continues to this day. The US captured the Northern Mariana Islands in 1944 after the Battle of Saipan and administered them post-World War II as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI). On four occasions in the 1950s and 1960s, voters opted for integration with Guam, although Guam rejected it in 1969. In 1978, the Northern Mariana Islands was granted self-government separate from the rest of the TTPI and in 1986, islanders were granted US citizenship and the territory came under US sovereignty as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). In 2009, the CNMI became the final US territory to elect a nonvoting delegate to the US Congress.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines Geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 464 sq km land: 464 sq km water: 0 sq km note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Area - comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 1,482 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October Terrain: the southern islands in this north-south trending archipelago are limestone, with fringing coral reefs; the northern islands are volcanic, with active volcanoes on several islands Elevation: highest point: Agrihan Volcano 965 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: agricultural land: 6.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.2% (2018 est.) forest: 65.5% (2018 est.) other: 27.9% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1 sq km (2012) Population distribution: approximately 90% of the population lives on the island of Saipan Natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November) Geography - note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean Map description: Northern Mariana Islands map showing the major islands of this archipelago in the North Pacific Ocean.Northern Mariana Islands map showing the major islands of this archipelago in the North Pacific Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 51,475 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: NA (US citizens) adjective: NA Ethnic groups: Asian 50% (includes Filipino 35.3%, Chinese 6.8%, Korean 4.2%, and other Asian 3.7%), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 34.9% (includes Chamorro 23.9%, Carolinian 4.6%, and other Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 6.4%), other 2.5%, two or more ethnicities or races 12.7% (2010 est.) Languages: Philippine languages 32.8%, Chamorro (official) 24.1%, English (official) 17%, other Pacific island languages 10.1% (includes Carolinian (official), Chinese 6.8%, other Asian languages 7.3%, other 1.9% (2010 est.) Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found) Age structure: 0-14 years: 25.02% (male 6,937/female 5,934) 15-24 years: 16.28% (male 4,518/female 3,857) 25-54 years: 37.44% (male 9,934/female 9,325) 55-64 years: 14.01% (male 3,921/female 3,286) 65 years and over: 7.23% (2020 est.) (male 1,988/female 1,733) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 32.8 years male: 31.8 years female: 34.1 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.35% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 15.5 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.44 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -13.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: approximately 90% of the population lives on the island of Saipan Urbanization: urban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.36% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 51,000 SAIPAN (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.17 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.16 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.18 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.18 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 12.48 deaths/1,000 live births male: 15.13 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.58 years male: 74.48 years female: 79.03 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.63 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 97.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 2.1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October Land use: agricultural land: 6.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.2% (2018 est.) forest: 65.5% (2018 est.) other: 27.9% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.36% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 32,761 tons (2013 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 11,794 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 36% (2016 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District abbreviation: CNMI etymology: formally claimed and named by Spain in 1667 in honor of the Spanish Queen, MARIANA of Austria Government type: a commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches Dependency status: commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs, Washington, DC Capital: name: Saipan geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the entire island of Saipan is organized as a single municipality and serves as the capital; according to legend, when the first native voyagers arrived in their outrigger canoes they found an uninhabited island; to them it was like an empty voyage, so they named the island "saay" meaning "a voyage," and "peel" meaning "empty"; over time Saaypeel - "island of the empty voyage" - became Saipan Administrative divisions: none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 4 municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US) National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978) Constitution: history: partially effective 9 January 1978 (Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands); fully effective 4 November 1986 (Covenant Agreement) amendments: proposed by constitutional convention, by public petition, or by the Legislature; ratification of proposed amendments requires approval by voters at the next general election or special election; amendments proposed by constitutional convention or by petition become effective if approved by a majority of voters and at least two-thirds majority of voters in each of two senatorial districts; amendments proposed by the Legislature are effective if approved by majority vote; amended several times, last in 2012 Legal system: the laws of the US apply, except for customs and some aspects of taxation Citizenship: see United States Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; note - indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections Executive branch: chief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) head of government: Governor Ralph TORRES (since 29 December 2015); Lieutenant Governor Victor HOCOG (since 29 December 2015) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Northern Mariana Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed; election last held on 13 November 2018 (next to be held in 2022) election results: Ralph TORRES elected governor; percent of vote - Ralph TORRES (Republican) 62.2%, Juan BABAUTA (Independent) 37.8%;  Arnold PALACIOS elected Lieutenant Governor Legislative branch: description: bicameral Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature consists of: Senate (9 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) House of Representatives (20 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 2-year terms) the Northern Mariana Islands directly elects 1 delegate to the US House of Representatives by simple majority vote to serve a 2-year term elections: CNMI Senate - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2024) CNMI House of Representatives - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2022) Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands delegate to the US House of Representatives  - last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2022) election results: CNMI Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 6, independent 3; composition - men 7, women 2, percent of women 22.2% CNMI House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 9, Democrat Party 8, independent 3; composition - men 15, women 5, percent of women 25%; note - overall CNMI legislature percent of women 24.1% delegate to US House of Representatives - seat won by independent; composition - 1 man note: the Northern Mariana Islands delegate to the US House of Representatives can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the "Committee of the Whole House" but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices); US Federal District Court (consists of 1 judge); note - US Federal District Court jurisdiction limited to US federal laws; appeals beyond the CNMI Supreme Court are referred to the US Supreme Court judge selection and term of office: CNMI Supreme Court judges appointed by the governor and confirmed by the CNMI Senate; judges appointed for 8-year terms and another term if directly elected in a popular election; US Federal District Court judges appointed by the US president and confirmed by the US Senate; judges appointed for renewable 10-year terms subordinate courts: Superior Court Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party [Daniel QUITUGUA] Republican Party [James ADA] International organization participation: PIF (observer), SPC, UPU Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)        Flag description: blue with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on a gray latte stone (the traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the star represents the Commonwealth; the latte stone and the floral head wreath display elements of the native Chamorro culture National symbol(s): latte stone; national colors: blue, white National anthem: name: "Gi Talo Gi Halom Tasi" (In the Middle of the Sea) lyrics/music: Jose S. PANGELINAN [Chamoru], David PETER [Carolinian]/Wilhelm GANZHORN note: adopted 1996; the Carolinian version of the song is known as "Satil Matawal Pacifico;" as a commonwealth of the US, in addition to the local anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States) Topic: Economy Economic overview: The economy of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands(CNMI) has been on the rebound in the last few years, mainly on the strength of its tourism industry. In 2016, the CNMI’s real GDP increased 28.6% over the previous year, following two years of relatively rapid growth in 2014 and 2015. Chinese and Korean tourists have supplanted Japanese tourists in the last few years. The Commonwealth is making a concerted effort to broaden its tourism by extending casino gambling from the small Islands of Tinian and Rota to the main Island of Saipan, its political and commercial center. Investment is concentrated on hotels and casinos in Saipan, the CNMI’s largest island and home to about 90% of its population.   Federal grants have also contributed to economic growth and stability. In 2016, federal grants amounted to $101.4 billion which made up 26% of the CNMI government’s total revenues. A small agriculture sector consists of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons.   Legislation is pending in the US Congress to extend the transition period to allow foreign workers to work in the CNMI on temporary visas.The economy of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands(CNMI) has been on the rebound in the last few years, mainly on the strength of its tourism industry. In 2016, the CNMI’s real GDP increased 28.6% over the previous year, following two years of relatively rapid growth in 2014 and 2015. Chinese and Korean tourists have supplanted Japanese tourists in the last few years. The Commonwealth is making a concerted effort to broaden its tourism by extending casino gambling from the small Islands of Tinian and Rota to the main Island of Saipan, its political and commercial center. Investment is concentrated on hotels and casinos in Saipan, the CNMI’s largest island and home to about 90% of its population. Federal grants have also contributed to economic growth and stability. In 2016, federal grants amounted to $101.4 billion which made up 26% of the CNMI government’s total revenues. A small agriculture sector consists of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Legislation is pending in the US Congress to extend the transition period to allow foreign workers to work in the CNMI on temporary visas. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.242 billion (2016 est.) $933 million (2015 est.) $845 million (2014 est.) note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy; data are in 2013 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 28.6% (2016 est.) 3.8% (2015 est.) 3.5% (2014 est.) Real GDP per capita: $24,500 (2016 est.) $18,400 (2015 est.) $16,600 (2014 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $1.242 billion (2016 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.3% (2016 est.) 0.1% (2015 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.7% (2016) industry: 58.1% (2016 est.) services: 40.2% (2016) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 43.1% (2016 est.) government consumption: 28.9% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.3% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: (2016 est.) NA exports of goods and services: 73.6% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -71.9% (2016 est.) Agricultural products: vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts; ornamental plants; livestock, poultry, eggs; fish and aquaculture products Industries: tourism, banking, construction, fishing, handicrafts, other services Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 27,970 (2010 est.) note: includes foreign workers Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.9% industry: 10% services: 88.1% (2010 est.) Unemployment rate: 11.2% (2010 est.) 8% (2005 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 389.6 million (2016 est.) expenditures: 344 million (2015 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 3.7% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Public debt: 7.1% of GDP (2017 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 31.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Exports: $914 million (2016 est.) $520 million (2015 est.) Exports - partners: South Korea 73%, Peru 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: scrap iron, scrap copper, scrap aluminum, computers, laboratory diagnostic equipment (2019) Imports: $893 million (2016 est.) $638 million (2015 est.) Imports - partners: Hong Kong 29%, Japan 29%, Singapore 16%, South Korea 9% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, trunks/cases, cars, watches, jewelry (2019) Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) Data represented includes both Guam and Northern Mariana Islands refined petroleum consumption: 2,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) Data represented includes both Guam and Northern Mariana Islands crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) Data represented includes both Guam and Northern Mariana Islands crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) Data represented includes both Guam and Northern Mariana Islands crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Data represented includes both Guam and Northern Mariana Islands Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 20,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 20,474 (2004 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (2004) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: digital fiber-optic cables and satellites connect the islands to worldwide networks; demand for broadband growing given that mobile services are the source for Internet across region; future launch of 5G (2020) domestic: wide variety of services available including dial-up and broadband Internet, mobile cellular, international private lines, payphones, phone cards, voicemail, and automatic call distribution systems; fixed-line teledensity roughly 39 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-670; landing points for the Atisa and Mariana-Guam submarine cables linking Mariana islands to Guam; satellite earth stations - 2 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: 1 TV broadcast station on Saipan; multi-channel cable TV services are available on Saipan; 9 licensed radio broadcast stations (2009) Internet country code: .mp Internet users: total: 17,418 (2016 est.) percent of population: 31% (2016 est.) Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 5 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 536 km (2008) Merchant marine: total: 1 by type: other 1 (2019) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Saipan, Tinian, Rota Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified

20220901

field-maternal-mortality-ratio-country-comparison

20220901

field-executive-branch

This entry includes five subentries: chief of state; head of government; cabinet; elections/appointments; election results. Chief of state includes the name, title, and beginning date in office of the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial functions but may not be involved with the day-to-day activities of the government. Head of government includes the name, title of the top executive designated to manage the executive branch of the government, and the beginning date in office. Cabinet includes the official name of the executive branch’s high-ranking body and the method of member selection. Elections/appointments includes the process for accession to office, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes each candidate's political affiliation, percent of direct popular vote or indirect legislative/parliamentary percent vote or vote count in the last election. The executive branches in approximately 80% of the world's countries have separate chiefs of state and heads of government; for the remainder, the chief of state is also the head of government, such as in Argentina, Kenya, the Philippines, the US, and Venezuela. Chiefs of state in just over 100 countries are directly elected, most by majority popular vote; those in another 55 are indirectly elected by their national legislatures, parliaments, or electoral colleges. Another 29 countries have a monarch as the chief of state. In dependencies, territories, and collectivities of sovereign countries - except those of the US - representatives are appointed to serve as chiefs of state. Heads of government in the majority of countries are appointed either by the president or the monarch or selected by the majority party in the legislative body. Excluding countries where the chief of state is also head of government, in only a few countries is the head of government directly elected through popular vote. Most of the world's countries have cabinets, the majority of which are appointed by the chief of state or prime minister, many in consultation with each other or with the legislature. Cabinets in only about a dozen countries are elected solely by their legislative bodies. Topic: Afghanistanchief of state: president (vacant); note – before 15 August, 2021, the president was both chief of state and head of government; President Ashraf GHANI departed the country on 15 August 2021; on 7 September 2021, the Taliban announced Mullah Mohammad HASSAN Akhund as the so-called “acting Prime Minister” of a so-called “interim government”; as of November 2021, the group had announced three acting so-called “Deputy Prime Ministers”: Mullah Abdul Ghani BERADER, Mullah Abdul Salam HANAFI, and Maulawi Abdul KABIR president (vacant); note – before 15 August, 2021, the president was both chief of state and head of government; President Ashraf GHANI departed the country on 15 August 2021; on 7 September 2021, the Taliban announced Mullah Mohammad HASSAN Akhund as the so-called “acting Prime Minister” of a so-called “interim government”; as of November 2021, the group had announced three acting so-called “Deputy Prime Ministers”: Mullah Abdul Ghani BERADER, Mullah Abdul Salam HANAFI, and Maulawi Abdul KABIR Topic: Akrotirichief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Administrator Major General Robert J. THOMSON (since 25 September 2019); note - administrator reports to the British Ministry of Defense; the chief officer is responsible for the day-to-day running of the civil government of the Sovereign Bases elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Ministry of Defense Topic: Albaniachief of state: President of the Republic Ilir META (since 24 July 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Edi RAMA (since 10 September 2013); Deputy Prime Minister Arben AHMETAJ (since 18 September 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by the Assembly elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); a candidate needs three-fifths majority vote of the Assembly in 1 of 3 rounds or a simple majority in 2 additional rounds to become president; election last held in 4 rounds on 16, 23, and 30 May and 4 June (next election to be held in 2027); prime minister appointed by the president on the proposal of the majority party or coalition of parties in the Assembly election results: 2022: Bajram BEGAJ elected president in the fourth round; Assembly vote - 78-4, opposition parties boycotted; BEGAJ takes office 24 June 2022 2017: Ilir META elected president in the fourth round; Assembly vote - 87-2 Topic: Algeriachief of state: President Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE (since 12 December 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Ayman BENABDERRAHMANE (since 7 July 2021); note - President TEBBOUNE appointed BENABDERRAHMANE as prime minister following the resignation of Prime Minister Abdelaziz DJERAD on 24 June 2021     Abdelaziz DJERAD (since 28 December 2019) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in two rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 December 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister nominated by the president after consultation with the majority party in Parliament election results: 2019: Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE (FLN) 58.1%, Abdelkader BENGRINA (El-Bina) 17.4%, Ali BENFLIS (Talaie El Hurriyet) 10.6%, Azzedine MIHOUBI (National Democratic Rally, RND) 7.3%, Abdelaziz BELAID (Front El Mustakbal, FM) 6.7% 2014: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA reelected president for a fourth term; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (FLN) 81.5%, Ali BENFLIS (FLN) 12.2%, Abdelaziz BELAID (Future Front) 3.4%, other 2.9% Topic: American Samoachief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) head of government: Governor Lemanu Peleti MAUGA (since 3 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 department directors appointed by the governor with the consent of the Legislature or Fono elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as American Samoa, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor directly elected on the same ballot 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: Lemanu Peleti MAUGA elected governor in first round; percent of vote - Lemanu Peleti MAUGA (independent) 60.3%, Gaoteote Palaie TOFAU (independent) 21.9%, I'aulualo Fa'afetai TALIA (independent) 12.3% Topic: Andorrachief of state: Co-prince Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Patrick STROZDA (since 14 May 2017); and Co-prince Archbishop Joan-Enric VIVES i Sicilia (since 12 May 2003); represented by Josep Maria MAURI (since 20 July 2012) head of government: Head of Government (or Cap de Govern) Xaviar Espot ZAMORA (since 16 May 2019) cabinet: Executive Council of 12 ministers designated by the head of government elections/appointments: head of government indirectly elected by the General Council (Andorran parliament), formally appointed by the coprinces for a 4-year term; election last held on 7 April 2019 (next to be held in April 2023); the leader of the majority party in the General Council is usually elected head of government election results: Xaviar Espot ZAMORA (DA) elected head of government; percent of General Council vote - 60.7% Topic: Angolachief of state: President Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (since 26 September 2017); Vice President Bornito De Sousa Baltazar DIOGO (since 26 September 2017); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (since 26 September 2017); Vice President Bornito De Sousa Baltazar DIOGO (since 26 September 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: the candidate of the winning party or coalition in the last legislative election becomes the president; president serves a 5-year term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term); last held on 23 August 2017 (next to be held in 2022) election results: Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (MPLA) elected president by the winning party following the 23 August 2017 general election Topic: Anguillachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Dileeni DANIEL-SELVARATNAM (since 18 January 2021) head of government: Premier Dr. Ellis WEBSTER (since 30 June 2020); note -  starting in 2019, the title of head of government was changed to premier from chief minister of Anguilla cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among elected members of the House of Assembly elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor Topic: Antigua and Barbudachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Rodney WILLIAMS (since 14 August 2014) head of government: Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE (since 13 June 2014) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general Topic: Argentinachief of state: President Alberto Angel FERNANDEZ (since 10 December 2019); Vice President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government (2019) head of government: President Alberto Angel FERNANDEZ (since 10 December 2019); Vice President Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (since 10 December 2019) (2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (2017) elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified majority vote (to win, a candidate must receive at least 45% of votes or 40% of votes and a 10-point lead over the second place candidate; if neither occurs, a second round is held ); the president serves a 4-year term (eligible for a second consecutive term); election last held on 27 October 2019 (next to be held in October 2023) election results: 2019: Alberto Angel FERNANDEZ elected president; percent of vote - Alberto Angel FERNANDEZ (TODOS) 48.1%, Mauricio MACRI (PRO) 40.4%, Roberto LAVAGNA (independent) 6.2%, other 5.3% 2015: Mauricio MACRI elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Daniel SCIOLI (PJ) 37.1%, Mauricio MACRI (PRO) 34.2%, Sergio MASSA (FR/PJ) 21.4%, other 7.3%; percent of vote in second round - Mauricio MACRI (PRO) 51.4%, Daniel SCIOLI (PJ) 48.6% Topic: Armeniachief of state: President Vahagn KHACHATURYAN (since 13 March 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Nikol PASHINYAN (since 10 September 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers Mher GRIGORYAN (since 3 August 2021) and Hambardzum MATEVOSYAN (since 25 November 2021); note - Prime Minister Nikol PASHINYAN resigned on 25 April 2021; he was reappointed by the president on 2 August 2021 and sworn in on 10 September 2021 cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly in 3 rounds if needed for a single 7-year term; election last held on 2-3 March 2022; prime minister elected by majority vote in 2 rounds if needed by the National Assembly; election last held 2 August 2021 election results:   2022: Vahagn KHACHATURYAN elected president in second round; note - Vahagn KHACHATURYAN ran unopposed and won the Assembly vote 71-0 2018: Armen SARKISSIAN elected president in first round; note - Armen SARKISSIAN ran unopposed and won the Assembly vote 90-10 note: Nikol PASHINYAN was first elected prime minister on 8 May 2018 and reelected on January 2019; in response to a political crisis that followed Armenia's defeat in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in late 2020, PASHINYAN called an early legislative election for June 2021; his party won the election and PASHINYAN was elected to the prime ministership for a third time; his election was confirmed by the president on 2 August 2021, and he was sworn in on 10 September 2021 Topic: Arubachief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Alfonso BOEKHOUDT (since 1 January 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Evelyn WEVER-CROES (since 17 November 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Legislature (Staten) elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Staten for 4-year term; election last held on 25 June 2021 (next to be held by June 2026) election results: as leader of the majority party of the ruling coalition, Evelyn WEVER-CROES (MEP) elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA Topic: Australiachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General David HURLEY (since 1 July 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Anthony ALBANESE (since 23 May 2022) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister from among members of Parliament and sworn in by the governor general elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor general Topic: Austriachief of state: President Alexander VAN DER BELLEN (since 26 January 2017) head of government: Chancellor Karl NEHAMMER (since 6 December 2021); note - Chancellor Alexander SCHALLENBERG (since 9 October 2021) resigned on 12/2/21 cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held on 24 April 2016 (first round), 22 May 2016 (second round, which was annulled), and 4 December 2016 (second round re-vote) (next election to be held in April 2022); chancellor appointed by the president but determined by the majority coalition parties in the Federal Assembly; vice chancellor appointed by the president on the advice of the chancellor election results: Alexander VAN DER BELLEN elected in second round; percent of vote in first round - Norbert HOFER (FPOe) 35.1%, Alexander VAN DER BELLEN (independent, allied with the Greens) 21.3%, Irmgard GRISS (independent) 18.9%, Rudolf HUNDSTORFER (SPOe) 11.3%, Andreas KHOL (OeVP) 11.1%, Richard LUGNER (independent) 2.3%; percent of vote in second round - Alexander VAN DER BELLEN 53.8%, Norbert HOFER 46.2% Topic: Azerbaijanchief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October 2003); First Vice President Mehriban ALIYEVA (since 21 February 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Ali ASADOV (since 8 October 2019); First Deputy Prime Minister Yaqub EYYUBOV (since June 2006) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds (if needed) for a 7-year term; a single individual is eligible for unlimited terms; election last held on 11 April 2018 (next to be held in 2025); prime minister and first deputy prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly; note - a constitutional amendment approved in a September 2016 referendum expanded the presidential term from 5 to 7 years; a separate constitutional amendment approved in the same referendum also introduced the post of first vice-president and additional vice-presidents, who are directly appointed by the president election results: Ilham ALIYEV reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV (YAP) 86%, Zahid ORUJ (independent) 3.1%, other 10.9% note: OSCE observers noted shortcomings in the election, including a restrictive political environment, limits on fundamental freedoms, a lack of genuine competition, and ballot box stuffing Topic: Bahamas, Thechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Cornelius A. SMITH (since 28 June 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Philip DAVIS (since 17 September 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor general on recommendation of prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister Topic: Bahrainchief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999) head of government: Prime minister SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (since 11 November 2020); first deputy prime minister (vacant); Deputy Prime Ministers MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa (since September 2005), Jawad bin Salim al-ARAIDH, ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa (since 11 December 2006), KHALID bin Abdallah Al-Khalifa (since November 2010); note - KHALIFA ibn Salman Al Khalifa, who served as prime minister since Bahrain's independence in 1971, died on 11 November 2020 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch Topic: Bangladeshchief of state: President Abdul HAMID (since 24 April 2013); note - Abdul HAMID served as acting president following the death of Zillur RAHMAN in March 2013; HAMID was subsequently indirectly elected by the National Parliament and sworn in 24 April 2013 head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wazed (since 6 January 2009) cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 February 2018 (next to be held by 2023); the president appoints as prime minister the majority party leader in the National Parliament election results: President Abdul HAMID (AL) reelected by the National Parliament unopposed for a second term; Sheikh HASINA reappointed prime minister as leader of the majority AL party following parliamentary elections in 2018 Topic: Barbadoschief of state: President Sandra MASON (since 30 November 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 25 May 2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the president is elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament for a four year renewable term; election last held 20 October 2021; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister election results: Sandra MASON elected as first president on 20 October 2021 to take office on 30 November 2021 Topic: Belaruschief of state: President Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (since 20 July 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Raman HALOWCHENKA (since 4 June 2020); First Deputy Prime Minister Mikalay SNAPKOW (since 4 June 2020); Deputy Prime Ministers Uladzimir KUKHARAW, Ihar PETRYSHENKA (since 18 August 2018), Yuryy NAZARAW (since 3 March 2020), Alyaksandr SUBOTSIN (since 4 June 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); first election took place on 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999; however, Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996 referendum; subsequent election held on 9 September 2001; an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and allowed the president to run and win in a third (19 March 2006), fourth (19 December 2010), fifth (11 October 2015), and sixth (9 August 2020); next election in 2025; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly election results: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA reelected president; percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 80.2%, Svyatlana TSIKHANOWSKAYA (independent) 9.9%, other 9.9%; note - widespread street protests erupted following announcement of the election results amid allegations of voter fraud Topic: Belgiumchief of state: King PHILIPPE (since 21 July 2013); Heir Apparent Princess ELISABETH (daughter of the monarch, born 25 October 2001) head of government: Prime Minister Alexander DE CROO (since 1 October 2020); Deputy Prime Ministers Vincent Van Quickenborne (since 1 October 2020), Sophie Wilmes (since 1 October 2020), Vincent Van Peteghem (since 1 October 2020), Frank Vandenbroucke (since 1 October 2020), Pierre-Yves Dermagne (since 1 October 2020), Petra De Sutter (since 1 October 2020), Georges Gilkinet (since 1 October 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary and constitutional; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and approved by Parliament Topic: Belizechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Froyla TZALAM (since 27 May 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Juan Antonio BRICENO (since 12 November 2020); Deputy Prime Minister Cordel HYDE (since 16 November 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among members of the National Assembly elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister Topic: Beninchief of state: President Patrice TALON (since 6 April 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Patrice TALON (since 6 April 2016); prime minister position abolished cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 11 April 2021 (next to be held in April 2026) election results: Patrice TALON elected to a second term; percent of vote - Patrice TALON (independent) 86.4%, Alassane SOUMANOU (FCBE) 11.3%, other 2.3% Topic: Bermudachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Rena LALGIE (since 14 December 2020) head of government: Premier David BURT (since 19 July 2017) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor Topic: Bhutanchief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 to his son head of government: Prime Minister Lotay TSHERING (since 7 November 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers or Lhengye Zhungtshog members nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve 5-year terms elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary but can be removed by a two-thirds vote of Parliament; leader of the majority party in Parliament is nominated as the prime minister, appointed by the monarch Topic: Boliviachief of state: President Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora (since 8 November 2020); Vice President David CHOQUEHUANCA Cespedes (since 8 November 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora (since 8 November 2020); Vice President David CHOQUEHUANCA Cespedes (since 8 November 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot one of 3 ways: candidate wins at least 50% of the vote, or at least 40% of the vote and 10% more than the next highest candidate; otherwise a second round is held and the winner determined by simple majority vote; president and vice president are elected by majority vote to serve a 5-year term; no term limits (changed from two consecutive term limit by Constitutional Court in late 2017); election last held on 18 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2025) election results: 2020: Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora elected president; percent of vote - Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora (MAS) 55.1%; Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (CC) 28.8%; Luis Fernando CAMACHO Vaca (Creemos) 14%; other 2.1% 2018: Juan Evo MORALES Ayma reelected president; percent of vote - Juan Evo MORALES Ayma (MAS) 61%; Samuel DORIA MEDINA Arana (UN) 24.5%; Jorge QUIROGA Ramirez (POC) 9.1%; other 5.4%; note - MORALES resigned from office on 10 November 2019 over alleged election rigging; resignations of all his constitutionally designated successors followed, including the Vice President, President of the Senate, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and First Vice President of the Senate, leaving the Second Vice President of the Senate, Jeanine ANEZ Chavez, the highest-ranking official still in office; her appointment to the presidency was endorsed by Bolivia's Constitutional Court, and she served as interim president until the 8 November 2020 inauguration of Luis Alberto ARCE Catacora, who was winner of the 18 October 2020 presidential election Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinachief of state: Chairman of the Presidency Sefik DZAFEROVIC (chairman since 20 March 2022; presidency member since 20 November 2018 - Bosniak seat); Zeljko KOMSIC  (presidency member since 20 November 2018 - Croat seat); Milorad DODIK (presidency member since 20 November 2018 - Serb seat) head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Zoran TEGELTIJA  (since 5 December 2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman, approved by the state-level House of Representatives elections/appointments: 3-member presidency (1 Bosniak and 1 Croat elected from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 1 Serb elected from the Republika Srpska) directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for 4 years); the presidency chairpersonship rotates every 8 months with the new member of the presidency elected with the highest number of votes starting the new mandate as chair; election last held on 7 October 2018 (next to be held on 2 October 2022); the chairman of the Council of Ministers appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the state-level House of Representatives election results: 2018: percent of vote - Milorad DODIK (SNSD) 53.9% - Serb seat; Zeljko KOMSIC (DF) 52.6% - Croat seat; Sefik DZAFEROVIC (SDA) 36.6% - Bosniak seat 2014: percent of vote - Mladen IVANIC (PDP) 48.7% - Serb seat; Dragan COVIC (HDZ-BiH) 52.2% - Croat seat; Bakir IZETBEGOVIC (SDA) 32.9% - Bosniak seat note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Marinko CAVARA (since 9 February 2015); Vice Presidents Melika MAHMUTBEGOVIC (since 9 February 2015), Milan DUNOVIC (since 9 February 2015); President of the Republika Srpska Zeljka CVIJANOVIC (since 18 November 2018); Vice Presidents Ramiz SALKIC (since 24 November 2014), Josip JERKOVIC (since 24 November 2014) Topic: Botswanachief of state: President Mokgweetse Eric MASISI (since 1 April 2018); Vice President Slumber TSOGWANE (since 4 April 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Mokgweetse Eric MASISI (since 1 April 2018); Vice President Slumber TSOGWANE (since 4 April 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 October 2014 (next to be held on 31 October 2019); vice president appointed by the president election results: President Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA (since 1 April 2008) stepped down on 1 April 2018 having completed the constitutionally mandated 10-year term limit; upon his retirement, then Vice President MASISI became president; national elections held on 23 October 2019 gave MASISI'S BPD 38 seats in the National Assembly which then selected MASISI as President Topic: Brazilchief of state: President Jair BOLSONARO (since 1 January 2019); Vice President Antonio Hamilton Martins MOURAO (since 1 January 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Jair BOLSONARO (since 1 January 2019); Vice President Antonio Hamilton Martins MOURAO (since 1 January 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term (eligible for an immediate second term, and additional terms after a one-term break); election last held on 7 October 2018 with runoff on 28 October 2018 (next to be held in October 2022) election results: 2018:  Jair BOLSONARO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 46%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 29.3%, Ciro GOMEZ (PDT) 12.5%, Geraldo ALCKMIN (PSDB) 4.8%, other 7.4%; percent of vote in second round - Jair BOLSONARO (PSL) 55.1%, Fernando HADDAD (PT) 44.9% 2014:  Dilma ROUSSEFF reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Dilma ROUSSEFF (PT) 51.6%, Aecio NEVES (PSDB) 48.4%; note - on 12 May 2016, Brazil's Senate voted to hold an impeachment trial of President Dilma ROUSSEFF, who was then suspended from her executive duties; Vice President Michel TEMER took over as acting president; on 31 August 2016 the Senate voted 61-20 in favor of conviction and her removal from office; TEMER served as president for the remainder of ROUSSEFF's term, which ended 1 January 2019 Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Commissioner Ben MERRICK (since August 2017); Administrator Kit PYMAN; note - both reside in the UK and are represented by Commander Steven R. DRYSDALE, RN, commanding British Forces on Diego Garcia (since 19 February 2021) cabinet: NA elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and administrator appointed by the monarch Topic: British Virgin Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor John J. RANKIN (since 29 January 2021) head of government: Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY (since 5 May 2022) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed premier by the governor note - on 5 May 2022, Premier Andrew FAHIE removed by a no confidence vote in House of Assembly following his arrest on drug trafficking and money laundering charges on 28 April 2022; Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY sworn in as premier on 5 May 2022 Topic: Bruneichief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; note(s)- 4 additional advisory councils appointed by the monarch are the Religious Council, Privy Council for constitutional issues, Council of Succession, and Legislative Council; Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah is also Minister of Finance, Defense, and Foreign Affairs and Trade elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary Topic: Bulgariachief of state: President Rumen RADEV (since 22 January 2017); Vice President Iliana IOTOVA (since 22 January 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Kiril PETKOV (since 13 December 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, elected by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president and vice president elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 14 and 21 November 2021 (next to be held in fall 2026); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) elected by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister, elected by the National Assembly election results: 2021: Rumen RADEV reelected president in second round; percent of vote in the first round - Rumen RADEV (independent) 49.4%, Anastas GERDZHIKOV (independent) 22.8%, Mustafa KARADAYI (DPS) 11.6%, Kostadin KOSTADINOV (Revival) 3.9%, Lozan PANOV (independent) 3.7%, other 8.6%; percent of vote in the second round - Rumen RADEV 66.7%, Anastas GERDZHIKOV 31.8%, neither 1.5% 2016: Rumen RADEV elected president in second round; percent of vote - Rumen RADEV (independent, supported by Bulgarian Socialist Party) 59.4%, Tsetska TSACHEVA (GERB) 36.2%, neither 4.5% 2011: Rosen PLEVNELIEV elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Rosen PLEVNELIEV (independent) 52.6%, Ivailo KALFIN (BSP) 47.4% Topic: Burkina Fasochief of state: transitional President Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo DAMIBA (since 2 February 2022); note - on 24 January 2022, a military junta led by DAMIBA, leader of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration, took power and ousted President Roch Marc Christian KABORE head of government: Prime Minister Albert OUEDRAOGO (since 3 March 2022); note - transitional President Lt. Col. DAMIBA appointed OUEDRAOGO Prime Minister on 3 March 2022; the position had been vacant since 24 January 2022 when the military ousted former Prime Minister Lassina ZERBO (2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second); last held on 22 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2025); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of the National Assembly; note - on 1 March 2022 a transition charter was adopted, allowing military authorities to rule for three years and barring transitional President Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo DAMIBA from being an electoral candidate after the transition. election results: Roch Marc Christian KABORE reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 57.9%, Eddie KOMBOIGO (CDP) 15.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC)12.5%, other 14.1% Topic: Burmachief of state: Prime Minister, State Administration Council (SAC) Chair, Sr. Gen. MIN AUNG HLAING (since 1 August 2021); note - MIN AUNG HLAING self-appointed himself to the role of prime minister of a “caretaker” provisional government that subsumed the SAC on 1 August 2021; the SAC, chaired by MIN AUNG HLAING, served as the executive governing body since 2 February 2021, following the 1 February 2021 military takeover of the government and the declaration of a state of emergency and still exists under the provisional government according to state media head of government: Prime Minister, State Administration Council (SAC) Chair, Sr. Gen. MIN AUNG HLAING (since 1 August 2021); note - MIN AUNG HLAING self-appointed himself to the role of prime minister of a “caretaker” provisional government that subsumed the SAC on 1 August 2021; the SAC, chaired by MIN AUNG HLAING, served as the executive governing body since 2 February 2021, following the 1 February 2021 military takeover of the government and the declaration of a state of emergency and still exists under the provisional government according to state media cabinet: Cabinet appointments shared by the president and the commander-in-chief; note - after 1 February, the military junta replaced the cabinet elections/appointments: prior to the military takeover, president was indirectly elected by simple majority vote by the full Assembly of the Union from among 3 vice-presidential candidates nominated by the Presidential Electoral College (consists of members of the lower and upper houses and military members); the other 2 candidates become vice-presidents (president elected for a 5-year term); election last held on 28 March 2018; the military junta pledged to hold new elections in 2023 election results: WIN MYINT elected president; Assembly of the Union vote - WIN MYINT (NLD) 403, MYINT SWE (USDP) 211, HENRY VAN THIO (NLD) 18, 4 votes canceled (636 votes cast); note - WIN MYINT and other key leaders of the ruling NLD party were placed under arrest following the military takeover on 1 February 2021 state counsellor: State Counselor AUNG SAN SUU KYI (since 6 April 2016); note - under arrest since 1 February 2021; formerly served as minister of foreign affairs and minister for the office of the president note: a parliamentary bill creating the position of "state counsellor" was signed into law by former President HTIN KYAW on 6 April 2016; a state counsellor serves the equivalent term of the president and is similar to a prime minister in that the holder acts as a link between the parliament and the executive branch Topic: Burundichief of state: President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (since 18 June 2020); Vice President Prosper BAZOMBANZA (since 24 June 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (since 18 June 2020); Vice President Prosper BAZOMBANZA (since 24 June 2020); Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume BUNYONI (since 24 June 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 May 2020 (next to be held in 2025); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by Parliament; note - a 2018 constitutional referendum effective for the 2020 election, increased the presidential term from 5 to 7 years with a 2-consecutive-term limit, reinstated the position of the prime minister position, and reduced the number of vice presidents from 2 to 1 election results: Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE elected president; percent of vote - Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (CNDD-FDD) 71.5%, Agathon RWASA (CNL) 25.2%, Gaston SINDIMWO (UPRONA) 1.7%, OTHER 1.6% Topic: Cabo Verdechief of state: President Jose Maria NEVES (since 9 November 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Ulisses CORREIA E. SILVA (since 22 April 2016) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 October 2021 (next to be held on 17 October 2026); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president election results: Jose Maria NEVES elected president; percent of vote - Jose Maria NEVES (APICV) 51.73%, Carlos Veiga (MFD) 42.37%, Casimiro de Pina (Independent) 1.81%, Fernando Rocha Delgado (Independent) 1.36%, Helio Sanches (Independent) 1.14%, Gilson Alves (Independent)  0.84%, Joaquim Monteiro (Independent) 0.74% Jorge Carlos FONSECA reelected president; percent of vote - Jorge Carlos FONSECA (MPD) 74%, Albertino GRACA (independent) 23%, other 3% African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (APICV) Movement for Democracy (MFD) Topic: Cambodiachief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October 2004) head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985) cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: monarch chosen by the 9-member Royal Council of the Throne from among all eligible males of royal descent; following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition named prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by the monarch note - in December 2021, the Cambodian People's Party voted unanimously for HUN SEN's oldest son, HUN MANET, to succeed his father Topic: Cameroonchief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982) head of government: Prime Minister Joseph Dion NGUTE (since 4 January 2019); Deputy Prime Minister Amadou ALI (since 2014) cabinet: Cabinet proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 7-year term (no term limits); election last held on 7 October 2018 (next to be held in October 2025); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Paul BIYA reelected president; percent of vote - Paul BIYA (CPDM) 71.3%, Maurice KAMTO (MRC) 14.2%, Cabral LIBII (Univers) 6.3%, other 8.2% Topic: Canadachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Mary SIMON (since 6 July 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Justin Pierre James TRUDEAU (Liberal Party) (since 4 November 2015) cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister usually from among members of his/her own party sitting in Parliament elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a 5-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Commons generally designated prime minister by the governor general note: the governor general position is largely ceremonial Topic: Cayman Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Martyn ROPER (since 29 October 2018) head of government: Premier Wayne PANTON (since 21 April 2021) cabinet: Cabinet selected from the Parliament and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition appointed premier by the governor Topic: Central African Republicchief of state: President Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since 30 March 2016; reelected 27 December 2020) head of government: Prime Minister Felix MOLOUA (since 7 February 2022); note - Prime Minister Henri-Marie DONDRA resigned on 2 February 2022 cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: under the 2015 constitution, the president is elected by universal direct suffrage for a period of 5 years (eligible for a second term); election last held 27 December 2020 (next to be held in December 2025); note - Central African Republic held presidential and partial legislative elections on December 27, 2020; voting was disrupted in some areas, so those constituencies held the first round of their legislative elections on March 14, 2021; some of the constituencies that did vote on December 27, 2020 held runoff elections for their legislators. election results: Faustin-Archange TOUADERA reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (independent) 59.3%, Anicet Georges DOLOGUELE (URCA) 21%, other 19.7% note: rebel forces seized the capital in March 2013, forcing former President BOZIZE to flee the country; Interim President Michel DJOTODIA assumed the presidency, reinstated the prime minister, and established a National Transitional Council (CNT) in April 2013; the NTC elected Catherine SAMBA-PANZA interim president in January 2014 to serve until February 2015, when new elections were to be held; her term was extended because instability delayed new elections and the transition did not take place until the end of March 2016 Topic: Chadchief of state: Interim President Mahamat Idriss DEBY (since 20 April 2021); note - on 20 April 2021, newly reelected President Idriss DEBY Itno, Lt. Gen. died of injuries he sustained following clashes between government forces he was commanding and insurgents in the northern part of the country; following his death, Mahamat Idriss DEBY took control of the country and dismissed the Chadian parliament, promising elections within eighteen months head of government: Interim President Mahamat Idriss DEBY (since 20 April 2021); note - on 20 April 2021, President Idriss DEBY Itno, Lt. Gen. died of injuries he sustained following clashes between government forces he was commanding and insurgents in the northern part of the country; following his death, Mahamat Idriss DEBY took control of the country and dismissed the Chadian parliament, promising elections within eighteen months cabinet: Council of Ministers elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 11 April 2021; note - on 20 April 2021, military officials suspended the Constitution and formed a Transitional Military Council, pledging to hold democratic elections in October 2022 election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (MPS) 79.3%, Pahimi PADACKET Albert (RNDT) 10.3%, Lydie BEASSEMDA (Party for Democracy and Independence) 3.16% note: on 26 April 2021 the Transitional Military Council named Albert Pahimi PADACKE Prime Minister Topic: Chilechief of state: President Gabriel BORIC (since 11 March 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Gabriel BORIC (since 11 March 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term; election last held on 21 November 2021 with a runoff held on 19 December 2021 (next to be held on 23 November 2025 with runoff if needed on 20 December) election results: 2021: Gabriel BORIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Antonio KAST (FSC) 27.9%; Gabriel BORIC (AD) 25.8%; Franco PARISI (PDG) 12.8%; Sebastian SICHEL (ChP+) 12.8%; Yasna PROVOSTE (New Social Pact) 11.6%; other 9.1%; percent of vote in second round - Gabriel BORIC (AD) 55.9%; Jose Antonio KAST (FSC) 44.1% 2017: Sebastian PINERA Echenique elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique (independent) 36.6%; Alejandro GUILLIER (independent) 22.7%; Beatriz SANCHEZ (independent) 20.3%; Jose Antonio KAST (independent) 7.9%; Carolina GOIC (PDC) 5.9%; Marco ENRIQUEZ-OMINAMI (PRO) 5.7%; other 0.9%; percent of vote in second round - Sebastian PINERA Echenique 54.6%, Alejandro GUILLIER 45.4% Topic: Chinachief of state: President XI Jinping (since 14 March 2013); Vice President WANG Qishan (since 17 March 2018) head of government: Premier LI Keqiang (since 16 March 2013); Executive Vice Premiers HAN Zheng (since 19 March 2018), SUN Chunlan (since 19 March 2018), LIU He (since 19 March 2018), HU Chunhua (since 19 March 2018) cabinet: State Council appointed by National People's Congress elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by National People's Congress for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 17 March 2018 (next to be held in March 2023); premier nominated by president, confirmed by National People's Congress election results: XI Jinping reelected president; National People's Congress vote - 2,970 (unanimously); WANG Qishan elected vice president with 2,969 votes note - in March 2018, the PRC’s National People’s Congress passed an amendment abolishing presidential term limits, opening the door for XI to seek a third five-year term in 2023 Topic: Christmas Islandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia General David HURLEY (since 1 July 2019) head of government: Administrator Natasha GRIGGS (since 5 October 2017) elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Australian prime minister; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia General David HURLEY (since 1 July 2019) head of government: Administrator Natasha GRIGGS (since 5 October 2017) cabinet: NA elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Australian prime minister; administrator appointed by the governor general for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia Topic: Colombiachief of state: President Ivan DUQUE Marquez (since 7 August 2018); Vice President Marta Lucia RAMIREZ Blanco (since 7 August 2018); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Ivan DUQUE Marquez (since 7 August 2018); Vice President Marta Lucia RAMIREZ Blanco (since 7 August 2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term; election last held on 29 May 2022 with a runoff to be held on 19 June 2022 (next to be held on 31 May 2026); note - political reform in 2015 eliminated presidential reelection election results: 2022: Percent of vote from the first round - Gustavo Francisco PETRO Urrego (PHxC) 40.3%, Rodolfo HERNANDEZ Suarez (LIGA) 28.2%, Federico GUTIERREZ (Team for Colombia / CREEMOS) 23.9%, other 7.6%; note - PETRO and HERNANDEZ move on to a runoff election scheduled for 19 June 2022 2018: Ivan DUQUE Marquez elected president in second round; percent of vote - Ivan DUQUE Marquez (CD) 54%, Gustavo PETRO (Humane Colombia) 41.8%, other/blank/invalid 4.2% 2014: Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Juan Manuel SANTOS Calderon (U Party) 51%, Oscar Ivan ZULUAGA (CD) 45%, other 4% Topic: Comoroschief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; note - AZALI takes oath of office 2 June 2019 after 24 March 2019 reelection (2019) head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote in 2 rounds for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 March 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: AZALI Assoumani (CRC) elected president in first round; with a 59% of the vote; - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 60.8%, Ahamada MAHAMOUDOU (PJ) 14.6%, and Mouigni Baraka Said SOILIHI (Independent) 5.6% Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thechief of state: President Felix TSHISEKEDI (since 24 January 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Anatole Collinet MAKOSSO (since 12 May 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers Jose MAKILA, Leonard She OKITUNDU, Henri MOVA Sankanyi (since February 2018) cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 December 2018 (next to be held in December 2023); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Felix TSHISEKEDI elected president; percent of vote - Felix TSHISEKEDI (UDPS) 38.6%, Martin FAYULU (Lamuka coalition) 34.8%, Emmanuel Ramazani SHADARY (PPRD) 23.9%, other 2.7%; note - election marred by serious voting irregularities Topic: Congo, Republic of thechief of state: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 25 October 1997) head of government: Prime Minister Clement MOUAMBA (since 24 April 2016); note - a constitutional referendum held in 2015 approved the change of the head of government from the president to the prime minister (2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for 2 additional terms); election last held on 21 March 2021 (next to be held on 21 March 2026) election results: Denis SASSOU-Nguesso reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (PCT) 88.4%, Guy Price Parfait KOLELAS (MCDDI) 8.0%, turnout is 67.6%. Topic: Cook Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Sir Tom J. MARSTERS (since 9 August 2013); New Zealand Acting High Commissioner Ms Rachel BENNETT (since 9 December 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Mark BROWN (since 1 October 2020) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; UK representative appointed by the monarch; New Zealand high commissioner appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually becomes prime minister Topic: Costa Ricachief of state: President Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (since 8 May 2022); First Vice President Stephan BRUNNER Neibig (since 8 May 2022); Second Vice President Mary Denisse MUNIVE Angermuller (since 8 May 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (since 8 May 2022); First Vice President Stephan BRUNNER Neibig (since 8 May 2022); Second Vice President Mary Denisse MUNIVE Angermuller (since 8 May 2022) cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president elections/appointments: president and vice presidents directly elected on the same ballot by modified majority popular vote (40% threshold) for a 4-year term (eligible for non-consecutive terms); election last held on 6 February 2022 with a runoff on 3 April 2022 (next to be held in February 2026 with a runoff in April 2026) election results: 2022: Rodrigo CHAVES Robles elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 27.3%, Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 16.8%, Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PNR) 14.9%, Eliecer FEINZAIG Mintz (PLP) 12.4%, Lineth SABORIO Chaverri (PUSC) 12.4%, Jose Maria VILLALTA Florez-Estrada 8.7% (PFA), other 7.5%; percent of vote in second round - Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 52.8%, Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 47.2% 2018: Carlos ALVARADO Quesada elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 25%; Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 21.6%; Antonio ALVAREZ (PLN) 18.6%; Rodolfo PIZA (PUSC) 16%; Juan Diego CASTRO (PIN) 9.5%; Rodolfo HERNANDEZ (PRS) 4.9%, other 4.4%; percent of vote in second round - Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 60.7%; Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 39.3%2022: Rodrigo CHAVES Robles elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 27.3%, Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 16.8%, Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PNR) 14.9%, Eliecer FEINZAIG Mintz (PLP) 12.4%, Lineth SABORIO Chaverri (PUSC) 12.4%, Jose Maria VILLALTA Florez-Estrada 8.7% (PFA), other 7.5%; percent of vote in second round - Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 52.8%, Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 47.2% 2018: Carlos ALVARADO Quesada elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 25%; Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 21.6%; Antonio ALVAREZ (PLN) 18.6%; Rodolfo PIZA (PUSC) 16%; Juan Diego CASTRO (PIN) 9.5%; Rodolfo HERNANDEZ (PRS) 4.9%, other 4.4%; percent of vote in second round - Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 60.7%; Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 39.3% Topic: Cote d'Ivoirechief of state: President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA (since 4 December 2010); Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet KONE (since 19 April 2022); note - Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet KONE was appointed by President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA before a Congressional meeting on 19 April 2022 head of government: Prime Minister Patrick ACHI (since 19 April 2022); note - Prime Minister ACHI resigned on 13 April 2022 and was reappointed by President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA before a Congressional meeting on 19 April 2022 cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single renewable 5-year term ; election last held on 31 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2025); vice president elected on same ballot as president; prime minister appointed by the president; note – because President OUATTARA promulgated the new constitution during his second term, he has claimed that the clock is reset on term limits, allowing him to run for up to two additional terms election results: Alassane OUATTARA reelected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA (RDR) 94.3%, Kouadio Konan BERTIN (PDCI-RDA) 2.0%, other 3.7% Topic: Croatiachief of state: President Zoran MILANOVIC (since 18 February 2020) head of government: Prime Minister Andrej PLENKOVIC (since 19 October 2016); Deputy Prime Ministers Damir KRSTICEVIC (since 19 October 2016), Predrag STROMAR (since 9 June 2017), Marija Pejcinovic BURIC (since 19 June 2017), and Tomislav TOLUSIC (since 25 May 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and approved by the Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 December 2019 with a runoff on 5 January 2020 (next to be held in 2024); the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president and approved by the Assembly election results: 2019: Zoran MILANOVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote - Zoran MILANOVIC (SDP) 52.7%, Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC (HDZ) 47.3% 2015: Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote - Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC (HDZ) 50.7%, Ivo JOSIPOVIC (Forward Croatia Progressive Alliance) 49.3% Topic: Cubachief of state: President Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez (since 19 April 2018); Vice President Salvador Antonio VALDES Mesa (since 10 October 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Manuel MARRERO Cruz (since 21 December 2019); Deputy Prime Ministers Ramiro VALDES Menendez, Ines Maria CHAPMAN Waugh, Jorge Luis TAPIA Fonseca, Alejandro GIL Fernandez, Ricardo CABRISAS Ruiz (since 21 December 2019), and Jorge Luis PERDOMO DI-LELLA (since 20 April 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president and appointed by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (may be reelected for another 5-year term); election last held on 10 October 2019 (next to be held NA) election results: Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez (PCC) elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 98.8%; Salvador Antonio VALDES Mesa (PCC) elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - 98.1% note - on 19 April 2018, DIAZ-CANEL succeeded Raul CASTRO as president of the Councils of State and Ministers; on 10 October 2019 he was elected to the newly created position of President of the Republic, which replaced the position of President of the Councils of State and Ministers Topic: Curacaochief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor Lucille A. GEORGE-WOUT (since 4 November 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Gilmar PISAS (since 14 June 2021) cabinet: Cabinet sworn-in by the governor elections/appointments: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually elected prime minister by the Parliament of Curacao; next election scheduled for 2016 Topic: Cypruschief of state: President Nikos ANASTASIADIS (since 28 February 2013); the president is both chief of state and head of government; note - vice presidency reserved for a Turkish Cypriot, but vacant since 1974 because Turkish Cypriots do not participate in the Republic of Cyprus Government head of government: President Nikos ANASTASIADIS (since 28 February 2013) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - under the 1960 constitution, 3 of the ministerial posts reserved for Turkish Cypriots, appointed by the vice president; positions currently filled by Greek Cypriots elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term; election last held on 28 January 2018 with a runoff on 4 February 2018 (next to be held in February 2023) election results: Nikos ANASTASIADIS reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Nikos ANASTASIADIS (DISY) 35.5%, Stavros MALAS (AKEL) 30.2%, Nicolas PAPADOPOULOS (DIKO) 25.7%, other 8.6%; percent of vote in second round - Nikos ANASTASIADIS 56%, Stavros MALAS 44% note: the first round of the TRNC presidential election, originally scheduled for 26 April 2020, was postponed to 11 October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the second round was held on 18 October 2020; percent of vote in the first round - Ersin TATAR (UBP) 32.4%, Mustafa AKINCI (independent) 29.8%, Tufan ERHURMAN (RTP) 21.7%, Kudret OZERSAY (independent) 5.7%, Erhan ARIKLI (YDP) 5.4%, Serdar DENKTAS (independent) 4.2%, other 0.8%; percent of vote in the second round - Ersin TATAR 51.7%, Mustafa AKINCI 48.3% Topic: Czechiachief of state: President Milos ZEMAN (since 8 March 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Petr FIALA (since 17 December 2021); First Deputy Prime Minister Vit RAKUSAN (since 17 December 2021), Deputy Prime Ministers Marian JURECKA, Ivan BARTOS, Vlastimil VALEK (all since 17 December 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (limited to 2 consecutive terms); elections last held on 12-13 January 2018 with a runoff on 26-27 January 2018 (next to be held in January 2023); prime minister appointed by the president for a 4-year term election results: 2018: Milos ZEMAN reelected president in the second round; percent of vote - Milos ZEMAN (SPO) 51.4%, Jiri DRAHOS (independent) 48.6% 2013: Milos ZEMAN elected president; percent of vote - Milos ZEMAN (SPO) 54.8%, Karel SCHWARZENBERG (TOP 09) 45.2% Topic: Denmarkchief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK (elder son of the monarch, born on 26 May 1968) head of government: Prime Minister Mette FREDERIKSEN (since 27 June 2019) cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch Topic: Dhekeliachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Administrator Major General Robert J. THOMSON (since 25 September 2019); note - administrator reports to the British Ministry of Defense; the chief officer is responsible for the day-to-day running of the civil government of the Sovereign Bases elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; administrator appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Ministry of Defense Topic: Djiboutichief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May 1999) head of government: Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil MOHAMED (since 1 April 2013) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term; election last held on 9 April 2021 (next to be held in April 2026); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president for a fifth term; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH (RPP) 97.4%, Zakaria Ismael FARAH (MDEND) 2.7% Topic: Dominicachief of state: President Charles A. SAVARIN (since 2 October 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8 January 2004) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: president nominated by the prime minister and leader of the opposition party and elected by the House of Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 1 October 2018 (next to be held in October 2023); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Charles A. SAVARIN (DLP) reelected president unopposed Topic: Dominican Republicchief of state: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020); Vice President Raquel PENA de Antuna (since 16 August 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020); Vice President Raquel PENA de Antuna (since 16 August 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a maximum of two consecutive terms); election last held on 5 July 2020 (next to be held in 2024); note - the 2020 election was rescheduled from 17 May to 5 July 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic election results: 2020: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona elected president in first round; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 52.5%, Gonzalo CASTILLO Terrero (PLD) 37.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNANDEZ Reyna (FP) 8.9% other 1.1% 2016: Danilo MEDINA Sanchez reelected president; percent of vote - Danilo MEDINA Sanchez (PLD) 61.7%, Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 35%, other 3.3%; Margarita CEDENO DE FERNANDEZ (PLD) reelected vice president Topic: Ecuadorchief of state: President Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (since 24 May 2021); Vice President Alfredo Enrique BORRERO Vega (since 24 May 2021); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (since 24 May 2021); Vice President Alfredo Enrique BORRERO Vega (since 24 May 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 February 2021 with a runoff on 11 April 2021 (next to be held in February 2025) election results: 2021: Guillermo LASSO Mendoza elected president; first round election results: percent of vote - Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 32.72%, Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 19.74%, Yaku PEREZ Guartambel (MUPP) 19.38%, Xavier HERVAS Mora (Independent) 15.68%, other 12.48%; second round election results: percent of vote - Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 52.5%, Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 47.5% 2017: Lenin MORENO Garces elected president in second round; percent of vote - Lenin MORENO Garces (Alianza PAIS Movement) 51.1%, Guillermo LASSO (CREO) 48.9% Topic: Egyptchief of state: President Abdelfattah ELSISI (since 8 June 2014) head of government: Prime Minister Mostafa MADBOULY (since 7 June 2018) cabinet: Cabinet ministers nominated by the executive branch and approved by the House of Representatives elections/appointments: president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (eligible for 3 consecutive terms); election last held on 26-28 March 2018 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister appointed by the president, approved by the House of Representatives; note - following  a constitutional amendment approved by referendum in April 2019, the presidential term was extended from 4 to 6 years and eligibility extended to 3 consecutive terms election results: Abdelfattah ELSISI reelected president in first round; percent of valid votes cast - Abdelfattah ELSISI (independent) 97.1%, Moussa Mostafa MOUSSA (El Ghad Party) 2.9%; note - more than 7% of ballots cast were deemed invalid Topic: El Salvadorchief of state: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019); Vice President Felix Augusto Antonio ULLOA Garay (since 1 June 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019); Vice President Felix Augusto Antonio ULLOA Garay (since 1 June 2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 5-year term; election last held on 3 February 2019 (next to be held on February 2024) election results: 2019: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez elected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (GANA) 53.1%, Carlos CALLEJA Hakker (ARENA) 31.72%, Hugo MARTINEZ (FMLN) 14.41%, other 0.77% 2014: Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN (FMLN) 48.9%, Norman QUIJANO (ARENA) 39%, Antonio SACA (CN) 11.4%, other 0.7%; percent of vote in second round - Salvador SANCHEZ CEREN 50.1%, Norman QUIJANO 49.9% Topic: Equatorial Guineachief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo (since 3 August 1979 when he seized power in a military coup); Vice President Teodoro Nguema OBIANG Mangue (since 2012) head of government: Prime Minister Francisco Pascual Eyegue OBAMA Asue (since 23 June 2016); First Deputy Prime Minister Clemente Engonga NGUEMA Onguene (since 23 June 2016); Second Deputy Prime Minister Angel MESIE Mibuy (since 5 February 2018); Third Deputy Prime Minister Alfonso Nsue MOKUY (since 23 June 2016) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and overseen by the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 April 2016 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president election results: Teodoro OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo reelected president; percent of vote - Teodoro OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo (PDGE) 93.5%, other 6.5% Topic: Eritreachief of state: President ISAIAS Afwerki (since 8 June 1993); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly head of government: President ISAIAS Afwerki (since 8 June 1993) cabinet: State Council appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); the only election was held on 8 June 1993, following independence from Ethiopia (next election postponed indefinitely) election results: ISAIAS Afwerki elected president by the transitional National Assembly; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS  Afwerki (PFDJ) 95%, other 5% Topic: Estoniachief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president; in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); KARIS was inaugurated on 11 October 2021; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament election results: Alar KARIS elected president on 31 August 2021; parliament vote-Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes; note – KARIS follows Kersti KALJULAID, who was Estonia's first female president; KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime ministerpresident indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two-thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president; in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); KARIS was inaugurated on 11 October 2021; prime minister nominated by the president and approved by ParliamentAlar KARIS elected president on 31 August 2021; parliament vote-Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes; note – KARIS follows Kersti KALJULAID, who was Estonia's first female president; KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister Topic: Eswatinichief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986) head of government: Prime Minister Cleopas DLAMINI (since since 19 July 2021); Deputy Prime Minister Themba MASUKU (since 6 November 2018) cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister, confirmed by the monarch; at least one-half of the cabinet membership must be appointed from among elected members of the House of Assembly elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among members of the House of Assembly Topic: Ethiopiachief of state: President SAHLE-WORK Zewde (since 25 October 2018) (2018) head of government: Prime Minister ABIY Ahmed Ali (since April 2018, began a new five-year term on 4 October 2021); Deputy Prime Minister DEMEKE Mekonnen Hassen (since 29 November 2012) (2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the prime minister and approved by the House of People's Representatives elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by both chambers of Parliament for a 6-year term (eligible for a second term); election held on 21 June 2021 and 30 September 2021 (the scheduled 29 August 2020 election was postponed by Prime Minister ABIY due to the COVID-19 pandemic); prime minister designated by the majority party following legislative elections election results: SAHLE-WORK Zewde elected president during joint session of Parliament, vote - 659 (unanimous); ABIY Ahmed confirmed Prime Minister by House of Peoples' Representatives (4 October 2021) note: SAHLE-WORK Zewde is the first female elected head of state in Ethiopia; she is currently the only female president in Africa. Former President Dr. Mulatu TESHOME resigned on 25 October 2018, one year ahead of finishing his six-year term. Topic: European Unionunder the EU treaties there are three distinct institutions, each of which conducts functions that may be regarded as executive in nature: European Council - brings together heads of state and government, along with the president of the European Commission, and meets at least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the development of the Union and to issue general policy guidelines; the Treaty of Lisbon established the position of "permanent" (full-time) president of the European Council; leaders of the EU member states appoint the president for a 2 1/2 year term, renewable once; the president's responsibilities include chairing the EU summits and providing policy and organizational continuity; the current president is Charles MICHEL (Belgium), since 1 December 2019, succeeding Donald TUSK (Poland; 2014 - 2019) Council of the European Union - consists of ministers of each EU member state and meets regularly in 10 different configurations depending on the subject matter; it conducts policymaking and coordinating functions as well as legislative functions; ministers of EU member states chair meetings of the Council of the EU based on a 6-month rotating presidency except for the meetings of EU Foreign Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council that are chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy European Commission - headed by a College of Commissioners comprised of 28 members (one from each member country) including the president; each commissioner is responsible for one or more policy areas; the Commission's main responsibilities include the sole right to initiate EU legislation (except for foreign and security/defense policy), promoting the general interest of the EU, acting as "guardian of the Treaties" by monitoring the application of EU law, implementing/executing the EU budget, managing programs, negotiating on the EU's behalf in core policy areas such as trade, and ensuring the Union's external representation in some policy areas; its current president is Ursula VON DER LEYEN (Germany) elected on 16 July 2019 (took office on 1 December 2019); the president of the European Commission is nominated by the European Council and formally "elected" by the European Parliament; the Commission president allocates specific responsibilities among the members of the College (appointed by common accord of the member state governments in consultation with the president-elect); the European Parliament confirms the entire Commission for a 5-year term. note: for external representation and foreign policy making, leaders of the EU member states appointed Joseph BORRELL (Spain) as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; BORRELL took office on 1 December 2019, succeeding Federica MOGHERINI (Italy (2014 - 2019); the High Representative's concurrent appointment as Vice President of the European Commission was meant to bring more coherence to the EU’s foreign policy (horizontally, between policies managed by the Commission that are particularly relevant for EU external relations, such as trade, humanitarian aid and crisis management, neighborhood policy and enlargement; and vertically, between member-state capitals and the EU); the High Representative helps develop and implement the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defense Policy components, chairs the Foreign Affairs Council, represents and acts for the Union in many international contexts, and oversees the European External Action Service, the diplomatic corps of the EU, established on 1 December 2010under the EU treaties there are three distinct institutions, each of which conducts functions that may be regarded as executive in nature: European Council - brings together heads of state and government, along with the president of the European Commission, and meets at least four times a year; its aim is to provide the impetus for the development of the Union and to issue general policy guidelines; the Treaty of Lisbon established the position of "permanent" (full-time) president of the European Council; leaders of the EU member states appoint the president for a 2 1/2 year term, renewable once; the president's responsibilities include chairing the EU summits and providing policy and organizational continuity; the current president is Charles MICHEL (Belgium), since 1 December 2019, succeeding Donald TUSK (Poland; 2014 - 2019) Council of the European Union - consists of ministers of each EU member state and meets regularly in 10 different configurations depending on the subject matter; it conducts policymaking and coordinating functions as well as legislative functions; ministers of EU member states chair meetings of the Council of the EU based on a 6-month rotating presidency except for the meetings of EU Foreign Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council that are chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy European Commission - headed by a College of Commissioners comprised of 28 members (one from each member country) including the president; each commissioner is responsible for one or more policy areas; the Commission's main responsibilities include the sole right to initiate EU legislation (except for foreign and security/defense policy), promoting the general interest of the EU, acting as "guardian of the Treaties" by monitoring the application of EU law, implementing/executing the EU budget, managing programs, negotiating on the EU's behalf in core policy areas such as trade, and ensuring the Union's external representation in some policy areas; its current president is Ursula VON DER LEYEN (Germany) elected on 16 July 2019 (took office on 1 December 2019); the president of the European Commission is nominated by the European Council and formally "elected" by the European Parliament; the Commission president allocates specific responsibilities among the members of the College (appointed by common accord of the member state governments in consultation with the president-elect); the European Parliament confirms the entire Commission for a 5-year term. Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Nigel PHILLIPS (since 12 September 2017) head of government: Chief Executive Andy KEELING (since April 2021) cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Legislative Council elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; chief executive appointed by the governor Topic: Faroe Islandschief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Lene Moyell JOHANSEN, chief administrative officer (since 15 May 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Bardur A STEIG NIELSEN (since 16 September 2019) cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held on 31 August 2019 (next to be held in 2023) election results: Bardur A STEIGNIELSEN elected prime minister; Parliament vote - NA Topic: Fijichief of state: President Ratu Wiliame KATONIVERE (since 12 November 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Voreqe "Frank" BAINIMARAMA (since 22 September 2014) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among members of Parliament and is responsible to Parliament elections/appointments: president elected by Parliament for a 3-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 October 2021 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister endorsed by the president election results: Ratu Wiliame KATONIVERE elected president with 28 votes against 23 votes for Teimumu KEPA Topic: Finlandchief of state: President Sauli NIINISTO (since 1 March 2012) head of government: Prime Minister Sanna MARIN (since 10 December 2019) cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to Parliament  elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 January 2018 (next to be held in January 2024); prime minister appointed by Parliament election results: Sauli NIINISTO reelected president; percent of vote Sauli NIINISTO (independent) 62.7%, Pekka HAAVISTO (Vihr) 12.4%, Laura HUHTASAARI (PS) 6.9%, Paavo VAYRYNEN (independent) 6.2%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 4.1%, other 7.7% Topic: Francechief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Élisabeth BORNE (since 16 May 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 April 2022 with a runoff held on 24 April 2022 (next to be held in April 2027); prime minister appointed by the president election results: 2022: Emmanuel MACRON reelected in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (LREM) 27.8%, Marine LE PEN (RN) 23.2%, Jean-Luc MELENCHON (LFI) 22%, Eric ZEMMOUR (Reconquete) 7.1%, Valerie PECRESSE (LR) 4.8%, Yannick JADOT (EELV) 4.6%, Jean LASSALLE (Resistons!) 3.1%, Fabien ROUSSEL (PCF) 2.3%, Nicolas DUPONT-AIGNAN (DLF) 2.1%, Anne HIDALGO 1.8%, other 1.2%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 58.5%, LE PEN 41.5% 2017: Emmanuel MACRON elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Emmanuel MACRON (EM) 24.%, Marine LE PEN (FN) 21.3%, Francois FILLON (LR) 20.%, Jean-Luc MELENCHON (FI) 19.6%, Benoit HAMON (PS) 6.4%, other 8.7%; percent of vote in second round - MACRON 66.1%, LE PEN 33.9% Topic: French Polynesiachief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017), represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Dominique SORAIN (since 10 July 2019) head of government: President of French Polynesia Edouard FRITCH (since 12 September 2014) cabinet: Council of Ministers approved by the Assembly from a list of its members submitted by the president elections/appointments: French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; French Polynesia president indirectly elected by Assembly of French Polynesia for a 5-year term (no term limits) Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landschief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017), represented by Prefect Charles GIUSTI (since 12 October 2020) Topic: Gabonchief of state: President Ali BONGO Ondimba (since 16 October 2009) head of government: Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka RAPONDA (since 16 July 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president  elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 7-year term (no term limits); election last held on 27 August 2016 (next to be held in August 2023); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Ali BONGO Ondimba reelected president; percent of vote - Ali BONGO Ondimba (PDG) 49.8%, Jean PING (UFC) 48.2%, other 2.0% Topic: Gambia, Thechief of state: President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022); Vice President Isatou TOURAY (since 15 March 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022); Vice President Isatou TOURAY (since 15 March 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 4 December 2021 (next to be held in 2026); vice president appointed by the president election results: Adama BARROW reelected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (National People's Party) 53.2%, Ousainou DARBOE (United Democratic Party) 27.7%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC)12.3%, Halifa SALLAH (PDOIS) 3.8%, Essa M. FAAL (Independent) 2%, Abdoulie Ebrima JAMMEH (NUP) 0.96% Topic: Georgiachief of state: President Salome ZOURABICHVILI (since 16 December 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Irakli GARIBASHVILI (since 22 February 2021) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2018 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister nominated by Parliament, appointed by the president note - 2017 constitutional amendments made the 2018 election the last where the president was directly elected; future presidents will be elected by a 300-member College of Electors; in light of these changes, ZOURABICHVILI was allowed a six-year term election results: Salome ZOURABICHVILI elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Salome ZOURABICHVILI (independent, backed by Georgian Dream) 59.5%, Grigol VASHADZE (UNM) 40.5%; Irakli GARIBASHVILI approved as prime minister by Parliamentary vote 89-2 Topic: Germanychief of state: President Frank-Walter STEINMEIER (since 19 March 2017) head of government: Chancellor Olaf SCHOLZ (since 8 December 2021) cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) recommended by the chancellor, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by a Federal Convention consisting of all members of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) and an equivalent number of delegates indirectly elected by the state parliaments; president serves a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 13 February 2022 (next to be held in February 2027); following the most recent Federal Parliament election, the party or coalition with the most representatives usually elects the chancellor who is appointed by the president to serve a renewable 4-year term; Federal Parliament vote for chancellor last held on 8 December 2021 (next to be held after the Bundestag election in 2025) election results: Frank-Walter STEINMEIER reelected president; Federal Convention vote count - Frank-Walter STEINMEIER (SPD) 1,045, Max OTTE 140, Gerhard TRABERT (The Left) 96, Stefanie GEBAUER (Free Voters) 58, abstentions 86; Olaf SCHOLZ (SPD) elected chancellor; Federal Parliament vote - 395 to 303 Topic: Ghanachief of state: President Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (since 7 January 2017); Vice President Mahamudu BAWUMIA (since 7 January 2017); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (since 7 January 2017); Vice President Mahamudu BAWUMIA (since 7 January 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president, approved by Parliament elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 December 2020 (next to be held in December 2024) election results: Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO (NPP) 51.3%, John Dramani MAHAMA (NDC) 47.4%, other 1.3% Topic: Gibraltarchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir David STEEL (since 11 June 2020) head of government: Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 9 December 2011) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed chief minister by the governor Topic: Greecechief of state: President Ekaterini SAKELLAROPOULOU (since 13 March 2020) head of government: Prime Minister Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS (since 8 July 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister  elections/appointments: president elected by Hellenic Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 January 2020 (next to be held by February 2025); president appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Hellenic Parliament election results: Katerina SAKELLAROPOULOU (independent) elected president by Parliament - 261 of 300 votes; note - SAKELLAROPOULOU is Greece's first woman president Topic: Greenlandchief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Mikaela ENGELL (since April 2011) head of government: Premier Mute B. EGEDE (since 23 April 2021) cabinet: Self-rule Government (Naalakkersuisut) elected by the Parliament (Inatsisartut) on the basis of the strength of parties elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; premier indirectly elected by Parliament for a 4-year term election results: Kim KIELSEN elected premier; Parliament vote - Kim KIELSEN (S) 27.2%, Sara OLSVIG (IA) 25.5%, Randi Vestergaard EVALDSEN (D) 19.5%, other 27.8% Topic: Grenadachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Cecile LA GRENADE (since 7 May 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Keith MITCHELL (since 20 February 2013) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general Topic: Guamchief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) head of government: Governor Lourdes LEON GUERRERO (since 7 January 2019); Lieutenant Governor Josh TENORIO (since 7 January 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the Legislature elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for 2 consecutive terms); election last held on 6 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2022) election results: Lourdes LEON GUERRERO elected governor; percent of vote -  Lourdes LEON GUERRERO (Democratic Party) 50.7%, Ray TENORIO (Republican Party) 26.4%; Josh TENORIO (Democratic Party) elected lieutenant governorPresident Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) Topic: Guatemalachief of state: President Alejandro GIAMMATTEI (since 14 January 2020); Vice President Cesar Guillermo CASTILLO Reyes (since 14 January 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Alejandro GIAMMATTEI (since 14 January 2020); Vice President Cesar Guillermo CASTILLO Reyes (since 14 January 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (not eligible for consecutive terms); election last held on 16 June 2019 with a runoff on 11 August 2019 (next to be held in June 2023) election results: 2019: Alejandro GIAMMATTEI elected president; percent of vote in first round - Sandra TORRES (UNE) 25.54%, Alejandro GIAMMATTEI (VAMOS) 13.95%, Edmond MULET (PHG) 11.21%, Thelma CABRERA (MLP) 10.37%, Roberto ARZU (PAN-PODEMOS) 6.08%; percent of vote in second round - Alejandro GIAMMATTEI (VAMOS) 58%, Sandra TORRES (UNE) 42% 2015: Jimmy Ernesto MORALES Cabrera elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jimmy Ernesto MORALES Cabrera (FNC) 23.9%, Sandra TORRES (UNE) 19.8%, Manuel BALDIZON (LIDER) 19.6%, other 36.7%; percent of vote in second round - Jimmy Ernesto MORALES Cabrera 67.4%, Sandra TORRES 32.6% Topic: Guernseychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Ian CORDER (since 14 March 2016) head of government: Chief Minister Peter FERBRACHE (since 16 October 2020); Bailiff Richard MCMAHON (since 11 May 2020); note - the chief minister is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee and is the de facto head of government; the Policy and Resources Committee, elected by the States of Deliberation, functions as the executive; the 5 members all have equal voting rights cabinet: none elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch; chief minister, who is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee indirectly elected by the States of Deliberation for a 4-year term; last held on 6 May 2016 (next to be held in June 2020) election results: Gavin ST PIER (independent) elected president of the Policy and Resources Committee and chief minister Topic: Guineachief of state: President Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA (since 1 October 2021); note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and People's National Assembly dissolved; on 1 October 2021, DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president head of government: formerly, Prime Minister Mohamed BEAVOGUI (since 6 October 2021); note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government of Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory FOFANA dissolved cabinet: formerly, the Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note: on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup on 5 September 2021 in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and legislature dissolved elections/appointments: formerly, the president was directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) and the prime minister appointed by the president; election last held on 18 October 2020; note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, and on 1 October 2021,Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president election results: in the election of 18 October 2020, Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 59.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 33.5%, other 7%; note - following the military coup of 5 September 2021, coup leader Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president on 1 October 2021 Topic: Guinea-Bissauchief of state: President Umaro Sissoko EMBALO (since 27 February 2020); note - President EMBALO was declared winner of the 29 December 2019 runoff presidential election by the electoral commission. In late February 2020, Embalo inaugurated himself with only military leadership present, even though the Supreme Court of Justice had yet to rule on an electoral litigation appeal lodged by his political rival Domingos Simoes PEREIRA. head of government: Prime Minister Nuno NABIAM (since 27 February 2020) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term; election last held on 24 November 2019 with a runoff on 29 December 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly; note - the president cannot apply for a third consecutive term, nor during the 5 years following the end of the second term election results: Umaro Sissoco EMBALO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Domingos Simoes PEREIRA (PAIGC) 40.1%, Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Madem G15) 27.7%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (APU-PDGB) 13.2%, Jose Mario VAZ (independent) 12.4%, other 6.6%; percent of vote in second round - Umaro Sissoco EMBALO 53.6%, Domingos Simoes PEREIRA 46.5% Topic: Guyanachief of state: President Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2 August 2020); First Vice President Mark PHILLIPS (since 2 August 2020); Vice President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 2 August 2020); Prime Minister Mark PHILLIPS (since 2 August 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Mohammed Irfaan ALI (since 2 August 2020); First Vice President Mark PHILLIPS (since 2 August 2020); Vice President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 2 August 2020) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly elections/appointments: the predesignated candidate of the winning party in the last National Assembly election becomes president for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 2 March 2020 (next to be held in 2025); prime minister appointed by the president election results: 2020: Mohammed Irfaan ALI (PPP/C) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly 2015: David GRANGER (APNU-AFC) designated president by the majority party in the National Assembly Topic: Haitichief of state: President (vacant); note - Prime Minister Ariel HENRY assumed executive responsibilities, including naming Cabinet members, following the assassination President MOISE on 7 July 2021; new elections have not yet been scheduled. head of government: Prime Minister Ariel HENRY (since 20 July 2021) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president; parliament must ratify the Cabinet and Prime Minister's governing policy elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a single non-consecutive term); last election had been originally scheduled for 9 October 2016 but was postponed until 20 November 2016 due to Hurricane Matthew election results: 2016: Jovenel MOISE elected president in first round; percent of vote - Jovenel MOISE (PHTK) 55.6%, Jude CELESTIN (LAPEH) 19.6%, Jean-Charles MOISE (PPD) 11%, Maryse NARCISSE (FL) 9%; other 4.8% 2011: Michel MARTELLY elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Michel MARTELLY (Peasant's Response) 68%, Mirlande MANIGAT (RDNP) 32% Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)chief of state: Pope FRANCIS (since 13 March 2013) head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro PAROLIN (since 15 October 2013); note - Head of Government of Vatican City is President Cardinal Giuseppe BERTELLO (since 1 October 2011) cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City appointed by the pope elections/appointments: pope elected by the College of Cardinals, usually for life or until voluntary resignation; election last held on 13 March 2013 (next to be held after the death or resignation of the current pope); Secretary of State appointed by the pope election results: Jorge Mario BERGOGLIO, former Archbishop of Buenos Aires, elected Pope FRANCIS Topic: Honduraschief of state: President Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (since 27 January 2022); Vice Presidents Salvador NASRALLA, Doris GUTIERREZ, and Renato FLORENTINO (since 27 January 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; CASTRO is Honduras' first female president head of government: President Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (since 27 January 2022); Vice Presidents Salvador NASRALLA, Doris GUTIERREZ, and Renato FLORENTINO (since 27 January 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term; election last held on 28 November 2021 (next to be held in 30 November 2025); note - in 2015, the Constitutional Chamber of the Honduran Supreme Court struck down the constitutional provisions on presidential term limits election results: 2021: Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya elected president; percent of vote - Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (LIBRE) 51.1%, Nasry Juan ASFURA Zablah (PNH) 36.9%, Yani Benjamin ROSENTHAL Hidalgo (PL) 10%, other 2% 2017: Juan Orlando HERNANDEZ Alvarado reelected president; percent of vote - Juan Orlando HERNANDEZ Alvarado (PNH) 43%, Salvador NASRALLA (Alianza de Oposicion contra la Dictadura) 41.4%, Luis Orlando ZELAYA Medrano (PL) 14.7%, other 0.9% Topic: Hong Kongchief of state: President of China XI Jinping (since 14 March 2013) head of government: Chief Executive Carrie LAM (since 1 July 2017) cabinet: Executive Council or ExCo appointed by the chief executive elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by National People's Congress for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 March 2018 (next to be held in March 2023); chief executive indirectly elected by the Election Committee and appointed by the PRC Government for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 8 May 2022 election results: John LEE was the only candidate and won with over 99% of the vote by the Election Committee; LEE assumes office on 1 July 2022 note: electoral changes that Beijing imposed in March 2021 expanded the Election Committee to 1,500 members Topic: Hungarychief of state: President Katalin NOVAK (since 10 May 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Viktor ORBAN (since 29 May 2010) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly with two-thirds majority vote in first round or simple majority vote in second round for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 March 2022 (next to be held spring 2027); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president; election last held on 3 April 2022 (next to be held April or May 2027) election results: 2022: Katalin NOVAK (Fidesz) elected president; National Assembly vote - 137 to 51 2017: Janos ADER (Fidesz) reelected president; National Assembly vote - 131 to 39 Viktor ORBAN (Fidesz) reelected prime minister Topic: Icelandchief of state: President Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON (since 1 August 2016) head of government: Prime Minister Katrin JAKOBSDOTTIR (since 30 November 2017) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the prime minister  elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term (no term limits); election last held on 27 June 2020 (next to be held in 2024); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition becomes prime minister election results: Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON reelected president; percent of vote - Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON (independent) 92.2%, Gudmundur Franklin JONSSON (independent) 7.8% Topic: Indiachief of state: President Ram Nath KOVIND (since 25 July 2017); Vice President M. Venkaiah NAIDU (since 11 August 2017)  head of government: Prime Minister Narendra MODI (since 26 May 2014)  cabinet: Union Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 17 July 2017 (next to be held in July 2022); vice president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 5 August 2017 (next to be held in August 2022); following legislative elections, the prime minister is elected by Lok Sabha members of the majority party election results: Ram Nath KOVIND elected president; percent of electoral college vote - Ram Nath KOVIND (BJP) 65.7% Meira KUMAR (INC) 34.3%; M. Venkaiah NAIDU elected vice president; electoral college vote - M. Venkaiah NAIDU (BJP) 516, Gopalkrishna GANDHI (independent) 244 Topic: Indonesiachief of state: President Joko WIDODO (since 20 October 2014, reelected 17 April 2019, inauguration 19 October 2019); Vice President Ma'ruf AMIN (since 20 October 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Joko WIDODO (since 20 October 2014); Vice President Ma'ruf AMIN (since 20 October 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 April 2019 (next election 2024) election results: Joko WIDODO elected president; percent of vote - Joko WIDODO (PDI-P) 55.5%, PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo (GERINDRA) 44.5% Topic: Iranchief of state: Supreme Leader Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989) head of government: President Ebrahim RAISI (since 18 June 2021); First Vice President Mohammad MOKHBER (since 8 August 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president with legislative approval; the supreme leader has some control over appointments to several ministries elections/appointments: supreme leader appointed for life by Assembly of Experts; president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term and an additional nonconsecutive term); election last held on 18 June 2021 (next to be held in June 2025) election results: 2021: Ebrahim RAISI elected president; percent of vote - Ebrahim RAISI (CCA) 72.4%, Mohsen REZAI (RFII) 13.8%, Abbdolnaser HEMATI (ECP) 9.8%, Amir-Hosein Qazizadeh-HASHEMI (Islamic Law Party) 4% 2017: Hasan Fereidun RUHANI reelected president; percent of vote - Hasan Fereidun RUHANI (Moderation and Development Party) 58.8%, Ebrahim RAISI (Combat Clergy Association) 39.4% , Mostafa Mir-SALIM Islamic Coalition Party) 1.2%, Mostafa HASHEMI-TABA(Executives of Construction Party) 0.5% note: 3 oversight bodies are also considered part of the executive branch of government Topic: Iraqchief of state: President Barham SALIH (since 2 October 2018); vice presidents (vacant) head of government: Prime Minister Mustafa al-KADHIMI (since 7 May 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, approved by Council of Representatives elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Council of Representatives (COR) to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); COR election last held on 10 October 2021 (next to be held in 2025) election results: 2018: COR vote in first round - Barham SALIH (PUK) 165, Fuad HUSAYN (KDP) 90; Barham SALIH elected president in second round - Barham SALIH 219, Fuad HUSAYN 22; note - the COR vote on 1 October 2018 failed due to a lack of quorum, and a new session was held on 2 October 2014: Fuad MASUM elected president; Council of Representatives vote - Fuad MASUM (PUK) 211, Barham SALIH (PUK) 17; Haydar al-ABADI (Da'wa Party) approved as prime minister2018: COR vote in first round - Barham SALIH (PUK) 165, Fuad HUSAYN (KDP) 90; Barham SALIH elected president in second round - Barham SALIH 219, Fuad HUSAYN 22; note - the COR vote on 1 October 2018 failed due to a lack of quorum, and a new session was held on 2 October 2014: Fuad MASUM elected president; Council of Representatives vote - Fuad MASUM (PUK) 211, Barham SALIH (PUK) 17; Haydar al-ABADI (Da'wa Party) approved as prime minister Topic: Irelandchief of state: President Michael D. HIGGINS (since 11 November 2011) head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál MARTIN (since 27 June 2020); note - MARTIN will serve through December 2022 and will then be succeeded by Leo VARADKAR  cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president, approved by the Dali Eireann (lower house of Parliament)  elections/appointments: president directly elected by majority popular vote for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 26 October 2018 (next to be held no later than November 2025); taoiseach (prime minister) nominated by the House of Representatives (Dail Eireann), appointed by the president election results: Michael D. HIGGINS reelected president; percent of vote - Michael D. HIGGINS (independent) 55.8%, Peter CASEY (independent) 23.3%, Sean GALLAGHER (independent) 6.4%, Liadh NI RIADA (Sinn Fein) 6.4%, Joan FREEMAN (independent) 6%, Gavin DUFFY (independent) 2.2% Topic: Isle of Manchief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir John LORIMER (since 29 September 2021) head of government: Chief Minister Alfred CANNAN (since 12 October 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the lieutenant governor elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed by the monarch; chief minister indirectly elected by the Tynwald for a 5-year term (eligible for second term); election last held on 23 September 2021 election results: Alfred CANNAN (independent) elected chief minister; Tynwald House of Keys vote - 21 of 24 Topic: Israelchief of state: President Isaac HERZOG (since 7 July 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Naftali BENNETT (since 13 June 2021) cabinet: Cabinet selected by prime minister and approved by the Knesset elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the Knesset for a single 7-year term; election last held on 2 June 2021 (next to be held in June 2028); following legislative elections, the president, in consultation with party leaders, tasks a Knesset member (usually the member of the largest party) with forming a new government election results: Issac HERZOG elected president; Knesset vote - Issac HERZOG (independent) 87, Miriam PERETZ (independent) 26, invalid/blank 7 Topic: Italychief of state: President Sergio MATTARELLA (since 3 February 2015) head of government: Prime Minister Mario DRAGHI (since 13 February 2021); the prime minister's official title is President of the Council of Ministers; note - Prime Minister Giuseppe CONTE resigned on 26 January 2021 cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, known officially as the President of the Council of Ministers and locally as the Premier; nominated by the president; the current deputy prime ministers, known officially as vice-presidents of the Council of Ministers, are Matteo Salvini (L) and Luigi Di Maio (M5S) (since 1 June 2018) elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of both houses of Parliament and 58 regional representatives for a 7-year term (no term limits); election last held on 24-29 January 2022 (eight rounds) (next to be held in 2029); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by parliament election results: Sergio MATTARELLA (independent) reelected president; electoral college vote count in eighth round - 759 out of 1,009 (505 vote threshold) Topic: Jamaicachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Sir Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26 February 2009) head of government:  Prime Minister Andrew HOLNESS (since 3 March 2016)  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives is appointed prime minister by the governor general Topic: Japanchief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019 head of government: Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA (since 4 October 2021 ) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister election results: Fumio KISHIDA relected prime minister on 10 November 2021 by the lower house with 297 votes against 108 for Yukio EDANO and in the upper houese 141 for KISHIDA and 60 for EDANO  Topic: Jerseychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Stephen DALTON (since 13 March 2017) head of government: Chief Minister John LE FONDRE (since 8 June 2018); Bailiff Timothy Le COCQ (since 17 October 2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed individually by the states elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; Council of Ministers, including the chief minister, indirectly elected by the Assembly of States; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch Topic: Jordanchief of state: King ABDALLAH II (since 7 February 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HUSSEIN (eldest son of the monarch, born on 28 June 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Bisher AL-KHASAWNEH (since 7 October 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch prime minister in consultation with the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch Topic: Kazakhstanchief 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 cabinet: the president appoints ministers after consultations with the Chair of the Security Council (NAZARBAYEV) who has veto power over all appointments except for the ministers of defense, internal affairs, and foreign affairs; however, the president is required to discuss these three offices with the National Security Committee, which NAZARBAYEV chairs under a lifetime appointment; however, in January 2022, the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan canceled Nursultan NAZARBAYEV’s lifelong chairmanship of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second consecutive term); election last held on 9 June 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Mazhilis election results: Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV elected president; percent of vote - Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV (Nur Otan) 71%, Amirzhan KOSANOV (Ult Tagdyry) 16.2%, Daniya YESPAYEVA (Ak Zhol) 5.1%, other 7.7% Topic: Kenyachief of state: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Uhuru KENYATTA (since 9 April 2013); Deputy President William RUTO (since 9 April 2013); note - position of the prime minister was abolished after the March 2013 elections cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president and deputy president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); in addition to receiving an absolute majority popular vote, the presidential candidate must also win at least 25% of the votes cast in at least 24 of the 47 counties to avoid a runoff; election last held on 26 October 2017 (next to be held on 9 August 2022) election results: Uhuru KENYATTA reelected president; percent of vote - Uhuru KENYATTA (Jubilee Party) 98.3%, Raila ODINGA (ODM) 1%, other 0.7%; note - Kenya held a previous presidential election on 8 August 2017, but Kenya's Supreme Court on 1 September 2017 nullified the results, citing irregularities; the political opposition boycotted the October vote Topic: Kiribatichief of state: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016); Vice President Teuea TOATU (since 19 June 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Taneti MAAMAU (since 11 March 2016); Vice President Teuea TOATU (since 19 June 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among House of Assembly members elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote following nomination of candidates from among House of Assembly members; term is 4 years (eligible for 2 additional terms); election last held on 22 June 2020 (next to be held in 2024); vice president appointed by the president election results: Taneti MAAMAU reelected president; percent of vote - Taneti MAAMAU (TKB) 59.3%, Banuera BERINA (BKM) 40.7%. Topic: Korea, Northchief of state: State Affairs Commission President KIM Jong Un (since 17 December 2011); note(s) - North Korea revised its constitution in 2019 to define "the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission" as "the supreme leader who represents the state"; functions as the commander-in-chief and chief executive; the specific titles associated with this office have changed multiple times under KIM's tenure, however, KIM Jong Un has been supreme leader since his father's death in 2011 (2021) head of government: Supreme People's Assembly President CHOE Ryong Hae (since 11 April 2019); note - functions as the technical head of state and performs related duties, such as receiving ambassadors' credentials (2021) cabinet: Cabinet or Naegak members appointed by the Supreme People's Assembly except the Minister of People's Armed Forces elections/appointments: chief of state and premier indirectly elected by the Supreme People's Assembly; election last held on 10 March 2019 (next election March 2024) election results: KIM Jong Un reelected unopposed note: the Korean Workers' Party continues to list deceased leaders KIM Il Sung and KIM Jong Il as Eternal President and Eternal General Secretary respectively Topic: Korea, Southchief of state: President YOON Suk Yeol (since 10 May 2022); the president is both chief of state and head of government; Prime Minister HAN Deok-Soo (since 21 May 2022) serves as the principal executive assistant to the president, similar to the role of a vice president head of government: President YOON Suk Yeol (since 10 May 2022) cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a single 5-year term; election last held on 9 March 2022 (next election held March 2027); prime minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly election results: YOON Suk-yeol (PPP) 48.56%, LEE Jae-myung (DP) 47.83% (note - voter turnout 77.1%) Topic: Kosovochief of state: President Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu (since 4 April 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Albin KURTI (since 22 March 2021) cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Assembly elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly for a 5-year term; if a candidate does not attain a two-thirds threshold in the first two ballots, the candidate winning a simple majority vote in the third ballot is elected (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3-4 April 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister indirectly elected by the Assembly election results: Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu elected president in the third ballot; Assembly vote - Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu (Guxo!) 71 votes; Albin KURTI (VV) elected prime minister; Assembly vote - 67-30 Topic: Kuwaitchief of state: Amir NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 30 September 2020); Crown Prince MISHAL Al Ahmad Al Sabah, born in 1940, is the brother of Amir NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah head of government: Prime Minister SABAH KHALID al-Hamad al-Sabah (since 19 November 2019); First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmed al-Nawaf Al Sabah (since 22 March 2022), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal al-Khaled Al Sabah (since 9 March 2022), and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Mohammed al-Faris (since 22 March 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by the amir elections/appointments: amir chosen from within the ruling family, confirmed by the National Assembly; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the amir; crown prince appointed by the amir and approved by the National Assembly Topic: Kyrgyzstanchief of state: President Sadyr JAPAROV (since 28 January 2021) head of government: President Sadyr JAPAROV (2021) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 January 2021 (next to be held in 2027) election results: Sadyr JAPAROV elected president in first round; percent of vote - Sadyr JAPAROV 79.5%, Adakhan MADUMAROV 6.5%, other 14% Topic: Laoschief of state: President THONGLOUN Sisoulit (since 22 March 2021); Vice President PANI Yathotou; Vice President BOUNTHONG Chitmani (since 22 March 2021) head of government: Prime Minister PHANKHAM Viphavan (since 22 March 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers CHANSAMON Chan-gnalat, SONXAI Siphandon, KIKEO Khaikhamphithoun (since 22 March 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 March 2021; prime minister nominated by the president, elected by the National Assembly for 5-year term election results: 2021: THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected president; National Assembly vote: 161-1; PANI Yathotou and BOUNTHONG Chitmani (LPRP) elected vice presidents; National Assembly vote NA; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote: 158-3 2016: BOUNNYANG Vorachit (LPRP) elected president; PHANKHAM Viphavan (LPRP) elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - NA; THONGLOUN Sisoulit (LPRP) elected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - NA Topic: Latviachief of state: President Egils LEVITS (since 8 July 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Krisjanis KARINS (since 23 January 2019) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 May 2019 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by Parliament election results: Egils LEVITS elected president; Parliament vote - Egils LEVITS 61 votes, Didzis SMITS 24, Juris JANSONS 8; Krisjanis KARINS confirmed prime minister 61-39 Topic: Lebanonchief of state: President Michel AWN (since 31 October 2016) head of government: Prime Minister Najib MIQATI (since 20 September 2021) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president and National Assembly elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly with two-thirds majority vote in the first round and if needed absolute majority vote in a second round for a 6-year term (eligible for non-consecutive terms); last held on 31 October 2016 (next to be held in 2022); prime minister appointed by the president in consultation with the National Assembly; deputy prime minister determined during cabinet formation election results: Michel AWN elected president in second round; National Assembly vote - Michel AWN (FPM) 83 votes; note - in the initial election held on 23 April 2014, no candidate received the required two-thirds vote, and subsequent attempts failed because the Assembly lacked the necessary quorum to hold a vote; the president was finally elected in its 46th attempt on 31 October 2016 Topic: Lesothochief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996); note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November 1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile  head of government: Prime Minister Moeketsi MAJORO (since 20 May 2020); note - Prime Minister Thomas THABANE resigned on 19 May 2020 cabinet: consists of the prime minister, appointed by the King on the advice of the Council of State, the deputy prime minister, and 26 other ministers  elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary, but under the terms of the constitution that came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers; under traditional law, the college of chiefs has the power to depose the monarch, to determine next in line of succession, or to serve as regent in the event that a successor is not of mature age; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister Topic: Liberiachief of state: President George WEAH (since 22 January 2018); Vice President Jewel HOWARD-TAYLOR (since 22 January 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President George WEAH (since 22 January 2018); Vice President Jewel HOWARD-TAYLOR (since 22 January 2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 October 2017 with a run-off on 26 December 2017) (next to be held on 10 October 2023); the runoff originally scheduled for 7 November 2017 was delayed due to allegations of fraud in the first round, which the Supreme Court dismissed election results: George WEAH elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - George WEAH (Coalition for Democratic Change) 38.4%, Joseph BOAKAI (UP) 28.8%, Charles BRUMSKINE (LP) 9.6%, Prince JOHNSON (MDR) 8.2%, Alexander B. CUMMINGS (ANC) 7.2%, other 7.8%; percentage of vote in second round - George WEAH 61.5%, Joseph BOAKAI 38.5% Topic: Libyachief of state: Chairman, Presidential Council, Mohammed Al MENFI (since 5 February 2021) head of government: Interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid DUBAYBAH (since 5 February 2021) elections/appointments: Libya’s first direct presidential election, scheduled for 24 December 2021, was not heldLibya’s first direct presidential election, scheduled for 24 December 2021, was not held Topic: Liechtensteinchief of state: Prince HANS-ADAM II (since 13 November 1989, assumed executive powers on 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent and Regent of Liechtenstein Prince ALOIS (son of the monarch, born 11 June 1968); note - 15 August 2004, HANS-ADAM II transferred the official duties of the ruling prince to ALOIS, but HANS-ADAM II retains status of chief of state head of government: Prime Minister Daniel RISCH; Deputy Prime Minister Sabine MONAUNI (both since 25 March 2021) cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Parliament, confirmed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party in the Parliament usually appointed the head of government by the monarch, and the leader of the largest minority party in the Landtag usually appointed the deputy head of government by the monarch if there is a coalition government Topic: Lithuaniachief of state: President Gitanas NAUSEDA (since 12 July 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Ingrida SIMONYTE (since 24 November 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and approved by Parliament elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 and 26 May 2019 (next to be held in May 2024); prime minister appointed by the president, approved by Parliament election results: Gitanas NAUSEDA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Gitanas NAUSEDA (independent) 66.7%, Ingrida SIMONYTE (independent) 33.3%; Saulius SKVERNELIS (LVZS) approved as prime minister by Parliament vote - 62 to 10 Topic: Luxembourgchief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000); Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November 1981) head of government: Prime Minister Xavier BETTEL (since 4 December 2013); Deputy Prime Minister Francois BAUSCH (since 11 October 2019); Deputy Prime Minister Daniel KERSCH (since 4 February 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister, appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies Topic: Macauchief of state: President of China XI Jinping (since 14 March 2013) head of government: Chief Executive HO Iat Seng (since 20 December 2019) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the chief executive elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by National People's Congress for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 March 2018 (next to be held in March 2023);chief executive chosen by a 400-member Election Committee for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 August 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: Fernando CHUI Sai On reelected chief executive; Election Committee vote - 380 of 396; note - HO Iat Seng was elected chief executive (receiving 392 out of 400 votes) on 24 August 2019 and will take office on 20 December 2019 Topic: Madagascarchief of state: President Andry RAJOELINA (since 21 January 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Christian NTSAY (since 6 June 2018 and re-appointed 19 July 2019)  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister  elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 November and 19 December 2018 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly, appointed by the president election results: Andry RAJOELINA elected President in second round; percent of vote - Andry RAJOELINA (TGV) 55.7%, Marc RAVALOMANANA 44.3% (TIM) Topic: Malawichief of state: President Lazarus CHAKWERA (since 28 June 2020); Vice President Saulos CHILIMA (since 3 February 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government  head of government: President Lazarus CHAKWERA (since 28 June 2020); Vice President Saulos CHILIMA (since 3 February 2020)  cabinet: Cabinet named by the president  elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 23 June 2020 (next to be held in 2025) election results: Lazarus CHAKWERA elected president; Lazarus CHAKWERA (MCP) 59.3%, Peter Mutharika (DPP) 39.9%, other 0.7%      Topic: Malaysiachief of state: King Sultan ABDULLAH Sultan Ahmad Shah (since 24 January 2019); note - King MUHAMMAD V (formerly known as Tuanku Muhammad Faris Petra) (selected on 14 October 2016; installed on 13 December 2016) resigned on 6 January 2019; the position of the king is primarily ceremonial, but he is the final arbiter on the appointment of the prime minister head of government: Prime Minister ISMAIL SABRI Yaakob (since 21 August 2021); note - Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin resigned on 16 August 2021 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among members of Parliament with the consent of the king; note - cabinet dissolved 24 February 2020 with Prime Minister MAHATHIR resignation elections/appointments: king elected by and from the hereditary rulers of 9 states for a 5-year term; election is on a rotational basis among rulers of the 9 states; election last held on 24 January 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister designated from among members of the House of Representatives; following legislative elections, the leader who commands support of the majority of members in the House becomes prime minister Topic: Maldiveschief of state: President Ibrahim "Ibu" Mohamed SOLIH (since 17 November 2018); Vice President Faisal NASEEM (since 17 November 2018); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Ibrahim "Ibu" Mohamed SOLIH (since 17 November 2018); Vice President Faisal NASEEM (since 17 November 2018) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by Parliament elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 23 September 2018 (next to be held in 2023) election results: Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH elected president (in 1 round); Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH (MDP) 58.3%, Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom (PPM) 41.7% Topic: Malichief of state: Transition President Assimi GOITA (since 7 June 2021) note: an August 2020 coup d'etat deposed President Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA; on 21 September 2020, a group of 17 electors chosen by the Malian military junta, known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) and led by Colonel Assimi GOITA, selected Bah NDAW as transition president; GOITA served as vice president of the transitional government which was inaugurated on 25 September 2020; Vice President GOITA seized power on 25 May 2021; NDAW resigned on 26 May 2021 head of government: Transition Prime Minister Choguel MAIGA (appointed by Transitional President Assimi GOITA on 7 June 2021) note: former transition Prime Minister Moctar OUANE was arrested and detained by the military on 24 May 2021 and resigned on 26 May 2021 cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 July 2018 with runoff on 12 August 2018; prime minister appointed by the president; note - on 21 February 2022, the transition government adopted a charter allowing transition authorities to rule for up to 5 years; thereafter transition President GOITA is barred from being a candidate in presidential elections. election results: Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA (RPM) 77.6%, Soumaila CISSE (URD) 22.4% Topic: Maltachief of state: President George VELLA (since 4 April 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Robert ABELA (13 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the House of Representatives for a single 5-year term; election last held on 2 April 2019 (next to be held by April 2024); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president for a 5-year term; deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister election results: George VELLA (PL) elected president; House of Representatives vote - unanimous; Robert ABELA (PL) appointed prime minister Topic: Marshall Islandschief of state: President David KABUA (since  13 January 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President David KABUA (since 13 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president from among members of the Nitijela, appointed by Nitijela speaker elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the Nitijela from among its members for a 4-year term (no term limits); election last held on 6 January 2020 (next to be held in 2024) election results: David KABUA elected president; Parliament vote - David KABUA 20, Hilda C. HEINE 12 Topic: Mauritaniachief of state: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh el GHAZOUANI (since 1 August 2019) (2019) head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Ould BILAL (since 6 August 2020) (2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers - nominees suggested by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 June 2019 (next scheduled for 22 June 2024); prime minister appointed by the president (2019) election results: Mohamed Ould Cheikh El GHAZOUANI elected president in first round; percent of vote - Mahamed Ould Cheikh El GHAZOUANI (UPR) 52%, Biram Dah Ould ABEID (independent) 18.6%, Sidi Mohamed Ould BOUBACAR (independent) 17.9%, other 11.55% Topic: Mauritiuschief of state: President Pritivirajsing ROOPUN (since December 2019); Vice President Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon (2 December 2019) note - President Ameenah GURIB-FAKIM (since 5 June 2015), the country's first female president, resigned on 23 March 2018 amid a credit card scandal head of government: Prime Minister Pravind JUGNAUTH (since 23 January 2017, remains PM after parliamentary election 7 Nov 2019); note - Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 17 December 2014) stepped down on 23 January 2017 in favor of his son, Pravind Kumar JUGNAUTH, who was then appointed prime minister; 7 Nov 2019 Pravind Jugnauth remains prime minister and home affairs minister and also becomes defense minister (2019) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers (Council of Ministers) appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for 5-year renewable terms; election last held on 7 Nov 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president, responsible to the National Assembly (2019) election results: seats by party as of 7/11/2019 - (MSM) 38, (PTR) 14, (MMM) 8, (OPR) 2 (2018) Topic: Mexicochief of state: President Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (since 1 December 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (since 1 December 2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of attorney general, the head of the Bank of Mexico, and senior treasury officials require consent of the Senate elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 1 July 2018 (next to be held in July 2024) election results: 2018: Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR elected president; percent of vote - Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (MORENA) 53.2%, Ricardo ANAYA (PAN) 22.3%, Jose Antonio MEADE Kuribrena (PRI) 16.4%, Jaime RODRIGUEZ Calderon 5.2% (independent), other 2.9% 2012: Enrique PENA NIETO elected president; percent of vote - Enrique PENA NIETO (PRI) 38.2%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (PRD) 31.6%, Josefina Eugenia VAZQUEZ Mota (PAN) 25.4%, other 4.8% Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofchief of state: President David W. PANUELO (since 11 May 2019); Vice President Yosiwo P. GEORGE (since 11 May 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President David W. PANUELO (since 11 May 2019); Vice President Yosiwo P. GEORGE (since 11 May 2015) cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8 executive departments elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by Congress from among the 4 'at large' senators for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 May 2019 (next to be held in 2023) election results: David W. PANUELO elected president by Congress; Yosiwo P. GEORGE reelected vice president Topic: Moldovachief of state: President Maia SANDU (since 24 December 2020) head of government: Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA (since 6 August 2021) cabinet: Cabinet proposed by the prime minister-designate, nominated by the president, approved through a vote of confidence in Parliament elections/appointments: president directly elected for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 November 2020 (next to be held in fall 2024); prime minister designated by the president upon consultation with Parliament; within 15 days from designation, the prime minister-designate must request a vote of confidence for his/her proposed work program from the Parliament election results: Maia SANDU elected president; percent of vote (second round results) - Maia SANDU (PAS) 57.7%, Igor DODON (PSRM) 42.3% Topic: Monacochief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005) head of government: Minister of State Pierre DARTOUT (since 1 September 2020) cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government Topic: Mongoliachief of state: President Ukhnaa KHURELSUKH (since 25 June 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai OYUN-ERDENE (since 27 January 2021); Deputy Prime Minister Ulziisaikhan ENKHTUVSHIN (since 18 October 2017) cabinet: directly appointed by the prime minister following a constitutional amendment ratified in November 2019; prior to the amendment, the cabinet was nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the president and confirmed by the State Great Hural (parliament) elections/appointments: presidential candidates nominated by political parties represented in the State Great Hural and directly elected by simple majority popular vote for one 6-year term; election last held on 9 June 2021; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the State Great Hural election results: Ukhnaa KHURELSUKH elected president in first round; percent of vote - Ukhnaa KHURELSUKH (Mongolian People's Party) 67.7%, Dangaasuren ENKHBAT (HUN Coalition) 20.31%, Sodnomzundui ERDENE (Democratic Party) 5.99% Topic: Montenegrochief of state: President Milo DJUKANOVIC (since 20 May 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Dritan ABAZOVIC (since 28 April 2022) cabinet: Ministers act as cabinet elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 April 2018 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister nominated by the president, approved by the Assembly election results: Milo DJUKANOVIC elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Milo DJUKANOVIC (DPS) 53.9%, Mladen BOJANIC (independent) 33.4%, Draginja VUKSANOVIC (SDP) 8.2%, Marko MILACIC (PRAVA) 2.8%, other 1.7% Topic: Montserratchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Andrew PEARCE (since 1 February 2018) head of government: Premier Easton TAYLOR-FARRELL (since 19 November 2019); note - effective with The Constitution Order 2010, effective October 2010, the office of premier replaced the office of chief minister cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the premier, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes premier Topic: Moroccochief of state: King MOHAMMED VI (since 30 July 1999) head of government: Prime Minister Aziz AKHANNOUCH (since 7 October 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the prime minister in consultation with Parliament and appointed by the monarch; the monarch chooses the ministers of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Islamic Affairs, and National Defense Administration elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from the majority party following legislative elections Topic: Mozambiquechief of state: President Filipe Jacinto NYUSI (since 15 January 2015, re-elected 15 Oct 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Filipe Jacinto NYUSI (since 15 January 2015); Prime Minister Adriano Afonso MALEIANE (since 3 March 2022); note - President NYUSI removed former Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho DO ROSARIO from office on 3 March 2022 as part of a cabinet reshuffle cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president elected directly by absolute majority popular vote (in 2 rounds, if needed) for a 5-year term (eligible for 2 consecutive terms); election last held on 15 October 2019 (next to be held on 15 October 2024); prime minister appointed by the president (2019) election results: Filipe NYUSI elected president in first round; percent of vote - Filipe NYUSI (FRELIMO) 73.0%, Ossufo MOMADE (RENAMO) 21.9%, Daviz SIMANGO (MDM) 5.1% (2019) Topic: Namibiachief of state: President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Vice President Nangola MBUMBA (since 8 February 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Vice President Nangola MBUMBA (since 8 February 2018); Prime Minister Saara KUUGONGELWA-AMADHILA (since 21 March 2015)  cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly elections/appointments: president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: Hage GEINGOB elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (Independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, Bernadus SWARTBOOI (LPM) 2.7%, Apius AUCHAB (UDF) 2.7%, Esther MUINJANGUE (NUDO) 1.5%, other 2% Topic: Nauruchief of state: President Lionel AINGIMEA (since 27 August 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Lionel AINGIMEA (since 27 August 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27 August 2019 (next to be held in 2022) election results: Lionel AINGIMEA elected president; Parliament vote - Lionel AINGIMEA (independent) 12, David ADEANG (Nauru First) 6 Topic: Nepalchief of state: President Bidhya Devi BHANDARI (since 29 October 2015); Vice President Nanda Bahadar PUN (since 31 October 2015) head of government: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur DEUBA (since 13 July 2021); deputy prime ministers Ishwar POKHREL, Upendra YADAV (since 1 June 2018) (an) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister; cabinet dominated by the Nepal Communist Party elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college of the Federal Parliament and of the state assemblies for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 13 March 2018 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister indirectly elected by the Federal Parliament election results: Bidhya Devi BHANDARI reelected president; electoral vote - Bidhya Devi BHANDARI (CPN-UML) 39,275, Kumari Laxmi RAI (NC) 11,730 Topic: Netherlandschief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER (since 30 April 2013); Heir Apparent Princess Catharina-Amalia (daughter of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER, born 7 December 2003) head of government: Prime Minister Mark RUTTE (since 14 October 2010); Deputy Prime Ministers Sigrid KAAG and Wopke HOEKSTRA (since 10 January 2022) and Carola SCHOUTEN (since 26 October 2017); note - Mark RUTTE heads his fourth cabinet cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following Second Chamber elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy prime ministers are appointed by the monarch Topic: New Caledoniachief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by High Commissioner Patrice FAURE (since 6 June 2021) head of government: President of the Government Louis MAPOU (since 22 July 2021); Vice President Isabelle CHAMPMOREAU (since 22 July 2021) cabinet: Cabinet elected from and by the Territorial Congress elections/appointments: French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of New Caledonia elected by Territorial Congress for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 8 July 2022 (next to be held in 2027) election results: Louis MAPOU elected president by Territorial Congress with 6 votes out of 11 Topic: New Zealandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor-General Dame Cindy KIRO (since 21 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Jacinda ARDERN (since 26 October 2017); Deputy Prime Minister Grant ROBERTSON (since 2 November 2020) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor-general on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor-general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor-general; note - Prime Minister ARDERN heads up a minority coalition government consisting of the Labor and New Zealand First parties with confidence and supply support from the Green Party Topic: Nicaraguachief of state: President Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007); Vice President Rosario MURILLO Zambrana (since 10 January 2017); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007); Vice President Rosario MURILLO Zambrana (since 10 January 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified plurality vote for a 5-year term (no term limits as of 2014); election last held on 7 November 2021 (next to be held on 1 November 2026) election results: 2021: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a fourth consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 75.9%, Walter ESPINOZA (PLC) 14.3%, Guillermo OSORNO (CCN) 3.3%, Marcelo MONTIEL (ALN) 3.1%, other 3.4% 2016: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a third consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 72.4%, Maximino RODRIGUEZ (PLC) 15%, Jose del Carmen ALVARADO (PLI) 4.5%, Saturnino CERRATO Hodgson (ALN) 4.3%, other 3.7% Topic: Nigerchief of state: President Mohamed BAZOUM (since 2 April 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou MAHAMADOU (since 3 April 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27 December 2020 with a runoff held on 21 February 2021, which BAZOUM won; prime minister appointed by the president, authorized by the National Assembly election results: percent of vote in 2020 first round - Mohamed BAZOUM (PNDS-Tarrayya) 39.33%, Mahamane OUSMANE (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 8.95%, Albade ABOUDA (MPR-Jamhuriya) 7.07%; percent of vote in 2021 second round - Mohamed BAZOUM (PNDS-Tarrayya) 55.67%, Mahamane OUSMANE (RDR Tchanji) 44.33% 2016 results: ISSOUFOU Mahamadou reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou (PNDS-Tarrayya) 48.6%, Hama AMADOU (MODEN/FA Lumana Africa) 17.8%, Seini OUMAROU (MNSD-Nassara) 11.3%, other 22.3%; percent of vote in second round - ISSOUFOU Mahamadou 92%, Hama AMADOU 8% Topic: Nigeriachief of state: President Maj. Gen. (ret.) Muhammadu BUHARI (since 29 May 2015); Vice President Oluyemi "Yemi" OSINBAJO (since 29 May 2015); note - the president is both chief of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces head of government: President Maj.Gen. (ret.) Muhammadu BUHARI (since 29 May 2015); Vice President Oluyemi "Yemi" OSINBAJO (since 29 May 2015) cabinet: Federal Executive Council appointed by the president but constrained constitutionally to include at least one member from each of the 36 states elections/appointments: president directly elected by qualified majority popular vote and at least 25% of the votes cast in 24 of Nigeria's 36 states; president elected for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 23 February 2019 (next to be held on 25 February 2023); note: the election was scheduled for 16 February 2019, but postponed on 16 February 2019 election results: Muhammadu BUHARI elected president; percent of vote - Muhammadu BUHARI (APC) 53%, Atiku ABUBAKAR (PDP) 39%, other 8% Topic: Niuechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy KIRO (since 21 October 2021); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner Helen TUNNAH (since July 2020) head of government: Premier Dalton TAGELAGI (since 10 June 2020) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the premier elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; premier indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly for a 3-year term; election last held on 10 June 2020 (next to be held in 2023) election results: Dalton TAGELAGI elected premier; Legislative Assembly vote - Dalton TAGELAGI (independent) 13, O'Love JACOBSEN (independent) 7; Toke TALAGI lost his seat in election Topic: Norfolk Islandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia General David HURLEY (since 1 July 2019) head of government: Administrator Eric HUTCHINSON (since 1 April 2017) cabinet: Executive Council consists of 4 Legislative Assembly members elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia Topic: North Macedoniachief of state: President Stevo PENDAROVSKI (since 12 May 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Dimitar KOVACEVSKI (since 16 January 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Assembly by simple majority vote elections/appointments: president directly elected using a modified 2-round system; a candidate can only be elected in the first round with an absolute majority from all registered voters; in the second round, voter turnout must be at least 40% for the result to be deemed valid; president elected for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 April and 5 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the Assembly; Zoran ZAEV reelected prime minister by the Assembly on 31 August 2020; Assembly vote - 62 for, 51 against election results: Stevo PENDAROVSKI elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Stevo PENDAROVSKI (SDSM) 44.8%, Gordana SILJANOVSKA-DAVKOVA (VMRO-DPMNE) 44.2%, Blenim REKA (independent) 11.1%; percent of vote in second round - Stevo PENDAROVSKI 53.6%, Gordana SILJANOVSKA-DAVKOVA 46.4% Topic: Northern Mariana Islandschief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) head of government: Governor Ralph TORRES (since 29 December 2015); Lieutenant Governor Victor HOCOG (since 29 December 2015) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Northern Mariana Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed; election last held on 13 November 2018 (next to be held in 2022) election results: Ralph TORRES elected governor; percent of vote - Ralph TORRES (Republican) 62.2%, Juan BABAUTA (Independent) 37.8%;  Arnold PALACIOS elected Lieutenant Governor Topic: Norwaychief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (son of the monarch, born 20 July 1973) head of government: Prime Minister Jonas Gahr STORE (since 14 October 2021); note - Prime Minister Erna SOLBERG resigned on 12 October 2021 cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch, approved by Parliament elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch with the approval of the parliament Topic: Omanchief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch Topic: Pakistanchief of state: President Arif ALVI (since 9 September 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Shehbaz SHARIF (since 11 April 2022); former Prime Minister Imran KHAN on 10 April lost a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the Electoral College consisting of members of the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies for a 5-year term (limited to 2 consecutive terms); election last held on 4 September 2018 (next to be held in 2023); prime minister elected by the National Assembly on 17 August 2018 election results: Arif ALVI elected president; Electoral College vote - Arif ALVI (PTI) 352, Fazl-ur-REHMAN (MMA) 184, Aitzaz AHSAN (PPP) 124; Imran KHAN elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - Imran KHAN (PTI) 176, Shehbaz SHARIF (PML-N) 96 Topic: Palauchief 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% Topic: Panamachief of state: President Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen (since 1 July 2019); Vice President Jose Gabriel CARRIZO Jaen (since 1 July 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen (since 1 July 2019); Vice President Jose Gabriel CARRIZO Jaen (since 1 July 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term; president eligible for a single non-consecutive term); election last held on 5 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: 2019: Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen elected president; percent of vote - Laurentino CORTIZO Cohen (PRD) 33.3%, Romulo ROUX (CD) 31%, Ricardo LOMBANA (independent) 18.8%, Jose BLANDON (Panamenista Party) 10.8%, Ana Matilde GOMEZ Ruiloba (independent) 4.8%, other 1.3% 2014: Juan Carlos VARELA elected president; percent of vote - Juan Carlos VARELA (PP) 39.1%, Jose Domingo ARIAS (CD) 31.4%, Juan Carlos NAVARRO (PRD) 28.2%, other 1.3% Topic: Papua New Guineachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob DADAE (since 28 February 2017) head of government: Prime Minister James MARAPE (since 30 May 2019); Deputy Prime Minister Sam BASIL (since 20 December 2020) cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general nominated by the National Parliament and appointed by the chief of state; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general pending the outcome of a National Parliament vote election results: James MARAPE elected prime minister; National Parliament vote - 101 to 8 Topic: Paraguaychief of state: President Mario ABDO BENITEZ (since 15 August 2018); Vice President Hugo Adalberto VELAZQUEZ Moreno (since 15 August 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Mario ABDO BENITEZ (since 15 August 2018); Vice President Hugo Adalberto VELAZQUEZ Moreno (since 15 August 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple majority popular vote for a single 5-year term; election last held on 22 April 2018 (next to be held in April 2023) election results: 2018: Mario ABDO BENITEZ elected president; percent of vote - Mario ABDO BENITEZ (ANR) 49%, Efrain ALEGRE (PLRA) 45.1%, Juan Bautista YBANEZ 3.4%, other 2.5% 2013: Horacio CARTES elected president; percent of vote - Horacio CARTES (ANR) 48.5%, Efrain ALEGRE (PLRA) 39%, Mario FERREIRO (AP) 6.2%, Anibal CARRILLO (FG) 3.5%, other 2.8% Topic: Peruchief of state: President Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones (since 28 July 2021); First Vice President Dina Ercilia BOLUARTE Zegarra (since 28 July 2021); Second Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones (since 28 July 2021); First Vice President Dina Ercilia BOLUARTE Zegarra (since 28 July 2021); Second Vice President (vacant) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive terms); election last held on 11 April 2021 with a runoff on 6 June 2021 (next to be held in April 2026) election results: 2021: Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones (Free Peru) 18.9%, Keiko Sofia FUJIMORI Higuchi (Popular Force) 13.4%, Rafael LOPEZ ALIAGA Cazorla (Popular Renewal) 11.8%, Hernando DE SOTO Polar (Social Integration Party) 11.6%, Yonhy LESCANO Ancieta (Popular Action) 9.1%, Veronika MENDOZA Frisch (JP) 7.9%, Cesar ACUNA Peralta (APP) 6%, George FORSYTH Sommer (National Victory) 5.7%, Daniel Belizario URRESTI Elera (We Can Peru) 5.6%, other 10%; percent of vote second round - Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones (Free Peru) 50.1%, Keiko Sofia FUJIMORI Higuchi (Popular Force) 49.9% 2016: Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Keiko FUJIMORI Higuchi (Popular Force) 39.9%, Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard (PPK) 21.1%, Veronika MENDOZA (Broad Front) 18.7%, Alfredo BARNECHEA (Popular Action) 7%, Alan GARCIA (APRA) 5.8%, other 7.5%; percent of vote in second round - Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard 50.1%, Keiko FUJIMORI Higuchi 49.9% note: President Martin Alberto VIZCARRA Cornejo assumed office after President Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard resigned from office on 21 March 2018; after VIZCARRA was impeached on 9 November 2020, the constitutional line of succession led to the inauguration of the President of the Peruvian Congress, Manuel Arturo MERINO, as President of Peru on 10 November 2020; following his resignation only days later on 15 November 2020, Francisco Rafael SAGASTI Hochhausler - who had been elected by the legislature to be the new President of Congress on 16 November 2020 - was then sworn in as President of Peru on 17 November 2020 by line of succession and remained president until the inauguration of Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones, winner of the 2021 presidential election note: Prime Minister Anibal TORRES Vasquez (since 8 February 2022) does not exercise executive power; this power rests with the president Topic: Philippineschief of state: President Rodrigo DUTERTE (since 30 June 2016); Vice President Leni ROBREDO (since 30 June 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Rodrigo DUTERTE (since 30 June 2016); Vice President Leni ROBREDO (since 30 June 2016) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments, an independent body of 25 Congressional members including the Senate president (ex officio chairman), appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on separate ballots by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 9 May 2022 (next to be held on 9 May 2028) election results: Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr elected president; percent of vote - Ferdinand MARCOS, Jr (PFP) 58.7%, Leni ROBREDO (independent) 27.94%, Manny PACQUIAO (PROMDI) 6.8%; Sara DUTERTE-Carpio elected vice president; percent of vote Sara DUTERTE-Carpio (Lakas-CMD) 61.53%, Francis PANGILINAN (LP) 17.82%, Tito SOTTO 15.8% Topic: Pitcairn Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Laura CLARK (since 25 January 2018) head of government: Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Charlene WARREN-PEU (since 1 January 2020) cabinet: none elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner appointed by the monarch; island mayor directly elected by majority popular vote for a 3-year term; election last held on 6 November 2019 (next to be held not later than December 2022) election results: Charlene WARREN-PEU elected mayor and chairman of the Island Council; Island Council vote - NA Topic: Polandchief of state: President Andrzej DUDA (since 6 August 2015) head of government: Prime Minister Mateusz MORAWIECKI (since 11 December 2017); Deputy Prime Ministers Piotr GLINSKI (since 16 November 2015), Jacek SASIN (since 15 November 2019), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI (6 October 2020) and Henryk KOWALCZYK (26 October 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and approved by the Sejm elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 June 2020 with a second round on 12 July 2020 (next to be held in 2025); prime minister, deputy prime ministers, and Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm election results: 2020: Andrzej DUDA reelected president in runoff; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51%, Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 49% 2015: Andrzej DUDA elected president in runoff; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51.5%, Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (independent) 48.5% Topic: Portugalchief of state: President Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (since 9 March 2016) head of government: Prime Minister Antonio Luis Santos da COSTA (since 24 November 2015) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 January 2021 (next to be held in January 2026); following legislative elections the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president election results: Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (PSD) 60.7%, Ana GOMES (ran as an independent but is a member of PS) 12.97%, Andre VENTURA (CH) 11.9%, João FERREIRA (PCP-PEV) 4.32%, Marisa MATIAS (BE) 3.95%, other 6.16% note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative body to the president Topic: Puerto Ricochief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) head of government: Governor Pedro PIERLUISI (since 2 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor with the consent of the Legislative Assembly elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of Puerto Rico do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term (no term limits); election last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held on  November 2024) election results: Pedro PIERLUISI elected governor; percent of vote - Pedro PIERLUISI (PNP) 32.9%, Carlos DELGADO (PPD) 31.6%, Alexandra LUGARO (independent) 14.2%, Juan DALMAU (PIP) 13.7% note: on 24 July 2019, Governor Ricardo ROSSELLO announced his resignation effective 2 August 2019; as Secretary of State, Pedro PIERLUISI succeeded Governor Ricardo ROSSELLO; on 7 August 2019 the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico ruled Pedro PIERLUISI accession was unconstitutional and Wanda VAZQUEZ is sworn in as governor Topic: Qatarchief of state: Amir TAMIM bin Hamad Al Thani (since 25 June 2013) head of government: Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh KHALID bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani (since 28 January 2020);  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs KHALID bin Mohamed AL Attiyah (since 14 November 2017); Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs MOHAMED bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (since 14 November 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the amir Topic: Romaniachief of state: President Klaus Werner IOHANNIS (since 21 December 2014) head of government: Prime Minister Nicolae CIUCA (since 25 November 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers Sorin GRINDEANU (since 25 November 2021) and Kelemen HUNOR (since 23 December 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 10 November 2019 with a runoff on 24 November 2019 (next to be held in November 2024); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of Parliament election results: Klaus IOHANNIS reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Klaus IOHANNIS (PNL) 66.1%, Viorica DANCILA (PSD) 33.9%; Nicolae CIUCA approved as prime minister with 318 votes Topic: Russiachief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 7 May 2012) head of government: Premier Mikhail MISHUSTIN (since 16 January 2020); First Deputy Premier Andrey Removich BELOUSOV (since 21 January 2020); Deputy Premiers Yuriy TRUTNEV (since 31 August 2013), Yuriy Ivanovich BORISOV, Tatiana Alekseyevna GOLIKOVA (since 18 May 2018), Dmitriy Yuriyevich GRIGORENKO, Viktoriya Valeriyevna ABRAMCHENKO, Aleksey Logvinovich OVERCHUK, Marat Shakirzyanovich KHUSNULLIN, Dmitriy Nikolayevich CHERNYSHENKO (since 21 January 2020), Aleksandr NOVAK (since 10 November 2020) cabinet: the "Government" is composed of the premier, his deputies, and ministers, all appointed by the president; the premier is also confirmed by the Duma elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (2020 constitutional amendments allow a second consecutive term); election last held on 18 March 2018 (next to be held in March 2024); note - for the 2024 presidential election, previous presidential terms are discounted; there is no vice president; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the Duma election results: 2018: Vladimir PUTIN reelected president; percent of vote - Vladimir PUTIN (independent) 77.5%, Pavel GRUDININ (CPRF) 11.9%, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKIY (LDPR) 5.7%, other 5.8%; Mikhail MISHUSTIN (independent) approved as premier by Duma; vote - 383 to 0 2012: Vladimir PUTIN elected president; percent of vote - Vladimir PUTIN (United Russia) 63.6%, Gennadiy ZYUGANOV (CPRF) 17.2%, Mikhail PROKHOROV (CP) 8%, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKIY (LDPR) 6.2%, Sergey MIRONOV (A Just Russia) 3.9%, other 1.1%; Dmitriy MEDVEDEV (United Russia) approved as premier by Duma; vote - 299 to 144 note: there is also a Presidential Administration that provides staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a Security Council also reports directly to the president Topic: Rwandachief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000) head of government: Prime Minister Edouard NGIRENTE (since 30 August 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); note - a constitutional amendment approved in December 2016 reduced the presidential term from 7 to 5 years but included an exception that allowed President KAGAME to serve another 7-year term in 2017, potentially followed by two additional 5-year terms; election last held on 4 August 2017 (next to be held in August 2024); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Paul KAGAME reelected president; Paul KAGAME (RPF) 98.8%, Philippe MPAYIMANA (independent) 0.7%, Frank HABINEZA (DGPR)0.5% Topic: Saint Barthelemychief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017), represented by Prefect Vincent BERTON (since 28 March 2022) head of government: President of Territorial Council Xavier LEDEE (since 3 April 2022) cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Territorial Council; note - there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council elections/appointments: French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of French Ministry of Interior; president of Territorial Council indirectly elected by its members for a 5-year term; election last held on 27 March 2022 (next to be held in 2027) election results: Xavier LEDEE (Saint Barth United) elected president; Territorial Council vote - 13 votes for, 6 blank votes Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Governor Philip RUSHBROOK (since 11 May 2019) cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch note: the constitution order provides for an administrator for Ascension and Tristan da Cunha appointed by the governor Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevischief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Samuel W.T. SEATON (since 2 September 2015); note - SEATON was Acting Governor General from 20 May to 2 September 2015 head of government: Prime Minister Timothy HARRIS (since 18 February 2015); Deputy Prime Minister Shawn RICHARDS (since 22 February 2015) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor general in consultation with prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by governor general Topic: Saint Luciachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Acting Governor General Errol CHARLES (since 11 November 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Philip J. PIERRE (since 28 July 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by governor general Topic: Saint Martinchief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Prefect Vincent BERTON (since 28 March 2022) head of government: President of Territorial Council Louis MUSSINGTON (since 3 April 2022); First Vice President Alain RICHARDSON (since 3 April 2022) cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory economic, social, and cultural council elections/appointments: French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prefect appointed by French president on the advice of French Ministry of Interior; president of Territorial Council elected by its members for a 5-year term; election last held on 3 April 2022 (next to be held in 2027) election results: Louis MUSSINGTON (RSM) elected president; Territorial Council vote - 23 out of 23 votes Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonchief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Prefect Christian POUGET (since 6 January 2021) head of government: President of Territorial Council Bernard BRIAND (since 13 October 2020) cabinet: Le Cabinet du Prefet elections/appointments: French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 23 April and 6 May 2017 (next to be held in 2022); prefect appointed by French president on the advice of French Ministry of Interior; Territorial Council president elected by Territorial Council councillors by absolute majority vote; term NA; election last held on 13 October 2020; next election NA election results: Bernard BRIAND elected President of Territorial Council; Territorial Council vote - 17 for, 2 abstentions Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Susan DOUGAN (since 1 August 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29 March 2001) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister Topic: Samoachief of state: TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi II (since 21 July 2017) head of government: Prime Minister FIAME Naomi Mata’afa (since 24 May 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the chief of state on the prime minister's advice elections/appointments: chief of state indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a 5-year term (2- term limit); election last held on 4 July 2017 (next to be held in 2022); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the chief of state, approved by the Legislative Assembly election results: TUIMALEALI'IFANO Va’aletoa Sualauvi unanimously elected by the Legislative Assembly on 5 July 2017 Topic: San Marinochief of state: co-chiefs of state Captain Regent Oscar MONA and Captain Regent Paolo RONDELLI (for the period 1 April 2022 - 1 October 2022) head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Luca BECCARI (since 8 January 2020) cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Grand and General Council elections/appointments: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) indirectly elected by the Grand and General Council for a single 6-month term; election last held in September 2021 (next to be held in March 2022); secretary of state for foreign and political affairs indirectly elected by the Grand and General Council for a single 5-year term; election last held on 28 December 2019 (next to be held by November 2024) election results: Oscar MINA (PDCS) and Paolo RONDELLI (RETE) elected captains regent; percent of Grand and General Council vote - NA; Luca BECCARI (PDCS) elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs; percent of Grand and General Council vote - NA note: the captains regent preside over meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which has 7 other members who are selected by the Grand and General Council; assisting the captains regent are 7 secretaries of state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has some prime ministerial roles Topic: Sao Tome and Principechief of state: President Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (since 2 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Jorge BOM JESUS (since 3 December 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 18 July 2021 and runoff on 5 September 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president  election results: 2021: Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA elected president in the second round; percent of vote in the first round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (IDA) 39.5%; Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA (MLSTP-PSD) 20.8%; Delfim NEVES (PCD-GR) 16.9%; Abel BOM JESUS (independent) 3.6%; Maria DAS NEVES (independent) 3.3%; other 15.9%; percent of the vote in the second round - Carlos Manuel VILA NOVA (IDA) 57.5%, Guilherme POSSER DA COSTA (MLSTP-PSD) 42.5%; note - VILA NOVA is scheduled to take office 29 September 2021  2016: Evaristo CARVALHO elected president; percent of vote - Evaristo CARVALHO (ADI) 49.8%, Manuel Pinto DA COSTA (independent) 24.8%, Maria DAS NEVES (MLSTP-PSD) 24.1%; note - first round results for CARVALHO were revised downward from just over 50%, prompting the 7 August runoff; however, on 1 August 2016 DA COSTA withdrew from the runoff, citing voting irregularities, and CARVALHO was declared the winner Topic: Saudi Arabiachief of state: King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government head of government: King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch every 4 years and includes many royal family members elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary; an Allegiance Council created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes for a voice in selecting future Saudi kings Topic: Senegalchief of state: President Macky SALL (since 2 April 2012) head of government: On 11 December 2021, the National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment re-establishing the position of Prime Minister which SALL eliminated after his re-election in 2019. The new Prime Minister will be appointed in early 2022. cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single renewable 5-year term; election last held on 24 February 2019 (next to be held in February 2024) election results: Macky SALL elected president in first round; percent of vote - Macky SALL (APR) 58.3%, Idrissa SECK (Rewmi) 20.5%, Ousmane SONKO (PASTEF) 15.7% Topic: Serbiachief of state: President Aleksandar VUCIC (since 31 May 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Ana BRNABIC (since 29 June 2017) cabinet: Cabinet elected by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 April 2022 (next to be held in April 2027); prime minister elected by the National Assembly; note - in October 2020 President VUCIC called for early elections election results: 2022: Aleksandar VUCIC reelected in the first round; percent of vote - Aleksandar VUSIC (SNS) 60%, Zdravko PONOS (US) 18.9%, Milos JOVANOVIC (NADA) 6.1%, Bosko OBRADOVIC (Dveri-POKS) 4.5%, Milica DURDEVIC STAMENDOVSKI (SSZ) 4.3%, other 6.2% 2017: Aleksandar VUCIC elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Aleksandar VUCIC (SNS) 55.1%, Sasa JANKOVIC (independent) 16.4%, Luka MAKSIMOVIC (independent) 9.4%, Vuk JEREMIC (independent) 5.7%, Vojislav SESELJ (SRS) 4.5%, Bosko OBRADOVIC (Dveri) 2.3%, other 5.0%, invalid/blank 1.6%; Prime Minister Ana BRNABIC reelected by the National Assembly on 5 October 2020 Topic: Seychelleschief of state: President Wavel RAMKALAWAN (since 26 October 2020); Vice President Ahmed AFIF (since 27 October 2020); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Wavel RAMKALAWAN (since 26 October 2020); Vice President Ahmed AFIF (since 27 October 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for 1 additional term); election last held on 22-24 Oct 2020 (originally scheduled for December 2020 but moved up to coincide with the 22-24 October National Assembly election in order to cut election costs) election results: Wavel RAMKALAWAN elected president; Wavel RAMKALAWAN (LDS) 54.9%, Danny FAURE (US) 43.5% Topic: Sierra Leonechief of state: President Julius Maada BIO (since 4 April 2018); Vice President Mohamed Juldeh JALLOH (since 4 April 2018) ; note - the president is both chief of state, head of government, and minister of defense  head of government: President Julius Maada BIO (since 4 April 2018); Vice President Mohamed Juldeh JALLOH (since 4 April 2018) cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president, approved by Parliament; the cabinet is responsible to the president  elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 4 April 2018 (next to be in 2023) election results: Julius Maada BIO elected president in second round; percent of vote - Julius Maada BIO (SLPP) 51.8%, Samura KAMARA (APC) 48.2% Topic: Singaporechief of state: President HALIMAH Yacob (since 14 September 2017) head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004, reelected 10 July 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister; Cabinet responsible to Parliament elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a fixed term of 6-years (there are no term limits); election last held on 13 September 2017 (next to be held in 2023); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or majority coalition appointed prime minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by the president election results: HALIMAH Yacob was declared president on 13 September 2017, being the only eligible candidate; Tony TAN Keng Yam elected president in the previous contested election on 27 August 2011; percent of vote - Tony TAN Keng Yam (independent) 35.2%, TAN Cheng Bock (independent) 34.9%, TAN Jee Say (independent) 25%, TAN Kin Lian (independent) 4.9% Topic: Sint Maartenchief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Eugene HOLIDAY (since 10 October 2010) head of government: Interim Prime Minister Silveria JACOBS (since 16 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the governor-general elections/appointments: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party usually elected prime minister by Parliament note - on 16 January 2020, Governor Eugene HOLIDAY appoints Silveria JACOBS as formateur of a new government Topic: Slovakiachief of state: President Zuzana CAPUTOVA (since 15 June 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Eduard HEGER (since 1 April 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers Stefan HOLY, Veronika REMISOVA, Richard SULIK (all since 21 March 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 16 March and 30 March 2019 (next to be held March 2024); following National Council elections (every 4 years), the president designates a prime minister candidate, usually the leader of the party or coalition that wins the most votes, who must win a vote of confidence in the National Council election results: 2019: Zuzana CAPUTOVA reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Zuzana CAPUTOVA (PS) 58.4%, Maros SEFCOVIC (independent) 41.6% 2014: Andrej KISKA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrej KISKA (independent) 59.4%, Robert FICO (Smer-SD) 40.6% Topic: Sloveniachief of state: President Borut PAHOR (since 22 December 2012) head of government: Prime Minister Robert GOLOB (since 25 May 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, elected by the National Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second consecutive term); election last held on 22 October with a runoff on 12 November 2017 (next election to be held by November 2022); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually nominated prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly election results: 2017: Borut PAHOR is reelected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Borut PAHOR (independent) 47.1%, Marjan SAREC (Marjan Sarec List) 25%, Romana TOMC (SDS) 13.7%, Ljudmila NOVAK (NSi) 7.2%, other 7%; percent of vote in second round - Borut PAHOR 52.9%, Marjan SAREC 47.1%; Robert GOLOB (GS) elected prime minister on 25 May 2022, National Assembly vote - 54-30 2012: Borut PAHOR elected president; percent of vote in second round - Borut PAHOR (SD) 67.4%, Danilo TURK (independent) 32.6%; note - a snap election was held on 13 July 2014 following the resignation of Prime Minister Alenka BRATUSEK on 5 May 2014; Miro CERAR (SMC) elected prime minister; National Assembly vote - 57 to 11 Topic: Solomon Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General David VUNAGI (since 8 July 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE (since 24 April 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the National Parliament for up to 5 years (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by the National Parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among members of the National Parliament election results: Manasseh SOGAVARE elected prime minister on 24 April 2019, 34 votes out of 50 seat National Parliament Topic: Somaliachief of state: President HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud (since 23 May 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein ROBLE (since 27 September 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by the House of the People elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the Federal Parliament by two-thirds majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single 4-year term; election last held on 15 May 2022; prime minister appointed by the president, approved by the House of the People; note - elections were originally scheduled for 10 October 2021 but did not take place; on 13 April 2022, the election of the House of the People representatives was completed and the presidential election date was set for 15 May election results: 2022: an indirect election by Somalia's Federal Parliament was held on 15 May 2022 resulting in the defeat of former president Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo"; HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud elected president in third round - Federal Parliament third round vote - HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud (PDP) 214, Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" (TPP) 110 2017: Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" elected president in second round; Federal Parliament second round vote - Mohamed ABDULLAHI Mohamed "Farmaajo" (TPP) 184, HASSAN SHEIKH Mohamud (PDP) 97, Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed (ARS) 46 Topic: South Africachief of state: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 15 February 2018); Deputy President David MABUZA (26 February 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; Jacob ZUMA resigned the presidency on 14 February 2018  head of government: President Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (since 15 February 2018); deputy president David MABUZA (26 February 2018 cabinet:  Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 May 2019 (next to be held in May 2024) election results: Matamela Cyril RAMAPHOSA (ANC) elected president by the National Assembly unopposed Topic: South Sudanchief of state: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011); First Vice President Riek MACHAR Teny Dhurgon (since 22 February 2020); Vice President James Wani IGGA (since 22 February 2020); Vice President TABAN Deng Gai (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng Chol GARANG de Mabior (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Hussein ABDELBAGI Ayii (since 22 February 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Salva KIIR Mayardit (since 9 July 2011); First Vice President Taban Deng GAI (since 26 July 2016); Vice President James Wani IGGA (since 22 February 2020); Vice President TABAN Deng Gai (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng Chol GARANG de Mabior (since 22 February 2020); Vice President Hussein ABDELBAGI Ayii (since 22 February 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government cabinet: National Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Transitional National Legislative Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11-15 April 2010 (next election scheduled for 2015 but postponed to 2018, then 2021, and again to 2023) election results: Salva KIIR Mayardit elected leader of then-Southern Sudan in 2010; percent of vote - Salva KIIR Mayardit (SPLM) 93%, Lam AKOL (SPLM-DC) 7% Topic: Spainchief of state: King FELIPE VI (since 19 June 2014); Heir Apparent Princess LEONOR, Princess of Asturias (daughter of the monarch, born 31 October 2005) head of government: President of the Government (Prime Minister-equivalent) Pedro SANCHEZ Perez-Castejon (since 2 June 2018); Vice President (and Minister of the President's Office) Maria del Carmen CALVO Poyato (since 7 June 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president  elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually proposes as president the leader of the party or coalition with the largest majority of seats, who is then indirectly elected by the Congress of Deputies; election last held on 10 November 2019 (next to be held November 2023); vice president and Council of Ministers appointed by the president election results: percent of National Assembly vote - NA note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding Topic: Sri Lankachief of state: President Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA (since 18 November 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; Prime Minister Ranil WICKREMESINGHE (since 12 May 2022) head of government: President Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA (since 18 November 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by preferential majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 16 November 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister appointed by the president from among members of Parliament for a 5-year term) election results: Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA elected president; percent of vote - Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA (SLPP) 52.2%, Sajith PREMADASA (UNP) 42%, other 5.8% Topic: Sudanchief of state: Sovereign Council Chair and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces General Abd-al-Fatah al-BURHAN Abd-al-Rahman (de facto); note – the 2019 Constitutional Declaration established a collective chief of state the "Sovereign Council," which was chaired by al-BURHAN; on 25 October 2021, al-BURHAN dissolved the Sovereign Council but subsequently reinstated it on 11 November 2021 replacing its civilian members (previously selected by the umbrella civilian coalition the Forces for Freedom and Change) with civilians of the military’s choosing; the Sovereign Council currently consists of 5 military appointed civilians, 5 generals, and 3 representatives selected by former armed opposition groups head of government: Sovereign Council Chair and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces General Abd-al-Fatah al-BURHAN Abd-al-Rahman (de facto); Acting Prime Minister Osman HUSSEIN (since 19 January 2022); note - former Prime Minister Abdallah HAMDOUK resigned on 2 January 2022 cabinet: most members of the Council of Ministers were forced from office in October 2021 by the military and subsequently resigned in November 2021; the military allowed a handful of ministers appointed by former armed opposition groups to retain their posts; at present, most of the members of the Council are senior civil servants serving in an acting minister capacity appointed either by Prime Minister HAMDOUK prior to his resignation or by the military elections/appointments: the 2019 Constitutional Declaration originally called for elections to be held in late 2022 at the end of the transitional period; that date was pushed back to late 2023 by the Juba Peace Agreement; the methodology for future elections has not yet been defined; according to the 2019 Constitutional Declaration, civilian members of the Sovereign Council and the prime minister were to have been nominated by an umbrella coalition of civilian actors known as the Forces for Freedom and Change; this methodology was followed in selecting HAMDOUK as prime minister in August 2019; the military purports to have suspended this provision of the 2019 Constitutional Declaration in October 2021; Prime Minister HAMDOUK’s restoration to office in November 2021 was the result of an agreement signed between him and Sovereign Council Chair BURHAN; military members of the Sovereign Council are selected by the leadership of the security forces;  representatives of former armed groups to the Sovereign Council are selected by the signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement election results: NA Topic: Surinamechief of state: President Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI (since 16 July 2020); Vice President Ronnie BRUNSWIJK (since 16 July 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI (since 16 July 2020); Vice President Ronnie BRUNSWIJK (since 16 July 2020) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly; president and vice president serve a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 13 July 2020 (next to be held in May 2025) election results: Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI elected president unopposed; National Assembly vote - NA Topic: Svalbardchief of state: King HARALD V of Norway (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince Haakon MAGNUS (son of the king, born 20 July 1973) head of government: Governor Lars FAUSE (since 24 June 2021); Vice Governor Solvi ELVEDAHL (since 1 May 2020) elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor and assistant governor responsible to the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice Topic: Swedenchief 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) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister Topic: Switzerlandchief of state: President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio CASSIS (since 1 January 2022); Vice President Alain BERSET (since 1 January 2022); note - the Federal Council, comprised of 7 federal councillors, constitutes the federal government of Switzerland; council members rotate the 1-year term of federal president head of government: President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio CASSIS (since1 January 2022); Vice President Alain BERSET (since 1 January 2022) cabinet: Federal Council or Bundesrat (in German), Conseil Federal (in French), Consiglio Federale (in Italian) indirectly elected by the Federal Assembly for a 4-year term elections/appointments: president and vice president elected by the Federal Assembly from among members of the Federal Council for a 1-year, non-consecutive term; election last held on 8 December 2021 (next to be held in December 2022) election results: Ignazio CASSIS elected president (FDP.The Liberals); Federal Assembly vote - 156 of 197 votes; Alain BERSET (SP) elected vice president; Federal Assembly vote - 158 of 204 Topic: Syriachief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000); Vice President Najah al-ATTAR (since 23 March 2006) head of government: Prime Minister Hussein ARNOUS (since 30 August 2020); Deputy Prime Minister Ali Abdullah AYOUB (Lt Gen.) (since 30 August 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 26 May 2021(next to be held in 2028); the president appoints the vice presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministers election results: Bashar al-ASAD elected president; percent of vote - Bashar al-ASAD (Ba'th Party)95.2%, Mahmoud Ahmad MAREI (Democratic Arab Socialist Union) 3.3%, Abdullah Sallum ABDULLAH (Socialist Unionist Party) 1.5% Topic: Taiwanchief of state: President TSAI Ing-wen (since 20 May 2016; re-elected on 11 Jan 2020); Vice President LAI Ching-te (since 20 May 2020) head of government: Premier SU Tseng-chang (President of the Executive Yuan) (since 11 January 2019); Vice Premier SHEN Jong-chin, Vice President of the Executive Yuan (since 19 June 2020) cabinet: Executive Yuan - ministers appointed by president on recommendation of premier elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 January 2020 (next to be held on 11 January 2024); premier appointed by the president; vice premiers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the premier election results: TSAI Ing-wen elected president; percent of vote - TSAI Ing-wen (DPP) 57.1%, HAN Kuo-yu (KMT) 38.6%; note - TSAI is the first woman elected president of Taiwan Topic: Tajikistanchief of state: President Emomali RAHMON (since 6 November 1994; head of state and Supreme Assembly chairman since 19 November 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Qohir RASULZODA (since 23 November 2013) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president, approved by the Supreme Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 7-year term for a maximum of two terms; however, as the "Leader of the Nation" President RAHMON can run an unlimited number of times; election last held on 11 October 2020 (next to be held in 2027); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Emomali RAHMON reelected president; percent of vote - Emomali RAHMON (PDPT) 90.9% Topic: Tanzaniachief of state: President Samia Suluhu HASSAN (since 19 March 2021); note - President John MAGUFULI died on 17 March 2021; vice president Philip MPANGO; note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Samia Suluhu HASSAN (since 19 March 2021); note - President John MAGUFULI died on 17 March 2021; vice president (vacant); Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa MAJALIWA (since 20 November 2015) has authority over the day-to-day functions of the government, is the leader of government business in the National Assembly, and head of the Cabinet cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 October, 2020 (next to be held in October 2025); prime minister appointed by the president election results: John MAGUFULI elected president; percent of vote - John MAGUFULI (CCM) 58.5%, Edward LOWASSA (CHADEMA) 40%, other 1.5% (2020) note: Zanzibar elects a president as head of government for internal matters; elections were held on 28 October, 2020 and CCM candidate Hussein MWINYI won with 76 percent of the vote followed by ACT-Wazalendo candidate Maalim Seif SHARIF with 19 percent of the vote Topic: Thailandchief of state: King WACHIRALONGKON, also spelled Vajiralongkorn, (since 1 December 2016) head of government: Prime Minister PRAYUT Chan-ocha (since 11 June 2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the king; a Privy Council advises the king elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the House of Representatives and Senate approves a person for Prime Minister who must then be appointed by the King (as stated in the transitory provision of the 2017 constitution); the office of prime minister can be held for up to a total of 8 years note:  PRAYUT Chan-ocha was appointed interim prime minister in August 2014, three months after he staged the coup that removed the previously elected government of Prime Minister YINGLAK Chinnawat; on 5 June 2019 PRAYUT (independent) was approved as prime minister by the parliament  Topic: Timor-Lestechief of state: President Francisco GUTERRES (since 20 May 2017); note - the president is commander in chief of the military and is able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections head of government: Prime Minister Taur Matan RUAK (since 22 June 2018) cabinet: the governing coalition in the Parliament proposes cabinet member candidates to the Prime Minister, who presents these recommendations to the President of the Republic for swearing in elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last election held in April 2022; following parliamentary elections, the president appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as the prime minister election results: in the 19 April 2022 runoff, José RAMOS-HORTA won 62.1%; Francisco GUTERRES won 37.9%; turnout was 71.6%; RAMOS-HORTA to be sworn in on 20 May 2022 Topic: Togochief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 4 May 2005)  head of government: Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah DOGBE (since 28 September 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 February 2020 (next to be held  February 2025); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Faure GNASSINGBE reelected president; percent of vote - Faure GNASSINGBE (UNIR) 72.4%, Agbeyome KODJO (MPDD) 18.4%, Jean-Pierre FABRE (ANC) 4.4%, other 5% Topic: Tokelauchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy KIRO (since 21 September 2021); New Zealand is represented by Administrator Ross ARDERN (since May 2018) head of government: (Ulu o Tokelau) Kelihiano KALOLO (since 8 March 2021); note - position rotates annually among the three Faipule (village leaders) of the atolls cabinet: Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau (or Tokelau Council) functions as a cabinet; consists of 3 Faipule (village leaders) and 3 Pulenuku (village mayors) elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; head of government chosen from the Council of Faipule to serve a 1-year term note: the meeting place of the Tokelau Council rotates annually among the three atolls; this tradition has given rise to the somewhat misleading description that the capital rotates yearly between the three atolls; in actuality, it is the seat of the government councilors that rotates since Tokelau has no capital Topic: Tongachief of state: King TUPOU VI (since 18 March 2012); Heir Apparent Crown Prince Siaosi Manumataogo 'Alaivahamama'o 'Ahoeitu Konstantin Tuku'aho, son of the king (born 17 September 1985); note - on 18 March 2012, King George TUPOU V died and his brother, Crown Prince TUPOUTO'A Lavaka, assumed the throne as TUPOU VI head of government: Prime Minister Siaosi SOVALENI (since 27 December 2021) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly and appointed by the monarch; election last held on 18 November 2021 (next to be held in in November 2025) election results: Siaosi SOVALENI elected prime minister by the Legislative Assembly; Siaosi SOVALENI 16 votes, Aisake EKE 10 note: a Privy Council advises the monarch Topic: Trinidad and Tobagochief of state: President Paula-Mae WEEKES (since 19 March 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Keith ROWLEY (since 9 September 2015) cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among members of Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college of selected Senate and House of Representatives members for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 January 2018 (next to be held by February 2023); the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives as prime minister election results: Paula-Mae WEEKES (independent) elected president; ran unopposed and was elected without a vote; she is Trinidad and Tobago's first female head of state Topic: Tunisiachief of state: President Kais SAIED (elected 13 October, sworn in 23 October 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Najla BOUDEN Romdhane (since 11 October 2021) cabinet: selected by the prime minister and approved by the Assembly of the Representatives of the People; note - on 11 October 2021, SAIED and BOUDEN appointed a new cabinet without approval by the suspended parliament elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 15 September 2019 with a runoff on 13 October 2019 (next to be held in 2024); following legislative elections, the prime minister is selected by the winning party or winning coalition and appointed by the president election results: first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 18.4%, Nabil KAROUI (Heart of Tunisia) 15.6%, Abdelfattah MOUROU (Nahda Movement) 12.9%, Abdelkrim ZBIDI(independent) 10.7%,Youssef CHAHED (Long Live Tunisia) 7.4%, Safi SAID (independent) 7.1%, Lotfi MRAIHI (Republican People's Union) 6.6%, other 21.3%; runoff - Kais SAIED elected president; Kais SAIED 72.7%, Nabil KAROUI 27.3%            first round - Kais SAIED (independent) 18.4%, Nabil KAROUI (Heart of Tunisia) 15.6%, Abdelfattah MOUROU (Nahda Movement) 12.9%, Abdelkrim ZBIDI(independent) 10.7%,Youssef CHAHED (Long Live Tunisia) 7.4%, Safi SAID (independent) 7.1%, Lotfi MRAIHI (Republican People's Union) 6.6%, other 21.3%; runoff - Kais SAIED elected president; Kais SAIED 72.7%, Nabil KAROUI 27.3%       Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)chief of state: President Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (chief of state since 28 August 2014; head of government since 9 July 2019); Vice President Fuat OKTAY (since 9 July 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (head of government since 9 July 2019; chief of state since 28 August 2014); note - a 2017 constitutional referendum eliminated the post of prime minister after the 2018 general election  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 June 2018 (next scheduled for June 2023) election results: Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN reelected president in the first round; Recep Tayyip ERDOGAN (AKP) 52.6%, Muharrem INCE (CHP) 30.6%, Selahattin DEMIRTAS (HDP) 8.4%, Meral AKSENER (IYI) 7.3%, other 1.1% Topic: Turkmenistanchief of state: President Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 19 March 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 19 March 2022) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 7-year term (no term limits); election last held on 12 March 2022 (next to be held in 2029); note - on 11 February 2022, President Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW announced his intent to retire setting up the early presidential election election results: 2022: Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW elected president; percent of vote - Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW 73.0%,  Khydyr NUNNAYEV 11.1%, Agadzhan BEKMYRADOV 7.2%, other 8.7%; note - Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW is the son of previous president Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW 2017: Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW (DPT) 97.7%, other 2.3% 2012: Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW reelected president; percent of vote - Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW 97.1%, Annageldi YAZMYRADOW 1.1%, other candidates 1.8% Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Nigel DAKIN (since 15 July 2019) head of government: Premier Washington MISICK (since 19 February 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor from among members of the House of Assembly elections/appointments: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is appointed premier by the governor Topic: Tuvaluchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Tofiga Vaevalu FALANI (since 29 August 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Kausea NATANO (since 19 September 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on recommendation of the prime minister; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by and from members of House of Assembly following parliamentary elections election results: Kausea NATANO elected prime minister by House of Assembly; House of Assembly vote count on 19 September 2019 - 10 to 6 Topic: Ugandachief of state: President Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 26 January 1986; re-elected for sixth term on 14 January 2021); Vice President Jessica Rose Epel ALUPO (since 21 June 2021); Prime Minister Robinah NABBANJA (since 21 June 2021); First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca KADAGA (since 24 June 2021); Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses ALI (since 21 June 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 26 January 1986; re-elected for sixth term on 14 January 2021); Vice President Jessica Rose Epel ALUPO (since 21 June 2021); Prime Minister Robinah NABBANJA (since 21 June 2021); First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca KADAGA (since 24 June 2021); Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses ALI (since 21 June 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected members of the National Assembly or persons who qualify to be elected as members of the National Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 14 January 2021 (next to be held in 2026) election results: 2021: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 58.6%, Bobi WINE (NUP) 34.8%, Patrick Oboi AMURIAT (FDC) 3.2%, other 3.4% 2016: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 60.6%, Kizza BESIGYE (FDC) 35.6%, other 3.8% Topic: Ukrainechief of state: President Volodymyr ZELENSKYY (since 20 May 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Denys SHMYHAL (since 4 March 2020) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, approved by the Verkhovna Rada elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 March and 21 April 2019 (next to be held in March 2024); prime minister selected by the Verkhovna Rada election results: 2019: Volodymyr ZELENSKYY elected president; first round results: percent of vote - Volodymyr ZELENSKYY (Servant of the People) 30.2%, Petro POROSHENKO (BPP-Solidarity) 15.6%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO (Fatherland) 13.4%, Yuriy BOYKO (Opposition Platform-For Life) 11.7%, 35 other candidates 29.1%; second round results: percent of vote - Volodymyr ZELENSKYY (Servant of the People) 73.2%, Petro POROSHENKO (BPP-Solidarity) 24.5%; Denys SHMYHAL (independent) elected prime minister; Verkhovna Rada vote - 291-59 2014: Petro POROSHENKO elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Petro POROSHENKO (independent) 54.5%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO (Fatherland) 12.9%, Oleh LYASHKO (Radical Party) 8.4%, other 24.2%; Volodymyr HROYSMAN (BPP) elected prime minister; Verkhovna Rada vote - 257-50 note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council; the NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on domestic and international matters and advising the president; a presidential administration helps draft presidential edicts and provides policy support to the president Topic: United Arab Emirateschief of state: President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Nuhayan (since 14 May 2022); Vice President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (since 5 January 2006); note - MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Nuhayan elected president by the Federal Supreme Council following the death of President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayan on 13 May head of government: Prime Minister and Vice President MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (since 5 January 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers SAIF bin Zayid Al-Nuhayan, MANSUR bin Zayid Al-Nuhayan (both since 11 May 2009), and MAKTOUM bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum (since 25 September 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers announced by the prime minister and approved by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by the Federal Supreme Council - composed of the rulers of the 7 emirates - for a 5-year term (no term limits); unscheduled election held on 14 May 2022, following the death of President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayan (next election NA); prime minister and deputy prime minister appointed by the president election results: MUHAMMAD bin Rashid Al-Nuhayan elected president; Federal Supreme Council vote NA note: there is also a Federal Supreme Council (FSC) composed of the 7 emirate rulers; the FSC is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions federal legislation; meets 4 times a year; Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi) and Dubayy (Dubai) rulers have effective veto power; Vice President MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID Al-Maktoum assumed presidential responsibilities after the death of President KHALIFA bin Zayid Al-Nuhayan on 13 May 2022; under the constitution, MUHAMMAD BIN RASHID will serve as President until the FSC meets within 30 days to elect a new president Topic: United Kingdomchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the queen, born 14 November 1948) head of government: Prime Minister Boris JOHNSON (Conservative) (since 24 July 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually becomes the prime minister; election last held on 12 December 2019 (next to be held by 2 May 2024) note: in addition to serving as the UK head of state, the British sovereign is the constitutional monarch for 15 additional Commonwealth countries (these 16 states are each referred to as a Commonwealth realm) Topic: United Stateschief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president, approved by the Senate elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by the Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 November 2020 (next to be held on 5 November 2024) election results: 2020: Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. elected president; electoral vote - Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (Democratic Party) 306, Donald J. TRUMP (Republican Party) 232; percent of direct popular vote - Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. 51.3%, Donald J. TRUMP 46.9%, other 1.8% 2016: Donald J. TRUMP elected president; electoral vote - Donald J. TRUMP (Republican Party) 304, Hillary D. CLINTON (Democratic Party) 227, other 7; percent of direct popular vote - Hillary D. CLINTON 48.2%, Donald J. TRUMP 46.1%, other 5.7% Topic: Uruguaychief of state: President Luis Alberto LACALLE POU (since 1 March 2020); Vice President Beatriz ARGIMON Cedeira (since 1 March 2020); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Luis Alberto LACALLE POU (since 1 March 2020); Vice President Beatriz ARGIMON Cedeira (since 1 March 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the General Assembly elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive terms); election last held on 27 October 2019 with a runoff election on 24 November 2019 (next to be held in October 2024, and a runoff if needed in November 2024) election results: 2019: Luis Alberto LACALLE POU elected president - results of the first round of presidential elections: percent of vote - Daniel MARTINEZ (FA) 40.7%, Luis Alberto LACALLE POU (Blanco) 29.7%, Ernesto TALVI (Colorado Party) 12.8%, and Guido MANINI RIOS (Open Cabildo) 11.3%, other 5.5%; results of the second round: percent of vote - Luis Alberto LACALLE POU (Blanco) 50.6%, Daniel MARTINEZ (FA) 49.4% 2014: Tabare VAZQUEZ elected president in second round; percent of vote - Tabare VAZQUEZ (Socialist Party) 56.5%, Luis Alberto LACALLE Pou (Blanco) 43.4% Topic: Uzbekistanchief of state: President Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (interim president from 8 September 2016; formally elected president on 4 December 2016 to succeed longtime President Islom KARIMOV, who died on 2 September 2016; reelected president on 24 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Abdulla ARIPOV (since 14 December 2016) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president with most requiring approval of the Senate chamber of the Supreme Assembly (Oliy Majlis) elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term; previously a 5-year term, extended by a 2002 constitutional amendment to 7 years, and reverted to 5 years in 2011); election last held on 24 October 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister nominated by majority party in legislature since 2011, but appointed along with the ministers and deputy ministers by the president election results: 2021: Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (LDPU) 80.1%, Maqsuda VORISOVA (PDP) 6.7%, Alisher QODIROV (National Revival Democratic Party) 5.5%, Narzullo OBLOMURODOV (Ecological Party) 4.1%, Bahrom ABDUHALIMOV (Adolat) 3.4% 2016: Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV elected president in first round; percent of vote - Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV (LDPU) 88.6%, Hotamjon KETMONOV (PDP) 3.7%, Narimon UMAROV (Adolat) 3.5%, Sarvar OTAMURODOV (National Revival Democratic Party) 2.4%, other 1.8% Topic: Vanuatuchief of state: President Tallis Obed MOSES (since 6 July 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Bob LOUGHMAN (since 20 April 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and presidents of the 6 provinces; Vanuatu president serves a 5-year term; election last held on 17 June 2017 (next to be held in 2022); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 20 April 2020 (next to be held following general elections in 2024) election results: Bob LOUGHMAN elected prime minister on 20 April 2020; Bob LOUGHMAN 31 votes, Ralph REGENVANU 21 votes Topic: Venezuelachief of state: Notification Statement: the United States recognizes Juan GUAIDO as the Interim President of Venezuela President Nicolas MADURO Moros (since 19 April 2013); Executive Vice President Delcy RODRIGUEZ Gomez (since 14 June 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Nicolas MADURO Moros (since 19 April 2013); Executive Vice President Delcy RODRIGUEZ Gomez (since 14 June 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 6-year term (no term limits); election last held on 20 May 2018 (next election scheduled for 2024) election results: 2018: Nicolas MADURO Moros reelected president; percent of vote - Nicolas MADURO Moros (PSUV) 68%, Henri FALCON (AP) 21%, Javier BERTUCCI 11%; note - the election was marked by serious shortcomings and electoral fraud; voter turnout was approximately 46% due largely to an opposition boycott of the election 2013: Nicolas MADURO Moros elected president; percent of vote - Nicolas MADURO Moros (PSUV) 50.6%, Henrique CAPRILES Radonski (PJ) 49.1%, other 0.3% Topic: Vietnamchief of state: President Nguyen Xuan PHUC (since 26 July 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Pham Minh CHINH (since 26 July 2021) cabinet: Cabinet proposed by prime minister confirmed by the National Assembly and appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by National Assembly from among its members for a single 5-year term; prime minister recommended by the president and confirmed by National Assembly; deputy prime ministers confirmed by the National Assembly and appointed by the president election results: Pham Minh CHINH (CPV) reelected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 95.9%; Nguyen Xuan PHUC (CPV) reelected prime minister; percent of National Assembly vote - 96.8% Topic: Virgin Islandschief of state: President Joseph R. BIDEN Jr. (since 20 January 2021); Vice President Kamala D. HARRIS (since 20 January 2021) head of government: Governor Albert BRYAN, Jr. (since 7 January 2019), Lieutenant Governor Tregenza ROACH (since 7 January 2019) cabinet: Territorial Cabinet appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of 'electors' chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Virgin Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 November 2018 with a runoff on 20 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2022) election results: Albert BRYAN, Jr. elected governor in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 38.1%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 33.5%, Adlah "Foncie" DONASTORG, Jr. (independent) 16.5%, other 11.9%; percent of vote in second round- Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 54.5%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 45.2%, other .3%Albert BRYAN, Jr. elected governor in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 38.1%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 33.5%, Adlah "Foncie" DONASTORG, Jr. (independent) 16.5%, other 11.9%; percent of vote in second round- Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 54.5%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 45.2%, other .3% Topic: Wallis and Futunachief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Administrator Superior Herve JONATHAN (since 11 January 2021) head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Munipoese MULI'AKA'AKA (since 20 March 2022) cabinet: Council of the Territory appointed by the administrator superior on the advice of the Territorial Assembly elections/appointments: French president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); administrator superior appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly elected by assembly members note: there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers Topic: Worldchief of state: there are 27 countries with royal families in the world, most are in Asia (13) and Europe (10), three are in Africa, and one in Oceania; monarchies by continent are as follows: Asia (Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates); Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom); Africa (Eswatini, Lesotho, Morocco); Oceania (Tonga); note that Andorra and the Holy See (Vatican) are also monarchies of a sort, but they are not ruled by royal houses; Andorra has two co-princes (the president of France and the bishop of Urgell) and the Holy See is ruled by an elected pope; note too that the sovereign of Great Britain is also the monarch for many of the countries (including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand) that make up the Commonwealth Topic: Yemenchief of state: on 7 April 2022, President Abd Rabuh Mansur HADI announced the dismissal of Vice President ALI MUHSIN al-Ahmar and formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, an eight-member body chaired by former minister Rashad AL-ALIMI; the council will assume the responsibilities of the president and vice president and carry out the political, security, and military duties of the government head of government: on 7 April 2022, President Abd Rabuh Mansur HADI announced the dismissal of Vice President ALI MUHSIN al-Ahmar and the formation of a Presidential Leadership Council, an eight-member body chaired by former minister Rashad AL-ALIMI; the council will assume the responsibilities of the president and vice president and carry out the political, security, and military duties of the government cabinet: NA elections/appointments: formerly, the president was directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 21 February 2012 (next election NA); note - a special election was held on 21 February 2012 to remove Ali Abdallah SALIH under the terms of a Gulf Cooperation Council-mediated deal during the political crisis of 2011; vice president appointed by the president; prime minister appointed by the president election results: in a special election held on 21 February 2012, Abd Rabuh Mansur HADI (GPC) was elected as a consensus president Topic: Zambiachief of state: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021); Vice President Mutale NALUMANGO (since 24 August 2021); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Hakainde HICHILEMA (since 24 August 2021); Vice President Mutale NALUMANGO (since 24 August 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president from among members of the National Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last held on 12 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026) election results: 2021: Hakainde HICHILEMA elected president; percent of the vote -   Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 57.9%, Edgar LUNGU (PF) 37.3%, other 4.8% 2016: Edgar LUNGU re-elected president; percent of vote - Edgar LUNGU (PF) 50.4%, Hakainde HICHILEMA (UPND) 47.6%, other 2% Topic: Zimbabwechief of state: President Emmerson Dambudzo MNANGAGWA (since 24 November 2017); First Vice President Constantino CHIWENGA (since 28 December 2017); note - Robert Gabriel MUGABE resigned on 21 November 2017, after ruling for 37 years head of government: President Emmerson Dambudzo MNANGAGWA (since 24 November 2017); Vice President Constantino CHIWENGA (since 28 December 2017); Vice President (vacant) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president, responsible to National Assembly elections/appointments: each presidential candidate nominated with a nomination paper signed by at least 10 registered voters (at least 1 candidate from each province) and directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 3 July 2018 (next to be held in 2023); co-vice presidents drawn from party leadership election results: Emmerson MNANGAGWA reelected president in 1st round of voting; percent of vote - Emmerson MNANGAGWA (ZANU-PF) 50.8%, Nelson CHAMISA (MDC-T) 44.3%, Thokozani KHUPE (MDC-N) .9%, other 3%

20220901

countries-burundi

Topic: Photos of Burundi Topic: Introduction Background: Established in the 1600s, the Burundi Kingdom has had borders similar to those of modern Burundi since the 1800s. Burundi’s two major ethnic groups, the majority Hutu and minority Tutsi, share a common language and culture and largely lived in peaceful cohabitation under Tutsi monarchs in pre-colonial Burundi. Regional, class, and clan distinctions contributed to social status in the Burundi Kingdom, yielding a complex class structure. German colonial rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and Belgian rule after World War I preserved Burundi’s monarchy. Seeking to simplify administration, Belgian colonial officials reduced the number of chiefdoms and eliminated most Hutu chiefs from positions of power. In 1961, the Burundian Tutsi king’s oldest son, Louis RWAGASORE was murdered by a competing political faction shortly before he was set to become prime minister, triggering increased political competition that contributed to later instability. Burundi gained its independence from Belgium in 1962 as the Kingdom of Burundi. Revolution in neighboring Rwanda stoked ethnic polarization as the Tutsi increasingly feared violence and loss of political power. A failed Hutu-led coup in 1965 triggered a purge of Hutu officials and set the stage for Tutsi officers to overthrow the monarchy in 1966 and establish a Tutsi-dominated republic. A Hutu rebellion in 1972 that resulted in the death of several thousand Tutsi civilians sparked a brutal crackdown on Hutu civilians by the Tutsi-led military, which ultimately killed 100,000-200,000 people. International pressure led to a new constitution in 1992 and democratic elections in June 1993. Burundi's first democratically elected president, Hutu Melchior NDADAYE, was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office by Tutsi military officers fearing Hutu domination, sparking a civil war. His successor, Cyprien NTARYAMIRA, died when the Rwandan president’s plane he was traveling on was shot down in April 1994, which triggered the Rwandan genocide and further entrenched ethnic conflict in Burundi. The internationally brokered Arusha Agreement, signed in 2000, and subsequent cease-fire agreements with armed movements ended the 1993-2005 civil war. Burundi’s second democratic elections were held in 2005, resulting in the election of Pierre NKURUNZIZA as president. He was reelected in 2010 and again in 2015 after a controversial court decision allowed him to circumvent a term limit. President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE - from NKURUNZIZA’s ruling party - was elected in 2020.Established in the 1600s, the Burundi Kingdom has had borders similar to those of modern Burundi since the 1800s. Burundi’s two major ethnic groups, the majority Hutu and minority Tutsi, share a common language and culture and largely lived in peaceful cohabitation under Tutsi monarchs in pre-colonial Burundi. Regional, class, and clan distinctions contributed to social status in the Burundi Kingdom, yielding a complex class structure. German colonial rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and Belgian rule after World War I preserved Burundi’s monarchy. Seeking to simplify administration, Belgian colonial officials reduced the number of chiefdoms and eliminated most Hutu chiefs from positions of power. In 1961, the Burundian Tutsi king’s oldest son, Louis RWAGASORE was murdered by a competing political faction shortly before he was set to become prime minister, triggering increased political competition that contributed to later instability. Burundi gained its independence from Belgium in 1962 as the Kingdom of Burundi.Revolution in neighboring Rwanda stoked ethnic polarization as the Tutsi increasingly feared violence and loss of political power. A failed Hutu-led coup in 1965 triggered a purge of Hutu officials and set the stage for Tutsi officers to overthrow the monarchy in 1966 and establish a Tutsi-dominated republic. A Hutu rebellion in 1972 that resulted in the death of several thousand Tutsi civilians sparked a brutal crackdown on Hutu civilians by the Tutsi-led military, which ultimately killed 100,000-200,000 people. International pressure led to a new constitution in 1992 and democratic elections in June 1993. Burundi's first democratically elected president, Hutu Melchior NDADAYE, was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office by Tutsi military officers fearing Hutu domination, sparking a civil war. His successor, Cyprien NTARYAMIRA, died when the Rwandan president’s plane he was traveling on was shot down in April 1994, which triggered the Rwandan genocide and further entrenched ethnic conflict in Burundi. The internationally brokered Arusha Agreement, signed in 2000, and subsequent cease-fire agreements with armed movements ended the 1993-2005 civil war. Burundi’s second democratic elections were held in 2005, resulting in the election of Pierre NKURUNZIZA as president. He was reelected in 2010 and again in 2015 after a controversial court decision allowed him to circumvent a term limit. President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE - from NKURUNZIZA’s ruling party - was elected in 2020.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Africa, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, west of Tanzania Geographic coordinates: 3 30 S, 30 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 27,830 sq km land: 25,680 sq km water: 2,150 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,140 km border countries (3): Democratic Republic of the Congo 236 km; Rwanda 315 km; Tanzania 589 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees Celsius but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January) Terrain: hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains Elevation: highest point: unnamed elevation on Mukike Range 2,685 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m mean elevation: 1,504 m Natural resources: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum, vanadium, arable land, hydropower, niobium, tantalum, gold, tin, tungsten, kaolin, limestone Land use: agricultural land: 73.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 38.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 15.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.8% (2018 est.) forest: 6.6% (2018 est.) other: 20.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 230 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia) - 32,000 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Population distribution: one of Africa's most densely populated countries; concentrations tend to be in the north and along the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika in the west; most people live on farms near areas of fertile volcanic soil as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: flooding; landslides; drought Geography - note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote headstream of the White Nile Map description: Burundi map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Burundi map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 12,696,478 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Burundian(s) adjective: Burundian Ethnic groups: Hutu, Tutsi, Twa (Pygmy) Languages: Kirundi only 29.7% (official); French only .3% (official); Swahili only .2%; English only .1% (official); Kirundi and French 8.4%; Kirundi, French, and English 2.4%, other language combinations 2%, unspecified 56.9% (2008 est.) major-language sample(s): Igitabo Mpuzamakungu c'ibimenyetso bifatika, isoko ntabanduka ku nkuru z'urufatiro. (Kirundi) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: data represent languages read and written by people 10 years of age or older; spoken Kirundi is nearly universal Religions: Roman Catholic 58.6%, Protestant 35.3% (includes Adventist 2.7% and other Protestant 32.6%), Muslim 3.4%, other 1.3%, none 1.3% (2016-17 est.) Demographic profile: Burundi is a densely populated country with a high population growth rate, factors that combined with land scarcity and poverty place a large share of its population at risk of food insecurity. About 90% of the population relies on subsistence agriculture. Subdivision of land to sons, and redistribution to returning refugees, results in smaller, overworked, and less productive plots. Food shortages, poverty, and a lack of clean water contribute to a 60% chronic malnutrition rate among children. A lack of reproductive health services has prevented a significant reduction in Burundi’s maternal mortality and fertility rates, which are both among the world’s highest. With two-thirds of its population under the age of 25 and a birth rate of about 6 children per woman, Burundi’s population will continue to expand rapidly for decades to come, putting additional strain on a poor country.Historically, migration flows into and out of Burundi have consisted overwhelmingly of refugees from violent conflicts. In the last decade, more than a half million Burundian refugees returned home from neighboring countries, mainly Tanzania. Reintegrating the returnees has been problematic due to their prolonged time in exile, land scarcity, poor infrastructure, poverty, and unemployment. Repatriates and existing residents (including internally displaced persons) compete for limited land and other resources. To further complicate matters, international aid organizations reduced their assistance because they no longer classified Burundi as a post-conflict country. Conditions have deteriorated since renewed violence erupted in April 2015, causing another outpouring of refugees. In addition to refugee out-migration, Burundi has hosted thousands of refugees from neighboring countries, mostly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and lesser numbers from Rwanda.Burundi is a densely populated country with a high population growth rate, factors that combined with land scarcity and poverty place a large share of its population at risk of food insecurity. About 90% of the population relies on subsistence agriculture. Subdivision of land to sons, and redistribution to returning refugees, results in smaller, overworked, and less productive plots. Food shortages, poverty, and a lack of clean water contribute to a 60% chronic malnutrition rate among children. A lack of reproductive health services has prevented a significant reduction in Burundi’s maternal mortality and fertility rates, which are both among the world’s highest. With two-thirds of its population under the age of 25 and a birth rate of about 6 children per woman, Burundi’s population will continue to expand rapidly for decades to come, putting additional strain on a poor country.Historically, migration flows into and out of Burundi have consisted overwhelmingly of refugees from violent conflicts. In the last decade, more than a half million Burundian refugees returned home from neighboring countries, mainly Tanzania. Reintegrating the returnees has been problematic due to their prolonged time in exile, land scarcity, poor infrastructure, poverty, and unemployment. Repatriates and existing residents (including internally displaced persons) compete for limited land and other resources. To further complicate matters, international aid organizations reduced their assistance because they no longer classified Burundi as a post-conflict country. Conditions have deteriorated since renewed violence erupted in April 2015, causing another outpouring of refugees. In addition to refugee out-migration, Burundi has hosted thousands of refugees from neighboring countries, mostly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and lesser numbers from Rwanda. Age structure: 0-14 years: 43.83% (male 2,618,868/female 2,581,597) 15-24 years: 19.76% (male 1,172,858/female 1,171,966) 25-54 years: 29.18% (male 1,713,985/female 1,748,167) 55-64 years: 4.17% (male 231,088/female 264,131) 65 years and over: 3.06% (2020 est.) (male 155,262/female 207,899) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 91 youth dependency ratio: 86.4 elderly dependency ratio: 4.5 potential support ratio: 22 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 17.7 years male: 17.4 years female: 18 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 3.63% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 35.17 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.96 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 7.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: one of Africa's most densely populated countries; concentrations tend to be in the north and along the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika in the west; most people live on farms near areas of fertile volcanic soil as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 14.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 5.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.139 million BUJUMBURA (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.5 years (2016/17 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 548 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 37.84 deaths/1,000 live births male: 42.02 deaths/1,000 live births female: 33.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.42 years male: 65.32 years female: 69.59 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.03 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 28.5% (2016/17) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.7% of population rural: 78.9% of population total: 81.6% of population unimproved: urban: 1.3% of population rural: 21.1% of population total: 18.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 8% (2019) Physicians density: 0.07 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 0.8 beds/1,000 population (2014) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 87.4% of population rural: 53.7% of population total: 58.4% of population unimproved: urban: 12.6% of population rural: 46.3% of population total: 41.6% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 83,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,700 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 5.4% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 11.8% (2020 est.) male: 17.4% (2020 est.) female: 6.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 27% (2018/19) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 2.8% women married by age 18: 19% men married by age 18: 1.4% (2017 est.) Education expenditures: 5.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 68.4% male: 76.3% female: 61.2% (2017) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 11 years male: 11 years female: 11 years (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 2.9% male: 4.4% female: 2% (2014 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat loss threatens wildlife populations 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, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 35.61 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.5 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.42 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees Celsius but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and two dry seasons (June to August and December to January) Land use: agricultural land: 73.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 38.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 15.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.8% (2018 est.) forest: 6.6% (2018 est.) other: 20.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 14.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 5.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 10.31% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies Food insecurity: widespread lack of access: due to the effects of weather - about 1 million people are estimated to be severely food insecure between January and March 2022, due to livelihood losses and displacements caused by the rising water level of Lake Tanganyika and the overflow of rivers, sustained repatriation flows and the socio-economic impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,872,016 tons (2002 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia) - 32,000 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 43.1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 15 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 222 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 12.536 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Burundi conventional short form: Burundi local long form: Republique du Burundi (French)/ Republika y'u Burundi (Kirundi) local short form: Burundi former: Urundi, German East Africa, Ruanda-Urundi, Kingdom of Burundi etymology: name derived from the pre-colonial Kingdom of Burundi (17th-19th century) Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Gitega (political capital), Bujumbura (commercial capital); note - in January 2019, the Burundian parliament voted to make Gitega the political capital of the country while Bujumbura would remain its economic capital; all branches of the government are expected to have moved from Bujumbura to Gitega by 2022 geographic coordinates: 3 25 S, 29 55 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the naming origins for both Gitega and Bujumbura are obscure; Bujumbura's name prior to independence in 1962 was Usumbura Administrative divisions: 18 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura Mairie, Bujumbura Rural, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rumonge, Rutana, Ruyigi Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) Constitution: history: several previous, ratified by referendum 28 February 2005 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic after consultation with the government or by absolute majority support of the membership in both houses of Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Senate membership and at least four-fifths majority vote by the National Assembly; the president can opt to submit amendment bills to a referendum; constitutional articles including those on national unity, the secularity of Burundi, its democratic form of government, and its sovereignty cannot be amended; amended 2018 (amendments extended the presidential term from 5 to 7 years, reintroduced the position of prime minister, and reduced the number of vice presidents from 2 to 1) Legal system: mixed legal system of Belgian civil law and customary law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; withdrew from ICCt in October 2017 Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Burundi dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (since 18 June 2020); Vice President Prosper BAZOMBANZA (since 24 June 2020); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (since 18 June 2020); Vice President Prosper BAZOMBANZA (since 24 June 2020); Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume BUNYONI (since 24 June 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 7-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 May 2020 (next to be held in 2025); vice presidents nominated by the president, endorsed by Parliament; note - a 2018 constitutional referendum effective for the 2020 election, increased the presidential term from 5 to 7 years with a 2-consecutive-term limit, reinstated the position of the prime minister position, and reduced the number of vice presidents from 2 to 1 (2020) election results: Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE elected president; percent of vote - Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE (CNDD-FDD) 71.5%, Agathon RWASA (CNL) 25.2%, Gaston SINDIMWO (UPRONA) 1.7%, OTHER 1.6% Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of: Senate or Inama Nkenguzamateka (39 seats in the July 2020 election); 36 members indirectly elected by an electoral college of provincial councils using a three-round voting system, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in the first two rounds and simple majority vote for the two leading candidates in the final round; 3 seats reserved for Twas, and 30% of all votes reserved for women; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly or Inama Nshingamateka (123 seats in the May 2020 election; 100 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and 23 co-opted members; 60% of seats allocated to Hutu and 40% to Tutsi; 3 seats reserved for Twas; 30% of total seats reserved for women; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 20 July 2020 (next to be held in 2025) National Assembly - last held on 20 May 2020 (next to be held in 2025) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - CNDD-FDD 87.2%, Twa 7.7%, CNL 2.6%, UPRONA 2.6%; seats by party - CNDD-FDD 34, CNL 1, UPRONA 1, Twa 3; composition - men 23, women 16, percent of women 37.2% National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CNDD-FDD 70.9%, CNL 23.4%, UPRONA 2.5%, other (co-opted Twa) 3.2%; seats by party - CNDD-FDD 86, CNL 32, UPRONA 2, Twa 3; composition - men 76, women 47, percent of women 38.2%; note - total Parliament percent of women 38% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 9 judges and organized into judicial, administrative, and cassation chambers); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 members) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Judicial Service Commission, a 15-member independent body of judicial and legal profession officials), appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate and serve 6-year nonrenewable terms subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; County Courts; Courts of Residence; Martial Court; Court Against Corruption; Commercial Court Political parties and leaders: Front for Democracy in Burundi-Nyakuri or FRODEBU-Nyakuri [Keffa NIBIZI] Front for Democracy in Burundi-Sahwanya or FRODEBU-Sahwanya [Pierre Claver NAHIMANA] National Congress for Liberty or CNL [Agathon RWASA] National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Front for the Defense of Democracy or CNDD-FDD [Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE] National Liberation Forces or FNL [Jacques BIGITIMANA] Union for National Progress (Union pour le Progress Nationale) or UPRONA [Abel GASHATSI] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, CEMAC, CEPGL, CICA, COMESA, EAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jean de Dieu NDIKUMANA (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574 FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578 email address and website: burundiembusadc@gmail.com https://burundiembassy-usa.com/index.php Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Melanie Harris HIGGINS (since 2 March 2021) embassy: B.P. 1720, Avenue Des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura mailing address: 2100 Bujumbura Place, Washington DC  20521-2100 telephone: [257] 22-207-000 FAX: [257] 22-222-926 email address and website: BujumburaC@state.gov https://bi.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and fly side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below); green symbolizes hope and optimism, white purity and peace, and red the blood shed in the struggle for independence; the three stars in the disk represent the three major ethnic groups: Hutu, Twa, Tutsi, as well as the three elements in the national motto: unity, work, progress National symbol(s): lion; national colors: red, white, green National anthem: name: "Burundi Bwacu" (Our Beloved Burundi) lyrics/music: Jean-Baptiste NTAHOKAJA/Marc BARENGAYABO note: adopted 1962 Topic: Economy Economic overview: Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. Agriculture accounts for over 40% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee and tea, which account for more than half of foreign exchange earnings, but these earnings are subject to fluctuations in weather and international coffee and tea prices, Burundi is heavily dependent on aid from bilateral and multilateral donors, as well as foreign exchange earnings from participation in the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Foreign aid represented 48% of Burundi's national income in 2015, one of the highest percentages in Sub-Saharan Africa, but this figure decreased to 33.5% in 2016 due to political turmoil surrounding President NKURUNZIZA’s bid for a third term. Burundi joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2009.   Burundi faces several underlying weaknesses – low governmental capacity, corruption, a high poverty rate, poor educational levels, a weak legal system, a poor transportation network, and overburdened utilities – that have prevented the implementation of planned economic reforms. The purchasing power of most Burundians has decreased as wage increases have not kept pace with inflation, which reached approximately 18% in 2017.   Real GDP growth dropped precipitously following political events in 2015 and has yet to recover to pre-conflict levels. Continued resistance by donors and the international community will restrict Burundi’s economic growth as the country deals with a large current account deficit.Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. Agriculture accounts for over 40% of GDP and employs more than 90% of the population. Burundi's primary exports are coffee and tea, which account for more than half of foreign exchange earnings, but these earnings are subject to fluctuations in weather and international coffee and tea prices, Burundi is heavily dependent on aid from bilateral and multilateral donors, as well as foreign exchange earnings from participation in the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Foreign aid represented 48% of Burundi's national income in 2015, one of the highest percentages in Sub-Saharan Africa, but this figure decreased to 33.5% in 2016 due to political turmoil surrounding President NKURUNZIZA’s bid for a third term. Burundi joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2009. Burundi faces several underlying weaknesses – low governmental capacity, corruption, a high poverty rate, poor educational levels, a weak legal system, a poor transportation network, and overburdened utilities – that have prevented the implementation of planned economic reforms. The purchasing power of most Burundians has decreased as wage increases have not kept pace with inflation, which reached approximately 18% in 2017. Real GDP growth dropped precipitously following political events in 2015 and has yet to recover to pre-conflict levels. Continued resistance by donors and the international community will restrict Burundi’s economic growth as the country deals with a large current account deficit. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $8.69 billion (2020 est.) $8.67 billion (2019 est.) $8.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 0% (2017 est.) -1% (2016 est.) -4% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $700 (2020 est.) $800 (2019 est.) $800 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $3.027 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.6% (2019 est.) -2.5% (2018 est.) 15.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 39.5% (2017 est.) industry: 16.4% (2017 est.) services: 44.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 83% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 5.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -25.3% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, plantains, beans, vegetables, potatoes, cashew nuts, maize, taro Industries: light consumer goods (sugar, shoes, soap, beer); cement, assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing (fruits) Industrial production growth rate: -2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 5.012 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 93.6% industry: 2.3% services: 4.1% (2002 est.) Unemployment rate: NANA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 2.9% male: 4.4% female: 2% (2014 est.) Population below poverty line: 64.6% (2014 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 38.6 (2013 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.1% highest 10%: 28% (2006) Budget: revenues: 536.7 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 729.6 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 51.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 48.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 15.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$418 million (2017 est.) -$411 million (2016 est.) Exports: $290 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $283 million (2018 est.) $315 million (2017 est.) Exports - partners: United Arab Emirates 50%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: gold, coffee, tea, raw earth metal ores, wheat flours (2019) Imports: $910 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $927 million (2018 est.) $1.295 billion (2017 est.) Imports - partners: China 14%, Saudi Arabia 14%, India 9%, Kenya 7%, United Arab Emirates 7%, Tanzania 5%, Zambia 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cement, raw sugar, cars (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $97.4 million (31 December 2017 est.) $95.17 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $610.9 million (31 December 2017 est.) $622.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Burundi francs (BIF) per US dollar - 1,945 (2020 est.) 1,876.25 (2019 est.) 1,800.495 (2018 est.) 1,571.9 (2014 est.) 1,546.7 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 11% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 66% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 2% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 100,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 440.774 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 100 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 15.96 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 33.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 62.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 1,374 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 715,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 715,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 1.087 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 18,300 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 6,631,151 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Burundi provides an attractive telecom market given its high population density and existing low subscription rates for all services; one downside for investors is that the country has a very low economic output, disposable income is also very low, and fixed-line infrastructure is poor outside the main urban areas; this is a greater motivation for investors to focus on improving mobile networks than in expanding fixed-line infrastructure; to overcome difficulties associated with the poor telecom infrastructure, the government has supported a number of prominent telcos building a national fiber backbone network; this network offers onward connectivity to submarine cable infrastructure landings in Kenya and Tanzania; the first sections of this network were switched on in early 2014, and additional provinces have since been connected; in addition, the government in early 2018 kick-started the Burundi Broadband project, which aims to deliver national connectivity by 2025; based on this improved infrastructure the government and ITU have developed an ICT strategy to make use of telecoms to promote the country’s socio-economic development through to 2028; progress made by Tanzania with its own national backbone network has benefited Burundi, which has been provided with onward connectivity to most countries in the region; International bandwidth capacity has continued to increase in recent years, including a 38% increase in the nine months to September 2021, resulting in lower retail prices for consumers; two of the mobile operators have launched 3G and LTE services to capitalize on the growing demand for internet access; the number of mobile subscribers increased 7% in the third quarter of 2021, quarter-on-quarter; similar growth is expected for the next two years at least, which will help bring the mobile level closer to the average for the region. (2022) domestic: telephone density one of the lowest in the world; fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is about 56 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); the government, supported by the Word Bank, has backed a joint venture with a number of prominent telecoms to build a national fiber backbone network, offering onward connectivity to submarine cable infrastructure landings in Kenya and Tanzania (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: state-controlled Radio Television Nationale de Burundi (RTNB) operates a TV station and a national radio network; 3 private TV stations and about 10 privately owned radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available in Bujumbura (2019) Internet country code: .bi Internet users: total: 1,070,170 (2020 est.) percent of population: 9% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 4,230 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.04 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9U Airports: total: 7 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 12,322 km (2016) paved: 1,500 km (2016) unpaved: 10,822 km (2016) Waterways: 673 km (2022) (mainly on Lake Tanganyika between Bujumbura, Burundi's principal port, and lake ports in Tanzania, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo) Ports and terminals: lake port(s): Bujumbura (Lake Tanganyika) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: National Defense Forces (Forces de Defense Nationale, FDN): Army (includes maritime wing, air wing); Ministry of Public Security: National Police (Police Nationale du Burundi) (2022) Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.1% of GDP (2020 est.) 3% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $120 million) 2.3% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $100 million) 2.1% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $95 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 30,000 active duty troops, the majority of which are ground forces (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FDN is armed mostly with weapons from Russia and the former Soviet Union, with some Western equipment, largely from France; since 2010, the FDN has received small amounts of mostly second-hand equipment from China, South Africa, and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2021) Military deployments: 760 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 5,400 Somalia (ATMIS) (2022) Military - note: in addition to its foreign deployments, the FDN was focused on internal security missions, particularly against rebel groups opposed to the regime such as National Forces of Liberation (FNL), the Resistance for the Rule of Law-Tabara (aka RED Tabara), and Popular Forces of Burundi (FPB or FOREBU); these groups were based in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and have carried out sporadic attacks in Burundi (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: cross-border conflicts persist among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups, associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in the Great Lakes region Burundi-Rwanda: Burundi's Ngozi province and Rwanda's Butare province dispute the two-kilometer-square hilly farmed area of Sabanerwa in the Rukurazi Valley where the Akanyaru/Kanyaru River shifted its course southward after heavy rains in 1965 around Kibinga Hill in Rwanda's Butare Province cross-border conflicts persist among Tutsi, Hutu, other ethnic groups, associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in the Great Lakes region Burundi-Rwanda: Burundi's Ngozi province and Rwanda's Butare province dispute the two-kilometer-square hilly farmed area of Sabanerwa in the Rukurazi Valley where the Akanyaru/Kanyaru River shifted its course southward after heavy rains in 1965 around Kibinga Hill in Rwanda's Butare Province Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 84,961 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2022) IDPs: 84,791 (some ethnic Tutsis remain displaced from intercommunal violence that broke out after the 1,993 coup and fighting between government forces and rebel groups; violence since April 2015) (2022) stateless persons: 767 (mid-year 2021) Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Burundi and victims from Burundi abroad; traffickers take advantage of Burundians in precarious or desperate situations, including returned refugees; children were reportedly recruited by armed groups and forced to participate in anti-government activities; non-state armed groups allegedly used threats, intimidation, and physical assaults to coerce refugees in a camp in Rwanda to support the Burundian opposition; children and young adults are trafficked by relatives, neighbors, and friends and are subjected to forced labor in agriculture, mining, informal commerce, charcoal production, and fishing; some girls and young women are forced into domestic servitude and sex trafficking in restaurants and bars around Lake Tanganyika; women and girls who go to the Middle East for domestic service jobs report physical and sexual abuse tier rating: Tier 3 — Burundi does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government worked with an international organization to provide training to immigration officials, identified victims of trafficking abroad, and conducted public awareness campaigns with an international organization; however, authorities did not convict any traffickers for the fifth consecutive year and did not investigate, prosecute, or convict officials allegedly complicit in human trafficking; the government did not have standard operating procedures to identify and refer victims to services and did not have adequate protection services for victims; authorities continued to lack a clear understanding of trafficking despite the government providing training to immigration officials (2020)

20220901

field-merchant-marine-country-comparison

20220901

countries-estonia

Topic: Photos of Estonia Topic: Introduction Background: After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with the West. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004, formally joined the OECD in late 2010, and adopted the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2011.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia Geographic coordinates: 59 00 N, 26 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 45,228 sq km land: 42,388 sq km water: 2,840 sq km note: includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea Area - comparative: about twice the size of New Jersey Land boundaries: total: 657 km border countries (2): Latvia 333 km; Russia 324 km Coastline: 3,794 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers Terrain: marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south Elevation: highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 61 m Natural resources: oil shale, peat, rare earth elements, phosphorite, clay, limestone, sand, dolomite, arable land, sea mud Land use: agricultural land: 22.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 14.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.2% (2018 est.) forest: 52.1% (2018 est.) other: 25.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 40 sq km (2012) Population distribution: a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations Natural hazards: sometimes flooding occurs in the spring Geography - note: the mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands Map description: Estonia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea.Estonia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,211,524 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Estonian(s) adjective: Estonian Ethnic groups: Estonian 68.7%, Russian 24.8%, Ukrainian 1.7%, Belarusian 1%, Finn 0.6%, other 1.6%, unspecified 1.6% (2011 est.) Languages: Estonian (official) 68.5%, Russian 29.6%, Ukrainian 0.6%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) Religions: Orthodox 16.2%, Lutheran 9.9%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 2.2%, other 0.9%, none 54.1%, unspecified 16.7% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.22% (male 102,191/female 97,116) 15-24 years: 8.86% (male 56,484/female 52,378) 25-54 years: 40.34% (male 252,273/female 243,382) 55-64 years: 13.58% (male 76,251/female 90,576) 65 years and over: 21% (2020 est.) (male 89,211/female 168,762) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 58.4 youth dependency ratio: 26.1 elderly dependency ratio: 32.3 potential support ratio: 3.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 43.7 years male: 40.4 years female: 47 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.71% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.75 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 13.1 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -2.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations Urbanization: urban population: 69.6% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 452,000 TALLINN (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.42 male(s)/female total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 28.2 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 9 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.42 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.29 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.88 years male: 73.25 years female: 82.73 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.61 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 99.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 6.7% (2019) Physicians density: 3.47 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 4.6 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.8% of population rural: 100% of population total: 99.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0.2% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.8% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 7,100 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 21.2% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 29.7% (2020 est.) male: 36.3% (2020 est.) female: 23% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 0.4% (2013/15) Education expenditures: 5.2% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.8% male: 99.8% female: 99.8% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years male: 15 years female: 17 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17.9% male: 17.4% female: 18.4% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; however, the amounts of pollutants emitted to the air have fallen dramatically and the pollution load of wastewater at purification plants has decreased substantially due to improved technology and environmental monitoring; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 6.74 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 16.59 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.99 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers Land use: agricultural land: 22.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 14.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.2% (2018 est.) forest: 52.1% (2018 est.) other: 25.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 69.6% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.85% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 473,000 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 117,020 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.7% (2015 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 59.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1.721 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 4.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 12.806 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Estonia conventional short form: Estonia local long form: Eesti Vabariik local short form: Eesti former: Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR) etymology: the country name may derive from the Aesti, an ancient people who lived along the eastern Baltic Sea in the first centuries A.D. Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Tallinn geographic coordinates: 59 26 N, 24 43 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the Estonian name is generally believed to be derived from "Taani-linn" (originally meaning "Danish castle", now "Danish town") after a stronghold built in the area by the Danes; it could also have come from "tali-linn" ("winter castle" or "winter town") or "talu-linn" ("home castle" or "home town") Administrative divisions: 15 urban municipalities (linnad, singular - linn), 64 rural municipalities (vallad, singular vald) urban municipalities: Haapsalu, Keila, Kohtla-Jarve, Loksa, Maardu, Narva, Narva-Joesuu, Paide, Parnu, Rakvere, Sillamae, Tallinn, Tartu, Viljandi, Voru rural municipalities: Alutaguse, Anija, Antsla, Elva, Haademeeste, Haljala, Harku, Hiiumaa, Jarva, Joelahtme, Jogeva, Johvi, Kadrina, Kambja, Kanepi, Kastre, Kehtna, Kihnu, Kiili, Kohila, Kose, Kuusalu, Laane-Harju, Laane-Nigula, Laaneranna, Luganuse, Luunja, Marjamaa, Muhu, Mulgi, Mustvee, Noo, Otepaa, Peipsiaare, Pohja-Parnumaa, Pohja-Sakala, Poltsamaa, Polva, Raasiku, Rae, Rakvere, Räpina, Rapla, Rouge, Ruhnu, Saarde, Saaremaa, Saku, Saue, Setomaa, Tapa, Tartu, Toila, Tori, Torva, Turi, Vaike-Maarja, Valga, Viimsi, Viljandi, Vinni, Viru-Nigula, Vormsi, Voru Independence: 24 February 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 20 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 24 February (1918); note - 24 February 1918 was the date Estonia declared its independence from Soviet Russia and established its statehood; 20 August 1991 was the date it declared its independence from the Soviet Union restoring its statehood Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 28 June 1992, entered into force 3 July 1992 amendments: proposed by at least one-fifth of Parliament members or by the president of the republic; passage requires three readings of the proposed amendment and a simple majority vote in two successive memberships of Parliament; passage of amendments to the "General Provisions" and "Amendment of the Constitution" chapters requires at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament to conduct a referendum and majority vote in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2015 Legal system: civil law system International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Estonia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; age 16 for local elections Executive branch: chief of state: President Alar KARIS (since 11 October 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Kaja KALLAS (since 26 January 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister, approved by Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president; in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament election results: 2021: Alar KARIS elected president; parliamentary vote Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes;  KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister 2016: Kersti KALJULAID is indirectly elected president with 81 of 98 votes in parliament (17 ballots blank). She is sworn in on October 10 as the first female head of state of Estonia.president indirectly elected by Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); if a candidate does not secure two thirds of the votes after 3 rounds of balloting, then an electoral college consisting of Parliament members and local council members elects the president, choosing between the 2 candidates with the highest number of votes; election last held on 30-31 August 2021 (next to be held in 2026); in a first round of voting on 30 August, parliament failed to elect a president; in a second round on 31 August, the sole candidate, Alar KARIS, received 72 votes of 101 votes (there were 8 blank votes and 21 electors not present); prime minister nominated by the president and approved by Parliament2021: Alar KARIS elected president; parliamentary vote Alar KARIS (independent) 72 of 101 votes;  KALLAS is Estonia's first female prime minister 2016: Kersti KALJULAID is indirectly elected president with 81 of 98 votes in parliament (17 ballots blank). She is sworn in on October 10 as the first female head of state of Estonia. Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament or Riigikogu (101 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by open- list proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 3 March 2019 (next to be held in March 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - RE 28.9%, K 23.1%, EKRE 17.8%, Pro Patria 11.4%, SDE 9.8%, other 9%; seats by party - RE 34, K 26, EKRE 19, Pro Patria 12, SDE 10; composition - men 75, women 26, percent of women 25.7% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 19 justices, including the chief justice, and organized into civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional review chambers) judge selection and term of office: the chief justice is proposed by the president of the republic and appointed by the Riigikogu; other justices proposed by the chief justice and appointed by the Riigikogu; justices appointed for life subordinate courts: circuit (appellate) courts; administrative, county, city, and specialized courts Political parties and leaders: Center Party of Estonia (Keskerakond) or K [Juri RATAS] Estonia 200 [Kristina KALLAS] Estonian Conservative People's Party (Konservatiivne Rahvaerakond) or EKRE [Mart HELME] Estonian Reform Party (Reformierakond) or RE [Kaja KALLAS] Free Party or EV [Andres HERKEL] Pro Patria (Isamaa) [Helir-Valdor SEEDER] Social Democratic Party or SDE [Jevgeni OSSINOVSKI] International organization participation: Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kristjan PRIKK (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 1990 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 588-0101 FAX: [1] (202) 588-0108 email address and website: Embassy.Washington@mfa.ee https://washington.mfa.ee/ consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Brian RORAFF (since July 2019) embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn mailing address: 4530 Tallinn Place, Washington DC  20521-4530 telephone: [372] 668-8100 FAX: [372] 668-8265 email address and website: acstallinn@state.gov https://ee.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white; various interpretations are linked to the flag colors; blue represents faith, loyalty, and devotion, while also reminiscent of the sky, sea, and lakes of the country; black symbolizes the soil of the country and the dark past and suffering endured by the Estonian people; white refers to the striving towards enlightenment and virtue, and is the color of birch bark and snow, as well as summer nights illuminated by the midnight sun National symbol(s): barn swallow, cornflower; national colors: blue, black, white National anthem: name: "Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room" (My Native Land, My Pride and Joy) lyrics/music: Johann Voldemar JANNSEN/Fredrik PACIUS note: adopted 1920, though banned between 1940 and 1990 under Soviet occupation; the anthem, used in Estonia since 1869, shares the same melody as Finland's but has different lyrics National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center (Old Town) of Tallinn; Struve Geodetic Arc Topic: Economy Economic overview: Estonia, a member of the EU since 2004 and the euro zone since 2011, has a modern market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region, but its economy is highly dependent on trade, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda, and sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU.   The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Russia. The economy’s 4.9% GDP growth in 2017 was the fastest in the past six years, leaving the Estonian economy in its best position since the financial crisis 10 years ago. For the first time in many years, labor productivity increased faster than labor costs in 2017. Inflation also rose in 2017 to 3.5% alongside increased global prices for food and energy, which make up a large share of Estonia’s consumption.   Estonia is challenged by a shortage of labor, both skilled and unskilled, although the government has amended its immigration law to allow easier hiring of highly qualified foreign workers, and wage growth that outpaces productivity gains. The government is also pursuing efforts to boost productivity growth with a focus on innovations that emphasize technology start-ups and e-commerce.Estonia, a member of the EU since 2004 and the euro zone since 2011, has a modern market-based economy and one of the higher per capita income levels in Central Europe and the Baltic region, but its economy is highly dependent on trade, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks. Estonia's successive governments have pursued a free market, pro-business economic agenda, and sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU. The economy benefits from strong electronics and telecommunications sectors and strong trade ties with Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Russia. The economy’s 4.9% GDP growth in 2017 was the fastest in the past six years, leaving the Estonian economy in its best position since the financial crisis 10 years ago. For the first time in many years, labor productivity increased faster than labor costs in 2017. Inflation also rose in 2017 to 3.5% alongside increased global prices for food and energy, which make up a large share of Estonia’s consumption. Estonia is challenged by a shortage of labor, both skilled and unskilled, although the government has amended its immigration law to allow easier hiring of highly qualified foreign workers, and wage growth that outpaces productivity gains. The government is also pursuing efforts to boost productivity growth with a focus on innovations that emphasize technology start-ups and e-commerce. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $47.44 billion (2020 est.) $48.87 billion (2019 est.) $46.54 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5% (2019 est.) 4.36% (2018 est.) 5.51% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $35,600 (2020 est.) $36,800 (2019 est.) $35,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $31.461 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.2% (2019 est.) 3.4% (2018 est.) 3.4% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AA- (2018) Moody's rating: A1 (2002) Standard & Poors rating: AA- (2011) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.8% (2017 est.) industry: 29.2% (2017 est.) services: 68.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 50.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 77.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -74% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, milk, barley, rapeseed, rye, oats, peas, potatoes, pork, triticale Industries: food, engineering, electronics, wood and wood products, textiles; information technology, telecommunications Industrial production growth rate: 9.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 648,000 (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2.7% industry: 20.5% services: 76.8% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.94% (2019 est.) 4.73% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17.9% male: 17.4% female: 18.4% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 21.7% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 30.4 (2017 est.) 35.6 (2014) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 25.6% (2015) Budget: revenues: 10.37 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 10.44 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 9% of GDP (2017 est.) 9.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds Taxes and other revenues: 39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $616 million (2019 est.) $280 million (2018 est.) Exports: $21.69 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.94 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.69 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Finland 13%, Sweden 9%, Latvia 8%, Russia 8%, United States 7%, Lithuania 6%, Germany 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, prefabricated buildings (2019) Imports: $21.73 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.68 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.89 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Russia 12%, Germany 10%, Finland 9%, Lithuania 7%, Latvia 7%, Sweden 6%, Poland 6%, China 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, coal tar oil, broadcasting equipment, packaged medicines (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $345 million (31 December 2017 est.) $352.2 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $23.944 billion (2019 est.) $23.607 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 3.03 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 9.172 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 3.722 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 7.367 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 375 million kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 55.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 14.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 27.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 3,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 3,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 21,800 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 27,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 27,150 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 35,520 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 417.106 million cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 417.276 million cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 4.924 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 44,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 3.979 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 901,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 76.329 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 304,728 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1,925,789 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 145 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the competitive telecom market continues to progress with a range of regulatory measures which have enabled alternative operators to chip away at the fixed-line market share of the incumbent telco Telia Estonia; fixed-line infrastructure upgrades have been focused on fiber, and the legacy DSL network has gradually been replaced; the MNOs Telia, Elisa and Tele2 have comprehensive LTE infrastructure in place; limited commercial 5G deployments have been made though an expansion of service availability awaits the delayed auction of spectrum in the 3.5GHz band, which is expected to be held later in 2021. (2021) domestic: just under 23 per 100 for fixed-line subscribership and approximately 145 per 100 for mobile-cellular; substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income tax returns online, and online voting - in local and parliamentary elections - has climbed steadily since first being introduced in 2005; a large percent of Estonian households have broadband access (2020) international: country code - 372; landing points for the EE-S-1, EESF-3, Baltic Sea Submarine Cable, FEC and EESF-2 fiber-optic submarine cables to other Estonia points, Finland, and Sweden; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: the publicly owned broadcaster, Eesti Rahvusringhaaling (ERR), operates 3 TV channels and 5 radio networks; growing number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting nationally, regionally, and locally; fully transitioned to digital television in 2010; national private TV channels expanding service; a range of channels are aimed at Russian-speaking viewers; in 2016, there were 42 on-demand services available in Estonia, including 19 pay TVOD and SVOD services; roughly 85% of households accessed digital television services Internet country code: .ee Internet users: total: 1,183,236 (2020 est.) percent of population: 89% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 415,610 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 14 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 31,981 (2018) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: ES Airports: total: 18 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 13 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 2,360 km gas (2016) Railways: total: 2,146 km (2016) broad gauge: 2,146 km (2016) 1.520-m and 1.524-m gauge (132 km electrified) note: includes 1,510 km public and 636 km non-public railway Roadways: total: 58,412 km (2011) (includes urban roads) paved: 10,427 km (2011) (includes 115 km of expressways) unpaved: 47,985 km (2011) Waterways: 335 km (2011) (320 km are navigable year-round) Merchant marine: total: 68 by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 4, other 62 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Kuivastu, Kunda, Muuga, Parnu Reid, Sillamae, Tallinn Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Estonian Defense Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, Estonian Defense League (Reserves) (2022) Military expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.4% of GDP (2020) 2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $850 million) 2% of GDP (2018) (approximately $800 million) 2% of GDP (2017) (approximately $750 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 7,000 active duty personnel; approximately 15,000 Defense League (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Estonian Defense Forces have a limited inventory of Soviet-era and more recently acquired modern weapons systems, largely from western European countries, particularly France and the Netherlands (2021) Military service age and obligation: men 18-27 for compulsory military or governmental service, conscript service requirement 8-11 months depending on education; NCOs, reserve officers, and specialists serve 11 months; women can volunteer and as of 2018, women could serve in any branch of the military (2021) note: conscripts comprise about half (approximately 3,000-3,300) of the Estonian military's 6,500 active personnel and serve in all branches, except for the Air Force, which does not have conscripts; in 2020, women comprised about 10% of the full-time professional military force Military - note: Estonia officially became a member of NATO in 2004 since 2017, Estonia has hosted a UK-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative NATO also has provided air protection for Estonia since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft have been hosted at Estonia’s Ämari Air Base since 2014 (2022)since 2017, Estonia has hosted a UK-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiativeNATO also has provided air protection for Estonia since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft have been hosted at Estonia’s Ämari Air Base since 2014 Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Russia and Estonia in May 2005 signed a technical border agreement, but Russia in June 2005 recalled its signature after the Estonian parliament added to its domestic ratification act a historical preamble referencing the Soviet occupation and Estonia's pre-war borders under the 1920 Treaty of Tartu; Russia contends that the preamble allows Estonia to make territorial claims on Russia in the future, while Estonian officials deny that the preamble has any legal impact on the treaty text; Russia demands better treatment of the Russian-speaking population in Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia implements strict Schengen border rules with RussiaRussia and Estonia in May 2005 signed a technical border agreement, but Russia in June 2005 recalled its signature after the Estonian parliament added to its domestic ratification act a historical preamble referencing the Soviet occupation and Estonia's pre-war borders under the 1920 Treaty of Tartu; Russia contends that the preamble allows Estonia to make territorial claims on Russia in the future, while Estonian officials deny that the preamble has any legal impact on the treaty text; Russia demands better treatment of the Russian-speaking population in Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia implements strict Schengen border rules with Russia Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 49,471 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 71,873 (mid-year 2021); note - following independence in 1991, automatic citizenship was restricted to those who were Estonian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants; thousands of ethnic Russians remained stateless when forced to choose between passing Estonian language and citizenship tests or applying for Russian citizenship; one reason for demurring on Estonian citizenship was to retain the right of visa-free travel to Russia; stateless residents can vote in local elections but not general elections; stateless parents who have been lawful residents of Estonia for at least five years can apply for citizenship for their children before they turn 15 years old Illicit drugs: producer of synthetic drugs; important transshipment zone for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and synthetic drugs since joining the European Union and the Schengen Accord; potential money laundering related to organized crime and drug trafficking is a concern, as is possible use of the gambling sector to launder funds; major use of opiates and ecstasy

20220901

field-carbon-dioxide-emissions

This field refers to a country's amount of carbon dioxide released by burning coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Data are reported in metric tonnes of CO2. Topic: Afghanistan7.893 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 4.158 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.468 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 267,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Albania3.794 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 235,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.482 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 78,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Algeria151.633 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 352,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 57.867 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 93.414 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: American Samoa355,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 355,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Angola19.362 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 17.673 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1.689 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Antarctica28,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 28,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda729,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 729,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Argentina193.205 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 2.122 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 94.208 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 96.875 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Armenia6.354 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 12,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.364 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.978 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Aruba1.254 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.254 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Australia417.87 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 162.26 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 158.668 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 96.942 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Austria65.54 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 10.508 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 37.336 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 17.695 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan35.389 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 29,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 12.863 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 22.497 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The3.984 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.976 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 7,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bahrain43.112 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 7.308 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 35.804 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bangladesh96.18 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 16.538 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 18.535 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 61.107 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Barbados1.703 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.662 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 41,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Belarus54.695 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.623 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 16.856 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 36.217 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Belgium128.247 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 10.301 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 83.474 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 34.472 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Belize541,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 541,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Benin6.903 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 274,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 6.592 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 37,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bermuda796,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 796,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bhutan934,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 328,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 606,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bolivia17.786 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 12.071 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 5.715 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina16.209 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 10.923 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.871 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 415,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Botswana5.965 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 2.922 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.042 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Brazil456.67 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 63.53 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 328.824 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 64.316 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islands173,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 173,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Brunei9.956 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.387 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 7.569 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Bulgaria38.373 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 20.483 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 12.248 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 5.642 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso4.444 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.444 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Burma31.848 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3.881 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 20.832 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 7.134 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Burundi715,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 715,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde1.002 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.002 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cambodia13.844 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 4.837 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 9.007 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cameroon7.105 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 5.171 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1.935 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Canada612.084 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 56.087 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 311.336 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 244.66 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cayman Islands808,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 808,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Central African Republic285,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 285,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Chad1.771 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.771 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Chile88.333 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 24.217 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 51.228 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 12.888 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: China10,773,248,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 8,652,419,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1,520,552,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 600.276 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Colombia81.007 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 12.666 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 47.679 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 20.662 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Comoros326,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 326,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the2.653 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 44,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.608 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the4.523 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.777 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2.747 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cook Islands114,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 114,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Costa Rica8.115 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 8.114 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire11.88 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 7.332 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.548 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Croatia16.752 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.674 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 9.4 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 5.678 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cuba16.478 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 28,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 14.636 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1.814 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Cyprus8.024 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 8.024 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Czechia99.533 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 57.268 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 25.526 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 16.739 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Denmark33.85 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3.455 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 24.621 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 5.775 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Djibouti610,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 610,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Dominica182,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 182,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic26.808 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 4.713 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 18.951 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 3.144 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Ecuador36.051 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 45,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 35.329 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 677,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Egypt235.137 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 8.728 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 112.281 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 114.128 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: El Salvador7.632 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 7.63 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea4.528 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.409 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2.119 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Eritrea798,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 798,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Estonia4.924 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 44,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.979 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 901,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Eswatini1.224 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 350,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 875,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Ethiopia16.798 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.474 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 15.324 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: European Union3.475 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2015 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)46,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 46,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands870,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 870,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Fiji1.691 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.691 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Finland41.996 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 9.377 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 27.737 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.882 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: France338.425 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 26.971 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 225.865 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 85.589 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: French Polynesia1.03 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.03 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Gabon2.651 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.025 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 626,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Gambia, The606,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 606,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip3.341 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank From petroleum and other liquids: 3.341 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: Georgia10.299 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.063 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.245 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.992 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Germany726.881 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 218.636 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 316.064 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 192.181 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Ghana18.093 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 160,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 13.569 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.364 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Gibraltar14.256 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 14.146 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 111,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Greece70.163 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 13.404 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 46.401 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 10.358 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Greenland605,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 605,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Grenada316,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 316,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Guam1.828 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.828 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Guatemala19.041 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 5.037 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 14.004 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Guinea2.981 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.981 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau342,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 342,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Guyana2.743 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.743 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Haiti3.139 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.137 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Honduras8.523 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 61,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 8.462 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Hong Kong92.493 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 23.557 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 62.451 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 6.484 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Hungary48.589 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 7.501 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 21.568 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 19.52 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Iceland3.337 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 459,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.879 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: India2,314,738,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1,574,331,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 615.903 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 124.505 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Indonesia563.543 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 267.326 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 209.279 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 86.938 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Iran646.038 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 5.142 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 204.21 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 436.687 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Iraq143.479 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 108.14 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 35.339 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Ireland35.475 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.43 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 23.08 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 10.965 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Israel61.092 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 13.653 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 29.416 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 18.023 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Italy332.041 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 27.194 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 162.472 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 142.375 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Jamaica10.002 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 177,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 9.276 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 549,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Japan1,103,234,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 439.243 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 444.271 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 219.72 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Jersey450,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2012 est.) Topic: Jordan23.47 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 381,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 15.786 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 7.303 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan263.689 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 195.926 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 39.205 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 28.557 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Kenya17.709 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.25 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 16.459 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Kiribati76,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 76,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Korea, North18.465 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 15.252 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.213 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Korea, South686.954 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 319.383 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 255.518 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 112.052 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Kosovo8.009 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 6.1 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.909 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Kuwait92.582 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 578,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 44.288 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 47.715 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstan7.88 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 2.967 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.505 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 408,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Laos40.726 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 37.871 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.855 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Latvia8.45 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 149,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 5.693 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2.608 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Lebanon25.838 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 563,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 25.275 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Lesotho736,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 736,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Liberia1.346 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.346 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Libya38.297 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 30.018 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 8.279 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Lithuania14.503 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 693,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 9.488 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.322 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Luxembourg11.308 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 149,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 9.564 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1.594 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Macau2.012 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.744 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Madagascar4.218 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.044 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.175 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Malawi1.542 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 203,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.339 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Malaysia254.764 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 81.726 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 94.934 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 78.104 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Maldives2.286 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.286 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Mali5.679 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 5.679 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Malta9.576 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 8.831 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 745,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Marshall Islands293,700 metric tonnes of CO2 (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritania4.041 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.041 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Mauritius7.191 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.595 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 5.596 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Mexico463.739 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 43.24 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 260.311 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 160.188 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of177,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 177,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Moldova8.114 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 374,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.968 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.773 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Mongolia22.74 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 17.445 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 5.295 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Montenegro2.447 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.333 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.114 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Montserrat33,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 33,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Morocco60.2 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 20.267 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 37.834 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2.099 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Mozambique7.753 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 109,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.743 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2.901 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Namibia3.831 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 66,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.764 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Nauru66,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 66,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Nepal7.708 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.051 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 6.657 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Netherlands214.416 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 23.15 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 116.24 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 75.027 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: New Caledonia5.886 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 2.879 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.007 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: New Zealand40.344 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 5.139 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 25.76 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 9.445 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Nicaragua4.851 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.851 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Niger2.374 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 499,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.875 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Nigeria104.494 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 231,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 67.406 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 36.856 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Niue8,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 8,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: North Macedonia7.383 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3.866 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.094 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 423,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Norway36.731 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3.182 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 25.256 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 8.294 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Oman76.321 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 191,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 29.682 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 46.447 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Pakistan193.869 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 47.468 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 67.789 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 78.611 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Panama25.263 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.905 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 22.281 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1.077 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea6.491 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 5.965 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 526,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Paraguay7.896 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 7.893 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Peru54.996 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.171 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 35.119 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 18.706 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Philippines142.282 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 70.82 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 64.418 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 7.044 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Poland304.04 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 176.938 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 89.944 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 37.158 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Portugal50.37 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 4.882 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 33.429 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 12.059 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico18.999 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3.774 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 11.407 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 3.818 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Qatar111.922 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 33.44 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 78.482 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Romania68.746 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 20.891 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 27.268 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 20.588 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Russia1,848,070,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 456.033 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 470.289 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 921.748 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Rwanda1.189 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.189 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha13,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 13,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia659,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 659,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon84,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 84,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines202,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 202,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Samoa355,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 355,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe173,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 173,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia579.925 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 300,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 358.414 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 221.211 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Senegal10.696 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.955 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 8.64 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 101,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Serbia47.735 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 32.686 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 10.17 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 4.878 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Seychelles1.156 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.156 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone899,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 899,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Singapore238.983 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.588 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 211.115 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 26.28 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Slovakia32.506 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 11.521 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 11.747 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 9.238 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Slovenia13.553 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 4.08 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 7.967 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1.506 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands333,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 333,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Somalia882,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 882,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: South Africa470.358 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 387.835 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 73.163 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 9.361 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: South Sudan1.778 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.778 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Spain280.624 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 16.743 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 191.299 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 72.582 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka23.939 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 5.546 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 18.393 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Sudan17.319 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 17.319 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Suriname2.372 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.361 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 11,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Sweden48.144 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 7.38 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 38.406 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2.359 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Switzerland38.739 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 319,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 31.494 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 6.926 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Syria26.893 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 46,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 19.92 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 6.927 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Taiwan279.206 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 141.445 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 92.207 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 45.554 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Tajikistan7.643 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 4.362 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.971 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 309,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Tanzania11.491 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1.32 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 7.466 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 2.705 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Thailand305.273 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 58.78 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 146.172 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 100.321 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste538,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 538,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Togo2.244 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 706,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.451 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 87,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Tonga171,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 171,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago39.652 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 4.631 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 35.011 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Tunisia23.692 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 16,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 12.982 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 10.694 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)391.792 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 172.298 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 133.587 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 85.907 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan109.037 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 19.977 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 89.06 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands245,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 245,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Tuvalu0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Uganda5.841 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 5.841 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Ukraine185.686 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 105.929 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 30.365 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 49.392 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates276.236 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 5.032 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 126.524 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 144.681 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: United Kingdom398.084 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 23.5 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 216.237 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 158.346 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: United States5,144,361,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 1,077,520,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2,382,833,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 1,684,008,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Uruguay6.45 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 6.259 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 190,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan102.965 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 7.816 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 11.53 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 83.619 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Vanuatu225,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 225,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Venezuela103.708 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 108,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 57.378 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 46.222 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Vietnam249.929 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 165.775 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 67.775 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 16.379 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands2.438 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 2.438 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Wake Island1.275 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 1.275 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: West Bank3.341 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank From petroleum and other liquids: 3.341 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Data includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: World33.62 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2013 est.) Topic: Yemen10.158 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 79,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 9.896 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 183,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Zambia6.798 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3.186 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.612 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe7.902 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 3.963 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 3.94 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

20220901

about-the-world-of-the-cia

A portfolio of photos showing the George Bush Center for Intelligence and its environs (aka CIA headquarters), the home of The World Factbook.To view more photos of the CIA compound, visit CIA Sites to See and Explore CIA Headquarters. Topic: Headquarters and JetsSpectacular aerial view of the Agency’s Original and New Headquarters Buildings being overflown by two F-16 jets. Topic: OHB in the SnowThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building is depicted during a snow storm. The building was designed in the mid-1950s by the New York firm Harrison and Abramovitz. The designers followed the vision of former DCI Allen Dulles, who dreamed of a place where intelligence officers could work in a college campus-like atmosphere. He also wanted this secure and secluded environment to be close to US policymakers. (Langley is 13 km (8 mi) outside of downtown Washington.) OHB’s cornerstone was laid on 3 November 1959. Construction was completed in March 1961. OHB consists of 130,000 sq m (1,400,000 sq ft) of space. OHB and its companion, New Headquarters Building, sit on 104 hectares (258 acres) of land. Topic: Aerial View of HeadquartersHistoric aerial view of the Agency’s headquarters buildings and the “bubble” auditorium. Topic: OHB Main StepsThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building was designed in the mid-1950s by the New York firm Harrison and Abramovitz. The designers followed the vision of former DCI Allen Dulles, who dreamed of a place where intelligence officers could work in a college campus-like atmosphere. He also wanted this secure and secluded environment to be close to US policymakers. (Langley is 13 km (8 mi) outside of downtown Washington.) Topic: OHB at NightThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building at night. The building, designed in the mid-1950s by the New York firm Harrison and Abramovitz, followed the vision of former DCI Allen Dulles. Dulles dreamed of a place where intelligence officers could work in a college campus-like atmosphere in a secure and secluded environment close to US policymakers. Topic: OHB SpringThe CIA’s Original Headquarters Building (OHB) in the spring. A number of magnificent magnolia trees grace the CIA campus. Topic: The LobbyThe iconic Lobby of the CIA Headquarters Building. The massive seal has been featured in countless movies and publicity photos. On the left is the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Memorial and the William Donovan statue. The OSS, precursor to the CIA, was set up on 13 June 1942 in the midst of World War II and dissolved a month after the cessation of hostilities on 20 September 1945. William Donovan served as head of OSS and is regarded as the founding father of the CIA. On the right is the Memorial Wall to Agency officers who have died in the line of duty. Topic: Memorial WallThe Memorial Wall on the north side of the Original Headquarters Building lobby stands as a silent, simple memorial to those CIA officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Among the stars, an inscription reads: “In honor of those members of the Central Intelligence Agency who gave their lives in the service of their country.” The Memorial Wall was commissioned by the CIA Fine Arts Commission in May 1973 and sculpted by Harold Vogel in July 1974.There are 139 stars carved into the marble of the CIA Memorial Wall as of 2022. Inclusion on the Memorial Wall is awarded posthumously to employees who lose their lives while serving their country in the field of intelligence. Death may occur in a foreign field or in the United States.The Honor and Merit Awards Board (HMAB) recommends approval of the nomination to the CIA Director if it meets the following selection criteria: Death must be of an inspirational or heroic character while in the performance of duty; or as the result of an act of terrorism while in the performance of duty; or as an act of premeditated violence targeted against an employee, motivated solely by that employee’s Agency affiliation; or in the performance of duty while serving in areas of hostilities or other exceptionally hazardous conditions where the death is a direct result of such hostilities or hazards.The HMAB reviews the circumstances surrounding the death of an employee and makes its recommendation to the DCIA for final approval. Once approved by the DCIA, the Office of Protocol arranges placement of the star on the Memorial Wall.A stone carver creates a star by first tracing the new star on the wall using a template. Each star measures 2-1/4 inches tall by 2-1/4 inches wide and half an inch deep; all the stars are six inches apart from each other, as are all the rows. The stone carver uses both a pneumatic air hammer and a chisel to carve out the traced pattern. After carving the star, the stone carver cleans the dust and sprays the star black, which as the star ages, fades to gray. The current stone carver is part of a lineage who learned this craft from the Memorial Wall’s original sculptor, Harold Vogel.The new star is officially unveiled at the CIA’s annual Memorial Ceremony. Topic: The Lobby at ChristmasThe lobby of the Original Headquarters Building decorated for the holidays. Topic: Liberty MuralThe Statue of Liberty Mural in the Original Headquarters Building. The two-sentence quote can almost be regarded as the Agency’s mission statement: “We are the nation’s first line of defense. We accomplish what others cannot accomplish and go where others cannot go.” Topic: Nathan Hale StatueA statue of Nathan Hale is located between the Auditorium and the Original Headquarters Building. Hale was the first American executed for spying for his country. This statue is a copy of the original work created in 1914 for Yale University, Nathan Hale’s alma mater. The Agency’s statue was erected on the grounds in 1973, 200 years after his graduation from Yale.There is no known portrait of Nathan Hale; this life-size statue portrays what little written description there is of him. The statue captures the spirit of the moment before his execution – a 21-year-old man prepared to meet his death for honor and country, hands and feet bound, face resolute, and his eyes on the horizon. His last words, “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” circle the base around his feet.He stands vigilant guard on the Agency and is a continuing reminder to its employees of the duties and sacrifices of an intelligence officer. Topic: Memorial Pond at SunriseThe Memorial Garden is located on a hillside between the Original Headquarters Building and the Auditorium. It is one of several memorials on the CIA compound (including the Office of Strategic Services Memorial and the CIA Memorial Wall). The garden is a memorial to all deceased intelligence officers and contractors who served their country.Where some memorials are set in stone, this remembrance uses the quiet beauty of living nature to honor those who have died in service to their country: Agency officers, OSS members, and contractors. The garden is a blend of natural and landscaped plantings amid stone outcroppings from which a cascade of water continuously falls into a large fishpond, providing a tranquil and reflective place for Agency employees. The words, “In remembrance of those whose unheralded efforts served a grateful nation,” are cast in a brass plaque set in fieldstone to ensure the living will not forget the fallen. Topic: Memorial Pond KoiThese are some of the koi that live in the pond in the Memorial Garden located on a hillside between the Original Headquarters Building and the Auditorium. It is one of several memorials on the CIA compound (including the Office of Strategic Services Memorial and the CIA Memorial Wall). The garden is a memorial to all deceased intelligence officers and contractors who served their country.  Topic: Heron in the Memorial PondOften outside birds, such as this heron, are drawn to the beauty and solemnity of the Memorial Garden located on a hillside between the Original Headquarters Building and the Auditorium. The garden is a memorial to all deceased intelligence officers and contractors who served their country. Topic: Auditorium in the FallThe Headquarters Auditorium, called the “Bubble” by Agency employees, got its nickname for its bubble- or igloo-like shape. The auditorium was part of the CIA Headquarters design in the mid-1950s. The Bubble is the largest conference area at the CIA. It measures 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) of floor space, can accommodate 470 people, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.The auditorium is equipped with the latest in multi-media equipment, including side and rear lighting that accommodates color television cameras and motion picture filming. The Bubble is home to special events, prominent speakers, and large conferences. Topic: Inside the AuditoriumThe Headquarters Auditorium, called the “Bubble” by Agency employees, got its nickname for its bubble- or igloo-like shape. The auditorium was part of the CIA Headquarters design in the mid-1950s. The Bubble is the largest conference area at the CIA. It measures 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) of floor space, can accommodate 470 people, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.The auditorium is equipped with the latest in multi-media equipment, including side and rear lighting that accommodates color television cameras and motion picture filming. The large plaster disks on the inside surface of the dome enhance the acoustics of the auditorium. The Bubble is home to special events, prominent speakers, and large conferences. Topic: Berlin WallIn developing this monument, the CIA Fine Arts Commission decided on five precepts for its placement: prominence, pedestrian orientation, a sense of the wall as an obstacle, an “unromantic presentation,” and a measure of contemplation. The Wall is located near the southwest entrance to the Original Headquarters Building. It was dedicated on 18 December 1992. A bronze plaque near the Wall reads, “These three sections of reinforced concrete were removed from the Berlin Wall near Checkpoint Charlie at Potsdamer Platz in November 1989.”The monument is oriented as it was in Berlin — the west side painted with graffiti and the east side whitewashed. The west side of the Wall is covered with graffiti that reflects the color, hope and optimism of the West itself. In stark contrast, the east side of the wall is plain and devoid of color and life. The Wall is located in the middle of a path so that it must be confronted directly — just as it was for nearly three decades by the citizens of Berlin. On both sides of the Wall is a bench- height wall where employees can sit and view the three segments and contemplate their history. Topic: New Headquarters Building LobbyThis is a view of the lobby of the New Headquarters Building. By the early 1980s, it was clear that the Agency needed to expand beyond the Original Headquarters Building. By this time, there was a need for an additional building and more parking. Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls Associates presented a design that was functional for the Agency’s needs and would blend in with the existing OHB structure.The final design is two, six-story office towers built into a hillside behind OHB. The New Headquarters Building is linked to the OHB building in a seamless blend of the two structures. The main entrance to NHB is on the fourth floor. Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a huge skylight ceiling and, at the end of the entry corridor, a spectacular view of the OHB.The groundbreaking ceremony for NHB took place on 24 May 1984; the building was completed by March 1991. Topic: Daffodils at NHBBy the early 1980s, it was clear that the Agency needed to expand beyond the Original Headquarters Building. By this time, there was a need for an additional building and more parking. Smith, Hinchman, and Grylls Associates presented a design that was functional for the Agency’s needs and would blend in with the existing OHB structure.The final design is two, six-story office towers built into a hillside behind OHB. The New Headquarters Building is linked to the OHB building in a seamless blend of the two structures. The main entrance to NHB is on the fourth floor. Inside the entrance, one is greeted by a huge skylight ceiling and, at the end of the entry corridor, a spectacular view of the OHB.The groundbreaking ceremony for NHB took place on 24 May 1984; the building was completed by March 1991. Topic: A-12 in the SnowCIA developed the highly secret A-12 OXCART as the U-2’s successor, intended to meet the nation’s need for a very fast, very high-flying reconnaissance aircraft that could avoid Soviet air defenses. CIA awarded the OXCART contract to Lockheed (builder of the U-2) in 1959. In meeting the A-12’s extreme speed and altitude requirements, Lockheed — led by legendary engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson — overcame numerous technical challenges with cutting-edge innovations in titanium fabrication, lubricants, jet engines, fuel, navigation, flight control, electronic countermeasures, radar stealthiness, and pilot life-support systems. In 1965, after hundreds of hours flown at high personal risk by the elite team of CIA and Lockheed pilots, the A-12 was declared fully operational, attaining the design specifications of a sustained speed of Mach 3.2 at 27,400 m (90,000 ft) altitude.CIA’s operational use of the A-12 was beset by not only many technical problems but also political sensitivity to aircraft flights over denied areas and competition from imaging satellites. After the U-2 piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union in May 1960, all Soviet overflights were halted, thus blocking the A-12’s original mission to monitor the Soviet Bloc. By the time of CIA’s first A-12 deployment in 1967, CORONA satellites were being launched regularly to collect thousands of images worldwide each year. Although its imagery was less timely and of poorer resolution than the A-12’s, CORONA was invulnerable to anti-aircraft missiles and much less provocative than A-12 overflights. At the same time, the US Air Force was developing the SR-71, a modified version of the A-12. Seeing little value in maintaining both overt SR-71 and covert A-12 fleets with similar capabilities, President Johnson ordered retirement of the A-12 in 1968.The only A-12 reconnaissance operation, codenamed BLACK SHIELD, took place from May 1967 to May 1968. A detachment of six pilots and three A-12’s based at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa flew 29 missions over East Asia. The panoramic stereo camera aboard each aircraft yielded considerable high-quality imagery that within hours of landing was processed. From the images, photo interpreters provided key intelligence information in support of US military operations during the Vietnam War.The A-12 on display at CIA Headquarters — number eight in production of the 15 A-12s built — was the first of the operational fleet to be certified for Mach 3. No piloted operational jet aircraft has ever flown faster or higher. This picture depicts it at wintertime. Topic: KryptosJames Sanborn’s sculpture “Kryptos” begins at the entrance to the New Headquarters Building and continues in the northwest corner of the New Headquarters Building courtyard.The theme of this sculpture is “intelligence gathering.” Dedicated on 3 November 1990, Kryptos incorporates materials native to the United States. A piece of petrified wood supports a large S-shaped copper screen that looks like a piece of paper coming out of a computer printer. On the “paper” are inscribed several enigmatic messages, each written in a different code. The sculpture continues to be a source of pleasure and mystery for Agency employees, with a few taking the challenge to “break the code.”“Kryptos” © Copyright 1988 James Sanborn. All rights reserved. Topic: Kryptos at NHBJames Sanborn’s sculpture “Kryptos” begins at the entrance to the New Headquarters Building and continues in the northwest corner of the New Headquarters Building courtyard.The theme of this sculpture is “intelligence gathering.” Dedicated on 3 November 1990, Kryptos incorporates materials native to the United States. A piece of petrified wood supports a large S-shaped copper screen that looks like a piece of paper coming out of a computer printer. On the “paper” are inscribed several enigmatic messages, each written in a different code. The sculpture continues to be a source of pleasure and mystery for Agency employees, with a few taking the challenge to “break the code.”“Kryptos” © Copyright 1988 James Sanborn. All rights reserved. Topic: Kryptos with FlowersJames Sanborn’s sculpture “Kryptos,” as pictured in the spring, begins at the entrance to the New Headquarters Building and continues in the northwest corner of the New Headquarters Building courtyard.“Kryptos” © Copyright 1988 James Sanborn. All rights reserved. To view more photos of the CIA compound, visit CIA Sites to See and Explore CIA Headquarters.

20220901

countries-holy-see-vatican-city

Topic: Photos of Holy See (Vatican City) Topic: Introduction Background: Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid-19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, threats against minority Christian communities in Africa and the Middle East, the plight of refugees and migrants, sexual misconduct by clergy, international development, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1.3 billion people worldwide profess Catholicism - the world's largest Christian faith.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy) Geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 27 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 0 sq km land: 0.44 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 3.4 km border countries (1): Italy 3.4 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September) Terrain: urban; low hill Elevation: highest point: Vatican Gardens (Vatican Hill) 78 m lowest point: Saint Peter's Square 19 m Natural resources: none Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Natural hazards: occasional earthquakes Geography - note: landlocked; an enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; beyond the territorial boundary of Vatican City, the Lateran Treaty of 1929 grants the Holy See extraterritorial authority over 23 sites in Rome and five outside of Rome, including the Pontifical Palace at Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer residence) Map description: Holy See (Vatican City) map identifies some of the major structures in this entity surrounded by Italy (Rome).Holy See (Vatican City) map identifies some of the major structures in this entity surrounded by Italy (Rome). Topic: People and Society Population: 1,000 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: none adjective: none Ethnic groups: Italian, Swiss, Argentinian, and other nationalities from around the world (2017) Languages: Italian, Latin, French, various other languages major-language sample(s): L'Almanacco dei fatti del mondo, l'indispensabile fonte per le informazioni di base. (Italian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Population growth rate: 0% (2014 est.) Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1,000 VATICAN CITY (capital) (2018) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: total: 100% of population unimproved: total: 0% of population (2017 est.) Current Health Expenditure: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: some air pollution from the surrounding city of Rome Environment - international agreements: party to: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification Air pollutants: methane emissions: 0 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September) Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: The Holy See (Vatican City State) conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City) local long form: La Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano) local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano) etymology: "holy" comes from the Greek word "hera" meaning "sacred"; "see" comes from the Latin word "sedes" meaning "seat," and refers to the episcopal chair; the term "Vatican" derives from the hill Mons Vaticanus on which the Vatican is located and which comes from the Latin "vaticinari" (to prophesy), referring to the fortune tellers and soothsayers who frequented the area in Roman times Government type: ecclesiastical elective monarchy; self-described as an "absolute monarchy" Capital: name: Vatican City geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 27 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the term "Vatican" derives from the hill Mons Vaticanus on which the Vatican is located and which comes from the Latin "vaticinari" (to prophesy), referring to the fortune tellers and soothsayers who frequented the area in Roman times Administrative divisions: none Independence: 11 February 1929; note - the three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged, among other things, the full sovereignty of the Holy See and established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal States, which over centuries varied considerably in extent, may be traced back to A.D. 754 National holiday: Election Day of Pope FRANCIS, 13 March (2013) Constitution: history: previous 1929, 1963; latest promulgated November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (Fundamental Law of Vatican City State, the main governing document of the Vatican's civil entities); the Roman Curia is the administrative apparatus – the departments and ministries – used by the pontiff in governing the church; note - Pope Francis in October 2013, instituted a 9-member Council of Cardinal Advisers to reform the Roman Curia to include writing a new constitution; in June 2018, Pope Francis approved the Council of Cardinals' first draft of the new constitution, Predicatae Evangelium (Preach the Gospel); it became effective 5 June 2022, replacing Pastor Bonus, the previous governing document of the Roman Curia amendments: note - although the Fundamental Law of Vatican City State makes no mention of amendments, Article Four (drafting laws), states that this legislative responsibility resides with the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State; draft legislation is submitted through the Secretariat of State and considered by the pope Legal system: religious legal system based on canon (religious) 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: no dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: not applicable note: in the Holy See, citizenship is acquired by law, ex iure, or by adminstrative decision; in the first instance, citizenship is a function of holding office within the Holy See as in the case of cardinals resident in Vatican City or diplomats of the Holy See; in the second instance, citizenship may be requested in a limited set of circumstances for those who reside within Vatican City under papal authorization, as a function of their office or service, or as the spouses and children of current citizens; citizenship is lost once an individual no longer permanently resides in Vatican City, normally reverting to the citizenship previously held Suffrage: election of the pope is limited to cardinals less than 80 years old Executive branch: chief of state: Pope FRANCIS (since 13 March 2013) head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro PAROLIN (since 15 October 2013); note - Head of Government of Vatican City is President Cardinal Giuseppe BERTELLO (since 1 October 2011) cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City appointed by the pope elections/appointments: pope elected by the College of Cardinals, usually for life or until voluntary resignation; election last held on 13 March 2013 (next to be held after the death or resignation of the current pope); Secretary of State appointed by the pope election results: Jorge Mario BERGOGLIO, former Archbishop of Buenos Aires, elected Pope FRANCIS Legislative branch: description: unicameral Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City or Pontificia Commissione per lo Stato della Citta del Vaticano (7 seats; the president of the Governorate of Vatican City State and 6 cardinals appointed by the pope to serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 11 July 2018 election results: composition - men 7, women 0 Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura (consists of the cardinal prefect, who serves as ex-officio president of the court, and 2 other cardinals of the Prefect Signatura); note - judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio, papal directive, of Pope PIUS XII on 1 May 1946; most Vatican City criminal matters are handled by the Republic of Italy courts judge selection and term of office: cardinal prefect appointed by the pope; the other 2 cardinals of the court appointed by the cardinal prefect on a yearly basis subordinate courts: Appellate Court of Vatican City; Tribunal of Vatican City Political parties and leaders: none International organization participation: CE (observer), IAEA, Interpol, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), SICA (observer), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe PIERRE (since 27 June 2016) chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121 FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036 email address and website: nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org http://www.nuntiususa.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joe DONNELLY (since 11 April 2022) embassy: Via Sallustiana, 49, 00187 Rome mailing address: 5660 Holy See Place, Washington DC  20521-5660 telephone: [39] (06) 4674-1 FAX: [39] (06) 4674-3411 email address and website: https://va.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara, centered in the white band; the yellow color represents the pope's spiritual power, the white his worldly power National symbol(s): crossed keys beneath a papal tiara; national colors: yellow, white National anthem: name: "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" (Hymn and Pontifical March); often called The Pontifical Hymn lyrics/music: Raffaello LAVAGNA/Charles-Francois GOUNOD note: adopted 1950 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura; Vatican City Topic: Economy Economic overview: The Holy See is supported financially by a variety of sources, including investments, real estate income, and donations from Catholic individuals, dioceses, and institutions; these help fund the Roman Curia (Vatican bureaucracy), diplomatic missions, and media outlets. Moreover, an annual collection taken up in dioceses and from direct donations go to a non-budgetary fund, known as Peter's Pence, which is used directly by the pope for charity, disaster relief, and aid to churches in developing nations.   The separate Vatican City State budget includes the Vatican museums and post office and is supported financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos as well as fees for admission to museums and publication sales. Revenues increased between 2010 and 2011 because of expanded operating hours and a growing number of visitors. However, the Holy See did not escape the financial difficulties experienced by other European countries; in 2012, it started a spending review to determine where to cut costs to reverse its 2011 budget deficit of $20 million. The Holy See generated a modest surplus in 2012 before recording a $32 million deficit in 2013, driven primarily by the decreasing value of gold. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome so most public expenditures go to wages and other personnel costs;. In February 2014, Pope FRANCIS created the Secretariat of the Economy to oversee financial and administrative operations of the Holy See, part of a broader campaign to reform the Holy See’s finances.The Holy See is supported financially by a variety of sources, including investments, real estate income, and donations from Catholic individuals, dioceses, and institutions; these help fund the Roman Curia (Vatican bureaucracy), diplomatic missions, and media outlets. Moreover, an annual collection taken up in dioceses and from direct donations go to a non-budgetary fund, known as Peter's Pence, which is used directly by the pope for charity, disaster relief, and aid to churches in developing nations. The separate Vatican City State budget includes the Vatican museums and post office and is supported financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos as well as fees for admission to museums and publication sales. Revenues increased between 2010 and 2011 because of expanded operating hours and a growing number of visitors. However, the Holy See did not escape the financial difficulties experienced by other European countries; in 2012, it started a spending review to determine where to cut costs to reverse its 2011 budget deficit of $20 million. The Holy See generated a modest surplus in 2012 before recording a $32 million deficit in 2013, driven primarily by the decreasing value of gold. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome so most public expenditures go to wages and other personnel costs;. In February 2014, Pope FRANCIS created the Secretariat of the Economy to oversee financial and administrative operations of the Holy See, part of a broader campaign to reform the Holy See’s finances. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): NANA Industries: printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics, staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities Labor force: 4,822 (2016) Labor force - by occupation: note: essentially services with a small amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vaticannote: essentially services with a small amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican Population below poverty line: NA Budget: revenues: 315 million (2013) expenditures: 348 million (2013) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): NA Taxes and other revenues: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.885 (2017 est.) 0.903 (2016 est.) 0.9214 (2015 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Topic: Communications Telecommunication systems: general assessment: automatic digital exchange (2018) domestic: connected via fiber-optic cable to Telecom Italia network (2018) international: country code - 39; uses Italian system note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: the Vatican Television Center (CTV) transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's Sunday and Wednesday audiences, as well as the Pope's public celebrations; CTV also produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the Holy See's official broadcasting service broadcasting via shortwave, AM and FM frequencies, and via satellite and Internet connections; Vatican News website partners with Vatican Radio and provides Catholic news provided by the Vatican (2021) Internet country code: .va Communications - note: the Vatican Apostolic Library is one of the world's oldest libraries, formally established in 1475, but actually much older; it holds a significant collection of historic texts including 1.1 million printed books and 75,000 codices (manuscript books with handwritten contents); it serves as a research library for history, law, philosophy, science, and theology; the library's collections have been described as "the world's greatest treasure house of the writings at the core of Western tradition" Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera Pontificia); the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City (Corpo della Gendarmeriais) is a police force that helps augment the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps during the Pope’s appearances, as well as providing general security, traffic direction, and investigative duties for the Vatican City State (2022) Military service age and obligation: Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps: 19-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; must be Roman Catholic, a single male, and a Swiss citizen, with a secondary education; service is for 26 months (2022) Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Italy Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: nonenone

20220901

countries-andorra

Topic: Photos of Andorra Topic: Introduction Background: The Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th century and subsequent incursions into France were finally stemmed at the Pyrenees by Frankish King Charlemagne, who in 795 created the Hispanic March, a series of buffer states to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. The landlocked Principality of Andorra, one of the smallest states in Europe and nestled high in the Pyrenees between the French and Spanish borders, is the last independent survivor of these March states. For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique coprincipality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Bishop of Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the introduction of a modern constitution; the co-princes remained as titular heads of state, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Andorra has become a popular tourist destination visited by approximately 8 million people each year drawn by the winter sports, summer climate, and duty-free shopping. Andorra has also become a wealthy international commercial center because of its mature banking sector and low taxes. As part of its effort to modernize its economy, Andorra has opened to foreign investment, and engaged in other reforms, such as advancing tax initiatives aimed at supporting a broader infrastructure. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements and uses the euro as its national currency.The Moorish invasion of Spain in the 8th century and subsequent incursions into France were finally stemmed at the Pyrenees by Frankish King Charlemagne, who in 795 created the Hispanic March, a series of buffer states to keep the Muslim Moors from advancing into Christian France. The landlocked Principality of Andorra, one of the smallest states in Europe and nestled high in the Pyrenees between the French and Spanish borders, is the last independent survivor of these March states. For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique coprincipality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Bishop of Urgell). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the introduction of a modern constitution; the co-princes remained as titular heads of state, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy.Andorra has become a popular tourist destination visited by approximately 8 million people each year drawn by the winter sports, summer climate, and duty-free shopping. Andorra has also become a wealthy international commercial center because of its mature banking sector and low taxes. As part of its effort to modernize its economy, Andorra has opened to foreign investment, and engaged in other reforms, such as advancing tax initiatives aimed at supporting a broader infrastructure. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements and uses the euro as its national currency.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southwestern Europe, Pyrenees mountains, on the border between France and Spain Geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 30 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 468 sq km land: 468 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 118 km border countries (2): France 55 km; Spain 63 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys Elevation: highest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m mean elevation: 1,996 m Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead Land use: agricultural land: 40% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 38.3% (2018 est.) forest: 34% (2018 est.) other: 26% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: population is unevenly distributed and is concentrated in the seven urbanized valleys that make up the country's parishes (political administrative divisions) Natural hazards: avalanches Geography - note: landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees Map description: Andorra map showing major towns as well as parts of neighboring France and Spain.Andorra map showing major towns as well as parts of neighboring France and Spain. Topic: People and Society Population: 85,560 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Andorran(s) adjective: Andorran Ethnic groups: Andorran 48.3%, Spanish 24.8%, Portuguese 11.2%, French 4.5%, Argentine 1.4%, other 9.8% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Languages: Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese Religions: Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 89.5, other 8.8%, unaffiliated 1.7% (2020 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 13.37% (male 5,901/female 5,551) 15-24 years: 10.16% (male 4,474/female 4,227) 25-54 years: 43.19% (male 18,857/female 18,131) 55-64 years: 15.91% (male 7,184/female 6,443) 65 years and over: 17.36% (2020 est.) (male 7,544/female 7,323) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 46.2 years male: 46.3 years female: 46.1 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.1% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 6.88 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.92 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population is unevenly distributed and is concentrated in the seven urbanized valleys that make up the country's parishes (political administrative divisions) Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 23,000 ANDORRA LA VELLA (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 32.8 years (2019) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.44 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.54 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.42 years male: 81.2 years female: 85.79 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 6.7% (2019) Physicians density: 3.33 physicians/1,000 population (2015) Hospital bed density: 2.5 beds/1,000 population Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 25.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 31.8% (2020 est.) male: 35.3% (2020 est.) female: 28.3% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100% (2016) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 9.95 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.47 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.05 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers Land use: agricultural land: 40% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 38.3% (2018 est.) forest: 34% (2018 est.) other: 26% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 43,000 tons (2012 est.) Total renewable water resources: 315.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Principality of Andorra conventional short form: Andorra local long form: Principat d'Andorra local short form: Andorra etymology: the origin of the country's name is obscure; the name may derive from the Arabic "ad-darra" meaning "the forest," a reference to its location as part of the Spanish March (defensive buffer zone) against the invading Moors in the 8th century; an alternate explanation is that the name originates from a Navarrese word "andurrial" meaning "shrub-covered land" Government type: parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains its chiefs of state in the form of a co-principality; the two princes are the President of France and Bishop of Seu d'Urgell, Spain Capital: name: Andorra la Vella geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 31 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: translates as "Andorra the Old" in Catalan Administrative divisions: 7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, Escaldes-Engordany, La Massana, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria Independence: 1278 (formed under the joint sovereignty of the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell) National holiday: Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278) Constitution: history: drafted 1991, approved by referendum 14 March 1993, effective 28 April 1993 amendments: proposed by the coprinces jointly or by the General Council; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the General Council, ratification in a referendum, and sanctioning by the coprinces Legal system: mixed legal system of civil and customary law with the influence of canon (religious) law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the mother must be an Andorran citizen or the father must have been born in Andorra and both parents maintain permanent residence in Andorra dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 25 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Co-prince Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Patrick STROZDA (since 14 May 2017); and Co-prince Archbishop Joan-Enric VIVES i Sicilia (since 12 May 2003); represented by Josep Maria MAURI (since 20 July 2012) head of government: Head of Government (or Cap de Govern) Xaviar Espot ZAMORA (since 16 May 2019) cabinet: Executive Council of 12 ministers designated by the head of government elections/appointments: head of government indirectly elected by the General Council (Andorran parliament), formally appointed by the coprinces for a 4-year term; election last held on 7 April 2019 (next to be held in April 2023); the leader of the majority party in the General Council is usually elected head of government election results: Xaviar Espot ZAMORA (DA) elected head of government; percent of General Council vote - 60.7% Legislative branch: description: unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de les Valls (a minimum of 28 seats; 14 members directly elected in two-seat constituencies (7 parishes) by simple majority vote and 14 directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms); note - voters cast two separate ballots - one for a national list and one for a parish list elections: last held on 7 April 2019 (next to be held in April 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - DA 35.1%, PS 30.6%, L'A 12.5%, Third Way/Lauredian Union 10.4%, other 11.4%; seats by party - DA 11, PS 7, L'A 4, Third Way/Lauredian Union 4, other 2; composition - men 15, women 13, percent of women 46.4% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or Tribunal Superior de la Justicia d'Andorra (consists of the court president and 8 judges organized into civil, criminal, and administrative chambers); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 4 magistrates) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president and judges appointed by the Supreme Council of Justice, a 5-member judicial policy and administrative body appointed 1 each by the coprinces, 1 by the General Council, 1 by the executive council president, and 1 by the courts; judges serve 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional magistrates - 2 appointed by the coprinces and 2 by the General Council; magistrates' appointments limited to 2 consecutive 8-year terms subordinate courts: Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts or Tribunal de Corts Political parties and leaders: Democrats for Andorra or DA [Xaviar ESPOT ZAMORA] Liberals of Andorra or L'A [Jordi GALLARDO FERNANDEZ] Social Democracy and Progress or SDP [Victor NAUDI ZAMORA] Social Democratic Party or PS [Susanna VELA] Third Way/Lauredian Union [Josep PINTAT FORNE] United for the Progress of Andorra or UPA [Alfons CLAVERA ARIZTI] note: Andorra has several smaller parties at the parish level (one is Lauredian Union) International organization participation: CE, FAO, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Elisenda VIVES BALMANA (since 2 March 2016) chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064; [1] (212) 750-8065 FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630 email address and website: contact@andorraun.org Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in Andorra are represented by the US Consulate General's office in Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Espana; telephone: [34] (93) 280-22-27; FAX: [34] (93) 280-61-75; email address: Barcelonaacs@state.gov Flag description: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the latter band is slightly wider than the other 2 so that the ratio of band widths is 8:9:8; the coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia; the motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger); the flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection note: similar to the flags of Chad and Romania, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem National symbol(s): red cow (breed unspecified); national colors: blue, yellow, red National anthem: name: "El Gran Carlemany" (The Great Charlemagne) lyrics/music: Joan BENLLOCH i VIVO/Enric MARFANY BONS note: adopted 1921; the anthem provides a brief history of Andorra in a first person narrative National heritage: total World Heritage Sites:  1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley Topic: Economy Economic overview: Andorra has a developed economy and a free market, with per capita income above the European average and above the level of its neighbors, Spain and France. The country has developed a sophisticated infrastructure including a one-of-a-kind micro-fiber-optic network for the entire country. Tourism, retail sales, and finance comprise more than three-quarters of GDP. Duty-free shopping for some products and the country’s summer and winter resorts attract millions of visitors annually. Andorra uses the euro and is effectively subject to the monetary policy of the European Central Bank. Andorra's comparative advantage as a tax haven eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain opened and the government eased bank secrecy laws under pressure from the EU and OECD.   Agricultural production is limited - only about 5% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported, making the economy vulnerable to changes in fuel and food prices. The principal livestock is sheep. Manufacturing output and exports consist mainly of perfumes and cosmetic products, products of the printing industry, electrical machinery and equipment, clothing, tobacco products, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products.   To provide incentives for growth and diversification in the economy, the Andorran government began sweeping economic reforms in 2006. The Parliament approved three laws to complement the first phase of economic openness: on companies (October 2007), on business accounting (December 2007), and on foreign investment (April 2008 and June 2012). From 2011 to 2015, the Parliament also approved direct taxes in the form of taxes on corporations, on individual incomes of residents and non-residents, and on capital gains, savings, and economic activities. These regulations aim to establish a transparent, modern, and internationally comparable regulatory framework, in order to attract foreign investment and businesses that offer higher value added.Andorra has a developed economy and a free market, with per capita income above the European average and above the level of its neighbors, Spain and France. The country has developed a sophisticated infrastructure including a one-of-a-kind micro-fiber-optic network for the entire country. Tourism, retail sales, and finance comprise more than three-quarters of GDP. Duty-free shopping for some products and the country’s summer and winter resorts attract millions of visitors annually. Andorra uses the euro and is effectively subject to the monetary policy of the European Central Bank. Andorra's comparative advantage as a tax haven eroded when the borders of neighboring France and Spain opened and the government eased bank secrecy laws under pressure from the EU and OECD. Agricultural production is limited - only about 5% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported, making the economy vulnerable to changes in fuel and food prices. The principal livestock is sheep. Manufacturing output and exports consist mainly of perfumes and cosmetic products, products of the printing industry, electrical machinery and equipment, clothing, tobacco products, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products. To provide incentives for growth and diversification in the economy, the Andorran government began sweeping economic reforms in 2006. The Parliament approved three laws to complement the first phase of economic openness: on companies (October 2007), on business accounting (December 2007), and on foreign investment (April 2008 and June 2012). From 2011 to 2015, the Parliament also approved direct taxes in the form of taxes on corporations, on individual incomes of residents and non-residents, and on capital gains, savings, and economic activities. These regulations aim to establish a transparent, modern, and internationally comparable regulatory framework, in order to attract foreign investment and businesses that offer higher value added. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.327 billion (2015 est.) $3.363 billion (2014 est.) $3.273 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2012 US dollars Real GDP growth rate: -1.1% (2015 est.) 1.4% (2014 est.) -0.1% (2013 est.) Real GDP per capita: $49,900 (2015 est.) $51,300 (2014 est.) $50,300 (2013 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $2.712 billion (2016 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.9% (2015 est.) -0.1% (2014 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB+ (2018) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2017) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 11.9% (2015 est.) industry: 33.6% (2015 est.) services: 54.5% (2015 est.) Agricultural products: small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables, tobacco; sheep, cattle Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), banking, timber, furniture Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 39,750 (2016) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 0.5% industry: 4.4% services: 95.1% (2015) Unemployment rate: 3.7% (2016 est.) 4.1% (2015 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 1.872 billion (2016) expenditures: 2.06 billion (2016) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6.9% (of GDP) (2016) Public debt: 41% of GDP (2014 est.) 41.4% of GDP (2013 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 69% (of GDP) (2016) Fiscal year: calendar year Exports: $78.71 million (2015 est.) $79.57 million (2014 est.) Exports - partners: Spain 40%, France 19%, United States 11%, Mauritania 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: integrated circuits, medical supplies, essential oils, cars, tanned hides (2019) Imports: $1.257 billion (2015 est.) $1.264 billion (2014 est.) Imports - partners: Spain 71%, France 17% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, perfumes, shaving products, liquors (2019) Debt - external: $0 (2016) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.885 (2017 est.) 0.903 (2016 est.) 0.9214 (2015 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2016) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 40,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 52 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 94,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 122 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; broadband Internet and LTE mobile lines for both consumer and enterprise customers available (2019) domestic: about 51 per 100 fixed-line, 114 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and Spain; modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 public TV station and 2 public radio stations; about 10 commercial radio stations; good reception of radio and TV broadcasts from stations in France and Spain; upgraded to terrestrial digital TV broadcasting in 2007; roughly 25 international TV channels available (2019) Internet country code: .ad Internet users: total: 71,084 (2020 est.) percent of population: 92% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 37,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: C3 Roadways: total: 320 km (2019) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Police Corps of Andorra Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Andorra-France: none identified Andorra-Spain: none identifiedAndorra-France: none identified Andorra-Spain: none identified

20220901

countries-malta

Topic: Photos of Malta Topic: Introduction Background: With a civilization that dates back thousands of years, Malta boasts some of the oldest megalithic sites in the world. Situated in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta’s islands have long served as a strategic military asset, with the islands at various times having come under control of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, and the French. Most recently a British colony (since 1814), Malta gained its independence in 1964 and declared itself a republic 10 years later. While under British rule, the island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination while its key industries moved toward more service-oriented activities. Malta became an EU member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy) Geographic coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 316 sq km land: 316 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 196.8 km (excludes 56 km for the island of Gozo) Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm Climate: Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs Elevation: highest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m Natural resources: limestone, salt, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 32.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 28.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0.9% (2018 est.) other: 66.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 35 sq km (2012) Population distribution: most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands Natural hazards: occasional droughts Geography - note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia are discussing oil exploration on the continental shelf between their countries, although no commercially viable reserves have been found as of 2017 Map description: Malta map showing the major population centers of this archipelagic country in the Mediterranean Sea.Malta map showing the major population centers of this archipelagic country in the Mediterranean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 464,186 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Maltese (singular and plural) adjective: Maltese Ethnic groups: Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock) Languages: Maltese (official) 90.1%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9% (2005 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic (official) more than 90% (2006 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.38% (male 33,934/female 31,823) 15-24 years: 10.33% (male 24,445/female 22,811) 25-54 years: 41.1% (male 97,685/female 90,264) 55-64 years: 12.88% (male 29,533/female 29,353) 65 years and over: 21.3% (2020 est.) (male 44,644/female 52,775) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.5 youth dependency ratio: 22.4 elderly dependency ratio: 33.2 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 42.3 years male: 41.2 years female: 43.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.67% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 9.73 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.48 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 5.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands Urbanization: urban population: 94.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 213,000 VALLETTA (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 29.3 years (2020 est.) note: data refer to the average of the different childbearing ages of first-order births Maternal mortality ratio: 6 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.53 deaths/1,000 live births male: 4.43 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.2 years male: 81.11 years female: 85.38 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 8.2% (2019) Physicians density: 2.86 physicians/1,000 population (2015) Hospital bed density: 4.5 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2016 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2016 est.) <500 HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2016 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 28.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 24% (2020 est.) male: 26.4% (2020 est.) female: 21.6% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 4.7% of GDP (2017 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 94.5% male: 93% female: 96% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years male: 16 years female: 17 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.7% male: 13.1% female: 8% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources; increasing reliance on desalination; deforestation; wildlife preservation Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 13.97 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.34 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.2 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers Land use: agricultural land: 32.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 28.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0.9% (2018 est.) other: 66.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 94.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 269,000 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 17,996 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 6.7% (2015 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 37.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 25.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 50.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Malta conventional short form: Malta local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta local short form: Malta etymology: the ancient Greeks called the island "Melite" meaning "honey-sweet" from the Greek word "meli" meaning "honey" and referring to the island's honey production Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Valletta geographic coordinates: 35 53 N, 14 30 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: named in honor of Jean de Valette, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John (crusader knights), who successfully led a defense of the island from an Ottoman invasion in 1565 Administrative divisions: 68 localities (Il-lokalita); Attard, Balzan, Birgu, Birkirkara, Birzebbuga, Bormla, Dingli, Fgura, Floriana, Fontana, Ghajnsielem, Gharb, Gharghur, Ghasri, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Gzira, Hamrun, Iklin, Imdina, Imgarr, Imqabba, Imsida, Imtarfa, Isla, Kalkara, Kercem, Kirkop, Lija, Luqa, Marsa, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Mellieha, Mosta, Munxar, Nadur, Naxxar, Paola, Pembroke, Pieta, Qala, Qormi, Qrendi, Rabat, Rabat (Ghawdex), Safi, San Giljan/Saint Julian, San Gwann/Saint John, San Lawrenz/Saint Lawrence, Sannat, San Pawl il-Bahar/Saint Paul's Bay, Santa Lucija/Saint Lucia, Santa Venera/Saint Venera, Siggiewi, Sliema, Swieqi, Tarxien, Ta' Xbiex, Valletta, Xaghra, Xewkija, Xghajra, Zabbar, Zebbug, Zebbug (Ghawdex), Zejtun, Zurrieq Independence: 21 September 1964 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13 December (1974) Constitution: history: many previous; latest adopted 21 September 1964 amendments: proposals (Acts of Parliament) require at least two-thirds majority vote by the House of Representatives; passage of Acts requires majority vote by referendum, followed by final majority vote by the House and assent of the president of the republic; amended many times, last in 2020 Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law and civil law based on the Roman and Napoleonic civil codes; subject to European Union law International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Malta dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age (16 in local council elections); universal Executive branch: chief of state: President George VELLA (since 4 April 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Robert ABELA (13 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by the House of Representatives for a single 5-year term; election last held on 2 April 2019 (next to be held by April 2024); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president for a 5-year term; deputy prime minister appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister election results: George VELLA (PL) elected president; House of Representatives vote - unanimous; Robert ABELA (PL) appointed prime minister Legislative branch: description: unicameral House of Representatives or Il-Kamra Tad-Deputati, a component of the Parliament of Malta (65 seats statutory, 79 for 2022-2027 term; members directly elected in 5 multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 26 March 2022 (next to be held in 2027) election results: percent of vote by party - PL 55.1%, PN 41.7%, other 3.2%; seats by party - PL 38, PN 29; composition - men 57, women 22, percent of women 27.8%; note - due to underrepresentation by women in the combined general on 26 March and two casual elections on 7 and 12 April (10 seats or 14.9%), an additional 12 seats were awarded because their percentage did not meet the 40% threshold required by the Malta Constitution or the General Elections Amendment Act 2021 Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of either 1 or 3 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 3 judges); Court of Criminal Appeal (consists of either 1 or 3 judges) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the president, usually upon the advice of the prime minister; judges of both courts serve until age 65 subordinate courts: Civil Court (divided into the General Jurisdiction Section, Family Section, and Voluntary Section); Criminal Court; Court of Magistrates; Gozo Courts (for the islands of Gozo and Comino) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party (Partit Demokratiku) or PD [Godfrey FARRUGIA] Labor Party (Partit Laburista) or PL [Robert ABELA] Nationalist Party (Partit Nazzjonalista) or PN [Bernard GRECH] International organization participation: Australia Group, C, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Keith AZZOPARDI (since 17 September 2018) chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611; [1] (202) 462-3612 FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470 email address and website: maltaembassy.washington@gov.mt https://foreignandeu.gov.mt/en/Embassies/ME_United_States/Pages/ME_United_States.aspx Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Gwendolyn "Wendy" GREEN (since August 2020) embassy: Ta' Qali National Park, Attard, ATD 4000 mailing address: 5800 Valletta Place, Washington DC  20521-5800 telephone: [356] 2561-4000 email address and website: ACSMalta@state.gov https://mt.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red; according to legend, the colors are taken from the red and white checkered banner of Count Roger of Sicily who removed a bi-colored corner and granted it to Malta in 1091; an uncontested explanation is that the colors are those of the Knights of Saint John who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798; in 1942, King George VI of the UK awarded the George Cross to the islanders for their exceptional bravery and gallantry in World War II; since independence in 1964, the George Cross bordered in red has appeared directly on the white field National symbol(s): Maltese eight-pointed cross; national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "L-Innu Malti" (The Maltese Anthem) lyrics/music: Dun Karm PSAILA/Robert SAMMUT note: adopted 1945; written in the form of a prayer National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: City of Valletta; Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum; Megalithic Temples of Malta Topic: Economy Economic overview: Malta’s free market economy – the smallest economy in the euro-zone – relies heavily on trade in both goods and services, principally with Europe. Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008.   Malta has weathered the euro-zone crisis better than most EU member states due to a low debt-to-GDP ratio and financially sound banking sector. It maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and growth has fully recovered since the 2009 recession. In 2014 through 2016, Malta led the euro zone in growth, expanding more than 4.5% per year.   Malta’s services sector continues to grow, with sustained growth in the financial services and online gaming sectors. Advantageous tax schemes remained attractive to foreign investors, though EU discussions of anti-tax avoidance measures have raised concerns among Malta’s financial services and insurance providers, as the measures could have a significant impact on those sectors. The tourism sector also continued to grow, with 2016 showing record-breaking numbers of both air and cruise passenger arrivals.   Malta’s GDP growth remains strong and is supported by a strong labor market. The government has implemented new programs, including free childcare, to encourage increased labor participation. The high cost of borrowing and small labor market remain potential constraints to future economic growth. Increasingly, other EU and European migrants are relocating to Malta for employment, though wages have remained low compared to other European countries. Inflation remains low.Malta’s free market economy – the smallest economy in the euro-zone – relies heavily on trade in both goods and services, principally with Europe. Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta's economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta has weathered the euro-zone crisis better than most EU member states due to a low debt-to-GDP ratio and financially sound banking sector. It maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and growth has fully recovered since the 2009 recession. In 2014 through 2016, Malta led the euro zone in growth, expanding more than 4.5% per year. Malta’s services sector continues to grow, with sustained growth in the financial services and online gaming sectors. Advantageous tax schemes remained attractive to foreign investors, though EU discussions of anti-tax avoidance measures have raised concerns among Malta’s financial services and insurance providers, as the measures could have a significant impact on those sectors. The tourism sector also continued to grow, with 2016 showing record-breaking numbers of both air and cruise passenger arrivals. Malta’s GDP growth remains strong and is supported by a strong labor market. The government has implemented new programs, including free childcare, to encourage increased labor participation. The high cost of borrowing and small labor market remain potential constraints to future economic growth. Increasingly, other EU and European migrants are relocating to Malta for employment, though wages have remained low compared to other European countries. Inflation remains low. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $20.6 billion (2020 est.) $22.15 billion (2019 est.) $20.99 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.94% (2019 est.) 5.17% (2018 est.) 8.03% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $39,200 (2020 est.) $44,000 (2019 est.) $43,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $14.986 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (2019 est.) 1.1% (2018 est.) 1.3% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A+ (2017) Moody's rating: A2 (2019) Standard & Poors rating: A- (2016) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.1% (2017 est.) industry: 10.2% (2017 est.) services: 88.7% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 45.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 136.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -117.9% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cauliflowers, broccoli, eggplants, pork, cabbages, poultry Industries: tourism, electronics, ship building and repair, construction, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, footwear, clothing, tobacco, aviation services, financial services, information technology services Industrial production growth rate: -3.3% (2016 est.) Labor force: 223,000 (2019 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.6% industry: 20.7% services: 77.7% (2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 0.78% (2019 est.) 0.89% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.7% male: 13.1% female: 8% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 17.1% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 29.2 (2017 est.) 27.7 (2014) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 5.076 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.583 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 3.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 50.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 56.3% of GDP (2016 est.) note: Malta reports public debt at nominal value outstanding at the end of the year, according to guidelines set out in the Maastricht Treaty for general government gross debt; the data include the following categories of government liabilities (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); general government comprises the central, state, and local governments, and social security funds Taxes and other revenues: 40.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $1.561 billion (2019 est.) $1.55 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $19.04 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Germany 12%, France 9%, Italy 9% (2019) Exports - commodities: integrated circuits, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, children's toys and stuffed animals, postage stamps  (2019) Imports: $18.01 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $18.45 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Russia 22%, Italy 12%, United Kingdom 11%, Germany 6%, Turkey 5%, France 5%, China 5%, South Korea 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, recreational boats, ships, aircraft, coal tar oil (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $833 million (31 December 2017 est.) $677.1 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $98.179 billion (2019 est.) $104.467 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 784,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,497,143,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 4 million kWh (2020 est.) imports: 420 million kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 158 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 88.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 11.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 54,000 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 10,400 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 52,290 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 415.606 million cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 415.606 million cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 9.576 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 8.831 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 745,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 267.739 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 259,456 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 59 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 633,123 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 143 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Malta’s small telecom sector is among the most advanced in Europe; this has been helped by the topography, which has made it relatively easy for operators to expand the reach of their fiber infrastructure; with high mobile and broadband penetration rates, the government and regulator have effective strategies in place to capitalize on these infrastructure developments to ensure that the population has among the fastest data rates in Europe, and is well positioned to take advantage of emerging e-commerce opportunities; the sector has also been stimulated by regulatory measures designed to reduce consumer prices; Melita having been sold to EQT in late 2019 and Vodafone Malta having been sold to Monaco Telecom, and rebranded as Epic; the incumbent telco GO is investing in a sub sea cable to connect the islands to France and Egypt; expected to be ready for service in 2022, the cable will further enhance Malta’s internet bandwidth and lead to reduced prices for end-users; there has also been some encouragement to increase market competition; this led to the VULA agreement between GO and Epic Malta, by which Epic was able to enter the fixed broadband market using GO’s fibre infrastructure; in April 2021 Epic began offering FttP services directly, over its own fiber network; Melita provides a national gigabit service via its fiber and DOCSIS3.1 networks, while GO’s extensive FttP network covered about 150,000 premises by early 2021; the company is investing €100 million to develop LTE and fiber through to 2023. (2021) domestic: fixed-line approximately 59 per 100  persons and mobile-cellular subscribership 143 per 100 persons; automatic system featuring submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands (2020) international: country code - 356; landing points for the Malta-Gozo Cable, VMSCS, GO-1 Mediterranean Cable System, Malta Italy Interconnector, Melita-1, and the Italy-Malta submarine cable connections to Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 2 publicly owned TV stations, Television Malta broadcasting nationally plus an educational channel; several privately owned national television stations, 2 of which are owned by political parties; Italian and British broadcast programs are available; multi-channel cable and satellite TV services are available; publicly owned radio broadcaster operates 3 stations; roughly 20 commercial radio stations (2019) Internet country code: .mt Internet users: total: 448,339 (2020 est.) percent of population: 87% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 213,419 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 13 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 180 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,576,898 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5.14 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9H Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Roadways: total: 3,096 km (2008) paved: 2,704 km (2008) unpaved: 392 km (2008) urban: 1,422 km (2001) non-urban: 832 km (2001) Merchant marine: total: 2,137 by type: bulk carrier 601, container ship 310, general cargo 218, oil tanker 412, other 596 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Marsaxlokk (Malta Freeport), Valletta container port(s) (TEUs): Marsaxlokk (2,722,889) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Delimara Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of Malta (AFM, includes land, maritime, and air elements, plus a Volunteer Reserve Force) (2022) Military expenditures: 0.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2020) 0.5% of GDP (2019) (approximately $110 million) 0.5% of GDP (2018) (approximately $110 million) 0.5% of GDP (2017) (approximately $110 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 2,000 active duty personnel (2021) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the small inventory of the Armed Forces of Malta consists of equipment from a mix of European countries, particularly Italy, and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) Military - note: Malta maintains a security policy of neutrality, but contributes to EU and UN military missions and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1995 (suspended in 1996, but reactivated in 2008); it also participates in various bilateral and multinational military exercises; Malta cooperates closely with Italy on defense matters; in 1973, Italy established a military mission in Malta to provide advice, training, and search and rescue assistance  Malta maintains a security policy of neutrality, but contributes to EU and UN military missions and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1995 (suspended in 1996, but reactivated in 2008); it also participates in various bilateral and multinational military exercises; Malta cooperates closely with Italy on defense matters; in 1973, Italy established a military mission in Malta to provide advice, training, and search and rescue assistance  Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 11 (mid-year 2021) note: 8,154 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals by sea (January 2015-July 2022) Illicit drugs: minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe

20220901

field-nationality

This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective. Topic: Afghanistannoun: Afghan(s) adjective: Afghan Topic: Albanianoun: Albanian(s) adjective: Albanian Topic: Algerianoun: Algerian(s) adjective: Algerian Topic: American Samoanoun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals) adjective: American Samoan Topic: Andorranoun: Andorran(s) adjective: Andorran Topic: Angolanoun: Angolan(s) adjective: Angolan Topic: Anguillanoun: Anguillan(s) adjective: Anguillan Topic: Antigua and Barbudanoun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan Topic: Argentinanoun: Argentine(s) adjective: Argentine Topic: Armenianoun: Armenian(s) adjective: Armenian Topic: Arubanoun: Aruban(s) adjective: Aruban; Dutch Topic: Australianoun: Australian(s) adjective: Australian Topic: Austrianoun: Austrian(s) adjective: Austrian Topic: Azerbaijannoun: Azerbaijani(s) adjective: Azerbaijani Topic: Bahamas, Thenoun: Bahamian(s) adjective: Bahamian Topic: Bahrainnoun: Bahraini(s) adjective: Bahraini Topic: Bangladeshnoun: Bangladeshi(s) adjective: Bangladeshi Topic: Barbadosnoun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial) adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial) Topic: Belarusnoun: Belarusian(s) adjective: Belarusian Topic: Belgiumnoun: Belgian(s) adjective: Belgian Topic: Belizenoun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean Topic: Beninnoun: Beninese (singular and plural) adjective: Beninese Topic: Bermudanoun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian Topic: Bhutannoun: Bhutanese (singular and plural) adjective: Bhutanese Topic: Bolivianoun: Bolivian(s) adjective: Bolivian Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinanoun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s) adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian Topic: Botswananoun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Topic: Brazilnoun: Brazilian(s) adjective: Brazilian Topic: British Virgin Islandsnoun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander Topic: Bruneinoun: Bruneian(s) adjective: Bruneian Topic: Bulgarianoun: Bulgarian(s) adjective: Bulgarian Topic: Burkina Fasonoun: Burkinabe (singular and plural) adjective: Burkinabe Topic: Burmanoun: Burmese (singular and plural) adjective: Burmese Topic: Burundinoun: Burundian(s) adjective: Burundian Topic: Cabo Verdenoun: Cabo Verdean(s) adjective: Cabo Verdean Topic: Cambodianoun: Cambodian(s) adjective: Cambodian Topic: Cameroonnoun: Cameroonian(s) adjective: Cameroonian Topic: Canadanoun: Canadian(s) adjective: Canadian Topic: Cayman Islandsnoun: Caymanian(s) adjective: Caymanian Topic: Central African Republicnoun: Central African(s) adjective: Central African Topic: Chadnoun: Chadian(s) adjective: Chadian Topic: Chilenoun: Chilean(s) adjective: Chilean Topic: Chinanoun: Chinese (singular and plural) adjective: Chinese Topic: Christmas Islandnoun: Christmas Islander(s) adjective: Christmas Island Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnoun: Cocos Islander(s) adjective: Cocos Islander Topic: Colombianoun: Colombian(s) adjective: Colombian Topic: Comorosnoun: Comoran(s) adjective: Comoran Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thenoun: Congolese (singular and plural) adjective: Congolese or Congo Topic: Congo, Republic of thenoun: Congolese (singular and plural) adjective: Congolese or Congo Topic: Cook Islandsnoun: Cook Islander(s) adjective: Cook Islander Topic: Costa Ricanoun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican Topic: Cote d'Ivoirenoun: Ivoirian(s) adjective: Ivoirian Topic: Croatianoun: Croat(s), Croatian(s) adjective: Croatian note: the French designation of "Croate" to Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century eventually became "Cravate" and later came to be applied to the soldiers' scarves - the cravat; Croatia celebrates Cravat Day every 18 October Topic: Cubanoun: Cuban(s) adjective: Cuban Topic: Curacaonoun: Curacaoan adjective: Curacaoan; Dutch Topic: Cyprusnoun: Cypriot(s) adjective: Cypriot Topic: Czechianoun: Czech(s) adjective: Czech Topic: Denmarknoun: Dane(s) adjective: Danish Topic: Djiboutinoun: Djiboutian(s) adjective: Djiboutian Topic: Dominicanoun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican Topic: Dominican Republicnoun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican Topic: Ecuadornoun: Ecuadorian(s) adjective: Ecuadorian Topic: Egyptnoun: Egyptian(s) adjective: Egyptian Topic: El Salvadornoun: Salvadoran(s) adjective: Salvadoran Topic: Equatorial Guineanoun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s) adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean Topic: Eritreanoun: Eritrean(s) adjective: Eritrean Topic: Estonianoun: Estonian(s) adjective: Estonian Topic: Eswatininoun: liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers adjective: Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers Topic: Ethiopianoun: Ethiopian(s) adjective: Ethiopian Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)noun: Falkland Islander(s) adjective: Falkland Island Topic: Faroe Islandsnoun: Faroese (singular and plural) adjective: Faroese Topic: Fijinoun: Fijian(s) adjective: Fijian Topic: Finlandnoun: Finn(s) adjective: Finnish Topic: Francenoun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women) adjective: French Topic: French Polynesianoun: French Polynesian(s) adjective: French Polynesian Topic: Gabonnoun: Gabonese (singular and plural) adjective: Gabonese Topic: Gambia, Thenoun: Gambian(s) adjective: Gambian Topic: Gaza Stripnoun: NA adjective: NA Topic: Georgianoun: Georgian(s) adjective: Georgian Topic: Germanynoun: German(s) adjective: German Topic: Ghananoun: Ghanaian(s) adjective: Ghanaian Topic: Gibraltarnoun: Gibraltarian(s) adjective: Gibraltar Topic: Greecenoun: Greek(s) adjective: Greek Topic: Greenlandnoun: Greenlander(s) adjective: Greenlandic Topic: Grenadanoun: Grenadian(s) adjective: Grenadian Topic: Guamnoun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens) adjective: Guamanian Topic: Guatemalanoun: Guatemalan(s) adjective: Guatemalan Topic: Guernseynoun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander Topic: Guineanoun: Guinean(s) adjective: Guinean Topic: Guinea-Bissaunoun: Bissau-Guinean(s) adjective: Bissau-Guinean Topic: Guyananoun: Guyanese (singular and plural) adjective: Guyanese Topic: Haitinoun: Haitian(s) adjective: Haitian Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)noun: none adjective: none Topic: Hondurasnoun: Honduran(s) adjective: Honduran Topic: Hong Kongnoun: Chinese/Hong Konger adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong Topic: Hungarynoun: Hungarian(s) adjective: Hungarian Topic: Icelandnoun: Icelander(s) adjective: Icelandic Topic: Indianoun: Indian(s) adjective: Indian Topic: Indonesianoun: Indonesian(s) adjective: Indonesian Topic: Irannoun: Iranian(s) adjective: Iranian Topic: Iraqnoun: Iraqi(s) adjective: Iraqi Topic: Irelandnoun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural) adjective: Irish Topic: Isle of Mannoun: Manxman(men), Manxwoman(women) adjective: Manx Topic: Israelnoun: Israeli(s) adjective: Israeli Topic: Italynoun: Italian(s) adjective: Italian Topic: Jamaicanoun: Jamaican(s) adjective: Jamaican Topic: Japannoun: Japanese (singular and plural) adjective: Japanese Topic: Jerseynoun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander Topic: Jordannoun: Jordanian(s) adjective: Jordanian Topic: Kazakhstannoun: Kazakhstani(s) adjective: Kazakhstani Topic: Kenyanoun: Kenyan(s) adjective: Kenyan Topic: Kiribatinoun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural) adjective: I-Kiribati Topic: Korea, Northnoun: Korean(s) adjective: Korean Topic: Korea, Southnoun: Korean(s) adjective: Korean Topic: Kosovonoun: Kosovan adjective: Kosovan note: Kosovo, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective as in Kosovo Albanian, Kosovo Serb, Kosovo minority, or Kosovo citizen Topic: Kuwaitnoun: Kuwaiti(s) adjective: Kuwaiti Topic: Kyrgyzstannoun: Kyrgyzstani(s) adjective: Kyrgyzstani Topic: Laosnoun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s) adjective: Lao or Laotian Topic: Latvianoun: Latvian(s) adjective: Latvian Topic: Lebanonnoun: Lebanese (singular and plural) adjective: Lebanese Topic: Lesothonoun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural) adjective: Basotho Topic: Liberianoun: Liberian(s) adjective: Liberian Topic: Libyanoun: Libyan(s) adjective: Libyan Topic: Liechtensteinnoun: Liechtensteiner(s) adjective: Liechtenstein Topic: Lithuanianoun: Lithuanian(s) adjective: Lithuanian Topic: Luxembourgnoun: Luxembourger(s) adjective: Luxembourg Topic: Macaunoun: Chinese adjective: Chinese Topic: Madagascarnoun: Malagasy (singular and plural) adjective: Malagasy Topic: Malawinoun: Malawian(s) adjective: Malawian Topic: Malaysianoun: Malaysian(s) adjective: Malaysian Topic: Maldivesnoun: Maldivian(s) adjective: Maldivian Topic: Malinoun: Malian(s) adjective: Malian Topic: Maltanoun: Maltese (singular and plural) adjective: Maltese Topic: Marshall Islandsnoun: Marshallese (singular and plural) adjective: Marshallese Topic: Mauritanianoun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: Mauritanian Topic: Mauritiusnoun: Mauritian(s) adjective: Mauritian Topic: Mexiconoun: Mexican(s) adjective: Mexican Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofnoun: Micronesian(s) adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese Topic: Moldovanoun: Moldovan(s) adjective: Moldovan Topic: Monaconoun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s) adjective: Monegasque or Monacan Topic: Mongolianoun: Mongolian(s) adjective: Mongolian Topic: Montenegronoun: Montenegrin(s) adjective: Montenegrin Topic: Montserratnoun: Montserratian(s) adjective: Montserratian Topic: Morocconoun: Moroccan(s) adjective: Moroccan Topic: Mozambiquenoun: Mozambican(s) adjective: Mozambican Topic: Namibianoun: Namibian(s) adjective: Namibian Topic: Naurunoun: Nauruan(s) adjective: Nauruan Topic: Nepalnoun: Nepali (singular and plural) adjective: Nepali Topic: Netherlandsnoun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women) adjective: Dutch Topic: New Caledonianoun: New Caledonian(s) adjective: New Caledonian Topic: New Zealandnoun: New Zealander(s) adjective: New Zealand Topic: Nicaraguanoun: Nicaraguan(s) adjective: Nicaraguan Topic: Nigernoun: Nigerien(s) adjective: Nigerien Topic: Nigerianoun: Nigerian(s) adjective: Nigerian Topic: Niuenoun: Niuean(s) adjective: Niuean Topic: Norfolk Islandnoun: Norfolk Islander(s) adjective: Norfolk Islander(s) Topic: North Macedonianoun: Macedonian(s) adjective: Macedonian Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsnoun: NA (US citizens) adjective: NA Topic: Norwaynoun: Norwegian(s) adjective: Norwegian Topic: Omannoun: Omani(s) adjective: Omani Topic: Pakistannoun: Pakistani(s) adjective: Pakistani Topic: Palaunoun: Palauan(s) adjective: Palauan Topic: Panamanoun: Panamanian(s) adjective: Panamanian Topic: Papua New Guineanoun: Papua New Guinean(s) adjective: Papua New Guinean Topic: Paraguaynoun: Paraguayan(s) adjective: Paraguayan Topic: Perunoun: Peruvian(s) adjective: Peruvian Topic: Philippinesnoun: Filipino(s) adjective: Philippine Topic: Pitcairn Islandsnoun: Pitcairn Islander(s) adjective: Pitcairn Islander Topic: Polandnoun: Pole(s) adjective: Polish Topic: Portugalnoun: Portuguese (singular and plural) adjective: Portuguese Topic: Puerto Riconoun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens) adjective: Puerto Rican Topic: Qatarnoun: Qatari(s) adjective: Qatari Topic: Romanianoun: Romanian(s) adjective: Romanian Topic: Russianoun: Russian(s) adjective: Russian Topic: Rwandanoun: Rwandan(s) adjective: Rwandan Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhanoun: Saint Helenian(s) adjective: Saint Helenian note: referred to locally as "Saints" Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisnoun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s) adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian Topic: Saint Lucianoun: Saint Lucian(s) adjective: Saint Lucian Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonnoun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women) adjective: French Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesnoun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s) adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian Topic: Samoanoun: Samoan(s) adjective: Samoan Topic: San Marinonoun: Sammarinese (singular and plural) adjective: Sammarinese Topic: Sao Tome and Principenoun: Sao Tomean(s) adjective: Sao Tomean Topic: Saudi Arabianoun: Saudi(s) adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian Topic: Senegalnoun: Senegalese (singular and plural) adjective: Senegalese Topic: Serbianoun: Serb(s) adjective: Serbian Topic: Seychellesnoun: Seychellois (singular and plural) adjective: Seychellois Topic: Sierra Leonenoun: Sierra Leonean(s) adjective: Sierra Leonean Topic: Singaporenoun: Singaporean(s) adjective: Singapore Topic: Slovakianoun: Slovak(s) adjective: Slovak Topic: Slovenianoun: Slovene(s) adjective: Slovenian Topic: Solomon Islandsnoun: Solomon Islander(s) adjective: Solomon Islander Topic: Somalianoun: Somali(s) adjective: Somali Topic: South Africanoun: South African(s) adjective: South African Topic: South Sudannoun: South Sudanese (singular and plural) adjective: South Sudanese Topic: Spainnoun: Spaniard(s) adjective: Spanish Topic: Sri Lankanoun: Sri Lankan(s) adjective: Sri Lankan Topic: Sudannoun: Sudanese (singular and plural) adjective: Sudanese Topic: Surinamenoun: Surinamer(s) adjective: Surinamese Topic: Swedennoun: Swede(s) adjective: Swedish Topic: Switzerlandnoun: Swiss (singular and plural) adjective: Swiss Topic: Syrianoun: Syrian(s) adjective: Syrian Topic: Taiwannoun: Taiwan (singular and plural) adjective: Taiwan (or Taiwanese) note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan Topic: Tajikistannoun: Tajikistani(s) adjective: Tajikistani Topic: Tanzanianoun: Tanzanian(s) adjective: Tanzanian Topic: Thailandnoun: Thai (singular and plural) adjective: Thai Topic: Timor-Lestenoun: Timorese adjective: Timorese Topic: Togonoun: Togolese (singular and plural) adjective: Togolese Topic: Tokelaunoun: Tokelauan(s) adjective: Tokelauan Topic: Tonganoun: Tongan(s) adjective: Tongan Topic: Trinidad and Tobagonoun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s) adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian note: Trinbagonian is used on occasion to describe a citizen of the country without specifying the island of origin Topic: Tunisianoun: Tunisian(s) adjective: Tunisian Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)noun: Turk(s) adjective: Turkish Topic: Turkmenistannoun: Turkmenistani(s) adjective: Turkmenistani Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsnoun: none adjective: none Topic: Tuvalunoun: Tuvaluan(s) adjective: Tuvaluan Topic: Ugandanoun: Ugandan(s) adjective: Ugandan Topic: Ukrainenoun: Ukrainian(s) adjective: Ukrainian Topic: United Arab Emiratesnoun: Emirati(s) adjective: Emirati Topic: United Kingdomnoun: Briton(s), British (collective plural) adjective: British Topic: United Statesnoun: American(s) adjective: American Topic: Uruguaynoun: Uruguayan(s) adjective: Uruguayan Topic: Uzbekistannoun: Uzbekistani adjective: Uzbekistani Topic: Vanuatunoun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural) adjective: Ni-Vanuatu Topic: Venezuelanoun: Venezuelan(s) adjective: Venezuelan Topic: Vietnamnoun: Vietnamese (singular and plural) adjective: Vietnamese Topic: Virgin Islandsnoun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens) adjective: Virgin Islander Topic: Wallis and Futunanoun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander Topic: West Banknoun: NA adjective: NA Topic: Yemennoun: Yemeni(s) adjective: Yemeni Topic: Zambianoun: Zambian(s) adjective: Zambian Topic: Zimbabwenoun: Zimbabwean(s) adjective: Zimbabwean

20220901

field-economy-of-the-area-administered-by-turkish-cypriots

20220901

countries-croatia-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Croatia. 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 3 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required. US Embassy/Consulate: [385] (1) 661-2200; US Embassy in Zagreb, Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb, Croatia; https://hr.usembassy.gov/; ZagrebACS@state.gov Telephone Code: 385 Local Emergency Phone: 112 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast Currency (Code): Kuna (HRK) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: Croatian 95.6%, Serbian 1.2%, other 3% (including Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and Albanian) Major Religions: Roman Catholic 86.3%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.5% Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Zagreb; Plitvice Lakes National Park; Kornati National Park; Split; Zadar's Romanesque churches; Zlatni Rat Beach; Kor?ula Town; Mljet National Park; Dubrovnik; Osijek; Stecci Medieval tombstones Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, tennis Cultural Practices: When eating, be sure to accept second helpings if offered. Refusal is considered impolite. Tipping Guidelines: Tips are often included in restaurant bills, but, if not, add 10%; loose change or rounding up to the next convenient number is acceptable at bars. A tip of 15-20 kuna per bag for a hotel porter to deliver luggage to your room is appreciated. A daily tip of 15-20 kuna for housekeeping is considered to be good. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.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: Monday, April 25, 2022

20220901

countries-lesotho

Topic: Photos of Lesotho Topic: Introduction Background: Paramount chief MOSHOESHOE I consolidated what would become Basutoland in the early 19th century and made himself king in 1822. Continuing encroachments by Dutch settlers from the neighboring Orange Free State caused the king to enter into an 1868 agreement with the UK by which Basutoland became a British protectorate, and after 1884, a crown colony. Upon independence in 1966, the country was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Basotho National Party ruled the country during its first two decades. King MOSHOESHOE II was exiled in 1990, but returned to Lesotho in 1992 and was reinstated in 1995 and subsequently succeeded by his son, King LETSIE III, in 1996. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after seven years of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Batswana military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Subsequent constitutional reforms restored relative political stability. Peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002, but the National Assembly elections in 2007 were hotly contested and aggrieved parties disputed how the electoral law was applied to award proportional seats in the Assembly. In 2012, competitive elections involving 18 parties saw Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas THABANE form a coalition government - the first in the country's history - that ousted the 14-year incumbent, Pakalitha MOSISILI, who peacefully transferred power the following month. MOSISILI returned to power in snap elections in February 2015 after the collapse of THABANE’s coalition government and an alleged attempted military coup. In June 2017, THABANE returned to become prime minister.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa Geographic coordinates: 29 30 S, 28 30 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 30,355 sq km land: 30,355 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,106 km border countries (1): South Africa 1,106 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers Terrain: mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountains Elevation: highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m mean elevation: 2,161 m Natural resources: water, agricultural and grazing land, diamonds, sand, clay, building stone Land use: agricultural land: 76.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 65.9% (2018 est.) forest: 1.5% (2018 est.) other: 22.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 30 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Orange river source (shared with South Africa and Namibia [m]) - 2,092 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Population distribution: relatively higher population density in the western half of the nation, with the capital of Maseru, and the smaller cities of Mafeteng, Teyateyaneng, and Leribe attracting the most people as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: periodic droughts Geography - note: landlocked, an enclave of (completely surrounded by) South Africa; mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 m above sea level Map description: Lesotho map showing major population centers of this landlocked country surrounded by South Africa.Lesotho map showing major population centers of this landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. Topic: People and Society Population: 2,193,970 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural) adjective: Basotho Ethnic groups: Sotho 99.7%, Europeans, Asians, and other 0.3% Languages: Sesotho (official) (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa Religions: Protestant 47.8% (Pentecostal 23.1%, Lesotho Evangelical 17.3%, Anglican 7.4%), Roman Catholic 39.3%, other Christian 9.1%, non-Christian 1.4%, none 2.3% (2014 est.) Demographic profile: Lesotho faces great socioeconomic challenges. More than half of its population lives below the property line, and the country’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is the second highest in the world. In addition, Lesotho is a small, mountainous, landlocked country with little arable land, leaving its population vulnerable to food shortages and reliant on remittances. Lesotho’s persistently high infant, child, and maternal mortality rates have been increasing during the last decade, according to the last two Demographic and Health Surveys. Despite these significant shortcomings, Lesotho has made good progress in education; it is on-track to achieve universal primary education and has one of the highest adult literacy rates in Africa.Lesotho’s migration history is linked to its unique geography; it is surrounded by South Africa with which it shares linguistic and cultural traits. Lesotho at one time had more of its workforce employed outside its borders than any other country. Today remittances equal about 17% of its GDP. With few job options at home, a high rate of poverty, and higher wages available across the border, labor migration to South Africa replaced agriculture as the prevailing Basotho source of income decades ago. The majority of Basotho migrants were single men contracted to work as gold miners in South Africa. However, migration trends changed in the 1990s, and fewer men found mining jobs in South Africa because of declining gold prices, stricter immigration policies, and a preference for South African workers.Although men still dominate cross-border labor migration, more women are working in South Africa, mostly as domestics, because they are widows or their husbands are unemployed. Internal rural-urban flows have also become more frequent, with more women migrating within the country to take up jobs in the garment industry or moving to care for loved ones with HIV/AIDS. Lesotho’s small population of immigrants is increasingly composed of Taiwanese and Chinese migrants who are involved in the textile industry and small retail businesses.Lesotho faces great socioeconomic challenges. More than half of its population lives below the property line, and the country’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is the second highest in the world. In addition, Lesotho is a small, mountainous, landlocked country with little arable land, leaving its population vulnerable to food shortages and reliant on remittances. Lesotho’s persistently high infant, child, and maternal mortality rates have been increasing during the last decade, according to the last two Demographic and Health Surveys. Despite these significant shortcomings, Lesotho has made good progress in education; it is on-track to achieve universal primary education and has one of the highest adult literacy rates in Africa.Lesotho’s migration history is linked to its unique geography; it is surrounded by South Africa with which it shares linguistic and cultural traits. Lesotho at one time had more of its workforce employed outside its borders than any other country. Today remittances equal about 17% of its GDP. With few job options at home, a high rate of poverty, and higher wages available across the border, labor migration to South Africa replaced agriculture as the prevailing Basotho source of income decades ago. The majority of Basotho migrants were single men contracted to work as gold miners in South Africa. However, migration trends changed in the 1990s, and fewer men found mining jobs in South Africa because of declining gold prices, stricter immigration policies, and a preference for South African workers.Although men still dominate cross-border labor migration, more women are working in South Africa, mostly as domestics, because they are widows or their husbands are unemployed. Internal rural-urban flows have also become more frequent, with more women migrating within the country to take up jobs in the garment industry or moving to care for loved ones with HIV/AIDS. Lesotho’s small population of immigrants is increasingly composed of Taiwanese and Chinese migrants who are involved in the textile industry and small retail businesses. Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.3% (male 309,991/female 306,321) 15-24 years: 19.26% (male 181,874/female 197,452) 25-54 years: 38.86% (male 373,323/female 391,901) 55-64 years: 4.98% (male 52,441/female 45,726) 65 years and over: 5.6% (2020 est.) (male 57,030/female 53,275) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 59.2 youth dependency ratio: 51.3 elderly dependency ratio: 7.9 potential support ratio: 12.7 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 24.7 years male: 24.7 years female: 24.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.76% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 23.15 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 11.05 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -4.55 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: relatively higher population density in the western half of the nation, with the capital of Maseru, and the smaller cities of Mafeteng, Teyateyaneng, and Leribe attracting the most people as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 29.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 202,000 MASERU (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.74 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 20.9 years (2014 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 544 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 48.44 deaths/1,000 live births male: 54 deaths/1,000 live births female: 42.72 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 59.57 years male: 57.57 years female: 61.64 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.92 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 64.9% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 95.7% of population rural: 77.2% of population total: 82.6% of population unimproved: urban: 4.3% of population rural: 22.8% of population total: 17.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 11.3% (2019) Physicians density: 0.47 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 93.6% of population rural: 62.4% of population total: 71.4% of population unimproved: urban: 6.4% of population rural: 37.6% of population total: 28.6% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 21.1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 280,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 4,700 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 16.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 24.3% (2020 est.) male: 43.1% (2020 est.) female: 5.4% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 10.5% (2018) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 1% women married by age 18: 16.4% men married by age 18: 1.9% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 7.4% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 79.4% male: 70.1% female: 88.3% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 12 years male: 12 years female: 13 years (2017) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 35.5% male: 31.2% NA female: 41.5% (2019 est.) NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and redirects water to South Africa 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, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 27.78 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.51 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.56 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers Land use: agricultural land: 76.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 65.9% (2018 est.) forest: 1.5% (2018 est.) other: 22.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 29.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 3.34% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to loss of income-generating activities -  the number of people facing "Crisis" levels of food insecurity between January and March 2022 is estimated at 338,000, reflecting the effects of a slow economic recovery that has impinged on households’ economic capacity to access food (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 73,457 tons (2006 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Orange river source (shared with South Africa and Namibia [m]) - 2,092 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 20 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 20 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 3.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 3.022 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho conventional short form: Lesotho local long form: Kingdom of Lesotho local short form: Lesotho former: Basutoland etymology: the name translates as "Land of the Sesotho Speakers" Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Maseru geographic coordinates: 29 19 S, 27 29 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: in the Sesotho language the name means "[place of] red sandstones" Administrative divisions: 10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka Independence: 4 October 1966 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 4 October (1966) Constitution: history: previous 1959, 1967; latest adopted 2 April 1993 (effectively restoring the 1967 version) amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, including fundamental rights and freedoms, sovereignty of the kingdom, the office of the king, and powers of Parliament, requires a majority vote by the National Assembly, approval by the Senate, approval in a referendum by a majority of qualified voters, and assent of the king; passage of amendments other than those specified provisions requires at least a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Parliament; amended several times, last in 2011 Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King LETSIE III (since 7 February 1996); note - King LETSIE III formerly occupied the throne from November 1990 to February 1995 while his father was in exile head of government: Prime Minister Moeketsi MAJORO (since 20 May 2020); note - Prime Minister Thomas THABANE resigned on 19 May 2020 cabinet: consists of the prime minister, appointed by the King on the advice of the Council of State, the deputy prime minister, and 26 other ministers elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary, but under the terms of the constitution that came into effect after the March 1993 election, the monarch is a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers; under traditional law, the College of Chiefs has the power to depose the monarch, to determine next in line of succession, or to serve as regent in the event that a successor is not of mature age; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the Assembly automatically becomes prime minister Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (33 seats; 22 principal chiefs and 11 other senators nominated by the king with the advice of the Council of State, a 13-member body of key government and non-government officials; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly (120 seats; 80 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 40 elected through proportional representation; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last nominated by the king on 11 July 2017 (next in late July 2022) National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2017 (next to be held on 30 September 2022) election results: Senate - percent of votes by party - NA, seats by party - NA; composition - men 26, women 7, percent of women 21.2% National Assembly - percent of votes by party - ABC 40.5%, DC 25.8%, LCD 9%, AD 7.3%, MEC 5.1%, BNP 4.1, PFD 2.3%, other 5.9%; seats by party - ABC 51, DC 30, LCD 11, AD 9, MEC 6, BNP 5, PFD 3, other 5; composition - men 87, women 28, percent of women 23.3%; note - total Parliament percent of women 22.9% Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, such number of justices of appeal as set by Parliament, and the Chief Justice and the puisne judges of the High Court ex officio); High Court (consists of the chief justice and such number of puisne judges as set by Parliament); note - both the Court of Appeal and the High Court have jurisdiction in constitutional issues judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and High Court chief justice appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; puisne judges appointed by the monarch on advice of the Judicial Service Commission, an independent body of judicial officers and officials designated by the monarch; judges of both courts can serve until age 75 subordinate courts: Magistrate Courts; customary or traditional courts; military courts Political parties and leaders: All Basotho Convention or ABC [Moeketsi MAJORO] Alliance of Democrats or AD [Monyane MOLELEKI] Basotho Action Party or BAP [Ngosa MAHAO] Basotho National Party or BNP [Thesele MASERIBANE] Democratic Congress or DC [Mathibeli MOKHOTHU] Democratic Party of Lesotho or DPL [Limpho TAU] Lesotho Congress for Democracy or LCD [Mothetjoa METSING] Movement of Economic Change or MEC [Selibe MOCHOBOROANE] National Independent Party or NIP [Kimetso MATHABA] Popular Front for Democracy of PFD [Lekhetho RAKUOANE] Reformed Congress of Lesotho or RCL [Keketso RANTSO] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Masopha Phoofolo Moses KAO, Counselor (28 May 2021) chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815 email address and website: lesothoembassy@verizon.net https://www.gov.ls/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maria E. BREWER (since 10 March 2022) embassy: 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru mailing address: 2340 Maseru Place, Washington DC  20521-2340 telephone: [266] 22312666 FAX: [266] 22310116 email address and website: USConsularMaseru@state.gov https://ls.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three horizontal stripes of blue (top), white, and green in the proportions of 3:4:3; the colors represent rain, peace, and prosperity respectively; centered in the white stripe is a black Basotho hat representing the indigenous people; the flag was unfurled in October 2006 to celebrate 40 years of independence National symbol(s): mokorotio (Basotho hat); national colors: blue, white, green, black National anthem: name: "Lesotho fatse la bo ntat'a rona" (Lesotho, Land of Our Fathers) lyrics/music: Francois COILLARD/Ferdinand-Samuel LAUR note: adopted 1967; music derives from an 1823 Swiss songbook National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Maloti-Drakensberg Park Topic: Economy Economic overview: Small, mountainous, and completely landlocked by South Africa, Lesotho depends on a narrow economic base of textile manufacturing, agriculture, remittances, and regional customs revenue. About three-fourths of the people live in rural areas and engage in animal herding and subsistence agriculture, although Lesotho produces less than 20% of the nation's demand for food. Agriculture is vulnerable to weather and climate variability.   Lesotho relies on South Africa for much of its economic activity; Lesotho imports 85% of the goods it consumes from South Africa, including most agricultural inputs. Households depend heavily on remittances from family members working in South Africa in mines, on farms, and as domestic workers, though mining employment has declined substantially since the 1990s. Lesotho is a member of the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), and revenues from SACU accounted for roughly 26% of total GDP in 2016; however, SACU revenues are volatile and expected to decline over the next 5 years. Lesotho also gains royalties from the South African Government for water transferred to South Africa from a dam and reservoir system in Lesotho. However, the government continues to strengthen its tax system to reduce dependency on customs duties and other transfers.   The government maintains a large presence in the economy - government consumption accounted for about 26% of GDP in 2017. The government remains Lesotho's largest employer; in 2016, the government wage bill rose to 23% of GDP – the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lesotho's largest private employer is the textile and garment industry - approximately 36,000 Basotho, mainly women, work in factories producing garments for export to South Africa and the US. Diamond mining in Lesotho has grown in recent years and accounted for nearly 35% of total exports in 2015. Lesotho managed steady GDP growth at an average of 4.5% from 2010 to 2014, dropping to about 2.5% in 2015-16, but poverty remains widespread around 57% of the total population.Small, mountainous, and completely landlocked by South Africa, Lesotho depends on a narrow economic base of textile manufacturing, agriculture, remittances, and regional customs revenue. About three-fourths of the people live in rural areas and engage in animal herding and subsistence agriculture, although Lesotho produces less than 20% of the nation's demand for food. Agriculture is vulnerable to weather and climate variability. Lesotho relies on South Africa for much of its economic activity; Lesotho imports 85% of the goods it consumes from South Africa, including most agricultural inputs. Households depend heavily on remittances from family members working in South Africa in mines, on farms, and as domestic workers, though mining employment has declined substantially since the 1990s. Lesotho is a member of the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), and revenues from SACU accounted for roughly 26% of total GDP in 2016; however, SACU revenues are volatile and expected to decline over the next 5 years. Lesotho also gains royalties from the South African Government for water transferred to South Africa from a dam and reservoir system in Lesotho. However, the government continues to strengthen its tax system to reduce dependency on customs duties and other transfers. The government maintains a large presence in the economy - government consumption accounted for about 26% of GDP in 2017. The government remains Lesotho's largest employer; in 2016, the government wage bill rose to 23% of GDP – the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lesotho's largest private employer is the textile and garment industry - approximately 36,000 Basotho, mainly women, work in factories producing garments for export to South Africa and the US. Diamond mining in Lesotho has grown in recent years and accounted for nearly 35% of total exports in 2015. Lesotho managed steady GDP growth at an average of 4.5% from 2010 to 2014, dropping to about 2.5% in 2015-16, but poverty remains widespread around 57% of the total population. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $4.88 billion (2020 est.) $5.49 billion (2019 est.) $5.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -1.6% (2017 est.) 3.1% (2016 est.) 2.5% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,300 (2020 est.) $2,600 (2019 est.) $2,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $2.462 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.3% (2019 est.) 3.8% (2018 est.) 5.1% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 5.8% (2016 est.) industry: 39.2% (2016 est.) services: 54.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 69.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 31.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -13.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 40.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -54.4% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, potatoes, maize, vegetables, fruit, beef, game meat, mutton, beans, wool Industries: food, beverages, textiles, apparel assembly, handicrafts, construction, tourism Industrial production growth rate: 12.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 930,800 (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 86% industry and services: 14% (2002 est.) note: most of the resident population is engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 35% of the active male wage earners work in South Africa Unemployment rate: 28.1% (2014 est.) 25% (2008 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 35.5% male: 31.2% NA female: 41.5% (2019 est.) NA Population below poverty line: 49.7% (2017 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 44.9 (2017 est.) 56 (1986-87) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1% highest 10%: 39.4% (2003) Budget: revenues: 1.09 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.255 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 33.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 36.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 39.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: -$102 million (2017 est.) -$201 million (2016 est.) Exports: $900 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 29%, Belgium 26%, South Africa 25%, Switzerland 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: diamonds, clothing and apparel, low-voltage protection equipment, wheat products, footwear (2019) Imports: $1.96 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.2 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: South Africa 85%, China 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, clothing and apparel, packaged medicines, delivery trucks, poultry meats (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $657.7 million (31 December 2017 est.) $925.2 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $868 million (2019 est.) $834 million (2018 est.) Exchange rates: maloti (LSL) per US dollar - 14.48 (2017 est.) 14.71 (2016 est.) 14.71 (2015 est.) 12.76 (2014 est.) 10.85 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 36% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 63% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 26% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 74,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 912.8 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 541.7 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 129.9 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 99.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 5,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 5,118 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 736,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 736,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 7.823 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 11,574 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1,562,648 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 73 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: until late 2020, Lesotho’s telecom regulator maintained a market duopoly between the privatized national operator, Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), which is focused on fixed-line services, and Vodacom Lesotho, which dominates the mobile sector; competition between the two was insufficient to promote effective price reductions for consumers, while the regulator had no mechanisms in place to monitor the telcos to ensure quality of service and fair pricing for consumers; the small size of the country’s population provided little incentive for new players to enter the market; legal wrangling between the regulator and the telcos are ongoing; both telcos were fined in late 2020, though Vodacom has the more troubled relationship with the regulator; this culminated in the regulator having attempted to revoke Vodacom Lesotho’s operating license, a process which was temporarily suspended by the Supreme Court after the company appealed; a positive outcome for consumers was the deployment in early 2021 of a service to monitor traffic and billing; this ended the practice whereby the regulator was dependent on telcos submitting data about their performance, billing, and other matters; the regulator has also turned its attention to addressing multiple SIM ownership and stem incidences of crimes committed using unregistered SIMs; in May 2022, it instructed the country’s MNOs to begin registering SIM cards on their networks from the following month; Vodacom was the first operator to introduce mobile broadband services in the country, supplemented with a WiMAX network; this was followed by fixed-wireless 5G trials in early 2019 based on a trial 3.5GHz license. Vodacom Lesotho was among the first network operators in the region to conduct such trials; the crucial nature of telecom services. (2022) domestic: fixed-line is less than 1 per 100 subscriptions; mobile-cellular service subscribership nearly 73 per 100 persons; rudimentary system consisting of a modest number of landlines, a small microwave radio relay system, and a small radiotelephone communication system (2020) international: country code - 266; Internet accessibility has improved with several submarine fiber optic cables that land on African east and west coasts, but the country's land locked position makes access prices expensive; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station and 2 state-owned radio stations; government controls most private broadcast media; satellite TV subscription service available; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters obtainable (2019) Internet country code: .ls Internet users: total: 921,168 (2020 est.) percent of population: 43% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 5,060 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 7P Airports: total: 24 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 21 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 16 (2021) Roadways: total: 5,940 km (2011) paved: 1,069 km (2011) unpaved: 4,871 km (2011) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Lesotho Defense Force (LDF): Army (includes Air Wing) (2022) note: the Lesotho Mounted Police Service is responsible for internal security and reports to the Minister of Police and Public Safety Military expenditures: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $60 million) 2.1% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $65 million) 2.2% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $70 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 2,000 personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the LDF has a small inventory of older equipment from a variety of countries; since 2010, it has received only small quantities of second hand equipment from France (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-24 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women can serve as commissioned officers (2021) Military - note: Lesotho's declared policy for its military is the maintenance of the country's sovereignty and the preservation of internal security; in practice, external security is guaranteed by South Africa Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Lesotho-South Africa: South Africa has placed military units to assist police operations along the border of Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to control smuggling, poaching, and illegal migration  Lesotho-South Africa: South Africa has placed military units to assist police operations along the border of Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to control smuggling, poaching, and illegal migration  Trafficking in persons: current situation: Lesotho is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking and for men subjected to forced labor; Basotho women and children are subjected to domestic servitude and children, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation within Lesotho and South Africa; some Basotho women willingly migrate to South Africa seeking work in domestic service only to be forced into prostitution; some Basotho men who voluntarily migrate to South Africa for work become victims of forced labor in agriculture and mining or are coerced into committing crimes tier rating: Tier 3 — Lesotho does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore it was downgraded to Tier 3; positive steps included partnering with an NGO and an international organization in awareness-raising activities, participating in a regional data collection tool, and training 27 diplomats on trafficking in persons; however, authorities did not investigate, prosecute, or convict any traffickers or officials complicit in trafficking and did not investigate concerns of official complicity in trafficking crimes restricted law enforcement actions; fewer victims were identified and received no protective services; no standard operating procedures for victim identification or implementation of the national referral mechanism; the government did not finance  the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund or the Child and Gender Protection Unit; front-line responders to trafficking crimes are inadequately trained; penalties for human trafficking are not stringent enough to serve as a deterrent (2020)

20220901

countries-australia-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Australia. 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. 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 required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to visiting the country. US Embassy/Consulate: [61] (02) 6214-5600; US Embassy in Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, Australia; https://au.usembassy.gov/; AskEmbassyCanberra@state.gov Telephone Code: 61 Local Emergency Phone: 000 (112 on cell phone) Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Currency (Code): Dollars (AUD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I Major Languages: English 72.7%, other minority languages Major Religions: Protestant 23.1%, Roman Catholic 22.6%, other Christian 4.2%, other minority religions Time Difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October, ends first Sunday in April; Australia has four time zones, including Lord Howe Island (UTC+10:30) UTC +8, +9, +10 Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Sydney (includes Opera House & Harbour Bridge); Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (aka Ayers Rock-the Olgas); Blue Mountains National Park; Bondi Beach; Daintree National Park; Fraser Island; Kakadu National Park; Darling Harbour; Australian National Maritime Museum; the Outback; Port Campbell National Park Major Sports: Australian football Cultural Practices: Australians often greet each other with "G' day," or "G' day, mate," but if a foreigner were to use this phrase it might come across as patronizing. Tipping Guidelines: Restaurant prices are required by law to include tax and service charges. Rounding up the bill to the nearest $5-10 (AUD) would be appropriate for exceptional service. Try to leave cash, since it is common for servers not to receive credit card tips. Round up the fare for taxi driver's tip. Souvenirs: Boomerangs and other indigenous carved items, stuffed toy native animals (such as kangaroo, koala, wombat, and platypus), jewelry, woolen goods, vegemitePlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Monday, April 18, 2022

20220901

countries-luxembourg

Topic: Photos of Luxembourg Topic: Introduction Background: Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839 but gained a larger measure of autonomy. In 1867, Luxembourg attained full independence under the condition that it promise perpetual neutrality. Overrun by Germany in both world wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the EEC (later the EU), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency zone.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Europe, between France and Germany Geographic coordinates: 49 45 N, 6 10 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 2,586 sq km land: 2,586 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Rhode Island; about half the size of Delaware Land boundaries: total: 327 km border countries (3): Belgium 130 km; France 69 km; Germany 128 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: modified continental with mild winters, cool summers Terrain: mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast Elevation: highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m lowest point: Moselle River 133 m mean elevation: 325 m Natural resources: iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land Land use: agricultural land: 50.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 24% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 26.1% (2018 est.) forest: 33.5% (2018 est.) other: 15.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Population distribution: most people live in the south, on or near the border with France Natural hazards: occasional flooding Geography - note: landlocked; the only grand duchy in the world Map description: Luxembourg map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 650,364 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Luxembourger(s) adjective: Luxembourg Ethnic groups: Luxembourger 52.9%, Portuguese 14.5%, French 7.6%, Italian 3.7%, Belgian 3%, German 2%, Spanish 1.3%, Romania 1%, other 14% (2022 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Languages: Luxembourgish (official administrative and judicial language and national language (spoken vernacular)) 55.8%, Portuguese 15.7%, French (official administrative, judicial, and legislative language) 12.1%, German (official administrative and judicial language) 3.1%, Italian 2.9%, English 2.1%, other 8.4% (2011 est.) Religions: Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 70.6%, Muslim 2.3%, other (includes Buddhist, folk religions, Hindu, Jewish) 0.4%, unaffiliated 26.7% (2020 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.73% (male 54,099/female 51,004) 15-24 years: 11.78% (male 37,946/female 36,061) 25-54 years: 43.93% (male 141,535/female 134,531) 55-64 years: 12.19% (male 39,289/female 37,337) 65 years and over: 15.37% (2020 est.) (male 43,595/female 52,984) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 42.8 youth dependency ratio: 22.2 elderly dependency ratio: 20.5 potential support ratio: 4.9 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 39.5 years male: 38.9 years female: 40 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.64% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 11.61 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.21 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 12.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most people live in the south, on or near the border with France Urbanization: urban population: 91.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 120,000 LUXEMBOURG (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 31 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 5 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.25 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.65 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 82.98 years male: 80.52 years female: 85.58 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.63 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 98.6% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 1.4% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.4% (2019) Physicians density: 3.01 physicians/1,000 population (2017) Hospital bed density: 4.3 beds/1,000 population (2019) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 99.9% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0.1% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,200 (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 22.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 21.1% (2020 est.) male: 22.4% (2020 est.) female: 19.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 3.7% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 14 years female: 14 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 23.2% male: 24.8% female: 21.3% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of farmland; unsustainable patterns of consumption (transport, energy, recreation, space) threaten biodiversity and landscapes Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.21 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 8.99 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.61 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: modified continental with mild winters, cool summers Land use: agricultural land: 50.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 24% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 26.1% (2018 est.) forest: 33.5% (2018 est.) other: 15.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 91.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 356,000 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 100,997 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.4% (2015 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 43.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 400,000 cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 3.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg conventional short form: Luxembourg local long form: Grand Duche de Luxembourg local short form: Luxembourg etymology: the name derives from the Celtic "lucilem" (little) and the German "burg" (castle or fortress) to produce the meaning of the "little castle"; the name is actually ironic, since for centuries the Fortress of Luxembourg was one of Europe's most formidable fortifications; the name passed to the surrounding city and then to the country itself Government type: constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Luxembourg geographic coordinates: 49 36 N, 6 07 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the name derives from the Celtic "lucilem" (little) and the German "burg" (castle or fortress) to produce the meaning of the "little castle"; the name is actually ironic, since for centuries the Fortress of Luxembourg was one of Europe's most formidable fortifications; the name passed to the city that grew around the fortress Administrative divisions: 12 cantons (cantons, singular - canton); Capellen, Clervaux, Diekirch, Echternach, Esch-sur-Alzette, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg, Mersch, Redange, Remich, Vianden, Wiltz Independence: 1839 (from the Netherlands) National holiday: National Day (birthday of Grand Duke HENRI), 23 June; note - this date of birth is not the true date of birth for any of the Royals, but the national festivities were shifted in 1962 to allow observance during a more favorable time of year Constitution: history: previous 1842 (heavily amended 1848, 1856); latest effective 17 October 1868 amendments: proposed by the Chamber of Deputies or by the monarch to the Chamber; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Chamber in two successive readings three months apart; a referendum can be substituted for the second reading if approved by more than a quarter of the Chamber members or by 25,000 valid voters; adoption by referendum requires a majority of all valid voters; amended many times, last in 2020 Legal system: civil law system International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: limited to situations where the parents are either unknown, stateless, or when the nationality law of the parents' state of origin does not permit acquisition of citizenship by descent when the birth occurs outside of national territory citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Luxembourg dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: Grand Duke HENRI (since 7 October 2000); Heir Apparent Prince GUILLAUME (son of the monarch, born 11 November 1981) head of government: Prime Minister Xavier BETTEL (since 4 December 2013); Deputy Prime Minister Francois BAUSCH (since 11 October 2019); Deputy Prime Minister Daniel KERSCH (since 4 February 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister, appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following elections to the Chamber of Deputies, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch; deputy prime minister appointed by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister are responsible to the Chamber of Deputies Legislative branch: description: unicameral Chamber of Deputies or Chambre des Deputes (60 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms); note - a 21-member Council of State appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister serves as an advisory body to the Chamber of Deputies elections: last held on 14 October 2018 (next to be held by 31 October 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 35%, LSAP 16.7%, DP 20%, Green Party 9%, ADR 6.7%, Pirate Party 3.3%, The Left 3.3%; seats by party - CSV 21, DP 12, LSAP 10, Green Party 9, ADR 4, Pirate Party 2, The Left 2; composition (as of September 2021) - men 40, women 20, percent of women 33.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice includes Court of Appeal and Court of Cassation (consists of 27 judges on 9 benches); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members) judge selection and term of office: judges of both courts appointed by the monarch for life subordinate courts: Court of Accounts; district and local tribunals and courts Political parties and leaders: Alternative Democratic Reform Party or ADR [Fred KEUP] Christian Social People's Party or CSV [Claude WISELER] Democratic Party or DP [Corinne CAHEN] Green Party [Djuna BERNARD, Meris SEHOVIC] Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party or LSAP [Yves CRUCHTEN] The Left (dei Lenk/la Gauche) [collective leadership, Central Committee] Pirate Party International organization participation: ADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nicole BINTNER-BAKSHIAN (since 19 August 2021) chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171 FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270 email address and website: washington.amb@mae.etat.lu https://washington.mae.lu/en.html consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas M. BARRETT (since 10 February 2022) embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City mailing address: 5380 Luxembourg Place, Washington DC  20521-5380 telephone: [352] 46-01-23-00 FAX: [352] 46-14-01 email address and website: Luxembourgconsular@state.gov https://lu.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; the coloring is derived from the Grand Duke's coat of arms (a red lion on a white and blue striped field) National symbol(s): red, rampant lion; national colors: red, white, light blue National anthem: name: "Ons Heemecht" (Our Motherland); "De Wilhelmus" (The William) lyrics/music: Michel LENTZ/Jean-Antoine ZINNEN; Nikolaus WELTER/unknown note: "Ons Heemecht," adopted 1864, is the national anthem, while "De Wilhelmus," adopted 1919, serves as a royal anthem for use when members of the grand ducal family enter or exit a ceremony in Luxembourg National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Luxembourg City Old Quarters and Fortifications Topic: Economy Economic overview: This small, stable, high-income economy has historically featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in the world, is a landlocked country in northwestern Europe surrounded by Belgium, France, and Germany. Despite its small landmass and small population, Luxembourg is the fifth-wealthiest country in the world when measured on a gross domestic product (PPP) per capita basis. Luxembourg has one of the highest current account surpluses as a share of GDP in the euro zone, and it maintains a healthy budgetary position, with a 2017 surplus of 0.5% of GDP, and the lowest public debt level in the region.   Since 2002, Luxembourg’s government has proactively implemented policies and programs to support economic diversification and to attract foreign direct investment. The government focused on key innovative industries that showed promise for supporting economic growth: logistics, information and communications technology (ICT); health technologies, including biotechnology and biomedical research; clean energy technologies, and more recently, space technology and financial services technologies. The economy has evolved and flourished, posting strong GDP growth of 3.4% in 2017, far outpacing the European average of 1.8%.   Luxembourg remains a financial powerhouse – the financial sector accounts for more than 35% of GDP - because of the exponential growth of the investment fund sector through the launch and development of cross-border funds (UCITS) in the 1990s. Luxembourg is the world’s second-largest investment fund asset domicile, after the US, with $4 trillion of assets in custody in financial institutions.   Luxembourg has lost some of its advantage as a favorable tax location because of OECD and EU pressure, as well as the "LuxLeaks" scandal, which revealed advantageous tax treatments offered to foreign corporations. In 2015, the government’s compliance with EU requirements to implement automatic exchange of tax information on savings accounts - thus ending banking secrecy - has constricted banking activity. Likewise, changes to the way EU members collect taxes from e-commerce has cut Luxembourg’s sales tax revenues, requiring the government to raise additional levies and to reduce some direct social benefits as part of the tax reform package of 2017. The tax reform package also included reductions in the corporate tax rate and increases in deductions for families, both intended to increase purchasing power and increase competitiveness.This small, stable, high-income economy has historically featured solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in the world, is a landlocked country in northwestern Europe surrounded by Belgium, France, and Germany. Despite its small landmass and small population, Luxembourg is the fifth-wealthiest country in the world when measured on a gross domestic product (PPP) per capita basis. Luxembourg has one of the highest current account surpluses as a share of GDP in the euro zone, and it maintains a healthy budgetary position, with a 2017 surplus of 0.5% of GDP, and the lowest public debt level in the region. Since 2002, Luxembourg’s government has proactively implemented policies and programs to support economic diversification and to attract foreign direct investment. The government focused on key innovative industries that showed promise for supporting economic growth: logistics, information and communications technology (ICT); health technologies, including biotechnology and biomedical research; clean energy technologies, and more recently, space technology and financial services technologies. The economy has evolved and flourished, posting strong GDP growth of 3.4% in 2017, far outpacing the European average of 1.8%. Luxembourg remains a financial powerhouse – the financial sector accounts for more than 35% of GDP - because of the exponential growth of the investment fund sector through the launch and development of cross-border funds (UCITS) in the 1990s. Luxembourg is the world’s second-largest investment fund asset domicile, after the US, with $4 trillion of assets in custody in financial institutions. Luxembourg has lost some of its advantage as a favorable tax location because of OECD and EU pressure, as well as the "LuxLeaks" scandal, which revealed advantageous tax treatments offered to foreign corporations. In 2015, the government’s compliance with EU requirements to implement automatic exchange of tax information on savings accounts - thus ending banking secrecy - has constricted banking activity. Likewise, changes to the way EU members collect taxes from e-commerce has cut Luxembourg’s sales tax revenues, requiring the government to raise additional levies and to reduce some direct social benefits as part of the tax reform package of 2017. The tax reform package also included reductions in the corporate tax rate and increases in deductions for families, both intended to increase purchasing power and increase competitiveness. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $69.72 billion (2020 est.) $70.64 billion (2019 est.) $69.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.31% (2019 est.) 3.14% (2018 est.) 1.81% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $110,300 (2020 est.) $113,900 (2019 est.) $113,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $71.089 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (2019 est.) 1.5% (2018 est.) 1.7% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AAA (1994) Moody's rating: Aaa (1989) Standard & Poors rating: AAA (1994) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.3% (2017 est.) industry: 12.8% (2017 est.) services: 86.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 30.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 230% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -194% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, wheat, barley, triticale, potatoes, pork, beef, grapes, rapeseed, oats Industries: banking and financial services, construction, real estate services, iron, metals, and steel, information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation and logistics, chemicals, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum, tourism, biotechnology Industrial production growth rate: 1.9% (2017 est.) Labor force: 476,000 (2020 est.) note: data exclude foreign workers; in addition to the figure for domestic labor force, about 150,000 workers commute daily from France, Belgium, and Germany Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.1% industry: 20% services: 78.9% (2013 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.36% (2019 est.) 5.46% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 23.2% male: 24.8% female: 21.3% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 17.5% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 34.9 (2017 est.) 26 (2005 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.5% highest 10%: 23.8% (2000) Budget: revenues: 27.75 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 26.8 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 23% of GDP (2017 est.) 20.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Taxes and other revenues: 44.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $3.254 billion (2019 est.) $3.296 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $137.09 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $133.59 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $136.11 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Germany 23%, France 13%, Belgium 12%, Netherlands 6%, Italy 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: iron and iron products, tires, cars, broadcasting equipment, clothing and apparel  (2019) Imports: $110.1 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $108.29 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $110.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Belgium 27%, Germany 24%, France 11%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, scrap iron, aircraft (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $878 million (31 December 2017 est.) $974 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $4,266,792,000,000 (2019 est.) $4,581,617,000,000 (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 1.899 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6.188 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 1.079 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 6.543 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 156 million kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 13.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 14.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 27.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 7.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 36.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 65,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 74,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 63,900 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 59,020 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 776.022 million cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 772.624 million cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 11.308 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 149,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 9.564 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 1.594 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 310.068 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 268,090 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 890,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 142 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Luxembourg has a small telecom sector dominated by state-owned POST Luxembourg; there remains some pressure from regulatory measures, though no further reductions to fixed and mobile interconnection tariffs have been imposed through to 2024; POST Luxembourg is extending the footprint of its 1Gb/s service in line with a government program to make Luxembourg the first fully fiber country in Europe; by early 2021 about 72% of premises could access such a service; investment in infrastructure is geared towards fulfilling these ambitions;  the level of investment as a proportion of revenue has fallen in recent years, largely as a response to the completion of major projects, there was an increase in investment in 2020, partly due to the spectrum auction held during the year, as also to the continuing shift by POST Luxembourg to an all-IP platform and the rollout of fiber infrastructure; high mobile penetration has slowed subscriber growth in the mobile market since 2005, though a recent law requiring SIM card registration has not had an adverse effect on the number of mobile subscribers despite network operators deactivating unregistered cards. (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity about 43 per 100 persons; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system with market for mobile-cellular phones virtually saturated with about 142 per 100 mobile-cellular (2020) international: country code - 352 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: Luxembourg has a long tradition of operating radio and TV services for pan-European audiences and is home to Europe's largest privately owned broadcast media group, the RTL Group, which operates 46 TV stations and 29 radio stations in Europe; also home to Europe's largest satellite operator, Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES); domestically, the RTL Group operates TV and radio networks; other domestic private radio and TV operators and French and German stations available; satellite and cable TV services available Internet country code: .lu Internet users: total: 624,115 (2020 est.) percent of population: 99% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 235,155 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 38 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 66 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,099,102 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7,323,040,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: LX Airports: total: 2 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 142 km gas, 27 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 275 km (2014) standard gauge: 275 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (275 km electrified) Roadways: total: 2,875 km (2019) Waterways: 37 km (2010) (on Moselle River) Merchant marine: total: 153 by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 1, general cargo 23, oil tanker 3, other 122 (2021) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Mertert (Moselle) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Luxembourg Army (l'Armée Luxembourgeoise) (2022) Military expenditures: 0.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2020) 0.5% of GDP (2019) (approximately $420 million) 0.5% of GDP (2018) (approximately $380 million) 0.5% of GDP (2017) (approximately $370 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 900 active personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of Luxembourg's Army is a small mix of Western-origin equipment; since 2010, it has received equipment from several European countries (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 1969); Luxembourg citizen or EU citizen with 3-year residence in Luxembourg (2021) note: as of 2019, women made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel Military - note: Luxembourg is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 in 2015, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed an agreement to conduct joint air policing of their territories; under the agreement, which went into effect in January of 2017, the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces trade responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three countriesin 2015, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed an agreement to conduct joint air policing of their territories; under the agreement, which went into effect in January of 2017, the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces trade responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three countries Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 6,263 (Ukraine) (as of 16 August 2022) stateless persons: 194 (mid-year 2021)

20220901

countries-liberia-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Liberia due to crime and civil unrest. 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. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country. US Embassy/Consulate: +(231) 77-677-7000; US Embassy Monrovia, 502 Benson Street, Monrovia, Liberia; ACSMonrovia@state.gov; https://lr.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 231 Local Emergency Phone: 911 (cell phone only) Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers Currency (Code): Liberian dollars (LRD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V, 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, F Major Languages: English, some 20 ethnic group languages few of which can be written or used in correspondence Major Religions: Christian 85.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Traditional 0.6% Time Difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Mount Nimba; Monkey Island; Waterside Market, Monrovia; Sapo National Park Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, track and field Cultural Practices: Communication in Liberia typically involves more physical contact than in America. It is not uncommon for a speaker to rest their hand on your shoulder. Tipping Guidelines: Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, if not, a 10% tip is customary. Hotel service staff appreciate small amounts for good service.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

20220901

countries-peru-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Peru due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Peru due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. 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 required, but US citizens may obtain the visa upon entering the country. US Embassy/Consulate: [51] (1) 618-2000; US Embassy in Lima, Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n, Surco, Lima 33, Peru; LimaACS@state.gov; https://pe.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 51 Local Emergency Phone: 011, 5114 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes Currency (Code): Nuevo sol (PEN) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, C Major Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Ashaninka Major Religions: Roman Catholic 60%, Christian 14.6% (includes evangelical 11.1%, other 3.5%) Time Difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Peru, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Machu Picchu; Cusco's architectural treasures; Lake Titicaca; Colca Canyon; Lima; Nazca Lines; Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System Major Sports: Soccer, volleyball, tennis Cultural Practices: Slapping the bottom of one elbow with the open palm of the other hand means someone is cheap. Tipping Guidelines: Most restaurant and bar bills will include a 10% gratuity. It is customary to add an extra 10% tip if the service has been satisfactory. Tipping is not expected for taxis and fares are negotiated beforehand. One Nuevo sol per bag for porters is 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: Thursday, April 07, 2022

20220901

countries-guernsey

Topic: Photos of Guernsey Topic: Introduction Background: Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. The Bailiwick of Guernsey consists of the main island of Guernsey and a number of smaller islands including Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, and Lihou. The Bailiwick is a self-governing British Crown dependency that is not part of the UK. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France Geographic coordinates: 49 28 N, 2 35 W Map references: Europe Area: total: 78 sq km land: 78 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands Area - comparative: about one-half the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 50 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast Terrain: mostly flat with low hills in southwest Elevation: highest point: Le Moulin on Sark 114 m lowest point: English Channel 0 m Natural resources: cropland Irrigated land: NA Natural hazards: very large tidal variation and fast currents can make local waters dangerous Geography - note: large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port Map description: Guernsey map showing the islands that make up this British crown dependency in the English Channel.  Guernsey map showing the islands that make up this British crown dependency in the English Channel.  Topic: People and Society Population: 67,491 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander Ethnic groups: Guernsey 53.1%, UK and Ireland 23.9%, Portugal 2.2%, Latvia 1.5%, other Europe 2.8%, other 4.4%, unspecified 11.4% (2020 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth; the native population is of British and Norman-French descent Languages: English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts Religions: Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.5% (male 5,008/female 4,712) 15-24 years: 10.58% (male 3,616/female 3,476) 25-54 years: 40.73% (male 13,821/female 13,492) 55-64 years: 13.96% (male 4,635/female 4,728) 65 years and over: 20.23% (2020 est.) (male 6,229/female 7,335) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 49 youth dependency ratio: 22.3 elderly dependency ratio: 26.7 potential support ratio: 3.7 (2020 est.) note: data represent Guernsey and Jersey Median age: total: 44.3 years male: 43 years female: 45.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.23% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 9.75 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 9.17 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 31.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Guernsey and Jersey Major urban areas - population: 16,000 SAINT PETER PORT (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.85 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.23 years male: 80.52 years female: 86.07 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.58 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: total: 94.2% of population unimproved: total: 5.9% of population (2017 est.) note: includes data for Jersey Current Health Expenditure: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 98% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1.2% of population (2017) note: data represent Guernsey and Jersey HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: coastal erosion, coastal flooding; declining biodiversity due to land abandonment and succession to scrub or woodland Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast Urbanization: urban population: 31.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Guernsey and Jersey Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 178,933 tons (2016 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 50,871 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.4% (2016 est.) note: data include combined totals for Guernsey and Jersey. Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey conventional short form: Guernsey former: Norman Isles etymology: the name is of Old Norse origin, but the meaning of the root "Guern(s)" is uncertain; the "-ey" ending means "island" Government type: parliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation) Dependency status: British crown dependency Capital: name: Saint Peter Port geographic coordinates: 49 27 N, 2 32 W 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 etymology: Saint Peter Port is the name of the town and its surrounding parish; the "port" distinguishes this parish from that of Saint Peter on the other side of the island Administrative divisions: none (British Crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 10 parishes: Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint Saviour, Torteval, Vale note: two additional parishes for Guernsey are sometimes listed - Saint Anne on the island of Alderney and Saint Peter on the island of Sark - but they are generally not included in the enumeration of parishes Independence: none (British Crown dependency) National holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) Constitution: history: unwritten; includes royal charters, statutes, and common law and practice amendments: new laws or changes to existing laws are initiated by the States of Deliberation; passage requires majority vote; many laws have been passed; in 2019, 60 laws were passed Legal system: customary legal system based on Norman customary law; includes elements of the French civil code and English common law Citizenship: see United Kingdom Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Ian CORDER (since 14 March 2016) head of government: Chief Minister Peter FERBRACHE (since 16 October 2020); Bailiff Richard MCMAHON (since 11 May 2020); note - the chief minister is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee and is the de facto head of government; the Policy and Resources Committee, elected by the States of Deliberation, functions as the executive; the 5 members all have equal voting rights cabinet: none elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch; chief minister, who is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee indirectly elected by the States of Deliberation for a 4-year term; last held on 6 May 2016 (next to be held in June 2020) election results: Gavin ST PIER (independent) elected president of the Policy and Resources Committee and chief minister Legislative branch: description: unicameral States of Deliberation (40 seats; 38 People's Deputies and 2 representatives of the States of Alderney; members directly elected by majority vote to serve 4-year terms); note - non-voting members include the bailiff (presiding officer), attorney-general, and solicitor-general elections: last held on 7 October 2020 (next to be held in June 2025) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 38; composition - men 32, women 8, percent of women 20% Judicial branch: highest courts: Guernsey Court of Appeal (consists of the Bailiff of Guernsey, who is the ex-officio president of the Guernsey Court of Appeal, and at least 12 judges); Royal Court (organized into 3 divisions - Full Court sits with 1 judge and 7 to 12 jurats acting as judges of fact, Ordinary Court sits with 1 judge and normally 3 jurats, and Matrimonial Causes Division sits with 1 judge and 4 jurats); note - appeals beyond Guernsey courts are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: Royal Court Bailiff, Deputy Bailiff, and Court of Appeal justices appointed by the British Crown and hold office at Her Majesty's pleasure; jurats elected by the States of Election, a body chaired by the Bailiff and a number of jurats subordinate courts: Court of Alderney; Court of the Seneschal of Sark; Magistrates' Court (includes Juvenile Court); Contracts Court; Ecclesiastical Court; Court of Chief Pleas Political parties and leaders: none; all independents International organization participation: UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (British crown dependency) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (British crown dependency) Flag description: white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 National symbol(s): Guernsey cow, donkey; national colors: red, white, yellow National anthem: name: "Sarnia Cherie" (Guernsey Dear) lyrics/music: George DEIGHTON/Domencio SANTANGELO note: adopted 1911; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Financial services accounted for about 21% of employment and about 32% of total income in 2016 in this tiny, prosperous Channel Island economy. Construction, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Financial services, professional services, tourism, retail, and the public sector have been growing. Light tax and death duties make Guernsey a popular offshore financial center. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.465 billion (2015 est.) $3.451 billion (2014 est.) $3.42 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 0.4% (2015 est.) 1.2% (2014 est.) 4.2% (2012 est.) Real GDP per capita: $52,500 (2014 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $2.742 billion (2005 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (June 2006 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3% (2000) industry: 10% (2000) services: 87% (2000) Agricultural products: tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle Industries: tourism, banking Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 31,470 (March 2006) Unemployment rate: 1.2% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 563.6 million (2005) expenditures: 530.9 million (2005 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 1.2% (of GDP) (2005) Taxes and other revenues: 20.6% (of GDP) (2005) Fiscal year: calendar year Exports: NANA Exports - commodities: tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables Imports: NANA Imports - commodities: coal, gasoline, oil, machinery, and equipment Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: Guernsey pound per US dollar 0.7836 (2017 est.) 0.738 (2016 est.) 0.738 (2015) 0.6542 (2014) 0.607 (2013) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 33,940 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 54 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 43,824 (2009 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 79 (2009 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: high performance global connections with quality service; connections to major cities around the world to rival and attract future investment and future needs of islanders and businesses (2018) domestic: fixed-line 54 per 100 and mobile-cellular 114 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 44; landing points for Guernsey-Jersey, HUGO, INGRID, Channel Islands -9 Liberty and UK-Channel Islands-7 submarine cable to UK and France (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: multiple UK terrestrial TV broadcasts are received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey and 1 other radio station operating Internet country code: .gg Internet users: total: 54,726 (2019 est.) percent of population: 84% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 25,336 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 40 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in UK) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 9 (registered in UK) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 2 Airports: total: 2 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 260 km (2017) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Braye Bay, Saint Peter Port Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: nonenone

20220901

countries-morocco-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Morocco due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required, but US citizens may obtain the visa upon entering the country. US Embassy/Consulate: [212] 537 637 200; US Embassy Rabat, Km 5.7, Avenue Mohamed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170, Morocco; ACSCasablanca@state.gov; https://ma.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 212 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 15; Fire: 15; Police: 19 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior Currency (Code): Moroccan dirhams (MAD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E Major Languages: Arabic, Berber languages (Tamazight, Tachelhit, Tarifit), French Major Religions: Muslim 99% (virtually all Sunni, <0.1% Shia), other 1% (includes Christian, Jewish, and Baha'i) Time Difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1 hour, 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: Marrakesh (includes Medina, Majorelle & Secret Gardens, Museum); Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca); Rabat (includes Royal Palace, Udayas Kasbah, Hassan Tower); Fes el Bali; Tangier; Chefchaouen; Volubilis; Atlas Mountains; Ouzoud Waterfalls; Ait Benhaddou Major Sports: Soccer, kickboxing Cultural Practices: Using the index finger to ask someone to approach is considered impolite. Tipping Guidelines: In restaurants, if a service charge has not been added, leave 20-30 dirhams or 10% of the bill. Tipping the bellhop 10-20 dirhams is reasonable. Round up taxi fares. Leave 5-10 dirhams per day for housekeeping.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: Monday, April 18, 2022

20220901

field-military-note

This entry includes miscellaneous military information of significance not included elsewhere. Topic: Afghanistanas of mid-2022, the Taliban’s primary security threats included ISIS-Khorasan and former Afghan Government resistance elements known as the National Resistance Front and Afghanistan Freedom Front Topic: Akrotiridefense is the responsibility of the UK; Akrotiri (aka the Western Sovereign Base Area) has a full RAF base, headquarters for British Forces Cyprus, and the Episkopi Cantonment Topic: AlbaniaAlbania became a member of NATO in 2009; as of 2022, Greece and Italy were providing NATO's air policing mission for Albania Topic: Algeriathe ANP has played a large role in the country’s politics since independence in 1962, including coups in 1965 and 1991; it was a key backer of BOUTEFLIKA’s election in 1999 and remained a center of power during his 20-year rule; the military was instrumental in BOUTEFLIKA’s resignation in 2019 when it withdrew support and called for him to be removed from office the ANP traditionally has focused on internal stability and on Morocco where relations as of 2022 remained tense over Western Sahara and Algerian accusations that Morocco supports the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie (MAK), a separatist group in Algeria’s Kabylie region; however, following the Arab Spring events of 2011 and a series of cross-border terrorist attacks emanating from Mali in 2012-2013, particularly the 2013 attack on a commercial gas plant by al-Qa’ida-linked terrorists that resulted in the deaths of 35 hostages and 29 jihadists, it has made a concerted effort to beef up security along its other borders and promote regional security cooperation; since 2013, additional Army and paramilitary forces were deployed to the borders with Tunisia, Libya, Niger, and Mali to interdict and deter cross-border attacks by Islamic militant groups; in addition, Algeria has provided security assistance to some neighboring countries, particularly Tunisia, and conducted joint military/counter-terrorism operations (2022) Topic: American Samoadefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: Andorradefense is the responsibility of France and Spain Topic: Angolathe Angolan Armed Forces were created in 1991 under the Bicesse Accords signed between the Angolan Government and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA); the name remained even after UNITA rejected the 1992 election results and returned to fighting against the Angolan Government the Angolan Armed Forces are responsible for external security but also have domestic security responsibilities, including border security, expulsion of irregular migrants, and small-scale actions against groups like the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda separatists in Cabinda (2022)the Angolan Armed Forces were created in 1991 under the Bicesse Accords signed between the Angolan Government and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA); the name remained even after UNITA rejected the 1992 election results and returned to fighting against the Angolan Governmentthe Angolan Armed Forces are responsible for external security but also have domestic security responsibilities, including border security, expulsion of irregular migrants, and small-scale actions against groups like the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda separatists in Cabinda Topic: Anguilladefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Antarcticathe Antarctic Treaty of 1961 prohibits any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes Topic: Antigua and Barbudahas been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: ArgentinaArgentina has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Armeniasince November 2020, Russia has deployed about 2,000 peacekeeping troops to the area in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as part of a cease-fire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan; fighting erupted between the two countries over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in September of 2020; Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under control of ethnic Armenian forces (the "Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army") backed by Armenia since a separatist war there ended in 1994; six weeks of fighting resulted in about 6,500 deaths and ended after Armenia ceded swathes of Nagorno-Karabakh territory; tensions remained high into 2022, and both sides have accused the other of provocations since the fighting ended; Armenia has accused Azerbaijani forces of a series of border intrusions and of seizing pockets of territory  Armenia has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force Topic: Arubadefense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Aruba security services focus on organized crime and terrorism; the Dutch Government controls foreign and defense policy; the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) provides maritime security Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Topic: AustraliaAustralia has been part of the Australia, New Zealand, and US Security (ANZUS) Treaty since 1951; Australia is also a member of the Five Powers Defense Arrangements (FPDA), a series of mutual assistance agreements reached in 1971 embracing Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK; the FPDA commits the members to consult with one another in the event or threat of an armed attack on any of the members and to mutually decide what measures should be taken, jointly or separately; there is no specific obligation to intervene militarily  Australia has a long-standing military relationship with the US; Australian and US forces first fought together in France in 1918 at the Battle of Hamel, and have fought together in every major US conflict since; Australia and the US signed an agreement in 2014 that allowed for closer bi-lateral defense and security cooperation, including annual rotations of US Marines and enhanced rotations of US Air Force aircraft to Australia; Australian military forces train often with US forces; Australia has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation  Australia also has long-standing defense and security ties to the UK, including a Defense and Security Cooperation Treaty signed in 2013; in 2020, Australia and the UK signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the building of a next generation of frigates for their respective navies; the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) is their premier bilateral forum on foreign policy, defense, and security issues  in 2021, Australia, the UK, and the US announced an enhanced trilateral security partnership called “AUKUS” which would build on existing bilateral ties, including deeper integration of defense and security-related science, technology, industrial bases, and supply chains, as well as deeper cooperation on a range of defense and security capabilities; the first initiative under AUKUS was a commitment to support Australia in acquiring conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy (2022) Topic: AustriaAustria is constitutionally non-aligned, but is an EU member and actively participates in EU peacekeeping and crisis management operations under the Common Security and Defense Policy; Austria is not a member of NATO, but joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace framework in 1995 and participates in NATO-led crisis management and peacekeeping operations; as of 2022, more than 100,000 Austrian military and civilian personnel had taken part in more than 50 international peace support and humanitarian missions since 1960 (2022)Austria is constitutionally non-aligned, but is an EU member and actively participates in EU peacekeeping and crisis management operations under the Common Security and Defense Policy; Austria is not a member of NATO, but joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace framework in 1995 and participates in NATO-led crisis management and peacekeeping operations; as of 2022, more than 100,000 Austrian military and civilian personnel had taken part in more than 50 international peace support and humanitarian missions since 1960 Topic: Azerbaijansince November 2020, Russia has deployed about 2,000 peacekeeping troops to the area in and around Nagorno-Karabakh as part of a cease-fire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan; fighting erupted between the two countries over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in September of 2020; Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but has been under control of ethnic Armenian forces (the "Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army") backed by Armenia since a separatist war there ended in 1994; six weeks of fighting resulted in about 6,500 deaths and ended after Armenia ceded swathes of Nagorno-Karabakh territory; tensions remained high in 2022, and both sides have accused the other of provocations since the fighting ended; Armenia has accused Azerbaijani forces of a series of border intrusions and of seizing pockets of territory Topic: Bahamas, Thethe RBDF was established in 1980; its primary responsibilities are disaster relief, maritime security, and counter-narcotics operations; it is a naval force, but includes a lightly-armed marine infantry/commando squadron for base and internal security, as well as a few light non-combat aircraft; the maritime element has coastal patrol craft and patrol boats; the RBDF maintains training relationships with the UK and the US  (2022) Topic: BahrainBahrain hosts the US Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT; established 1983), which includes the US 5th Fleet, several subordinate naval task forces, and the Combined Maritime Forces (established 2002), a coalition of more than 30 nations providing maritime security for regional shipping lanes; in 2018, the UK opened a naval support base in Bahrain in addition to the US and UK, Bahrain maintains close security ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; both Saudi Arabia and the UAE sent forces to Bahrain to assist with internal security following the 2011 uprising; in 2015, Bahrain joined the Saudi Arabia-led military action to try to restore the Government of Yemen that was ousted by Iranian-backed Huthi rebels, supplying a few hundred troops and combat aircraft Bahrain has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Bangladeshthe military’s chief areas of focus are border, economic exclusion zone, and domestic security; the Army maintains a large domestic security presence in the Chittagong Hills area where it conducted counterinsurgency operations against tribal guerrillas from the 1970s until the late 1990s; since 2009, the military has been in a force-wide expansion and modernization program known as Forces Goal 2030 (2022) Topic: BarbadosBarbados has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security; the RSS is headquartered in Barbados (2022)Barbados has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security; the RSS is headquartered in Barbados Topic: BelarusBelarus has close security ties with Russia, including an integrated air and missile defense system, joint training exercises, and the establishment of three joint training centers since 2020 (1 in Belarus, 2 in Russia); Russia is the principal supplier of arms to Belarus, and Belarusian troops reportedly train on Russian equipment; Russia leases from Belarus a strategic ballistic missile defense site operated by Russian Aerospace Forces and a global communications facility for the Russian Navy; in 2020, the countries signed an agreement allowing for close security cooperation between the Belarusian Ministry of Interior and the Russian National Guard, including protecting public order and key government facilities, and combating extremism and terrorism; in 2022, Belarus allowed Russian military forces to stage on its territory during its invasion of Ukraine Belarus has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes an airborne brigade to CSTO's rapid reaction force (KSOR)Belarus has close security ties with Russia, including an integrated air and missile defense system, joint training exercises, and the establishment of three joint training centers since 2020 (1 in Belarus, 2 in Russia); Russia is the principal supplier of arms to Belarus, and Belarusian troops reportedly train on Russian equipment; Russia leases from Belarus a strategic ballistic missile defense site operated by Russian Aerospace Forces and a global communications facility for the Russian Navy; in 2020, the countries signed an agreement allowing for close security cooperation between the Belarusian Ministry of Interior and the Russian National Guard, including protecting public order and key government facilities, and combating extremism and terrorism; in 2022, Belarus allowed Russian military forces to stage on its territory during its invasion of Ukraine Belarus has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes an airborne brigade to CSTO's rapid reaction force (KSOR) Topic: BelgiumBelgium is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949; Belgium hosts the NATO headquarters in Brussels in 2015, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed an agreement to conduct joint air policing of their territories; under the agreement, which went into effect in January of 2017, the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces trade responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three countries in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020 Topic: Belizethe BDF traces its history back to the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer force established in 1817; the BDF was established in 1978 from the disbanded Police Special Force and the Belize Volunteer Guard to assist the resident British forces with the defense of Belize against Guatemala the British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence; as of 2022, the presence consisted of a small training support unit that provides jungle training to troops from the UK and international partnersthe BDF traces its history back to the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer force established in 1817; the BDF was established in 1978 from the disbanded Police Special Force and the Belize Volunteer Guard to assist the resident British forces with the defense of Belize against Guatemalathe British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence; as of 2022, the presence consisted of a small training support unit that provides jungle training to troops from the UK and international partners Topic: Beninas of 2022, a key focus for the security forces of Benin was countering infiltrations into the country by terrorist groups tied to al-Qa'ida and the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) operating just over the border from north Benin in Burkina Faso and Niger; in May 2022, the Benin Government said it was "at war" with terrorism after suffering a series of attacks from these groups; in addition, the FAB participated in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) along with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the general area of the Lake Chad Basin and along Nigeria's northeast border the FAB has a close working relationship with the Belgian armed forces; the Belgians offer military advice, training, and secondhand equipment donations, and deploy to Benin for limited military exercises (2022) Topic: Bermudadefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: BhutanIndia is responsible for military training, arms supplies, and the air defense of Bhutan (2022) Topic: BoliviaBolivia has a small naval force for patrolling some 5,000 miles of navigable rivers to combat narcotics trafficking and smuggling, provide disaster relief, and deliver supplies to remote rural areas, as well as for maintaining a presence on Lake Titicaca; the Navy also exists in part to cultivate a maritime tradition and as a reminder of Bolivia’s desire to regain the access to the Pacific Ocean that the country lost to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884); every year on 23 March, the Navy participates in parades and government ceremonies commemorating the Día Del Mar (Day of the Sea) holiday that remembers the loss (2022) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinathe Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) are comprised of the former Bosnian-Croat Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Vojska Federacije Bosne i Hercegovin, VF) and the Bosnian-Serb Republic of Serbia Army (Vojska Republike Srpske, VRS); the two forces were unified under the 2003 Law on Defense, which also established the country’s Ministry of Defense the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR) has operated in the country to oversee implementation of the Dayton/Paris Agreement since taking over from NATO's Stabilization Force (SFOR) in 2004; in addition to its security mission, EUFOR supports the overall EU comprehensive strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the efforts of the AFBiH to attain NATO standards; as of 2022, it had about 600 troops from 19 countries Bosnia and Herzegovina joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 2007 and was invited to join NATO’s Membership Action Plan in 2010; as of 2022, NATO maintained a military headquarters in Sarajevo with the mission of assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina with the PfP program and promoting closer integration with NATO, as well as providing logistics and other support to EUFOR  the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) are comprised of the former Bosnian-Croat Army of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Vojska Federacije Bosne i Hercegovin, VF) and the Bosnian-Serb Republic of Serbia Army (Vojska Republike Srpske, VRS); the two forces were unified under the 2003 Law on Defense, which also established the country’s Ministry of Defense the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR) has operated in the country to oversee implementation of the Dayton/Paris Agreement since taking over from NATO's Stabilization Force (SFOR) in 2004; in addition to its security mission, EUFOR supports the overall EU comprehensive strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the efforts of the AFBiH to attain NATO standards; as of 2022, it had about 600 troops from 19 countriesBosnia and Herzegovina joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 2007 and was invited to join NATO’s Membership Action Plan in 2010; as of 2022, NATO maintained a military headquarters in Sarajevo with the mission of assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina with the PfP program and promoting closer integration with NATO, as well as providing logistics and other support to EUFOR  Topic: BotswanaBechuanaland/Botswana did not have a permanent military during colonial times, with the British colonial administrators relying instead on small, lightly armed constabularies such as the Bechuanaland Mounted Police, the Bechuanaland Border Police, and by the early 1960s, the Police Mobile Unit (PMU); after independence in 1966, Botswana militarized the PMU and gave it responsibility for the country’s defense rather than create a conventional military force; however, turmoil in neighboring countries and numerous cross-border incursions by Rhodesian and South African security forces in the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated that the PMU was inadequate for defending the country and led to the establishment of the BDF in 1977; as of 2022, the BDF’s primary missions included securing territorial integrity/border security and internal duties such as disaster relief and anti-poaching Botswana participates in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Standby Force, and in 2021-2022 contributed nearly 300 troops to the SADC’s effort to help the Mozambique Government suppress an insurgency (2022) Topic: Bouvet Islanddefense is the responsibility of Norway Topic: Brazilthe origins of Brazil's military stretch back to the 1640s the three national police forces – the Federal Police, Federal Highway Police, and Federal Railway Police – have domestic security responsibilities and report to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (Ministry of Justice); there are two distinct units within the state police forces: the civil police, which performs an investigative role, and the military police, charged with maintaining law and order in the states and the Federal District; despite the name, military police forces report to the Ministry of Justice, not the Ministry of Defense; the National Public Security Force (Forca Nacional de Seguranca Publica or SENASP) is a national police force made up of Military Police from various states; the armed forces also have some domestic security responsibilities and report to the Ministry of Defense Brazil has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorydefense is the responsibility of the UK; in November 2016, the UK extended the US lease on Diego Garcia until December 2036 Topic: British Virgin Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: BruneiBrunei has a long-standing defense relationship with the United Kingdom and hosts a British Army garrison, which includes a Gurkha battalion and a jungle warfare school; Brunei also hosts a Singaporean military training base (2022) Topic: BulgariaBulgaria became a member of NATO in 2004; Bulgaria conducts its own air policing mission, but because of Russian aggression in the Black Sea region, NATO allies have sent detachments of fighters to augment the Bulgarian Air Force since 2014 (2022) Topic: Burkina Fasoincluding the most recent in January 2022, the military has conducted seven coups since 1960; as of 2022, the military was also actively engaged in combat operations with terrorist groups linked to al-Qa'ida and ISIS, particularly in the northern and eastern regions; in the north, the terrorist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has exploited ethnic tensions and perceptions of state neglect, as well as grievances over corruption, patronage politics, social stratification, and land disputes; the east is reportedly a stronghold of the Islamic State-Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS) terrorist group (2022) Topic: Burmasince the country's founding, the armed forces have been heavily involved in domestic politics, running the country for five decades following a military coup in 1962; prior to the 2021 coup, the military already controlled three key security ministries (Defense, Border, and Home Affairs), one of two vice presidential appointments, 25% of the parliamentary seats, and had a proxy political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) as of 2022, the military owned and operated two business conglomerates that had over 100 subsidiaries and close ties to other companies; the business activities of these conglomerates included banking and insurance, hotels, tourism, jade and ruby mining, timber, construction, real estate, and the production of palm oil, sugar, soap, cement, beverages, drinking water, coal, and gas; some of the companies supplied goods and services to the military, such as food, clothing, insurance, and cellphone service; the military also managed a film industry, publishing houses, and television stations as of 2022, the military's primary operational focus was internal security, particularly attempts to quell a growing armed insurgency against the coup and operations against ethnic-based separatist groups; these operations have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, human rights abuses, and internal displacement ethnic-based armed groups have been fighting for self-rule against the Burmese Government since the country’s 1948 independence; as of 2022, there were approximately 20 such groups operating in Burma with strengths of a few hundred up to more than 20,000 estimated fighters; they reportedly controlled an estimated one-third of the country’s territory, primarily in the border regions; key groups included the United Wa State Army, Karen National Union, Kachin Independence Army, Arakan Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army as of 2022, Burma also had a large number of armed militias which took many different forms and varied in allegiances and size; most were pro-military junta and associated with the Tatmadaw; some were integrated within the Tatmadaw’s command structure as Border Guard Forces (BGF); the BGF were organized as 325-man battalions, which included a mix of militia forces, ethnic armed groups, and government soldiers; they were armed, supplied, and paid by the Tatmadaw; other pro-military government militias were not integrated within the Tatmadaw command structure, but received direction from the military and were recognized as government militias; the amount of support they received from the Tatmadaw varied depending on local security conditions; the third type of pro-government militias were small community-based units that were armed, coordinated, and trained by local Tatmadaw forces and activated as needed; as of 2022, the military junta government was reportedly raising new militia units to help combat the popular uprising more than 400 local anti-military junta armed groups have reportedly formed since the military coup; in mid-2022, the National Unity Government claimed its armed wing, the People's Defense Force (PDF), had more than 60,000 fighters organized into battalions; in addition, several armed ethnic groups have added their support to anti-junta resistance groups or joined forces with local units of the PDF since the country's founding, the armed forces have been heavily involved in domestic politics, running the country for five decades following a military coup in 1962; prior to the 2021 coup, the military already controlled three key security ministries (Defense, Border, and Home Affairs), one of two vice presidential appointments, 25% of the parliamentary seats, and had a proxy political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) as of 2022, the military owned and operated two business conglomerates that had over 100 subsidiaries and close ties to other companies; the business activities of these conglomerates included banking and insurance, hotels, tourism, jade and ruby mining, timber, construction, real estate, and the production of palm oil, sugar, soap, cement, beverages, drinking water, coal, and gas; some of the companies supplied goods and services to the military, such as food, clothing, insurance, and cellphone service; the military also managed a film industry, publishing houses, and television stations as of 2022, the military's primary operational focus was internal security, particularly attempts to quell a growing armed insurgency against the coup and operations against ethnic-based separatist groups; these operations have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, human rights abuses, and internal displacementethnic-based armed groups have been fighting for self-rule against the Burmese Government since the country’s 1948 independence; as of 2022, there were approximately 20 such groups operating in Burma with strengths of a few hundred up to more than 20,000 estimated fighters; they reportedly controlled an estimated one-third of the country’s territory, primarily in the border regions; key groups included the United Wa State Army, Karen National Union, Kachin Independence Army, Arakan Army, Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Armyas of 2022, Burma also had a large number of armed militias which took many different forms and varied in allegiances and size; most were pro-military junta and associated with the Tatmadaw; some were integrated within the Tatmadaw’s command structure as Border Guard Forces (BGF); the BGF were organized as 325-man battalions, which included a mix of militia forces, ethnic armed groups, and government soldiers; they were armed, supplied, and paid by the Tatmadaw; other pro-military government militias were not integrated within the Tatmadaw command structure, but received direction from the military and were recognized as government militias; the amount of support they received from the Tatmadaw varied depending on local security conditions; the third type of pro-government militias were small community-based units that were armed, coordinated, and trained by local Tatmadaw forces and activated as needed; as of 2022, the military junta government was reportedly raising new militia units to help combat the popular uprising more than 400 local anti-military junta armed groups have reportedly formed since the military coup; in mid-2022, the National Unity Government claimed its armed wing, the People's Defense Force (PDF), had more than 60,000 fighters organized into battalions; in addition, several armed ethnic groups have added their support to anti-junta resistance groups or joined forces with local units of the PDF Topic: Burundiin addition to its foreign deployments, the FDN was focused on internal security missions, particularly against rebel groups opposed to the regime such as National Forces of Liberation (FNL), the Resistance for the Rule of Law-Tabara (aka RED Tabara), and Popular Forces of Burundi (FPB or FOREBU); these groups were based in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and have carried out sporadic attacks in Burundi (2022) Topic: Cabo Verdeas of 2022, the FACV/National Guard was mostly a ground force with 2 infantry battalions and a small air component with a maritime patrol squadron; the Coast Guard had a few coastal patrol craft and patrol boats Topic: Cambodiathe Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) was re-established in 1993 under the first coalition government from the merger of the Cambodian Government’s military forces (Cambodian People’s Armed Forces) and the two non-communist resistance forces (Sihanoukist National Army, aka National Army for Khmer Independence, and the Khmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces); thousands of communist Khmer Rouge fighters began surrendering by 1994 under a government amnesty program and the last of the Khmer Rouge forces (National Army of Democratic Kampuchea) were demobilized or absorbed into the RCAF in 1999 (2022) Topic: Cameroonas of 2022, the FAC was largely focused on the threat from the terrorist group Boko Haram along its frontiers with Nigeria and Chad (Far North region) and an insurgency from armed Anglophone separatist groups in the North-West and South-West regions (as of early 2022, this internal conflict has left an estimated 4,000 civilians dead and over 700,000 people displaced since fighting started in 2016); in addition, the FAC often deployed units to the border region with the Central African Republic to counter intrusions from armed militias and bandits Topic: CanadaCanada is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 Canada is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD; established 1958); NORAD is a Canada-US bi-national military command responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace; traditionally, a Canadian Armed Forces officer has served as the deputy commander of NORAD Canada’s defense relationship with the US extends back to the Ogdensburg Declaration of 1940, when the two countries formally agreed on military cooperation, including the establishment of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD), which continued to be the highest-level bilateral defense forum between Canada and the US as of 2022 British troops withdrew from Canada in 1871 as part of the UK-US Treaty of Washington; following the withdrawal, the first Canadian militia, known as the Royal Canadian Regiment, was organized in 1883 to protect Canadian territory and defend British interests abroad, which it did in the South African War (1899-1902), Canada’s first overseas conflict; militia units formed the backbone of the more than 425,000 Canadian soldiers that went to Europe during World War I in what was called the Canadian Expeditionary Force; the Royal Canadian Navy was created in 1910, while the Canadian Air Force was established in 1920 and became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924; the Canadian Army was officially founded in 1942; a unified Canadian Armed Forces was created in 1968Canada is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949Canada is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD; established 1958); NORAD is a Canada-US bi-national military command responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace; traditionally, a Canadian Armed Forces officer has served as the deputy commander of NORADCanada’s defense relationship with the US extends back to the Ogdensburg Declaration of 1940, when the two countries formally agreed on military cooperation, including the establishment of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense (PJBD), which continued to be the highest-level bilateral defense forum between Canada and the US as of 2022British troops withdrew from Canada in 1871 as part of the UK-US Treaty of Washington; following the withdrawal, the first Canadian militia, known as the Royal Canadian Regiment, was organized in 1883 to protect Canadian territory and defend British interests abroad, which it did in the South African War (1899-1902), Canada’s first overseas conflict; militia units formed the backbone of the more than 425,000 Canadian soldiers that went to Europe during World War I in what was called the Canadian Expeditionary Force; the Royal Canadian Navy was created in 1910, while the Canadian Air Force was established in 1920 and became the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1924; the Canadian Army was officially founded in 1942; a unified Canadian Armed Forces was created in 1968 Topic: Cayman Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Central African Republicthe 2013 coup resulted in the institutional collapse of the FACA; its forces were overwhelmed and forced to flee to neighboring countries; reportedly only 10% of the FACA returned after the coup, and it has struggled to rebuild in the years of instability since; the European Union, France, Russia, the UN, and the US have provided various levels of security assistance in 2018, the UN Security Council approved Russian security assistance for the CAR to help train and advise FACA personnel, as well as transport them to operational areas, provide logistical support, and assist with medical evacuation; Russia sent private military contractors, and as of early 2022, there were reportedly as many as 2,000 providing assistance to the FACA, as well as performing other security roles such as guarding mines and government officials; some Russian contractors and the CAR forces they supported have been accused of carrying out indiscriminate killings, using excessive force against civilians, and looting the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has operated in the country since 2014; its peacekeeping mission includes providing security, protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, disarming and demobilizing armed groups, and supporting the country’s fragile transitional government; in November 2019, the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the MINUSCA peacekeeping mission another year; as of 2022, MINUSCA had about 14,000 total personnel the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM-RCA) has operated in the country since 2016, providing advice, training, and educational programs to the country's security forces (2022) Topic: Chadas of 2022, the ANT was chiefly focused on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations; it was engaged with the Boko Haram (BH) and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin area (primarily the Lac Province) and in the Sahel, particularly the tri-border area with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger; in addition, the ANT was conducting operations against internal anti-government militias and armed dissident groups; several Chadian rebel groups, including the Union of Resistance Forces (UFR) and the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT), operate in northern Chad from bases in Libya; former Chadian President Idriss DEBY was killed in April 2021 during fighting in the northern part of the country between FACT and the Chadian Army Topic: Chilethe Chilean Army was founded in 1810, but traces its origins back to the Army of the Kingdom of Chile, which was established by the Spanish Crown in the early 1600s; the Navy traces its origins to 1817; it was first led by a British officer and its first ships were largely crewed by American, British, and Irish sailors; by the 1880s, the Chilean Navy was one of the most powerful in the Americas, and included the world’s first protected cruiser (a ship with an armored deck to protect vital machine spaces); Chile's military aviation was inaugurated in 1913 with the creation of a military aviation school (2022) Topic: Chinaestablished in 1927, the PLA is the military arm of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which oversees the PLA through its Central Military Commission; the Central Military Commission is China’s top military decision making body the PRC's internal security forces consist primarily of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), the Ministry of State Security (MSS), the People’s Armed Police (PAP), and the militia; the PLA support the internal security forces as necessary: the MPS controls the civilian national police, which serves as the first-line force for public order; its primary mission is domestic law enforcement and maintaining order, including anti-rioting and anti-terrorism the MSS is the PRC’s main civilian intelligence and counterintelligence service the PAP is a paramilitary component (or adjunct) of the PLA; its primary missions include internal security, maintaining public order, maritime security, and assisting the PLA in times of war; it is under the command of the Central Military Commission (CMC); the China Coast Guard (CCG) administratively falls under the PAP; the CCG has a variety of missions, such as maritime sovereignty enforcement, surveillance, resource protection, anti-smuggling, and general law enforcement the militia is an armed reserve of civilians which serves as an auxiliary and reserve force for the PLA upon mobilization; it is distinct from the PLA’s reserve forces; militia units are organized around towns, villages, urban sub-districts, and enterprises, and vary widely in composition and mission; they have dual civilian-military command structures; a key component of the militia are the local maritime forces, commonly referred to as the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM); the PAFMM consists of mariners (and their vessels) who receive training, equipment, and other forms of support from the Navy and CCG (although the PAFMM remains separate from both) to perform tasks such as maritime patrolling, surveillance and reconnaissance, emergency/disaster response, transportation, search and rescue, and auxiliary tasks in support of naval operations in wartime; the PAFMM’s tasks are often conducted in conjunction or coordination with the Navy and the CCG; it has been used to assert Beijing's maritime claims in the East and South China seas (2022)established in 1927, the PLA is the military arm of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which oversees the PLA through its Central Military Commission; the Central Military Commission is China’s top military decision making bodythe PRC's internal security forces consist primarily of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), the Ministry of State Security (MSS), the People’s Armed Police (PAP), and the militia; the PLA support the internal security forces as necessary:the MPS controls the civilian national police, which serves as the first-line force for public order; its primary mission is domestic law enforcement and maintaining order, including anti-rioting and anti-terrorismthe MSS is the PRC’s main civilian intelligence and counterintelligence servicethe PAP is a paramilitary component (or adjunct) of the PLA; its primary missions include internal security, maintaining public order, maritime security, and assisting the PLA in times of war; it is under the command of the Central Military Commission (CMC); the China Coast Guard (CCG) administratively falls under the PAP; the CCG has a variety of missions, such as maritime sovereignty enforcement, surveillance, resource protection, anti-smuggling, and general law enforcementthe militia is an armed reserve of civilians which serves as an auxiliary and reserve force for the PLA upon mobilization; it is distinct from the PLA’s reserve forces; militia units are organized around towns, villages, urban sub-districts, and enterprises, and vary widely in composition and mission; they have dual civilian-military command structures; a key component of the militia are the local maritime forces, commonly referred to as the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM); the PAFMM consists of mariners (and their vessels) who receive training, equipment, and other forms of support from the Navy and CCG (although the PAFMM remains separate from both) to perform tasks such as maritime patrolling, surveillance and reconnaissance, emergency/disaster response, transportation, search and rescue, and auxiliary tasks in support of naval operations in wartime; the PAFMM’s tasks are often conducted in conjunction or coordination with the Navy and the CCG; it has been used to assert Beijing's maritime claims in the East and South China seas Topic: Christmas Islanddefense is the responsibility of Australia Topic: Clipperton Islanddefense is the responsibility of France Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Australia Topic: Colombiaas of 2022, the Colombian Armed Forces were primarily focused on internal security, particularly counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations against drug traffickers, militants from several factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and National Liberation Army (ELN) terrorist/guerrilla organizations, and other illegal armed groups; the Colombian Government signed a peace agreement with the FARC in 2016, but some former members (known as dissidents) have returned to fighting (note - these dissident groups include the designated terrorist groups Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army or FARC-EP and Segunda Marquetalia; see Appendix T); the Colombian military resumed operations against FARC dissidents and their successor paramilitary groups in late 2019; in 2017, the Colombian Government initiated formal peace talks with the ELN, but in January 2019, the government ended the peace talks shortly after the ELN exploded a car bomb at the National Police Academy in Bogotá and resumed counter-terrorism/counterinsurgency operations against the group; operations against the FARC dissident groups and the ELN continued into 2022 (see Appendix T); the military was also focused on the security challenges posed by its neighbor, Venezuela, where instability has attracted narcotics traffickers and both the ELN and FARC dissidents, including FARC-EP and Segunda Marquetalia, operate openly Topic: Comorosthe AND is limited in capabilities to performing search and rescue operations and maintaining internal security; a defense treaty with France provides naval resources for protection of territorial waters, training of Comoran military personnel, and air surveillance; France maintains a small maritime base and a Foreign Legion contingent on neighboring Mayotte (2022) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thethe modern FARDC was created out of the armed factions of the two Congo wars of 1996-1997 and 1998-2003; as part of the peace accords that ended the last war, the largest rebel groups were incorporated into the FARDC; many armed groups, however, continue to fight (note - there are over 100 illegal armed groups in the country by some estimates); as of 2022, the FARDC was actively engaged in combat operations against numerous armed groups inside the country, particularly in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, although violence also continues in Maniema, Kasai, Kasai Central, and Tanganyika provinces; the military is widely assessed as being unable to provide adequate security throughout the country due to insufficient training, poor morale and leadership, ill-discipline and corruption, low equipment readiness, a fractious ethnic makeup, and the sheer size of the country and diversity of armed rebel groups MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping and stabilization force in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has operated in the central and eastern parts of the country since 1999; as of February 2022, MONUSCO had around 15,000 personnel; MONUSCO includes a Force Intervention Brigade (FIB; 3 infantry battalions, plus artillery and special forces), the first ever UN peacekeeping force specifically tasked to carry out targeted offensive operations to neutralize and disarm groups considered a threat to state authority and civilian securitythe modern FARDC was created out of the armed factions of the two Congo wars of 1996-1997 and 1998-2003; as part of the peace accords that ended the last war, the largest rebel groups were incorporated into the FARDC; many armed groups, however, continue to fight (note - there are over 100 illegal armed groups in the country by some estimates); as of 2022, the FARDC was actively engaged in combat operations against numerous armed groups inside the country, particularly in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, although violence also continues in Maniema, Kasai, Kasai Central, and Tanganyika provinces; the military is widely assessed as being unable to provide adequate security throughout the country due to insufficient training, poor morale and leadership, ill-discipline and corruption, low equipment readiness, a fractious ethnic makeup, and the sheer size of the country and diversity of armed rebel groups Topic: Congo, Republic of theas of 2022, the FAC had limited capabilities due to obsolescent and poorly maintained equipment and low levels of training; its primary focus was internal security; since its creation in 1961, the FAC has had a turbulent history; it has been sidelined by some national leaders in favor of personal militias, endured an internal rebellion (1996), and clashed with various rebel groups and political or ethnic militias (1993-1996, 2002-2005, 2017); during the 1997-1999 civil war, the military generally split along ethnic lines, with most northern officers supporting eventual winner SASSOU-Nguesso, and most southerners backing the rebels; others joined ethnic-based factions loyal to regional warlords; forces backing SASSOU-Nguesso were supported by Angolan troops and received some French assistance; the FAC also has undergone at least three reorganizations that included the incorporation of former rebel combatants and various ethnic and political militias; in recent years, France has provided some advice and training, and a military cooperation agreement was signed with Russia in 2019as of 2022, the FAC had limited capabilities due to obsolescent and poorly maintained equipment and low levels of training; its primary focus was internal security; since its creation in 1961, the FAC has had a turbulent history; it has been sidelined by some national leaders in favor of personal militias, endured an internal rebellion (1996), and clashed with various rebel groups and political or ethnic militias (1993-1996, 2002-2005, 2017); during the 1997-1999 civil war, the military generally split along ethnic lines, with most northern officers supporting eventual winner SASSOU-Nguesso, and most southerners backing the rebels; others joined ethnic-based factions loyal to regional warlords; forces backing SASSOU-Nguesso were supported by Angolan troops and received some French assistance; the FAC also has undergone at least three reorganizations that included the incorporation of former rebel combatants and various ethnic and political militias; in recent years, France has provided some advice and training, and a military cooperation agreement was signed with Russia in 2019 Topic: Cook Islandsdefense is the responsibility of New Zealand in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request Topic: Coral Sea Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Australia Topic: Costa RicaCosta Rica relies on specialized paramilitary units within the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) for internal security missions and countering transnational threats such as narcotics smuggling and organized crime, as well as for participating in regional security operations and exercises; MPS forces have received advisory and training support from both Colombia and the US; since 2012, the US has also provided some military equipment, including aircraft and patrol boats (2022) Topic: Cote d'Ivoirethe military has mutinied several times since the late 1990s, most recently in 2017, and has had a large role in the country’s political turmoil; as of 2022, the FACI was focused on internal security and the growing threat posed by Islamic militants associated with the al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorist group operating across the border in Burkina Faso; AQIM militants conducted significant attacks in the country in 2016 and 2020; Côte d’Ivoire since 2016 has stepped up border security and completed building a joint counter-terrorism training center with France near Abidjan in 2020 the UN maintained a 9,000-strong peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) from 2004 until 2017 (2022) Topic: CroatiaCroatia joined NATO in 2009 Topic: Cubathe FAR has a large role in the Cuban economy through several military owned and operated conglomerates, including such sectors as banking, hotels, industry, retail, transportation, and tourism (2022) Topic: Curacaodefense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Dutch Government controls foreign and defense policy; the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) provides maritime security (2022) Topic: Cyprusthe United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island and bring about a return to normal conditions; the UNFICYP mission had about 850 personnel as of February 2022 Topic: CzechiaCzechia joined NATO in 1999; Czechia, Hungary, and Poland were invited to begin accession talks at NATO's Madrid Summit in 1997, and in March 1999 they became the first former members of the Warsaw Pact to join the Alliance Topic: DenmarkDenmark is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 Denmark is a member of the EU, but opted out of the EU’s Common Defense and Security Policy, and therefore does not participate in EU military operations or in the cooperation on development and acquisition of military capabilities within the EU framework the Danish Armed Forces cooperate closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009 in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020 (2022)the Danish Armed Forces cooperate closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009 in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020 Topic: Dhekeliadefense of Dhekelia (aka Eastern Sovereign Base Area) is the responsibility of the UK; includes Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station connected by a roadway Topic: Djiboutias of 2022, China, France, Italy, Japan, and the US maintained bases in Djibouti for regional military missions, including counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, crisis response, and security assistance (note – France has multiple bases and hosts troop contingents from Germany and Spain); the EU and NATO have also maintained a presence to support multinational naval counter-piracy operations and maritime training efforts; in 2017, Djibouti and Saudi Arabia announced plans for the Saudis to build a military base there, although no start date was announcedas of 2022, China, France, Italy, Japan, and the US maintained bases in Djibouti for regional military missions, including counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, crisis response, and security assistance (note – France has multiple bases and hosts troop contingents from Germany and Spain); the EU and NATO have also maintained a presence to support multinational naval counter-piracy operations and maritime training efforts; in 2017, Djibouti and Saudi Arabia announced plans for the Saudis to build a military base there, although no start date was announced Topic: DominicaDominica has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: Dominican Republicthe military's primary focuses are countering illegal immigration and refugees along its 350-kilometer-long border with Haiti and interdicting air and maritime narcotics trafficking, as well as disaster relief (2022) Topic: Ecuadorborder conflicts with Peru dominated the military’s focus until the late 1990s; as of 2022, border security remained a priority, but in more recent years, security challenges have shifted towards counterinsurgency and counter-narcotics operations, particularly in the northern border area where violence and other criminal activity related to terrorism, insurgency, and narco-trafficking in Colombia, as well as refugees from Venezuela, has spilled over the border; troop deployments along the border with Colombia were scaled back following the 2016 signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorist group (see Appendix T), but recent violence associated with FARC dissidents to the agreement have led Ecuador and Colombia to reinforce their shared border; since 2012, the Ecuadorian Government has also expanded the military’s role in general public security and counter-narcotics operations, in part due to rising violence, police corruption, and police ineffectiveness the military has had a large role in Ecuador’s political history; it ruled the country from 1963-1966 and 1972-1979, and supported a dictatorship in 1970-1972; during the 1980s, the military remained loyal to the civilian government, but civilian-military relations were at times tenuous, and the military had considerable autonomy from civilian oversight; it was involved in coup attempts in 2000 and 2010border conflicts with Peru dominated the military’s focus until the late 1990s; as of 2022, border security remained a priority, but in more recent years, security challenges have shifted towards counterinsurgency and counter-narcotics operations, particularly in the northern border area where violence and other criminal activity related to terrorism, insurgency, and narco-trafficking in Colombia, as well as refugees from Venezuela, has spilled over the border; troop deployments along the border with Colombia were scaled back following the 2016 signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorist group (see Appendix T), but recent violence associated with FARC dissidents to the agreement have led Ecuador and Colombia to reinforce their shared border; since 2012, the Ecuadorian Government has also expanded the military’s role in general public security and counter-narcotics operations, in part due to rising violence, police corruption, and police ineffectivenessthe military has had a large role in Ecuador’s political history; it ruled the country from 1963-1966 and 1972-1979, and supported a dictatorship in 1970-1972; during the 1980s, the military remained loyal to the civilian government, but civilian-military relations were at times tenuous, and the military had considerable autonomy from civilian oversight; it was involved in coup attempts in 2000 and 2010 Topic: Egyptsince 2011, the Egyptian Armed Forces, police, and other security forces have been actively engaged in counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the North Sinai governorate against several militant groups, particularly the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham – Sinai Province; as of 2022, Egypt had tens of thousands of military troops, police, and other security personnel deployed in the Sinai for internal security duties; in addition, tribal militias were assisting Egyptian security forces the military has a large stake in the civilian economy, including running banks, businesses, and shipping lines, producing consumer and industrial goods, importing commodities, and building and managing infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, hospitals, and housing; the various enterprises are reportedly profitable enough to make the armed forces largely self-funded Egypt has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments the Multinational Force & Observers (MFO) has operated in the Sinai since 1982 as a peacekeeping and monitoring force to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace; the MFO is an independent international organization, created by agreement between Egypt and Israel; as of 2022, it was composed of about 1,150 troops from 13 countries; Colombia, Fiji, and the US were the leading providers of troops to the MFO (2022) Topic: El Salvadorthe National Civilian Police (Ministry of Justice and Public Security) is responsible for maintaining public security, while the Ministry of Defense is responsible for maintaining national security; the constitution separates public security and military functions, but allows the president to use the armed forces in exceptional circumstances to maintain internal peace and public security; in November 2019, President BUKELE signed a decree authorizing military involvement in police duties to combat gang violence, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking, as well as assisting with border security; as of 2022, a considerable portion of the Army was deployed in support of the National Police (2022) Topic: Equatorial Guineaas of 2022, the FAGE’s National Guard (Army) had only three small infantry battalions with limited combat capabilities; the country has invested heavily in naval capabilities in the 2010s to protect its oil installations and combat piracy and crime in the Gulf of Guinea; while the Navy was small, it was well-equipped with an inventory that included a light frigate and a corvette, as well as several off-shore patrol boats; the Air Force possessed only a few operational combat aircraft and ground attack-capable helicoptersas of 2022, the FAGE’s National Guard (Army) had only three small infantry battalions with limited combat capabilities; the country has invested heavily in naval capabilities in the 2010s to protect its oil installations and combat piracy and crime in the Gulf of Guinea; while the Navy was small, it was well-equipped with an inventory that included a light frigate and a corvette, as well as several off-shore patrol boats; the Air Force possessed only a few operational combat aircraft and ground attack-capable helicopters Topic: Eritreain 2020-2021, the EDF assisted the Ethiopian Government in its war with the Tigray regional government, providing ground forces and combat aircraft; during the fighting, the EDF was accused of committing human rights abuses against civiliansin 2020-2021, the EDF assisted the Ethiopian Government in its war with the Tigray regional government, providing ground forces and combat aircraft; during the fighting, the EDF was accused of committing human rights abuses against civilians Topic: EstoniaEstonia officially became a member of NATO in 2004 since 2017, Estonia has hosted a UK-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative NATO also has provided air protection for Estonia since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft have been hosted at Estonia’s Ämari Air Base since 2014 (2022)since 2017, Estonia has hosted a UK-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiativeNATO also has provided air protection for Estonia since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft have been hosted at Estonia’s Ämari Air Base since 2014 Topic: Eswatinithe UEDF was originally created in 1973 as the Royal Swaziland Defense Force; the UEDF’s primary mission is external security but it also has domestic security responsibilities, including protecting members of the royal family; the king is the UEDF commander in chief and holds the position of minister of defense, although the UEDF reports to the Army commander and principal undersecretary of defense for day-to-day operations; the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is responsible for maintaining internal security as well as migration and border crossing enforcement; it is under the prime minister, although the king is the force’s titular commissioner in chief (2022) Topic: Ethiopiaeach of the nine states has a regional and/or a "special" paramilitary security forces that report to regional civilian authorities; local militias operate across the country in loose and varying coordination with these regional security and police forces, the Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP), and the Ethiopian military; the EFP reports to the Ministry of Peace, which was created in October of 2018 since November 2020, the Government of Ethiopia has been engaged in a protracted military conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the former governing party of the Tigray Region; the government deemed a TPLF attack on Ethiopia military forces as a domestic terrorism incident and launched a military offensive in response; the TPLF asserted that its actions were self-defense in the face of planned Ethiopian Government action to remove it from the provincial government; the Ethiopian Government sent large elements of the ENDF into Tigray to remove the TPLF and invited militia and paramilitary forces from the states of Afar and Amara, as well as the military forces of Eritrea, to assist; the fighting included heavy civilian and military casualties with widespread abuses reported; in March 2022, the Ethiopian Government declared a  truce to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid into the Tigray region; the TPLF reciprocated with a truce of its own; since the announcement, both sides have reportedly observed the truce, although tensions remained high; in June 2022, ABIY announced that the Ethiopian Government had set up a committee to negotiate with the TPLF the military forces of the Tigray regional government are known as the Tigray Defense Force (TDF); the TDF is comprised of state paramilitary forces, local militia, and troops that defected from the ENDF; it reportedly had up to 250,000 fighters at the start of the conflict Topic: European UnionEU Battlegroups are rapid reaction multinational military units that form a key part of the EU's capacity to respond to emerging crises and conflicts; their deployment is subject to a unanimous decision by the EU Council; the core of a battlegroup typically consists of one infantry battalion (about 1,500 troops) reinforced with combat and combat service support units; the composition of the supporting units may differ depending on the mission; the troops and equipment are drawn from EU member states and under the direction of a lead nation; 2 battlegroups are always on standby for a period of 6 months; the battlegroups were declared operational in 2007, but have never been used operationally due to political and financial obstacles the EU partners with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); NATO is an alliance of 30 countries from North America and Europe; its role is to safeguard the security of its member countries by political and military means; NATO conducts crisis management and peacekeeping missions; member countries that participate in the military aspect of the Alliance contribute forces and equipment, which remain under national command and control until a time when they are required by NATO for a specific purpose (i.e. conflict or crisis, peacekeeping); NATO, however, does possess some common capabilities owned and operated by the Alliance, such as some early warning radar aircraft; relations between NATO and the EU were institutionalized in the early 2000s, building on steps taken during the 1990s to promote greater European responsibility in defense matters; cooperation and coordination covers a broad array of issues, including crisis management, defense and political consultations, civil preparedness, capacity building, military capabilities, maritime security, planning, cyber defense, countering hybrid threats, information sharing, logistics, defense industry, counterterrorism, etc.; NATO and the EU have 21 member countries in common Eurocorps, which supports both the EU and NATO, was formally established in 1992 and activated the following year; it originated in 1987 with the French-German Brigade; Belgium (1993), Spain (1994), and Luxembourg (1996) joined over the next few years; five additional countries participate in Eurocorps as associated nations: Greece, Poland, and Turkey (since 2002), Italy and Romania (since 2009 and 2016 respectively); Eurocorps is headquartered in Strasbourg, France (2022) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)defense is the responsibility of the UK, which maintains about 1,200 troops on the islands Topic: Faroe Islandsthe Government of Denmark has responsibility for defense; as such, the Danish military’s Joint Arctic Command in Nuuk, Greenland is responsible for territorial defense of the Faroe Islands; the Joint Arctic Command has a contact element in the capital of Torshavn Topic: Fijithe RFMF has a history of intervening in the country’s politics since the late 1980s, including coups in 1987 and 2006, and a mutiny in 2000 the RFMF also has a long tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations; since its first deployment of troops to South Lebanon in 1978 under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), it has deployed troops on nearly 20 additional UN missions (2022) Topic: Finlandas of early 2022, Finland was not a member of NATO, but Finland and NATO actively cooperated in peace-support operations, exercised together, and exchanged analysis and information; Finland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994; Finnish Armed Forces participated in NATO-led military operations and missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq Finland is a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) and actively participates in CSDP crisis management missions and operations the Finnish Armed Forces closely cooperate with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009as of early 2022, Finland was not a member of NATO, but Finland and NATO actively cooperated in peace-support operations, exercised together, and exchanged analysis and information; Finland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994; Finnish Armed Forces participated in NATO-led military operations and missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and IraqFinland is a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) and actively participates in CSDP crisis management missions and operationsthe Finnish Armed Forces closely cooperate with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009 Topic: FranceFrance was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty), which created NATO in 1949; in 1966, President Charles DE GAULLE decided to withdraw France from NATO’s integrated military structure, reflecting his desire for greater military independence, particularly vis-à-vis the US, and the refusal to integrate France’s nuclear deterrent or accept any form of control over its armed forces; it did, however, sign agreements with NATO setting out procedures in the event of Soviet aggression; beginning with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, France distanced itself from the 1966 decision and has regularly contributed troops to NATO’s military operations, being one of the largest troop-contributing states; in 2009 it officially announced its decision to fully participate in NATO structures in 2010, France and the UK signed a declaration on defense and security cooperation that included greater military interoperability and a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), a deployable, combined Anglo-French military force for use in a wide range of crisis scenarios, up to and including high intensity combat operations; the CJEF has no standing forces, but would be available at short notice for French-UK bilateral, NATO, EU, UN, or other operations; combined training exercises began in 2011; as of 2020, the CJEF was assessed as having full operating capacity with the ability to rapidly deploy over 10,000 personnel capable of high intensity operations, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance the French Foreign Legion, established in 1831, is a military force that is open to foreign recruits willing to serve in the French Armed Forces for service in France and abroad; the Foreign Legion is an integrated part of the French Army and is comprised of approximately 8,000 personnel in eight regiments, a regiment-sized demi-brigade, a battalion-sized overseas detachment, a battalion-sized recruiting group, and a command staff; the combat units are a mix of armored cavalry and airborne, light, mechanized, and motorized infantry (2022)in 2010, France and the UK signed a declaration on defense and security cooperation that included greater military interoperability and a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), a deployable, combined Anglo-French military force for use in a wide range of crisis scenarios, up to and including high intensity combat operations; the CJEF has no standing forces, but would be available at short notice for French-UK bilateral, NATO, EU, UN, or other operations; combined training exercises began in 2011; as of 2020, the CJEF was assessed as having full operating capacity with the ability to rapidly deploy over 10,000 personnel capable of high intensity operations, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistancethe French Foreign Legion, established in 1831, is a military force that is open to foreign recruits willing to serve in the French Armed Forces for service in France and abroad; the Foreign Legion is an integrated part of the French Army and is comprised of approximately 8,000 personnel in eight regiments, a regiment-sized demi-brigade, a battalion-sized overseas detachment, a battalion-sized recruiting group, and a command staff; the combat units are a mix of armored cavalry and airborne, light, mechanized, and motorized infantry Topic: French Polynesiadefense is the responsibility of France; France maintains forces (about 900 troops) in French Polynesia Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landsdefense is the responsibility of France Topic: Gabonmembers of the Gabonese Defense Forces attempted a failed coup in January 2019 Topic: Gambia, Thein 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent security forces to The Gambia to conduct stability operations and provide assistance and training following the 2016 election; as of 2022, the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) was comprised of about 1,000 military and gendarmerie personnel from Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) traces its origins to the Gambia Regiment of the British Army; established in 1901, the Gambia Regiment was part of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF, later Royal West African Frontier Force or RWAFF) and served in both World Wars, including the British 1944-45 military campaign in Burma; the Gambia Regiment was disbanded in 1958 and replaced by the Field Force, a police paramilitary unit; the Field Force was responsible for The Gambia’s security until the establishment of the Gambian Armed Forces in 1985; in addition, a defense agreement signed in 1965 between The Gambia and Senegal provided mutual assistance in the face of an external threat; from 1981-1989, The Gambia and Senegal formed a Confederal Army that was made up of two-thirds Senegalese and one-third Gambian soldiers the military in Gambia, including the Field Force, has a history of heavy involvement in the country’s politics, including multiple coups or coup attempts and mutinies; as of 2022, the Gambia Armed Forces’ principal responsibilities included aiding civil authorities in emergencies and providing natural disaster relief  in 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent security forces to The Gambia to conduct stability operations and provide assistance and training following the 2016 election; as of 2022, the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) was comprised of about 1,000 military and gendarmerie personnel from Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegalthe Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) traces its origins to the Gambia Regiment of the British Army; established in 1901, the Gambia Regiment was part of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF, later Royal West African Frontier Force or RWAFF) and served in both World Wars, including the British 1944-45 military campaign in Burma; the Gambia Regiment was disbanded in 1958 and replaced by the Field Force, a police paramilitary unit; the Field Force was responsible for The Gambia’s security until the establishment of the Gambian Armed Forces in 1985; in addition, a defense agreement signed in 1965 between The Gambia and Senegal provided mutual assistance in the face of an external threat; from 1981-1989, The Gambia and Senegal formed a Confederal Army that was made up of two-thirds Senegalese and one-third Gambian soldiersthe military in Gambia, including the Field Force, has a history of heavy involvement in the country’s politics, including multiple coups or coup attempts and mutinies; as of 2022, the Gambia Armed Forces’ principal responsibilities included aiding civil authorities in emergencies and providing natural disaster relief  Topic: Gaza Stripsince seizing control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, HAMAS has claimed responsibility for numerous rocket attacks into Israel and organized protests at the border between Gaza and Israel, resulting in violent clashes, casualties, and reprisal military actions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF); HAMAS and Israel fought an 11-day conflict in May of 2021, which ended in an informal truce; sporadic clashes continued into 2022, including incendiary balloon attacks from Gaza and retaliatory IDF strikes; Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has conducted numerous attacks on Israel since the 1980s, including a barrage of mortar and rocket strikes in 2020, also prompting IDF counter-strikes; see Appendix-T for more details on HAMAS and PIJ in 2017, HAMAS and PIJ announced the formation of a "joint operations room" to coordinate the activities of their armed wings; by late 2020, the formation consisted of 12 militant groups operating in Gaza and had conducted its first joint training exercise (2022) Topic: Georgiaas of 2022, approximately 7-10,000 Russian troops continued to occupy the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia Topic: Germanythe Federal Republic of Germany joined NATO in May 1955; with the reunification of Germany in October 1990, the states of the former German Democratic Republic joined the Federal Republic of Germany in its membership of NATO the German Army has incorporated a joint Franco-German mechanized infantry brigade since 1989, a Dutch airmobile infantry brigade since 2014, and a Dutch mechanized infantry brigade since 2016; in addition, the German Navy’s Sea Battalion (includes marine infantry, naval divers, reconnaissance, and security forces) has worked closely with the Dutch Marine Corps since 2016, including as a binational amphibious landing group (2022) Topic: Ghanathe military of Ghana traces its origins to the Gold Coast Constabulary that was established in 1879 and renamed the Gold Coast Regiment in 1901; the Gold Coast Regiment was part of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF), a multi-regiment force formed by the British colonial office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Gold Coast (Ghana), Nigeria (Lagos and the protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria), Sierra Leone, and Gambia; the WAFF served with distinction in both East and West Africa during World War I; in 1928, it received royal recognition and was re-named the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF); the RWAFF went on to serve in World War II as part of the British 81st and 82nd (West African) divisions in the East Africa and Burma campaigns; following independence in 1957, the Gold Coast Regiment formed the basis for the new Ghanaian Army as of 2022, the primary missions for the Ghanaian military included assisting other security services with internal security and patrolling the country’s economic exclusion zone, which has led to efforts to expand the Navy’s capabilities in recent years; since sending a contingent of troops to the Congo in 1960, the Ghana military has been a regular contributor to African- and UN-sponsored peacekeeping missionsthe military of Ghana traces its origins to the Gold Coast Constabulary that was established in 1879 and renamed the Gold Coast Regiment in 1901; the Gold Coast Regiment was part of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF), a multi-regiment force formed by the British colonial office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Gold Coast (Ghana), Nigeria (Lagos and the protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria), Sierra Leone, and Gambia; the WAFF served with distinction in both East and West Africa during World War I; in 1928, it received royal recognition and was re-named the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF); the RWAFF went on to serve in World War II as part of the British 81st and 82nd (West African) divisions in the East Africa and Burma campaigns; following independence in 1957, the Gold Coast Regiment formed the basis for the new Ghanaian Armyas of 2022, the primary missions for the Ghanaian military included assisting other security services with internal security and patrolling the country’s economic exclusion zone, which has led to efforts to expand the Navy’s capabilities in recent years; since sending a contingent of troops to the Congo in 1960, the Ghana military has been a regular contributor to African- and UN-sponsored peacekeeping missions Topic: Gibraltardefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: GreeceGreece joined NATO in 1952 Topic: Greenlandthe Danish military’s Joint Arctic Command in Nuuk is responsible for the defense of Greenland Topic: GrenadaGrenada joined the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) in 1985; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: Guamdefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: Guatemalasince the 2000s, the Guatemalan Government has used the Army to support the National Civil Police (PNC; under the Ministry of Government) in internal security operations (as permitted by the constitution) to combat organized crime, gang violence, and narco-trafficking  the military held power during most of the country’s 36-year civil war (1960-1996) and conducted a campaign of widespread violence and repression, particularly against the country’s majority indigenous population; more than 200,000 people were estimated to have been killed or disappeared during the conflict (2022) Topic: Guernseydefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Guineathe Army is responsible for external defense, but also has some domestic security responsibilities; piracy and natural resource protection in the Gulf of Guinea are key areas of concern for the small Navy, which possesses only a few patrol boats (2022) Topic: Guinea-Bissaufrom 2012-2020, the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) deployed a security force to Guinea-Bissau to manage the post-coup transition, including protecting key political figures and public buildings, restoring civil institutions, and re-establishing the rule of law; at the height of the deployment, the force, known as the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB), deployed nearly 700 military and police personnel from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Senegal (2022) Topic: Guyanathe Guyana Defense Force was established in 1965; its primary missions are defense of the country, assisting civil authorities with law and order as needed, and contributing to the economic development of the country; the GDF’s ground force officers are trained at the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, while coast guard officers receive training the British Royal Naval College (2022) Topic: Haitiaccording to the Haitian Government, the mission of the reconstituted armed forces will focus on patrolling the border with the Dominican Republic, combating smuggling, and executing recovery efforts after natural disasters the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) operated in Haiti from 2004 until 2017; its mission was to help restore stability after President Bertrand ARISTIDE fled the country, including assisting with the political process, strengthening government institutions, and promoting and protecting human rights; following the completion of MINUSTAH’s mandate in 2017, a smaller peacekeeping mission, the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), operated until 2019; its mission was to assist with the further development and strengthening of the national police, as well as Haiti’s justice and prison systems, and to promote and protect human rights; in 2019, the UN established the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) with the political mission of advising the Haiti Government in elections, governance, and security; BINUH's current mandate last until July 2023 according to the Haitian Government, the mission of the reconstituted armed forces will focus on patrolling the border with the Dominican Republic, combating smuggling, and executing recovery efforts after natural disasters the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) operated in Haiti from 2004 until 2017; its mission was to help restore stability after President Bertrand ARISTIDE fled the country, including assisting with the political process, strengthening government institutions, and promoting and protecting human rights; following the completion of MINUSTAH’s mandate in 2017, a smaller peacekeeping mission, the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), operated until 2019; its mission was to assist with the further development and strengthening of the national police, as well as Haiti’s justice and prison systems, and to promote and protect human rights; in 2019, the UN established the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) with the political mission of advising the Haiti Government in elections, governance, and security; BINUH's current mandate last until July 2023 Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandsdefense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)defense is the responsibility of Italy Topic: Hondurasthe armed forces, including the PMOP, are subordinate to the Secretariat of Defense, while the HNP reports to the Secretariat of Security; the National Interinstitutional Security Force is an interagency command that coordinates the overlapping responsibilities of the HNP, PMOP, National Intelligence Directorate, and Public Ministry (public prosecutor), but exercises coordination, command, and control responsibilities only during interagency operations involving those forces (2022) Topic: Hong Kongdefense is the responsibility of China Topic: HungaryHungary joined NATO in 1999; Czechia, Hungary, and Poland were invited to begin accession talks at NATO's Madrid Summit in 1997 and in March 1999 they became the first former members of the Warsaw Pact to join the Alliance (2022) Topic: IcelandIceland was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949; Iceland is the only NATO member that has no standing military force; defense of Iceland remains a NATO commitment and NATO maintains an air policing presence in Icelandic airspace; Iceland participates in international peacekeeping missions with the civilian-manned Icelandic Crisis Response Unit (ICRU) Iceland cooperates with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009  Iceland cooperates with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009  Topic: Indiaas of 2022, the Indian Armed Forces were chiefly focused on China and Pakistan; the short 1962 Sino-India War left in place one of the world’s longest disputed international borders, resulting in occasional standoffs between Indian and Chinese security forces, including lethal clashes in 1975 and 2020; meanwhile, India and Pakistan have fought several conflicts since 1947, including the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and the Indo-Pakistan and Bangladesh War of Independence of 1971, as well as two clashes over the disputed region of Kashmir (the First Kashmir War of 1947 and the 1999 Kargil Conflict); a fragile cease-fire in Kashmir was reached in 2003, revised in 2018, and reaffirmed in 2021, although the Line of Control remained contested as of 2022, and India has accused Pakistan of backing armed separatists and terrorist organizations in Jammu and Kashmir where Indian forces have conducted counterinsurgency operations since the 1980s; in addition, India and Pakistan have battled over the Siachen Glacier of Kashmir, which was seized by India in 1984 with Pakistan attempting to retake the area at least three times between 1985 and 1995; despite a cease-fire, as of 2022 both sides continued to maintain a permanent military presence there with outposts at altitudes above 20,000 feet (over 6,000 meters) where most casualties were due to extreme weather and the hazards of operating in the high mountain terrain of the world’s highest conflict, including avalanches, exposure, and altitude sickness (2022) Topic: Indonesiaas of 2022, Indonesian military and police forces were engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Papua against the West Papua Liberation Army, the military wing of the Free Papua Organization, which has been fighting a low-level insurgency since the 1960s when Indonesia annexed the former Dutch colony; since 2019, there has been an increase in militant activity in Papua and a larger Indonesian military presence; Papua was formally incorporated into Indonesia in 1969; in addition, the Indonesian military has been assisting police in Sulawesi in countering the Mujahideen Indonesia Timur (MIT; aka East Indonesia Mujahideen), a local Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated terrorist group Indonesia is not a formal claimant in the South China Sea, although some of its waters lie within China's “nine-dash line” maritime claims, resulting in some stand offs in recent years; since 2016, the Indonesian military has bolstered its presence on Great Natuna Island (aka Pulau Natuna Besar), the main island of the Middle Natuna Archipelago, which is part of the Riau Islands Province, held military exercises in surrounding waters, and increased security cooperation (2022) Topic: Iranthe Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was formed in May 1979 in the immediate aftermath of Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI’s fall, as leftists, nationalists, and Islamists jockeyed for power; while the interim prime minister controlled the government and state institutions, such as the Army, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI organized counterweights, including the IRGC, to protect the Islamic revolution; the IRGC’s command structure bypassed the elected president and went directly to KHOMEINI; the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) transformed the IRGC into more of a conventional fighting force with its own ground, air, naval, and special forces, plus control over Iran’s strategic missile and rocket forces; as of 2022, the IRGC was a highly institutionalized and parallel military force to Iran’s regular armed forces (Artesh); it was heavily involved in internal security and had significant influence in the political and economic spheres of Iranian society, as well as Iran’s foreign policy; its special operations forces, known as the Qods/Quds Force, specialized in foreign missions and has provided advice, funding, guidance, material support, training, and weapons to militants in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, as well as extremist groups, including HAMAS, Hizballah, Kata’ib Hizballah, and Palestine Islamic Jihad (see Appendix-T for additional details on the IRGC and Qods Force); the Qods Force also conducts intelligence and reconnaissance operations  the Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS) is the senior-most body for formulating Iran’s foreign and security policy; it is formally chaired by the president, who also appoints the SCNS secretary; its members include the speaker of the Majles, the head of the judiciary, the chief of the Armed Forces General Staff (chief of defense or CHOD), the commanders of the Artesh (regular forces) and IRGC, and the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, interior, and intelligence; the SCNS reports to the supreme leader; the supreme leader is the commander-in-chief of the armed forcesthe Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was formed in May 1979 in the immediate aftermath of Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI’s fall, as leftists, nationalists, and Islamists jockeyed for power; while the interim prime minister controlled the government and state institutions, such as the Army, followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI organized counterweights, including the IRGC, to protect the Islamic revolution; the IRGC’s command structure bypassed the elected president and went directly to KHOMEINI; the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88) transformed the IRGC into more of a conventional fighting force with its own ground, air, naval, and special forces, plus control over Iran’s strategic missile and rocket forces; as of 2022, the IRGC was a highly institutionalized and parallel military force to Iran’s regular armed forces (Artesh); it was heavily involved in internal security and had significant influence in the political and economic spheres of Iranian society, as well as Iran’s foreign policy; its special operations forces, known as the Qods/Quds Force, specialized in foreign missions and has provided advice, funding, guidance, material support, training, and weapons to militants in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, as well as extremist groups, including HAMAS, Hizballah, Kata’ib Hizballah, and Palestine Islamic Jihad (see Appendix-T for additional details on the IRGC and Qods Force); the Qods Force also conducts intelligence and reconnaissance operations the Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS) is the senior-most body for formulating Iran’s foreign and security policy; it is formally chaired by the president, who also appoints the SCNS secretary; its members include the speaker of the Majles, the head of the judiciary, the chief of the Armed Forces General Staff (chief of defense or CHOD), the commanders of the Artesh (regular forces) and IRGC, and the ministers of defense, foreign affairs, interior, and intelligence; the SCNS reports to the supreme leader; the supreme leader is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces Topic: Iraq- as of 2022, Iraqi security forces (ISF) continued to conduct counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) terrorist group, particularly in northern and western Iraq; Kurdish Security Forces (KSF, aka Peshmerga) also conducted operations against ISIS - the KSF were formally recognized as a legitimate Iraqi military force under the country’s constitution and have operated jointly with the Iraqi military against ISIS militants, but they also operate outside of Iraqi military command structure; since 2021, the ISF and the KSF have conducted joint counter-ISIS operations in an area known as the Kurdish Coordination Line (KCL), a swath of disputed territory in northern Iraq claimed by both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the central Iraqi Government; the KSF/Peshmerga report to the Kurdistan Regional Government or Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan parties instead of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense - Popular Mobilization Commission and Affiliated Forces (PMF or PMC), also known as Popular Mobilization Units (PMU, or al-Hashd al-Sha’abi in Arabic), tribal militia units have fought alongside the Iraqi military against ISIS since 2014, but the majority of these forces continue to largely ignore the 2016 Law of the Popular Mobilization Authority, which mandated that armed militias must be regulated in a fashion similar to Iraq’s other security forces and act under the Iraqi Government’s direct control; the Iraqi Government funds the PMF, and the prime minister legally commands it, but many of the militia units take orders from associated political parties and/or other government officials, including some with ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and some that have been designated as terrorist organizations by the US; the PMF/PMU is an umbrella organization comprised of many different militias, the majority of which are Shia; there are typically three types of Shia militia: --militias backed by Iran; they are considered the most active and capable, and include such groups as the Badr Organization (Saraya al-Sala), Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Kataib Hizballah --militias affiliated with Shia political parties, but not aligned with Iran, such as Moqtada al-SADR's Saray al-Salam (Peace Brigades) --militias not connected with political parties, but affiliated with the Najaf-based Grand Ayatollah Ali al-SISTANI (Iraq’s supreme Shia cleric), such as the Hawza militias other PMF/PMU militias include Tribal Mobilization militias, or Hashd al-Asha’iri, which are composed of fighters from Sunni tribes; some of these militias take orders from the ISF and local authorities while others respond to orders from the larger Shia PMU militias; still other militias include Yazidi and Christian militias and the Turkmen brigades; the links of these forces to the PMU is not always clear-cut and may be loosely based on financial, legal, or political incentives - at the request of the Iraqi government, NATO agreed to establish an advisory, training and capacity-building mission for the Iraqi military in October 2018; as of 2022, the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) had about 500 troops; in December 2021, the task force that leads the defeat ISIS mission in Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), transitioned from a combat role to an advise, assist, and enable role (2022)- as of 2022, Iraqi security forces (ISF) continued to conduct counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) terrorist group, particularly in northern and western Iraq; Kurdish Security Forces (KSF, aka Peshmerga) also conducted operations against ISIS - the KSF were formally recognized as a legitimate Iraqi military force under the country’s constitution and have operated jointly with the Iraqi military against ISIS militants, but they also operate outside of Iraqi military command structure; since 2021, the ISF and the KSF have conducted joint counter-ISIS operations in an area known as the Kurdish Coordination Line (KCL), a swath of disputed territory in northern Iraq claimed by both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the central Iraqi Government; the KSF/Peshmerga report to the Kurdistan Regional Government or Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan parties instead of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense - Popular Mobilization Commission and Affiliated Forces (PMF or PMC), also known as Popular Mobilization Units (PMU, or al-Hashd al-Sha’abi in Arabic), tribal militia units have fought alongside the Iraqi military against ISIS since 2014, but the majority of these forces continue to largely ignore the 2016 Law of the Popular Mobilization Authority, which mandated that armed militias must be regulated in a fashion similar to Iraq’s other security forces and act under the Iraqi Government’s direct control; the Iraqi Government funds the PMF, and the prime minister legally commands it, but many of the militia units take orders from associated political parties and/or other government officials, including some with ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and some that have been designated as terrorist organizations by the US; the PMF/PMU is an umbrella organization comprised of many different militias, the majority of which are Shia; there are typically three types of Shia militia:--militias backed by Iran; they are considered the most active and capable, and include such groups as the Badr Organization (Saraya al-Sala), Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Kataib Hizballah--militias affiliated with Shia political parties, but not aligned with Iran, such as Moqtada al-SADR's Saray al-Salam (Peace Brigades)--militias not connected with political parties, but affiliated with the Najaf-based Grand Ayatollah Ali al-SISTANI (Iraq’s supreme Shia cleric), such as the Hawza militiasother PMF/PMU militias include Tribal Mobilization militias, or Hashd al-Asha’iri, which are composed of fighters from Sunni tribes; some of these militias take orders from the ISF and local authorities while others respond to orders from the larger Shia PMU militias; still other militias include Yazidi and Christian militias and the Turkmen brigades; the links of these forces to the PMU is not always clear-cut and may be loosely based on financial, legal, or political incentives- at the request of the Iraqi government, NATO agreed to establish an advisory, training and capacity-building mission for the Iraqi military in October 2018; as of 2022, the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) had about 500 troops; in December 2021, the task force that leads the defeat ISIS mission in Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), transitioned from a combat role to an advise, assist, and enable role Topic: Irelandthe Irish Defense Forces trace their origins back to the Irish Volunteers, a unit established in 1913; the Irish Volunteers took part in the 1916 Easter Rising and the Irish War of Independence, 1919-1921 Ireland has a long-standing policy of military neutrality; however, it participates in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, as well as crisis management; Ireland is a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy and has committed a battalion of troops to the EU’s Rapid Reaction Force; Ireland is not a member of NATO, but has a relationship going back to 1997 when it deployed personnel in support of the NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ireland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1999; Ireland has been an active participate in UN peacekeeping operations since the 1950sthe Irish Defense Forces trace their origins back to the Irish Volunteers, a unit established in 1913; the Irish Volunteers took part in the 1916 Easter Rising and the Irish War of Independence, 1919-1921Ireland has a long-standing policy of military neutrality; however, it participates in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, as well as crisis management; Ireland is a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy and has committed a battalion of troops to the EU’s Rapid Reaction Force; Ireland is not a member of NATO, but has a relationship going back to 1997 when it deployed personnel in support of the NATO-led peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ireland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1999; Ireland has been an active participate in UN peacekeeping operations since the 1950s Topic: Isle of Mandefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Israelthe United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has operated in the Golan between Israel and Syria since 1974 to monitor the ceasefire following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and supervise the areas of separation between the two countries; as of February 2022, UNDOF consisted of about 1,100 personnel as of 2022 and since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out air strikes in Syria targeting Iranian, Iranian-backed militia and Hizballah forces, and some Syrian Government military positions; over the same period, the IDF has carried out numerous strikes against Hizballah in Lebanon in response to attacks on Israeli territory; Israel fought a month-long war in Lebanon with Hizballah in 2006 (see Appendix-T for details on Hizballah) as of 2022, the IDF also conducted frequent operations against the HAMAS and Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist groups operating out of the Gaza Strip; since seizing control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, HAMAS has claimed responsibility for numerous rocket attacks into Israel and organized protests at the border between Gaza and Israel, resulting in violent clashes, casualties, and reprisal military actions by the IDF; HAMAS and Israel fought an 11-day conflict in May of 2021, which ended in an informal truce; sporadic clashes continued into 2022, including incendiary balloon attacks from Palestinian territory and retaliatory IDF strikes; PIJ has conducted numerous attacks on Israel since the 1980s, including a barrage of mortar and rocket strikes in February 2020 (see Appendix-T for more details on HAMAS and Palestine Islamic Jihad) Israel has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022)as of 2022, the IDF also conducted frequent operations against the HAMAS and Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorist groups operating out of the Gaza Strip; since seizing control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, HAMAS has claimed responsibility for numerous rocket attacks into Israel and organized protests at the border between Gaza and Israel, resulting in violent clashes, casualties, and reprisal military actions by the IDF; HAMAS and Israel fought an 11-day conflict in May of 2021, which ended in an informal truce; sporadic clashes continued into 2022, including incendiary balloon attacks from Palestinian territory and retaliatory IDF strikes; PIJ has conducted numerous attacks on Israel since the 1980s, including a barrage of mortar and rocket strikes in February 2020 (see Appendix-T for more details on HAMAS and Palestine Islamic Jihad) Israel has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments Topic: ItalyItaly is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 Italy is an active participant in EU, NATO, UN, and other multinational military, security, and humanitarian operations abroad; as of 2022, it hosted the headquarters for the EU’s Mediterranean naval operations force (EUNAVFOR-MED) in Rome and the US Navy’s 6th Fleet in Naples; Italy was admitted to the UN in 1955 and in 1960 participated in its first UN peacekeeping mission, the UN Operation in Congo (ONUC); since 1960, it has committed more than 60,000 troops to UN missions; since 2006, Italy has hosted a training center in Vicenza for police personnel destined for peacekeeping missions Topic: Jamaicaas of 2022, the JDF’s primary missions were maritime/border and internal security, including support to police operations to combat crime and violence Topic: Jan Mayendefense is the responsibility of Norway Topic: JapanJapan was disarmed after its defeat in World War II; shortly after the Korean War began in 1950, US occupation forces in Japan created a 75,000-member lightly armed force called the National Police Reserve; the current Self Defense Force was founded in 1954 in addition to having one of the region’s largest and best equipped militaries, Japan’s alliance with the US (signed in 1951) is one of the cornerstones of the country’s security, as well as a large part of the US security role in Asia; as of 2022, approximately 55,000 US troops and other military assets, including aircraft and naval ships, were stationed in Japan and had exclusive use of more than 80 bases and facilities; in exchange for their use, the US guarantees Japan’s security; the Japanese Government provides about $2 billion per year to offset the cost of stationing US forces in Japan; in addition, it pays compensation to localities hosting US troops, rent for bases, and costs for new facilities to support the US presence Japan has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Jerseydefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Jordanthe Jordanian military traces its origins back to the Arab Legion, which was formed under the British protectorate of Transjordan in the 1920s due largely to its proximity to regional conflicts in Iraq and Syria, the presence of major terrorist organizations in both of those countries, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the highest priorities of Jordan’s military and security services in 2022 included securing its borders and the potential for domestic terrorist attacks; the terrorist group Hizballah and Iranian-backed militia forces were operating in southwestern Syria near Jordan’s border while fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) terrorist group continued operating in both Iraq and Syria; ISIS fighters included Jordanian nationals, some of whom have returned to Jordan; meanwhile, individuals and groups sympathetic to Palestine have planned and conducted terrorist attacks in Jordan Jordan has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994the Jordanian military traces its origins back to the Arab Legion, which was formed under the British protectorate of Transjordan in the 1920sdue largely to its proximity to regional conflicts in Iraq and Syria, the presence of major terrorist organizations in both of those countries, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the highest priorities of Jordan’s military and security services in 2022 included securing its borders and the potential for domestic terrorist attacks; the terrorist group Hizballah and Iranian-backed militia forces were operating in southwestern Syria near Jordan’s border while fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) terrorist group continued operating in both Iraq and Syria; ISIS fighters included Jordanian nationals, some of whom have returned to Jordan; meanwhile, individuals and groups sympathetic to Palestine have planned and conducted terrorist attacks in JordanJordan has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994 Topic: KazakhstanKazakhstan has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force (2022) Topic: KenyaKenyan military forces intervened in Somalia in October 2011 to combat the al Qaida-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group, which had conducted numerous cross-border attacks into Kenya; in November 2011, the UN and the African Union invited Kenya to incorporate the force into the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); Kenyan forces were formally integrated into AMISOM in February 2012; as of 2022, they consisted of approximately 3,600 troops and were responsible for AMISOM’s Sector 2 comprising Lower and Middle Jubba (see Appendix-T for additional details on al-Shabaab) (2022) Topic: Kiribatidefense assistance is provided by Australia and NZ Topic: Korea, Northin addition to the invasion of South Korea and the subsequent Korean War (1950-53), North Korea from the 1960s to the 1980s launched a considerable number of limited military and subversive actions against South Korea using special forces and terrorist tactics; including aggressive skirmishes along the DMZ, overt attempts to assassinate South Korean leaders, kidnappings, the bombing of an airliner, and a failed effort in 1968 to foment an insurrection and conduct a guerrilla war in the South with more than 100 seaborne commandos; from the 1990s until 2010, the North lost two submarines and a semi-submersible boat attempting to insert infiltrators into the South (1996, 1998) and provoked several engagements in the Northwest Islands area along the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL), including naval skirmishes between patrol boats in 1999 and 2002, the torpedoing and sinking of a South Korean corvette, the Cheonan, in 2010, and the bombardment of a South Korean Marine Corps installation on Yeonpyeong Island, also in 2010; since 2010, further minor incidents continue to occur periodically along the DMZ, where both the KPA and the South Korean military maintain large numbers of troops in 2018, North Korea and South Korea signed a tension reduction agreement known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), which established land, sea, and air buffer zones along the DMZ and the NLL; implementation of the CMA required the removal of some land mines and guard posts; the efforts led to a reduction of tension in the DMZ, but as of 2022 North Korea had failed to uphold much of its side of the agreement the KPA was founded in 1948; Kim Jong Un is the KPA supreme commander, while operational control of the armed forces resides in the General Staff Department (GSD), which reports directly to Kim; the GSD maintains overall control of all military forces and is charged with turning Kim’s directives into operational military orders; the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is responsible for administrative control of the military and external relations with foreign militaries as of 2022, North Korea’s growing ballistic missile program included close- (CRBM), short- (SRBM), medium- (MRBM), intermediate- (IRBM), and intercontinental- (ICBM) range ballistic missiles; the North received its first ballistic missiles, short-range FROGs (free rocket over ground), from the Soviet Union in the 1960s, but its modern ballistic missile program is generally thought to date back to the mid-1970s when it received a Soviet Scud-class missile, likely from Egypt; the North reverse-engineered the missile and developed an indigenously built version in 1984; it flight-tested its first Scud-based medium-range Nodong missile in 1990, and probably began development of the multi-stage Taepodong missiles around this time as well; the North revealed its first road-mobile ICBM in 2012 and conducted the first test of an ICBM-class system in 2017; it conducted additional ICBM tests in 2022 North Korea in the 2010s and 2020s has increasingly relied on illicit activities — including cybercrime — to generate revenue for its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs to evade US and UN sanctions  in addition to the invasion of South Korea and the subsequent Korean War (1950-53), North Korea from the 1960s to the 1980s launched a considerable number of limited military and subversive actions against South Korea using special forces and terrorist tactics; including aggressive skirmishes along the DMZ, overt attempts to assassinate South Korean leaders, kidnappings, the bombing of an airliner, and a failed effort in 1968 to foment an insurrection and conduct a guerrilla war in the South with more than 100 seaborne commandos; from the 1990s until 2010, the North lost two submarines and a semi-submersible boat attempting to insert infiltrators into the South (1996, 1998) and provoked several engagements in the Northwest Islands area along the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL), including naval skirmishes between patrol boats in 1999 and 2002, the torpedoing and sinking of a South Korean corvette, the Cheonan, in 2010, and the bombardment of a South Korean Marine Corps installation on Yeonpyeong Island, also in 2010; since 2010, further minor incidents continue to occur periodically along the DMZ, where both the KPA and the South Korean military maintain large numbers of troops in 2018, North Korea and South Korea signed a tension reduction agreement known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), which established land, sea, and air buffer zones along the DMZ and the NLL; implementation of the CMA required the removal of some land mines and guard posts; the efforts led to a reduction of tension in the DMZ, but as of 2022 North Korea had failed to uphold much of its side of the agreementthe KPA was founded in 1948; Kim Jong Un is the KPA supreme commander, while operational control of the armed forces resides in the General Staff Department (GSD), which reports directly to Kim; the GSD maintains overall control of all military forces and is charged with turning Kim’s directives into operational military orders; the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is responsible for administrative control of the military and external relations with foreign militariesas of 2022, North Korea’s growing ballistic missile program included close- (CRBM), short- (SRBM), medium- (MRBM), intermediate- (IRBM), and intercontinental- (ICBM) range ballistic missiles; the North received its first ballistic missiles, short-range FROGs (free rocket over ground), from the Soviet Union in the 1960s, but its modern ballistic missile program is generally thought to date back to the mid-1970s when it received a Soviet Scud-class missile, likely from Egypt; the North reverse-engineered the missile and developed an indigenously built version in 1984; it flight-tested its first Scud-based medium-range Nodong missile in 1990, and probably began development of the multi-stage Taepodong missiles around this time as well; the North revealed its first road-mobile ICBM in 2012 and conducted the first test of an ICBM-class system in 2017; it conducted additional ICBM tests in 2022 North Korea in the 2010s and 2020s has increasingly relied on illicit activities — including cybercrime — to generate revenue for its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs to evade US and UN sanctions   Topic: Korea, Souththe 1953 US-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty is a cornerstone of South Korea’s security; the Treaty committed the US to provide assistance in the event of an attack, particularly from North Korea; in addition, the Treaty gave the US permission to station land, air, and sea forces in and about the territory of South Korea as determined by mutual agreement; as of 2022, the US maintained approximately 28,000 military personnel in the country the South Korean military has assisted the US in conflicts in Afghanistan (5,000 troops; 2001-2014), Iraq (20,000 troops; 2003-2008), and Vietnam (325,000 troops; 1964-1973) South Korea has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments in 2016, South Korea concluded an agreement with the European Union for participation in EU Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, such as the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta, which protects maritime shipping and conducts counter-piracy operations off the coast of East Africa South Korea has been engaged with NATO through dialogue and security cooperation since 2005 and is considered by NATO to be a global partner; it has participated in NATO-led missions and exercises, including leading an integrated civilian-military reconstruction team in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, 2010-2013; it has also cooperated with NATO in countering the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden by providing naval vessels as escorts in addition to the invasion of South Korea and the subsequent Korean War (1950-53), North Korea from the 1960s to the 1980s launched a considerable number of limited military and subversive actions against South Korea using special forces and terrorist tactics; including aggressive skirmishes along the DMZ, overt attempts to assassinate South Korean leaders, kidnappings, the bombing of an airliner, and a failed effort in 1968 to foment an insurrection and conduct a guerrilla war in the South with more than 100 seaborne commandos; from the 1990s until 2010, the North lost two submarines and a semi-submersible boat attempting to insert infiltrators into the South (1996, 1998) and provoked several engagements in the Northwest Islands area along the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL), including naval skirmishes between patrol boats in 1999 and 2002, the torpedoing and sinking of a South Korean corvette, the Cheonan, in 2010, and the bombardment of a South Korean Marine Corps installation on Yeonpyeong Island, also in 2010; since 2010, further minor incidents continue to occur periodically along the DMZ, where both the North and the South Korean militaries maintain large numbers of troops in 2018, North Korea and South Korea signed a tension reduction agreement known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), which established land, sea, and air buffer zones along the DMZ and the NLL; implementation of the CMA required the removal of some land mines and guard posts; the efforts led to a reduction of tension in the DMZ, but as of 2022 North Korea had failed to uphold much of its side of the agreementthe 1953 US-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty is a cornerstone of South Korea’s security; the Treaty committed the US to provide assistance in the event of an attack, particularly from North Korea; in addition, the Treaty gave the US permission to station land, air, and sea forces in and about the territory of South Korea as determined by mutual agreement; as of 2022, the US maintained approximately 28,000 military personnel in the countrythe South Korean military has assisted the US in conflicts in Afghanistan (5,000 troops; 2001-2014), Iraq (20,000 troops; 2003-2008), and Vietnam (325,000 troops; 1964-1973) South Korea has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments in 2016, South Korea concluded an agreement with the European Union for participation in EU Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, such as the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta, which protects maritime shipping and conducts counter-piracy operations off the coast of East AfricaSouth Korea has been engaged with NATO through dialogue and security cooperation since 2005 and is considered by NATO to be a global partner; it has participated in NATO-led missions and exercises, including leading an integrated civilian-military reconstruction team in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, 2010-2013; it has also cooperated with NATO in countering the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden by providing naval vessels as escortsin addition to the invasion of South Korea and the subsequent Korean War (1950-53), North Korea from the 1960s to the 1980s launched a considerable number of limited military and subversive actions against South Korea using special forces and terrorist tactics; including aggressive skirmishes along the DMZ, overt attempts to assassinate South Korean leaders, kidnappings, the bombing of an airliner, and a failed effort in 1968 to foment an insurrection and conduct a guerrilla war in the South with more than 100 seaborne commandos; from the 1990s until 2010, the North lost two submarines and a semi-submersible boat attempting to insert infiltrators into the South (1996, 1998) and provoked several engagements in the Northwest Islands area along the disputed Northern Limit Line (NLL), including naval skirmishes between patrol boats in 1999 and 2002, the torpedoing and sinking of a South Korean corvette, the Cheonan, in 2010, and the bombardment of a South Korean Marine Corps installation on Yeonpyeong Island, also in 2010; since 2010, further minor incidents continue to occur periodically along the DMZ, where both the North and the South Korean militaries maintain large numbers of troops in 2018, North Korea and South Korea signed a tension reduction agreement known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), which established land, sea, and air buffer zones along the DMZ and the NLL; implementation of the CMA required the removal of some land mines and guard posts; the efforts led to a reduction of tension in the DMZ, but as of 2022 North Korea had failed to uphold much of its side of the agreement Topic: Kosovothe NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) has operated in the country as a peace support force since 1999; KFOR is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement for all citizens, as well as assisting in developing the Kosovo Security Force; as of 2022, it numbered about 3,700 troops from 28 countries Topic: KuwaitKuwait has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force (2022) Topic: Laosthe LPAF’s primary missions are border and internal security, including counterinsurgency and counterterrorism (2022) Topic: LatviaLatvia became a member of NATO in 2004 since 2017, Latvia has hosted a Canadian-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; in addition, Latvia hosts a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division North; activated 2020), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate NATO battlegroups in Estonia and Latvia NATO also has provided air protection for Latvia since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations (2022) Topic: Lebanonas of 2022, the Lebanese military faced multiple challenges, including securing parts of the border with war-torn Syria from infiltrations of militants linked to the Islamic State and al-Qa’ida terrorist groups and maintaining stability along its volatile border with Israel, where the Iranian-backed and Lebanon-based terrorist group Hizballah conducted a war with Israel in 2006 and tensions remained high, including occasional armed skirmishes; the military also faced a financial crisis as government debt and national economic difficulties undercut its ability to fully pay and supply personnel, which has sparked domestic and international fears that the armed forces may disintegrate the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) has operated in the country since 1978, originally under UNSCRs 425 and 426 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area; following the July-August 2006 war, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1701 enhancing UNIFIL and deciding that in addition to the original mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons; UNIFIL had about 10,000 personnel deployed in the country as of 2022 (2022) Topic: LesothoLesotho's declared policy for its military is the maintenance of the country's sovereignty and the preservation of internal security; in practice, external security is guaranteed by South Africa Topic: Liberiathe first militia unit established for defense of the colony was raised in 1832; the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) traces its origins to the 1908 establishment of the Liberia Frontier Force, which became the Liberian National Guard in 1965; the AFL was established in 1970; at the end of the second civil war in 2003, military and police forces were disbanded and approximately 100,000 military, police, and rebel combatants were disarmed; the AFL began to rebuild in 2003 with US assistance and the first infantry battalion of the restructured AFL was re-activated in late 2007; a second battalion was added in 2008 the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was established in 2003 as a peacekeeping force; at its height, UNMIL was comprised of about 15,000 personnel, including more than 3,000 troops absorbed from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) peacekeeping mission; Liberian forces reassumed full control of the country’s security in June of 2016, and the UNMIL mission was ended in 2018  the first militia unit established for defense of the colony was raised in 1832; the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) traces its origins to the 1908 establishment of the Liberia Frontier Force, which became the Liberian National Guard in 1965; the AFL was established in 1970; at the end of the second civil war in 2003, military and police forces were disbanded and approximately 100,000 military, police, and rebel combatants were disarmed; the AFL began to rebuild in 2003 with US assistance and the first infantry battalion of the restructured AFL was re-activated in late 2007; a second battalion was added in 2008the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was established in 2003 as a peacekeeping force; at its height, UNMIL was comprised of about 15,000 personnel, including more than 3,000 troops absorbed from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) peacekeeping mission; Liberian forces reassumed full control of the country’s security in June of 2016, and the UNMIL mission was ended in 2018  Topic: Libyain April 2019, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces launched an offensive to seize the capital, Tripoli, from the UN-recognized GNA; the GNA and its local supporting militia forces forced the LNA to withdraw by June 2020; at the signing of a UN-mediated ceasefire in October 2020, the two sides were separated by a line of control running roughly from the coastal city of Sirte south to the vicinity of Al Jufra and Brak; as of 2022, this line had grown increasingly fortified outside actors have played a large role in the fighting in Libya on both sides: GNU forces were backed militarily by Qatar and Turkey; Turkey signed a security agreement with the GNA in 2019, and Turkey’s aid was assessed as vital in turning back the LNA offensive in 2019-2020; Turkey’s support included air defense, unmanned aerial vehicles (aka drones), equipment, weapons, training, and military personnel, including advisors, technicians, and equipment operators; in addition, Turkey provided mercenary fighters from Syria LNA forces (aka Libyan Arab Armed Forces, LAAF) has received varying amounts of military support from Chad, Egypt, France, Jordan, Russia, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Russia, Sudan, and the UAE had been the most active; Russia provided equipment, weapons, aircraft, and air defense support, as well as Russian mercenaries/private military contractors and Russian-sponsored Syrian mercenary fighters; Sudan reportedly provided troops from its Rapid Support Forces in 2019-2020, and Sudanese mercenaries were present in Libya as of late 2021; the UAE provided equipment, supplies, weapons, and air support, including air strikes from manned and unmanned aircraft; Egypt provided arms, supplies, and training, as well as facilitated both Emirati and Russian operations in Libya by allowing them to use the country’s western bases and to transport arms over the border as of late 2021, it was estimated that as many as 20,000 third-country nationals were involved in military operations in Libya, despite the confidence building measure of the October 2020 ceasefire that called for all foreign forces to leave the country by early 2021; in addition to the foreign military and proxy forces, foreign fighters from Libya’s neighbors (Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia, as well as Sudan) have travelled to Libya since the civil war began in 2011 to support various armed groups, including those aligned with the GNA/GNU and the LNA, as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham and Al Qa’ida terrorist group affiliates operating in Libya; most of these fighters arrived as individuals, but rebel groups from Chad and Sudan were also reportedly involved in the fighting (2022)in April 2019, Libyan National Army (LNA) forces launched an offensive to seize the capital, Tripoli, from the UN-recognized GNA; the GNA and its local supporting militia forces forced the LNA to withdraw by June 2020; at the signing of a UN-mediated ceasefire in October 2020, the two sides were separated by a line of control running roughly from the coastal city of Sirte south to the vicinity of Al Jufra and Brak; as of 2022, this line had grown increasingly fortifiedoutside actors have played a large role in the fighting in Libya on both sides:GNU forces were backed militarily by Qatar and Turkey; Turkey signed a security agreement with the GNA in 2019, and Turkey’s aid was assessed as vital in turning back the LNA offensive in 2019-2020; Turkey’s support included air defense, unmanned aerial vehicles (aka drones), equipment, weapons, training, and military personnel, including advisors, technicians, and equipment operators; in addition, Turkey provided mercenary fighters from SyriaLNA forces (aka Libyan Arab Armed Forces, LAAF) has received varying amounts of military support from Chad, Egypt, France, Jordan, Russia, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Russia, Sudan, and the UAE had been the most active; Russia provided equipment, weapons, aircraft, and air defense support, as well as Russian mercenaries/private military contractors and Russian-sponsored Syrian mercenary fighters; Sudan reportedly provided troops from its Rapid Support Forces in 2019-2020, and Sudanese mercenaries were present in Libya as of late 2021; the UAE provided equipment, supplies, weapons, and air support, including air strikes from manned and unmanned aircraft; Egypt provided arms, supplies, and training, as well as facilitated both Emirati and Russian operations in Libya by allowing them to use the country’s western bases and to transport arms over the borderas of late 2021, it was estimated that as many as 20,000 third-country nationals were involved in military operations in Libya, despite the confidence building measure of the October 2020 ceasefire that called for all foreign forces to leave the country by early 2021; in addition to the foreign military and proxy forces, foreign fighters from Libya’s neighbors (Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Mali, Niger, and Tunisia, as well as Sudan) have travelled to Libya since the civil war began in 2011 to support various armed groups, including those aligned with the GNA/GNU and the LNA, as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham and Al Qa’ida terrorist group affiliates operating in Libya; most of these fighters arrived as individuals, but rebel groups from Chad and Sudan were also reportedly involved in the fighting Topic: LithuaniaLithuania became a member of NATO in 2004 since 2017, Lithuania has hosted a German-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; NATO also has provided air protection for Lithuania since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft are hosted at Lithuania’s Šiauliai Air Base (2022)since 2017, Lithuania has hosted a German-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; NATO also has provided air protection for Lithuania since 2004 through its Air Policing mission; NATO member countries that possess air combat capabilities voluntarily contribute to the mission on 4-month rotations; NATO fighter aircraft are hosted at Lithuania’s Šiauliai Air Base (2022) Topic: LuxembourgLuxembourg is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 in 2015, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed an agreement to conduct joint air policing of their territories; under the agreement, which went into effect in January of 2017, the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces trade responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three countriesin 2015, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed an agreement to conduct joint air policing of their territories; under the agreement, which went into effect in January of 2017, the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces trade responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three countries Topic: Macaudefense is the responsibility of China; the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) maintains a garrison in Macau Topic: Madagascarone of the military’s duties is assisting the gendarmerie with maintaining law and order in rural areas, particularly in areas affected by banditry, cattle rustling (cattle thieves are known as dahalo), and criminal groups (2022) Topic: Malawithe Malawi Defense Force’s primary responsibility is external security; it is also tasked as necessary with carrying out policing or other domestic activities, such as disaster relief; Malawi contributes regularly to African Union and UN peace support operations (2022) Topic: Malaysiamaritime security has long been a top priority for the Malaysian Armed Forces, but it has received even greater emphasis in the 2000s, particularly anti-piracy operations in the Strait of Malacca and countering Chinese naval incursions in Malaysia’s Economic Exclusion Zone, as well as addressing identified shortfalls in maritime capabilities; as such, it has undertaken modest efforts to procure more modern ships, improve air and maritime surveillance, expand the Navy’s support infrastructure (particularly bases/ports) and domestic ship-building capacities, restructure naval command and control, and increase naval cooperation with regional and international partners; as of 2022, for example, the Navy had 6 frigates fitting out or under construction and scheduled for completion by 2023, which will increase the number of operational frigates from 2 to 8; in addition, it began tri-lateral air and naval patrols with Indonesia and the Philippines in 2017; Malaysia also cooperates closely with the US military, including on maritime surveillance and participating regularly in bilateral and multilateral training exercises Malaysia is a member of the Five Powers Defense Arrangements (FPDA), a series of mutual assistance agreements reached in 1971 embracing Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK; the FPDA commits the members to consult with one another in the event or threat of an armed attack on any of the members and to mutually decide what measures should be taken, jointly or separately; there is no specific obligation to intervene militarily (2022) Topic: Maldivesthe MNDF is primarily tasked to reinforce the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and ensure security in the country's exclusive economic zone (2022) Topic: Maliprior to the coup in August 2020 and military takeover in May 2021, the Malian military had intervened in the political arena at least five times since the country gained independence in 1960; two attempts failed (1976 and 1978), while three succeeded in overturning civilian rule (1968, 1991, and 2012); the military collapsed in 2012 during the fighting against Tuareg rebels and Islamic militants; it has been since rebuilt, but continues to have limited capabilities and is heavily reliant on external assistance as of 2022, Malian security forces were actively conducting operations against several separatist insurgent and terrorist groups, particularly in the central and northern regions of the country where the government was reportedly in control of only an estimated 10-20% of the territory the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has operated in the country since 2013; the Mission's responsibilities include providing security, rebuilding Malian security forces, protecting civilians, supporting national political dialogue, and assisting in the reestablishment of Malian government authority; as of mid-2022, MINUSMA had around 15,000 personnel deployed; in June 2022, the UN extended its mission another 12 months the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM-M) and the French military (under a separate, bi-lateral mission) have also operated in the country since 2013; the EUTM-M provides advice and training to the Malian Armed Forces and military assistance to the G5 Sahel Joint Force; as of May 2022, the mission included about 1,100 personnel from more than 20 European countries; in April of 2022, the EU said it would suspend its training program in Mali, citing issues with the ruling military government, including human rights abuses and the presence of Russian private military contractors; in August 2022, France completed withdrawing the last of its forces from Mali, also citing obstructions from the military government; prior to the withdrawal, more than 2,000 French troops had provided military assistance and conducted counter-terrorism/counter-insurgency operations in December 2021, the Malian military government contracted with a Russian private military company to provide training for local armed forces and security to senior Malian officials; as of mid-2022, there were an estimated 1,000 Russian military contractors in Mali (2022) Topic: MaltaMalta maintains a security policy of neutrality, but contributes to EU and UN military missions and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1995 (suspended in 1996, but reactivated in 2008); it also participates in various bilateral and multinational military exercises; Malta cooperates closely with Italy on defense matters; in 1973, Italy established a military mission in Malta to provide advice, training, and search and rescue assistance  Malta maintains a security policy of neutrality, but contributes to EU and UN military missions and joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1995 (suspended in 1996, but reactivated in 2008); it also participates in various bilateral and multinational military exercises; Malta cooperates closely with Italy on defense matters; in 1973, Italy established a military mission in Malta to provide advice, training, and search and rescue assistance  Topic: Marshall Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: Mauritaniasince a spate of terrorist attacks in the 2000s, including a 2008 attack on a military base in the country’s north that resulted in the deaths of 12 soldiers, the Mauritanian Government has increased the defense budget and military equipment acquisitions, enhanced military training, heightened security cooperation with its neighbors and the international community, and built up the military’s special operations and civil-military affairs forces (2022) Topic: Mauritiusas of 2022, the country’s primary security partner was India, and Indian naval vessels often patrol Mauritian waters; the MPF has also received assistance and training from France, the UK, and the US; the MPF’s chief security concerns are piracy and narcotics trafficking the paramilitary Special Mobile Force was created in 1960 following the withdrawal of the British garrisonas of 2022, the country’s primary security partner was India, and Indian naval vessels often patrol Mauritian waters; the MPF has also received assistance and training from France, the UK, and the US; the MPF’s chief security concerns are piracy and narcotics traffickingthe paramilitary Special Mobile Force was created in 1960 following the withdrawal of the British garrison Topic: Mexicothe constitution was amended in 2019 to grant the president the authority to use the armed forces to protect internal and national security, and courts have upheld the legality of the armed forces’ role in law enforcement activities in support of civilian authorities through 2024; as of 2022, Mexican military operations were heavily focused on internal security duties, particularly in countering drug cartels and organized crime groups, as well as border control and immigration enforcement; the armed forces also administered most of the country's land and sea ports and customs services, and it built and ran approximately 2,700 branches of a state-owned development bank; in addition, President LOPEZ OBRADOR has placed the military in charge of a growing number of infrastructure projects, such as building a new airport for Mexico City and sections of a train line in the country’s southeast (2022) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofdefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: MoldovaMoldova is constitutionally neutral, but has maintained a relationship with NATO since 1992; bilateral cooperation started when Moldova joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994; Moldova has contributed small numbers of troops to NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) since 2014, and a civilian NATO liaison office was established in Moldova in 2017 at the request of the Moldovan Government to promote practical cooperation and facilitate support the 1992 war between Moldovan forces and Transnistrian separatists backed by Russian troops ended with a cease-fire; as of 2022, Russia maintained approximately 1,500 troops in Transnistria, some of which served under the authority of a peacekeeping force known as a Joint Control Commission that also included Moldovan and separatist personnel; the remainder of the Russian contingent (the Operative Group of the Russian Troops or OGRT) guarded a depot of Soviet-era ammunition and trained Transnistrian separatist paramilitary troops (2022) Topic: Monacodefense is the responsibility of France Topic: MongoliaMongolia has been engaged in dialogue and cooperation with NATO since 2005 and is considered by NATO to be a global partner; Mongolia supported the NATO-led Kosovo Force from 2005-2007 and contributed troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan from 2009-2014, as well as to the follow-on Resolute Support Mission that provided training, advice, and other assistance to the Afghan security forces (2015-2021)Mongolia has been engaged in dialogue and cooperation with NATO since 2005 and is considered by NATO to be a global partner; Mongolia supported the NATO-led Kosovo Force from 2005-2007 and contributed troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan from 2009-2014, as well as to the follow-on Resolute Support Mission that provided training, advice, and other assistance to the Afghan security forces (2015-2021) Topic: MontenegroMontenegro became a member of NATO in 2017; as of 2022, Greece and Italy provided NATO's air policing mission for Montenegro Topic: Montserratdefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: MoroccoMoroccan military forces were engaged in combat operations against the Polisario Front (aka Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro or Frente Polisario) from 1975 until a UN-brokered cease-fire in 1991; a 2,500-kilometer long sand berm, built in 1987, separates the forces of Morocco and the Polisario Front the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 in April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted in August 1988 by Morocco and the Polisario Front; MINURSO was unable to carry out all the original settlement proposals, but as of 2022 continued to monitor the cease-fire and reduce the threat of mines and unexploded ordnance, and has provided logistic support to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-led confidence building measures with personnel and air and ground assets Morocco has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitmentsMoroccan military forces were engaged in combat operations against the Polisario Front (aka Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro or Frente Polisario) from 1975 until a UN-brokered cease-fire in 1991; a 2,500-kilometer long sand berm, built in 1987, separates the forces of Morocco and the Polisario Front the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established by Security Council resolution 690 in April 1991 in accordance with settlement proposals accepted in August 1988 by Morocco and the Polisario Front; MINURSO was unable to carry out all the original settlement proposals, but as of 2022 continued to monitor the cease-fire and reduce the threat of mines and unexploded ordnance, and has provided logistic support to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-led confidence building measures with personnel and air and ground assets Morocco has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments Topic: Mozambiquethe Government of Mozambique is facing an insurgency driven by militants with ties to the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS-Mozambique, which was declared a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department in March 2021) in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, an area known for rich liquid natural gas deposits; insurgent attacks in the province began in 2017 and as of 2022, the fighting had left an estimated 4,000 dead and over 700,000 displaced; the FADM is widely assessed as lacking the training, equipment, and overall capabilities to address the insurgency; as of 2022, several countries from the Southern Africa Development Community and the European Union, as well as Rwanda and the US were providing various forms of military assistance; African countries have provided approximately 3,100 troops (2022) Topic: Namibiathe Namibian Defense Force (NDF) was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDFthe Namibian Defense Force (NDF) was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDF Topic: NauruNauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia Topic: Navassa Islanddefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: NepalNepal became a member of the UN in 1955 and has been an active participant in UN peacekeeping operations since, sending its first military observers to a UN peacekeeping mission in 1958 and its first peacekeeping military contingent to Egypt in 1974 the British began to recruit Nepalese citizens (Gurkhas) into the East India Company Army during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816); the Gurkhas subsequently were brought into the British Indian Army and by 1914, there were 10 Gurkha regiments, collectively known as the Gurkha Brigade; following the partition of India in 1947, an agreement between Nepal, India, and Great Britain allowed for the transfer of the 10 regiments from the British Indian Army to the separate British and Indian armies; four regiments were transferred to the British Army, where they have since served continuously as the Brigade of Gurkhas until merged to form the Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1994; six Gurkha (aka Gorkha in India) regiments went to the new Indian Army; a seventh regiment was later added; Gurkhas are also recruited into the Singaporean Police and a special guard in the Sultanate of Brunei known as the Gurkha Reserve Unit (2022) Topic: Netherlandsthe Netherlands is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 since 1973, the Dutch Marine Corps has worked closely with the British Royal Marines, including jointly in the UK-Netherlands amphibious landing force; a Dutch Army airmobile infantry brigade and a mechanized infantry brigade have been integrated into the German Army since 2014 and 2016 respectively in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020 in 2015, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed an agreement to conduct joint air policing of their territories; under the agreement, which went into effect in January of 2017, the Belgian and Dutch Air Forces trade responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three countriessince 1973, the Dutch Marine Corps has worked closely with the British Royal Marines, including jointly in the UK-Netherlands amphibious landing force; a Dutch Army airmobile infantry brigade and a mechanized infantry brigade have been integrated into the German Army since 2014 and 2016 respectively Topic: New Caledoniadefense is the responsibility of France Topic: New ZealandNew Zealand is a member of the Five Powers Defense Arrangements (FPDA), a series of mutual assistance agreements reached in 1971 embracing Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK; the FPDA commits the members to consult with one another in the event or threat of an armed attack on any of the members and to mutually decide what measures should be taken, jointly or separately; there is no specific obligation to intervene militarily New Zealand has been part of the Australia, New Zealand, and US Security (ANZUS) Treaty since 1951; however, the US suspended its ANZUS security obligations to New Zealand in 1986 after New Zealand implemented a policy barring nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered warships from its ports; the US and New Zealand signed the Wellington Declaration in 2010, which reaffirmed close ties between the two countries, and in 2012 signed the Washington Declaration, which provided a framework for future security cooperation and defense dialogues; in 2016, a US naval ship conducted the first bilateral warship visit to New Zealand since the 1980s  New Zealand has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Nicaraguathe modern Army of Nicaragua was created in 1979 as the Sandinista Popular Army (1979-1984); prior to 1979, the military was known as the National Guard, which was organized and trained by the US in the 1920s and 1930s; the first commander of the National Guard, Anastasio SOMOZA García, seized power in 1937 and ran the country as a military dictator until his assassination in 1956; his sons ran the country either directly or through figureheads until the Sandinistas came to power in 1979; the defeated National Guard was disbanded by the Sandinistas (2022) Topic: Nigeras of 2022, the FAN was conducting counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations against Islamic militants on two fronts; in the Diffa region, the Nigeria-based Boko Haram terrorist group has conducted dozens of attacks on security forces, army bases, and civilians; on Niger’s western border with Mali, the Islamic State-West Africa (ISWA) has conducted numerous attacks on security personnel; a series of ISWA attacks on FAN forces near the Malian border in December of 2019 and January of 2020 resulted in the deaths of more than 170 soldiers; terrorist attacks continued into 2022 (2022) Topic: Nigeriaas of 2022, the Nigerian military was sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and regarded as one of its most capable forces; it was focused largely on internal security and faced a number of challenges that have stretched its resources, however; the Army was deployed in all 36 of the country's states; in the northeast, it was conducting counterinsurgency/counter-terrorist operations against the Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) terrorist groups, where it has deployed as many as 70,000 troops at times and jihadist-related violence has killed an estimated 35-40,000 people, mostly civilians, since 2009 (as of 2022); in the northwest, it faced growing threats from criminal gangs, bandits, and violence associated with historical and ongoing farmer-herder conflicts, as well as BH and ISWA terrorists; bandits in the northwest were estimated to number in the low 10,000s and violence there has killed more than 10,000 since the mid-2010s; the military also continued to protect the oil industry in the Niger Delta region against militants and criminal activity, although the levels of violence there have decreased in recent years; beginning in May 2021, a contingent of military troops and police were deployed to eastern Nigeria to quell renewed agitation for a state of Biafra (Biafra seceded from Nigeria in the late 1960s, sparking a civil war that caused more than 1 million deaths) as of 2022, the Navy was focused on security in the Gulf of Guinea; since 2016, it has developed a maritime strategy, boosted naval training and its naval presence in the Gulf, increased participation in regional maritime security efforts, and acquired a significant number of new naval platforms, including offshore and coastal patrol craft, fast attack boats, and air assets the Nigerian military traces its origins to the Nigeria Regiment of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF), a multi-regiment force formed by the British colonial office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Nigeria (Lagos and the protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria), Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, and Gambia; the WAFF served with distinction in both East and West Africa during World War I; in 1928, it received royal recognition and was re-named the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF); the RWAFF went on to serve in World War II as part of the British 81st and 82nd (West African) divisions in the East Africa and Burma campaigns; in 1956, the Nigeria Regiment of the RWAFF was renamed the Nigerian Military Forces (NMF) and in 1958, the colonial government of Nigeria took over control of the NMF from the British War Office; the Nigerian Armed Forces were established following independence in 1960 Topic: Niuedefense is the responsibility of New Zealand Topic: Norfolk Islanddefense is the responsibility of Australia Topic: North MacedoniaNorth Macedonia became the 30th member of NATO in 2020; as of 2022, Greece provided NATO's air policing mission for North Macedonia Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: NorwayNorway is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 the Norwegian Armed Forces cooperate closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009 (2022) Topic: Omanthe Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) have a longstanding security relationship with the British military going back to the 18th century; as of 2022, the SAF and the British maintained a joint training base in Oman and exercised together regularly; in 2017, Oman and the British signed an agreement allowing the British military the use of facilities at Al Duqm Port; in 2019, the US obtained access to the port (2022) Topic: Pakistanthe military has carried out three coups since Pakistan's independence in 1947 and as of 2022 remained a dominant force in the country’s political arena; its chief external focus was on the perceived threat from India, as well as implications of the fall of the government in Kabul, but over the past 15 years, the military also has increased its role in internal security missions, including counterinsurgency and counterterrorism; it is the lead security agency in many areas of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas Pakistan and India have fought several conflicts since 1947, including the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and the Indo-Pakistan and Bangladesh War of Independence of 1971, as well as two clashes over the disputed region of Kashmir (First Kashmir War of 1947 and the Kargil Conflict of 1999); a fragile cease-fire in Kashmir was reached in 2003, revised in 2018, and reaffirmed in 2021, although the Line of Control remained contested as of 2022, and India has accused Pakistan of backing armed separatists and terrorist organizations in Jammu and Kashmir; in addition, India and Pakistan have battled over the Siachen Glacier of Kashmir, which was seized by India in 1984 with Pakistan attempting to retake the area in 1985, 1987, and 1995; despite a cease-fire, as of 2022 both sides continued to maintain a permanent military presence there with outposts at altitudes above 20,000 feet (over 6,000 meters) where most casualties were due to extreme weather or the hazards of operating in the high mountain terrain of the world’s highest conflict, including avalanches, exposure, and altitude sickness Pakistan has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Palauunder 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: PanamaPanama created a paramilitary National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Panamá) in the 1950s from the former National Police (established 1904); the National Guard subsequently evolved into more of a military force with some police responsibilities; it seized power in a coup in 1968 and military officers ran the country until 1989; in 1983, the National Guard was renamed the Panama Defense Force (PDF); the PDF was disbanded after the 1989 US invasion and the current national police forces were formed in 1990; the armed forces were officially abolished under the 1994 Constitution (2022) Topic: Papua New Guineaas of 2022, Australia and the US were assisting Papua New Guinea with expanding and improving the Defense Force naval base at Lombrum on Manus Island; the US first established a Lombrum base in 1944 during World War IIas of 2022, Australia and the US were assisting Papua New Guinea with expanding and improving the Defense Force naval base at Lombrum on Manus Island; the US first established a Lombrum base in 1944 during World War II Topic: Paracel Islandsoccupied by China, which is assessed to maintain 20 outposts in the Paracels (Antelope, Bombay, and North reefs; Drummond, Duncan, Lincoln, Middle, Money, North, Pattle, Quanfu, Robert, South, Tree, Triton, Woody, and Yagong islands; South Sand and West Sand; Observation Bank); the outposts range in size from one or two buildings to bases with significant military infrastructure; Woody Island is the main base in the Paracels and includes an airstrip with fighter aircraft hangers, naval facilities, surveillance radars, and defenses such as surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles; fighter aircraft have deployed to the island (2022) Topic: Paraguayas of 2022, the armed forces were conducting operations against the Paraguayan People's Army (Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo, EPP), a Marxist-nationalist insurgent group operating in the rural northern part of the country along the border with Brazil; they were also assisting internal security forces in countering narco-trafficking networks Topic: Peruthe Peruvian security forces continued to conduct operations against remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group (aka Sendero Luminoso; see Appendix T), particularly in the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro River Valleys (VRAEM) of eastern Peru; the military had approximately 8,000-10,000 troops in the VRAEM under a combined Special Command comprised of air, ground, naval, police, and special forces units (2022) Topic: Philippinesthe US and Philippines agreed to a mutual defense treaty in 1951; the Philippines has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments as of 2022, the AFP's primary air and ground operational focus was on internal security duties, particularly in the south, where several separatist insurgent and terrorist groups operated and up to 60% of the armed forces were deployed; additional combat operations were being conducted against the Communist Peoples Party/New People’s Army, which was active mostly on Luzon, the Visayas, and areas of Mindanao in addition to its typical roles of patrolling and defending the country's maritime claims, the Navy conducts interdiction operations against terrorist, insurgent, and criminal groups around the southern islands; in 2017, the Philippines began conducting joint maritime patrols with Indonesia and Malaysia to counter regional terrorist activities, particularly in the Sulu Sea; the Philippine Marine Corps assists the Army in counterinsurgency operations the Philippines National Police (PNP) also has an active role in counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations alongside the AFP, particularly the Special Action Force, a PNP commando unit that specializes in urban counter-terrorism operationsthe US and Philippines agreed to a mutual defense treaty in 1951; the Philippines has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments Topic: Pitcairn Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: PolandPoland joined NATO in 1999; Czechia, Hungary, and Poland were invited to begin accession talks at NATO's Madrid Summit in 1997, and in March 1999 they became the first former members of the Warsaw Pact to join the Alliance since 2017, Poland has hosted a US-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; since 2014, Poland has also hosted NATO fighter detachments at Malbork Air Base under NATO's enhanced air policing arrangements Poland hosts a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast; operational in 2018), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania; Poland also hosts a corps-level headquarters (Multinational Corps Northeast) (2022)since 2017, Poland has hosted a US-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; since 2014, Poland has also hosted NATO fighter detachments at Malbork Air Base under NATO's enhanced air policing arrangements Poland hosts a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast; operational in 2018), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania; Poland also hosts a corps-level headquarters (Multinational Corps Northeast) (2022) Topic: PortugalPortugal is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 Topic: Puerto Ricodefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: QatarQatar hosts more than 8,000 US military forces and the regional headquarters for the US Central Command (CENTCOM; established 1983) at various military facilities, including the large Al Udeid Air Base; Qatar also hosts as many as 5,000 Turkish military forces at two bases established in 2014 and 2019 Qatar has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: RomaniaRomania became a member of NATO in 2004 Romania conducts its own air policing mission, but because of Russian aggression in the Black Sea region, NATO allies have sent detachments of fighters to augment the Romanian Air Force since 2014 Romania hosts a NATO multinational divisional (Multinational Division Southeast; became operational in 2017) and a brigade-sized headquarters as part of NATO's tailored forward presence in the southeastern part of the Alliance (2022) Topic: Russiaas of 2022, Russian military forces continued to conduct active combat operations in Syria; Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war at the request of the ASAD government in September 2015; Russian assistance included air support, special operations forces, military advisors, private military contractors, training, arms, and equipment Russia is the leading member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and contributes approximately 8,000 troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force (2022) Topic: Rwandathe Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) were established following independence in 1962; after the 1990-1994 civil war and genocide, the victorious Tutsi-dominated Rwandan Patriotic Front's military wing, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), became the country's military force; the RPA participated in the First (1996-1997) and Second (1998-2003) Congolese Wars; the RPA was renamed the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) in 2003, by which time it had assumed a more national character with the inclusion of many former Hutu officers as well as newly recruited soldiers the RDF is widely regarded as one of Africa’s best trained and most capable and professional military forces; as of 2022, over 5,000 RDF personnel were deployed on missions in Africathe Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR) were established following independence in 1962; after the 1990-1994 civil war and genocide, the victorious Tutsi-dominated Rwandan Patriotic Front's military wing, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), became the country's military force; the RPA participated in the First (1996-1997) and Second (1998-2003) Congolese Wars; the RPA was renamed the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) in 2003, by which time it had assumed a more national character with the inclusion of many former Hutu officers as well as newly recruited soldiers the RDF is widely regarded as one of Africa’s best trained and most capable and professional military forces; as of 2022, over 5,000 RDF personnel were deployed on missions in Africa Topic: Saint Barthelemydefense is the responsibility of France Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhadefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisSt. Kitts joined the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) in 1984; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: Saint LuciaSaint Lucia has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: Saint Martindefense is the responsibility of France Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelondefense is the responsibility of France Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesthe country has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts, and Saint Lucia) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: Samoainformal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship Topic: San Marinodefense is the responsibility of Italy Topic: Sao Tome and Principethe FASTP is one of the smallest militaries in Africa and consists of only a few companies of ground troops and a few small patrol boats; as of 2021, it did not have an air forcethe FASTP is one of the smallest militaries in Africa and consists of only a few companies of ground troops and a few small patrol boats; as of 2021, it did not have an air force Topic: Saudi Arabiain 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states intervened militarily in Yemen in support of the Republic of Yemen Government against the separatist Huthis; as of 2022, the coalition (consisting largely of Saudi forces) and the Huthis continued to engage in fighting, mostly with air and missile forces, although  ground fighting was also reportedly taking place over the key province of Marib; the Saudis have conducted numerous air strikes in northern Yemen, while the Huthis have launched attacks into Saudi territory with ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles armed with explosives; the Saudi-led coalition controlled the country’s airspace and the port of Hodeida; Saudi Arabia also has raised and equipped paramilitary/militia security forces in Yemen--based largely on tribal or regional affiliation--to deploy along the Saudi-Yemen border, especially the areas bordering the governorates of Saada and Al-Jawfin 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states intervened militarily in Yemen in support of the Republic of Yemen Government against the separatist Huthis; as of 2022, the coalition (consisting largely of Saudi forces) and the Huthis continued to engage in fighting, mostly with air and missile forces, although  ground fighting was also reportedly taking place over the key province of Marib; the Saudis have conducted numerous air strikes in northern Yemen, while the Huthis have launched attacks into Saudi territory with ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles armed with explosives; the Saudi-led coalition controlled the country’s airspace and the port of Hodeida; Saudi Arabia also has raised and equipped paramilitary/militia security forces in Yemen--based largely on tribal or regional affiliation--to deploy along the Saudi-Yemen border, especially the areas bordering the governorates of Saada and Al-Jawf Topic: SenegalSenegalese security forces continue to be engaged in a low-level counterinsurgency campaign in the southern Casamance region against various factions of the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MDFC); while violent incidents have decreased since a tacit cease-fire was reached in 2012, the insurgency, which began in 1982, continued as of mid-2022 and remained one of longest running low-level conflicts in the world, claiming more than 5,000 lives and leaving another 60,000 displaced (2022) note: in August 2022, a representative of the Senegalese Government and a leader of the MFDC signed an agreement in which the MFDC pledged to lay down its arms and work towards a permanent peace Topic: SerbiaSerbia does not aspire to join NATO, but has cooperated with the Alliance since 2006 when it joined the Partnership for Peace program; Serbia maintains security ties with Russia (2022) Topic: Seychellesformed in 1977, the SDF's primary responsibility is maritime security, particularly countering illegal fishing, piracy, and drug smuggling (2022) Topic: Sierra Leoneafter the end of the civil war in 2002, the military was reduced in size and restructured with British military assistance; the RSLAF’s origins lie in the Sierra Leone Battalion of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF), a multi-regiment force formed by the British colonial office in 1900 to garrison the West African colonies of Gold Coast (Ghana), Nigeria (Lagos and the protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria), Sierra Leone, and Gambia; the RWAFF fought in both World Wars (2022) Topic: SingaporeSingapore is a member of the Five Powers Defense Arrangements (FPDA), a series of mutual assistance agreements reached in 1971 embracing Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK; the FPDA commits the members to consult with one another in the event or threat of an armed attack on any of the members and to mutually decide what measures should be taken, jointly or separately; there is no specific obligation to intervene militarily the SAF's roots go back to 1854 when the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps was formed under colonial rule; the first battalion of regular soldiers, the First Singapore Infantry Regiment, was organized in 1957; the modern SAF was established in 1965; as of 2022, the SAF was widely viewed as the best equipped military in southeast Asia; the Army was largely based on conscripts and reservists with a small cadre of professional soldiers, while the Air Force and Navy were primarily comprised of well-trained professionals (2022) Topic: Sint Maartendefense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Topic: SlovakiaSlovakia became a member of NATO in 2004 in 2022, Slovakia agreed to host a NATO ground force battlegroup comprised of troops from Czechia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the US Topic: SloveniaSlovenia became a member of NATO in 2004; Hungary and Italy provide NATO's air policing mission for Slovenia’s airspace (2022) Topic: Solomon IslandsAustralia and New Zealand provide material and training assistance to the Royal Solomon Islands Police (2022) Topic: Somaliaas of 2022, large parts of the country remained outside government control and under the control of the insurgent Islamist group al-Shabaab; al-Shabaab contested government control in some other areas (see Appendix T) as of 2022, a significant portion of the SNA was comprised of militia forces that lacked the discipline, structure, weapons, and overall capabilities for effective military operations; of the SNA’s approximately 13 brigades, the most effective were assessed to be the US-trained Danab ("Lightning") Advanced Infantry Brigade and those of the Turkish-trained Gorgor ("Eagle") Special Division; in 2020-2021, the Danab Brigade conducted most of the SNA’s offensive operations in Somalia and nearly all counterterrorism operations against the al-Shabaab terrorist group; as of 2022, it numbered about 1,500 troops with an eventual projected strength of 3,000, while the Gorgor Division was estimated to have 4,500-5,000 trained troops the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) operated in the country with the approval of the UN from 2007-2022; its peacekeeping mission included assisting Somali forces in providing security for a stable political process, enabling the gradual handing over of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali security forces, and reducing the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups; in May 2022, AMISOM was reconfigured and replaced with the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS); the ATMIS mission is to support the Somalia Federal Government (FGS) in implementing the security objectives of the FGS's security transition plan, a comprehensive strategy developed by the FGS and its international partners to gradually transfer security responsibilities from ATMIS to Somali security forces; ATMIS is projected to gradually reduce staffing from its 2022 level of about 20,000 personnel (civilians, military, and police) to zero by the end of 2024  UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM; established 2013) is mandated by the Security Council to work with the FGS to support national reconciliation, provide advice on peace-building and state-building, monitor the human rights situation, and help coordinate the efforts of the international community the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS; established 2015) is responsible for providing logistical field support to AMISOM, UNSOM, the Somali National Army, and the Somali Police Force on joint operations with AMISOM the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S) has operated in the country since 2010; the EUTM provides advice and training to the Somali military; the US and Turkey maintain separate unilateral military training missions in Somalia; the UAE also maintains a military presence in Somalia (Somaliland)as of 2022, large parts of the country remained outside government control and under the control of the insurgent Islamist group al-Shabaab; al-Shabaab contested government control in some other areas (see Appendix T) as of 2022, a significant portion of the SNA was comprised of militia forces that lacked the discipline, structure, weapons, and overall capabilities for effective military operations; of the SNA’s approximately 13 brigades, the most effective were assessed to be the US-trained Danab ("Lightning") Advanced Infantry Brigade and those of the Turkish-trained Gorgor ("Eagle") Special Division; in 2020-2021, the Danab Brigade conducted most of the SNA’s offensive operations in Somalia and nearly all counterterrorism operations against the al-Shabaab terrorist group; as of 2022, it numbered about 1,500 troops with an eventual projected strength of 3,000, while the Gorgor Division was estimated to have 4,500-5,000 trained troops Topic: South Africathe SANDF was created in 1994 to replace the South African Defense Force (SADF); the SANDF was opened to all South Africans who met military requirements, while the SADF was a mostly white force (only whites were subject to conscription) with non-whites only allowed to join in a voluntary capacity; the SANDF also absorbed members of the guerrilla and militia forces of the various anti-apartheid opposition groups, including the African National Congress, the Pan Africanist Congress, and the Inkatha Freedom Party, as well as the security forces of the formerly independent Bantustan homelands; the SANDF is one of Africa’s most capable militaries; it participated regularly in African and UN peacekeeping missions and had the ability to independently deploy throughout Africa; over the past decade, however, its operational readiness and modernization programs have been hampered by funding shortfalls (2022) Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: South Sudanthe South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF), formerly the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), was founded as a guerrilla movement against the Sudanese Government in 1983 and participated in the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005); the Juba Declaration that followed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 unified the SPLA and the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF), the second-largest rebel militia remaining from the civil war, under the SPLA name; in 2017, the SPLA was renamed the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF) and in September 2018 was renamed again as the SSPDF under the September 2018 peace agreement, all armed groups in South Sudan were to assemble at designated sites where fighters could be either disarmed and demobilized, or integrated into unified military and police forces; the unified forces were then to be retrained and deployed prior to the formation of a national unity government; all fighters were ordered to these sites in July 2019; some progress toward merging the various armed forces into a national army has been made; for example, in 2020, South Sudan announced that it was graduating some unified forces at various training centers across the country, and that same year the SSPDF incorporated some senior officers from the main opposition force, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement Army - in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) into its rank structure; nevertheless, overall progress has limited, and as of early 2022, formation of the National Unified Forces was still pending; in 2022, armed clashes also continued to occur between government forces and armed militant groups, including the SPLM the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has operated in the country since 2011 with the objectives of consolidating peace and security and helping establish conditions for the successful economic and political development of South Sudan; UNMISS had about 15,300 personnel deployed in the country as of February 2022 United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has operated in the disputed Abyei region along the border between Sudan and South Sudan since 2011; UNISFA's mission includes ensuring security, protecting civilians, strengthening the capacity of the Abyei Police Service, de-mining, monitoring/verifying the redeployment of armed forces from the area, and facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid; as of February 2022, UNISFA had approximately 3,300 personnel deployed Topic: SpainSpain joined NATO in 1982, but refrained from participating in the integrated military structure until 1996 the Spanish Marine Corps, established in 1537, is the oldest marine corps in the world Topic: Spratly IslandsSpratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam China: occupies 7 outposts (Fiery Cross, Mischief, Subi, Cuarteron, Gavin, Hughes, and Johnson reefs); the outposts on Fiery Cross, Mischief, and Subi include air bases with helipads and aircraft hangers, naval port facilities, surveillance radars, air defense and anti-ship missile sites, and other military infrastructure such as communications, barracks, maintenance facilities, and ammunition and fuel bunkers Malaysia:  occupies 5 outposts in the southern portion of the archipelago, closest to the Malaysian state of Sabah (Ardasier Reef, Eric Reef, Mariveles Reef, Shallow Reef, and Investigator Shoal); all the outposts have helicopter landing pads, while Shallow Reef also has an airstrip Philippines: occupies 9 features (Commodore Reef, Second Thomas Shoal, Flat Island, Loaita Cay, Loaita Island, Nanshan Island, Northeast Cay, Thitu Island, and West York Island); Thitu Island has the only Philippine airstrip in the Spratlys Taiwan: maintains a coast guard outpost with an airstrip on Itu Aba Island Vietnam: occupies about 50 outposts spread across 27 features, including facilities on 21 rocks and reefs in the Spratlys, plus 14 platforms known as “economic, scientific, and technological service stations,” or Dịch vụ-Khoa (DK1), on six underwater banks to the southeast that Vietnam does not consider part of the disputed island chain, although China and Taiwan disagree; Spratly Islands outposts are on Alison Reef, Amboyna Cay, Barque Canada Reef, Central Reef, Collins Reef, Cornwallis South Reef, Discovery Great Reef, East Reef, Grierson Reef, Ladd Reef, Landsdowne Reef, Namyit Island, Pearson Reef, Petley Reef, Sand Cay, Sin Cowe Island, South Reef, Southwest Cay, Spratly Island, Tennent Reef, West Reef; Spratly Island includes an airstrip with aircraft hangers; the six underwater banks with outposts include Vanguard, Rifleman, Prince of Wales, Prince Consort, Grainger, and Alexandra; over the past few years, Vietnam has continued to make modest improvements to its outposts, including defensive positions and infrastructure (2022)Taiwan: maintains a coast guard outpost with an airstrip on Itu Aba Island Vietnam: occupies about 50 outposts spread across 27 features, including facilities on 21 rocks and reefs in the Spratlys, plus 14 platforms known as “economic, scientific, and technological service stations,” or Dịch vụ-Khoa (DK1), on six underwater banks to the southeast that Vietnam does not consider part of the disputed island chain, although China and Taiwan disagree; Spratly Islands outposts are on Alison Reef, Amboyna Cay, Barque Canada Reef, Central Reef, Collins Reef, Cornwallis South Reef, Discovery Great Reef, East Reef, Grierson Reef, Ladd Reef, Landsdowne Reef, Namyit Island, Pearson Reef, Petley Reef, Sand Cay, Sin Cowe Island, South Reef, Southwest Cay, Spratly Island, Tennent Reef, West Reef; Spratly Island includes an airstrip with aircraft hangers; the six underwater banks with outposts include Vanguard, Rifleman, Prince of Wales, Prince Consort, Grainger, and Alexandra; over the past few years, Vietnam has continued to make modest improvements to its outposts, including defensive positions and infrastructure Topic: Sri LankaSri Lanka traditionally has had close security ties to India; India participated in the counter-insurgency war against the LTTE from 1987-1991, losing over 1,000 soldiers in the conflict; the Sri Lankan and Indian militaries continue to conduct exercises together, and India trains over 1,000 Sri Lankan soldiers per year; however, since the end of the war with LTTE, Sri Lanka has also increased military ties with China, including acquiring military equipment, hosting naval port calls, and sending personnel to China for training (2022) Topic: Sudanthe Sudanese military has been a dominant force in the ruling of the country since its independence in 1956; in addition, the Sudanese military and security forces have a large role in the country's economy, reportedly controlling over 200 commercial companies, including businesses involved in gold mining, rubber production, agriculture, and meat exports the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has operated in the disputed Abyei region along the border between Sudan and South Sudan since 2011; UNISFA's mission includes ensuring security, protecting civilians, strengthening the capacity of the Abyei Police Service, de-mining, monitoring/verifying the redeployment of armed forces from the area, and facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid; UNISFA had about 3,300 personnel deployed as of February 2022 in addition, the United Nations African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) operated in the war-torn Darfur region between 2007 and the end of its mandate in July 2021; UNAMID was a joint African Union-UN peacekeeping force with the mission of bringing stability to Darfur, including protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and promoting mediation efforts, while peace talks on a final settlement continued; UNAMID withdrew the last of its personnel in December 2021; note - the October 2020 peace agreement provided for the establishment of a joint security force comprised of 12,000 personnel tasked with securing the Darfur region in the place of UNAMID; in June 2021, Sudan's transitional government announced it would increase the size of this force to 20,000 and expand its mission scope to include the capital and other parts of the country suffering from violence; the force would include the SAF, RSF, police, intelligence, and representatives from armed groups involved in peace negotiations (2022)the Sudanese military has been a dominant force in the ruling of the country since its independence in 1956; in addition, the Sudanese military and security forces have a large role in the country's economy, reportedly controlling over 200 commercial companies, including businesses involved in gold mining, rubber production, agriculture, and meat exports Topic: Surinamekey missions for the National Leger include border control and supporting domestic security; the military police has direct responsibility for immigration control at the country’s ports of entry; in addition, the military assists the police in combating crime, particularly narco-trafficking, including joint military and police patrols, as well as joint special security teams (2022) Topic: SvalbardSvalbard is a territory of Norway, demilitarized by treaty on 9 February 1920; Norwegian military activity is limited to fisheries surveillance by the Norwegian Coast Guard (2022) Topic: SwedenSweden maintains a policy of military non-alignment, but cooperates with NATO and regional countries; it joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and has contributed to NATO-led missions, including those in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo the Swedish military cooperates closely with the military forces of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009  Sweden is a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy and contributes to CSDP missions and operationsSweden maintains a policy of military non-alignment, but cooperates with NATO and regional countries; it joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1994 and has contributed to NATO-led missions, including those in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovothe Swedish military cooperates closely with the military forces of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009 Sweden is a signatory of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy and contributes to CSDP missions and operations Topic: SwitzerlandSwitzerland has long maintained a policy of military neutrality, but does periodically participate in EU, NATO, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and UN military operations; Swiss law excludes participation in combat operations for peace enforcement, and Swiss units will only participate in operations under the mandate of the UN or OSCE; Switzerland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1996; it contributed to the NATO-led Kosovo peace-support force (KFOR) in 1999 and as of 2022, continued doing so with up to 165 personnel; Switzerland also provided a small number of staff officers to the NATO mission in Afghanistan from 2004-2007Switzerland has long maintained a policy of military neutrality, but does periodically participate in EU, NATO, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and UN military operations; Swiss law excludes participation in combat operations for peace enforcement, and Swiss units will only participate in operations under the mandate of the UN or OSCE; Switzerland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program in 1996; it contributed to the NATO-led Kosovo peace-support force (KFOR) in 1999 and as of 2022, continued doing so with up to 165 personnel; Switzerland also provided a small number of staff officers to the NATO mission in Afghanistan from 2004-2007 Topic: Syriathe UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has operated in the Golan between Israel and Syria since 1974 to monitor the ceasefire following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and supervise the areas of separation between the two countries; as of February 2022, UNDOF consisted of about 1,100 personnel as of 2022, multiple actors were conducting military operations in Syria in support of the ASAD government or Syrian opposition forces, as well in pursuit of their own security goals, such counterterrorism; operations have included air strikes, direct ground combat, and sponsoring proxy forces, as well as providing non-lethal military support, including advisors, technicians, arms and equipment, funding, intelligence, and training: pro-ASAD elements operating in Syria have included Lebanese Hezbollah, Iranian, Iranian-backed Shia militia, and Russian forces; since early in the civil war, the ASAD government has relied on Lebanese Hezbollah (see Appendix T for further information), as well as Iran and Iranian-backed forces, for combat operations and to hold territory; Iran has provided military advisors and combat troops from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (including the Qods Force; see Appendix T for further information), as well as intelligence, logistical, material, technical, and financial support; it has funded, trained, equipped, and led Shia militia/paramilitary units comprised of both Syrian and non-Syrian personnel, primarily from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan; Russia intervened at the request of the ASAD government in 2015 and has since provided air support, special operations forces, military advisors, private military contractors, training, arms, and equipment; Iranian and Russian support has also included assisting Syria in combating the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS; see Appendix T) terrorist group Turkey intervened militarily in 2016 to combat Kurdish militants and ISIS, support select Syrian opposition forces, and establish a buffer along portions of its border with Syria; as of 2022, Turkey continued to maintain a considerable military presence in northern Syria; it has armed and trained militia/proxy forces, such as the Syrian National Army, which was formed in late 2017 of Syrian Arab and Turkmen rebel factions in the Halab (Aleppo) province and northwestern Syria the US and some regional and European states have at times backed Syrian opposition forces militarily and/or conducted military operations, primarily against ISIS; the US has operated in Syria since 2015 with ground forces and air strikes; as of 2022, the majority the ground forces were deployed in the Eastern Syria Security Area (ESSA, which includes parts of Hasakah and Dayr az Zawr provinces east of the Euphrates River) in support of operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS, while the remainder were in southeast Syria around Tanf supporting counter-ISIS operations by the Jaysh Mughawir al-Thawra (MaT, or Revolutionary Commando Army) Syrian opposition force; the US has also conducted air strikes against Syrian military targets in response to Syrian Government use of chemical weapons against opposition forces and civilians; in addition, France, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UK have provided forms of military assistance to opposition forces and/or conducted operations against ISIS, including air strikes Israel has conducted hundreds of military air strikes in Syria against Syrian military, Hezbollah, Iranian, and/or Iranian-backed militia targets the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are an anti-ASAD regime coalition of forces composed primarily of Kurdish, Sunni Arab, and Syriac Christian fighters; it is dominated and led by Kurdish forces, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia; the SDF began to receive US support in 2015 and as of 2022 was the main local US partner in its counter-ISIS campaign; the SDF has internal security, anti-terror, and commando units; Turkey views the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a US-designated terrorist organization (see Appendix T) the ISIS terrorist group (see Appendix T) lost its last territorial stronghold to SDF forces in 2019, but continued to maintain a low-level insurgency as of 2022; in addition, the SDF held about 10,000 captured suspected ISIS fighters in detention facilities across northern Syria, including 2,000 from countries other than Iraq and Syria as of 2022, the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS; formerly known as al-Nusrah Front) terrorist organization (see Appendix T) was the dominant militant group in northwest Syria and asserted considerable influence and control over the so-called Syrian Salvation Government in the Iblib de-escalation zone (2022)pro-ASAD elements operating in Syria have included Lebanese Hezbollah, Iranian, Iranian-backed Shia militia, and Russian forces; since early in the civil war, the ASAD government has relied on Lebanese Hezbollah (see Appendix T for further information), as well as Iran and Iranian-backed forces, for combat operations and to hold territory; Iran has provided military advisors and combat troops from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (including the Qods Force; see Appendix T for further information), as well as intelligence, logistical, material, technical, and financial support; it has funded, trained, equipped, and led Shia militia/paramilitary units comprised of both Syrian and non-Syrian personnel, primarily from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan; Russia intervened at the request of the ASAD government in 2015 and has since provided air support, special operations forces, military advisors, private military contractors, training, arms, and equipment; Iranian and Russian support has also included assisting Syria in combating the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS; see Appendix T) terrorist groupTurkey intervened militarily in 2016 to combat Kurdish militants and ISIS, support select Syrian opposition forces, and establish a buffer along portions of its border with Syria; as of 2022, Turkey continued to maintain a considerable military presence in northern Syria; it has armed and trained militia/proxy forces, such as the Syrian National Army, which was formed in late 2017 of Syrian Arab and Turkmen rebel factions in the Halab (Aleppo) province and northwestern Syriathe US and some regional and European states have at times backed Syrian opposition forces militarily and/or conducted military operations, primarily against ISIS; the US has operated in Syria since 2015 with ground forces and air strikes; as of 2022, the majority the ground forces were deployed in the Eastern Syria Security Area (ESSA, which includes parts of Hasakah and Dayr az Zawr provinces east of the Euphrates River) in support of operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS, while the remainder were in southeast Syria around Tanf supporting counter-ISIS operations by the Jaysh Mughawir al-Thawra (MaT, or Revolutionary Commando Army) Syrian opposition force; the US has also conducted air strikes against Syrian military targets in response to Syrian Government use of chemical weapons against opposition forces and civilians; in addition, France, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UK have provided forms of military assistance to opposition forces and/or conducted operations against ISIS, including air strikesIsrael has conducted hundreds of military air strikes in Syria against Syrian military, Hezbollah, Iranian, and/or Iranian-backed militia targetsthe Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are an anti-ASAD regime coalition of forces composed primarily of Kurdish, Sunni Arab, and Syriac Christian fighters; it is dominated and led by Kurdish forces, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia; the SDF began to receive US support in 2015 and as of 2022 was the main local US partner in its counter-ISIS campaign; the SDF has internal security, anti-terror, and commando units; Turkey views the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a US-designated terrorist organization (see Appendix T)the ISIS terrorist group (see Appendix T) lost its last territorial stronghold to SDF forces in 2019, but continued to maintain a low-level insurgency as of 2022; in addition, the SDF held about 10,000 captured suspected ISIS fighters in detention facilities across northern Syria, including 2,000 from countries other than Iraq and Syriaas of 2022, the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS; formerly known as al-Nusrah Front) terrorist organization (see Appendix T) was the dominant militant group in northwest Syria and asserted considerable influence and control over the so-called Syrian Salvation Government in the Iblib de-escalation zone Topic: Taiwanthe US Taiwan Relations Act of April 1979 states that the US shall provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character and shall maintain the capacity of the US to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or social or economic system, of the people of Taiwan (2022) Topic: TajikistanTajikistan has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force (2022) Topic: Tanzaniain 2021-2022, Tanzania deployed additional troops to its border with Mozambique and contributed troops to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) intervention force that was assisting the Mozambique Government's fight against Islamic militants Topic: Thailandincluding the most recent in 2014, the military has attempted more than 20 coups since the fall of absolute monarchy in 1932 since 2004, the military has fought against separatist insurgents in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, as well as parts of Songkhla; the insurgency is rooted in ethnic Malay nationalist resistance to Thai rule that followed the extension of Siamese sovereignty over the Patani Sultanate in the 18th century; the insurgency consists of several armed groups, the largest of which is the Barisan Revolusi Nasional-Koordinasi (BRN-C): since 2020, the Thai military has been negotiating with BRN, and has parallel talks with an umbrella organization, MARA Pattani, that claims to represent the insurgency groups; since 2004, the fighting has claimed more than 7,000 lives (as of early 2022); as of 2021, at least 70,000 military, paramilitary, and government-backed militia forces were estimated to be deployed in the south to combat the insurgency Thailand has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Timor-Lestesince achieving independence, Timor-Leste has received security assistance from or has made defense cooperation arrangements with Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, the UN, and the US; some F-FDTL personnel train with the Indonesian military and the two countries maintain a joint Border Security Task Force to jointly monitor and patrol the border, particularly the Oecussi exclave area where smuggling and trafficking are prevalent (2022) Topic: Togothe first Togolese Army unit was created in 1963, while the Air Force was established in 1964; the Navy was not established until 1976; since its creation, the Togolese military has a history of interfering in the country’s politics with assassinations, coups, influence, and a large military crackdown in 2005 that killed hundreds; over the past decade, it has made some efforts to reform and professionalize, as well as increase its role in UN peacekeeping activities; Togolese police have also been deployed on peacekeeping operations, and Togo maintains a regional peacekeeping training center for military and police in Lome; the Navy and Air Force have increasingly focused on combating piracy and smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea in June 2022, the Togolese Government declared a state of emergency in its northern border region due to the threat from Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qa'ida-affiliated terrorist coalition that is based in Mali, but also operates in neighboring Burkina Faso; the declaration followed an attack on a Togolese military post in May that killed 8 soldiers and a Togolese military operation launched the same month to boost border security and prevent terrorist infiltrations (2022) Topic: Tokelaudefense is the responsibility of New Zealand Topic: TongaTonga participated in World War I as part of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, but the Tonga Defense Force (TDF) was not established until 1939 at the beginning of World War II; in 1943, New Zealand helped train about 2,000 Tongan troops who saw action in the Solomon Islands; the TDF was disbanded at the end of the war, but was reactivated in 1946 as the Tonga Defense Services (TDS); in 2013, the name of the TDS was changed to His Majesty’s Armed Forces of Tonga (HMAF); Tongan troops deployed to Iraq from 2004-2008 and Afghanistan to support UK forces from 2010-2014 (2022) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagothe primary responsibilities for the TTDF are conducting border and maritime security, providing disaster relief, and countering narcotics trafficking in support of law enforcement (2022) Topic: Tunisiaas of 2022, the Tunisian military’s primary operational areas of focus were counter-terrorism, counterinsurgency, and border security; it was conducting counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency operations against al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Islamic State of ash-Sham (ISIS)-linked militants who have been fighting a low-intensity insurgency, mostly in the mountainous region along the border with Algeria, particularly the Chaambi Mountains near the city of Kasserine; the military maintained the lead role for security in this area and also routinely conducted joint operations with Algerian security forces against these groups, as well to counter smuggling and trafficking activities; the military in recent years also has increased its role in securing the southern border against militant activity, smuggling, and trafficking from war-torn Libya; since 2015, Tunisia has constructed a complex structure of berms, trenches, and water-filled moats, complemented by electronic surveillance equipment such as motion detectors, ground surveillance radars, and infrared sensors along the 220-kilometer border with Libya; in the remote southern areas of the border with Libya, buffer/exclusion zones have also been established where the military has the lead for counter-terrorism efforts; outside of these border areas, the Ministry of Interior has the lead responsibility for counter-terrorism in Tunisia, particularly for urban areas; the National Police Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT) and the National Guard Special Unit have the lead for MOI counterterrorism operations Tunisia has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitmentsas of 2022, the Tunisian military’s primary operational areas of focus were counter-terrorism, counterinsurgency, and border security; it was conducting counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency operations against al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Islamic State of ash-Sham (ISIS)-linked militants who have been fighting a low-intensity insurgency, mostly in the mountainous region along the border with Algeria, particularly the Chaambi Mountains near the city of Kasserine; the military maintained the lead role for security in this area and also routinely conducted joint operations with Algerian security forces against these groups, as well to counter smuggling and trafficking activities; the military in recent years also has increased its role in securing the southern border against militant activity, smuggling, and trafficking from war-torn Libya; since 2015, Tunisia has constructed a complex structure of berms, trenches, and water-filled moats, complemented by electronic surveillance equipment such as motion detectors, ground surveillance radars, and infrared sensors along the 220-kilometer border with Libya; in the remote southern areas of the border with Libya, buffer/exclusion zones have also been established where the military has the lead for counter-terrorism efforts; outside of these border areas, the Ministry of Interior has the lead responsibility for counter-terrorism in Tunisia, particularly for urban areas; the National Police Anti-Terrorism Brigade (BAT) and the National Guard Special Unit have the lead for MOI counterterrorism operations Tunisia has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952 and hosts NATO's Land Forces Command in Izmir, as well as the AN/TPY-2 radar as part of NATO's missile defenses under a long-range (2033) strategic plan, the Turkish Armed Forces continued efforts to modernize its equipment and force structure; Land Forces sought to produce a 20-30% smaller, more highly trained force characterized by greater mobility and firepower and capable of joint and combined operations the Turkish Navy is a regional naval power that wants to develop the capability to project power beyond Turkey's coastal waters; it is planning to launch new frigates, submarines, and a light aircraft carrier/amphibious assault ship in the next few years, adding to its current force of about 16 frigates and 12 submarines; the Navy is heavily involved in NATO, multinational, and UN operations; its roles include control of territorial waters and security for sea lines of communications the Turkish Air Force adopted an "Aerospace and Missile Defense Concept" in 2002 and is developing an integrated missile defense system; in a controversial move that complicated its relationship with NATO, it purchased the Russian S-400 air defense system for an estimated $2.5 billion in 2019; Air Force priorities include attaining a modern deployable, survivable, and sustainable force structure, and establishing a sustainable command and control system in recent years, Turkey has taken on a greater level of international peacekeeping responsibilities, including keeping a substantial force under NATO in Afghanistan until withdrawing in 2021; Turkey also has built expeditionary military bases in Qatar, Somalia, northern Cyprus, and Sudan the military has a substantial stake in Turkey's economy through a holding company that is involved in the automotive, energy, finance, and logistics sectors, as well as iron and steel production (2022) Topic: Turkmenistanas of 2022, Turkmenistan continued to pursue a nationalist and isolationist security policy and has declined to participate in post-Soviet military groupings such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization military alliance (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); however, in September 2020, it participated in a Russian-led multinational military exercise held in southern Russia’s Astrakhan region alongside Russian, Chinese, Pakistani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Uzbek, Mongolian, Syrian, Iranian, Egyptian, Belarusian, Turkish, Armenian, and Azerbaijani contingents as of 2022, Turkmenistan continued efforts to improve its naval capabilities on the Caspian Sea, including expanding ship building capabilities and adding larger vessels to the Navy’s inventory; in 2018, it opened its first naval shipyard and in August 2021, the Navy commissioned its largest warship, a corvette that was jointly constructed with Turkeyas of 2022, Turkmenistan continued to pursue a nationalist and isolationist security policy and has declined to participate in post-Soviet military groupings such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization military alliance (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO); however, in September 2020, it participated in a Russian-led multinational military exercise held in southern Russia’s Astrakhan region alongside Russian, Chinese, Pakistani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Uzbek, Mongolian, Syrian, Iranian, Egyptian, Belarusian, Turkish, Armenian, and Azerbaijani contingentsas of 2022, Turkmenistan continued efforts to improve its naval capabilities on the Caspian Sea, including expanding ship building capabilities and adding larger vessels to the Navy’s inventory; in 2018, it opened its first naval shipyard and in August 2021, the Navy commissioned its largest warship, a corvette that was jointly constructed with Turkey Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: TuvaluAustralia provides support to the Tuvalu Police Force, including donations of patrol boats (2022) Topic: Ugandathe UPDF, which is constitutionally granted seats in parliament, is widely viewed as a key constituency for MUSEVENI; it has been used by MUSEVENI and the NRM to break up rallies, raid opposition offices, and surveil rival candidates as of 2022, the UPDF was conducting operations along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including cross-border operations) against a Congo-based (and formerly based in western Uganda) Ugandan rebel group, the Allied Democratic Front (ADF), which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department in March 2021 as the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (ISIS-DRC; see Appendix T); in addition, elements of the UPDF were deployed in the northeast region of Karamoja against cattle rustlers and criminal gangs beginning in 2012, the UPDF led regional efforts to pursue the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a small, violent group of Ugandan origin that conducted widespread attacks against civilians in much of Central Africa; the UPDF withdrew from the mission in 2017 after declaring that the LRA no longer posed a security threat Uganda intervened in the South Sudan civil war in 2013-2016 and UPDF forces have clashed with South Sudanese forces along the border as recently as 2020 the military traces its history back to the formation of the Uganda Rifles in 1895; the Uganda Rifles were merged with the Central Africa Regiment and the East Africa Rifles to form the King’s African Rifles (“KAR”) in 1902, which participated in both world wars; the UPDF was established in 1995the UPDF, which is constitutionally granted seats in parliament, is widely viewed as a key constituency for MUSEVENI; it has been used by MUSEVENI and the NRM to break up rallies, raid opposition offices, and surveil rival candidates as of 2022, the UPDF was conducting operations along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (including cross-border operations) against a Congo-based (and formerly based in western Uganda) Ugandan rebel group, the Allied Democratic Front (ADF), which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department in March 2021 as the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (ISIS-DRC; see Appendix T); in addition, elements of the UPDF were deployed in the northeast region of Karamoja against cattle rustlers and criminal gangsbeginning in 2012, the UPDF led regional efforts to pursue the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a small, violent group of Ugandan origin that conducted widespread attacks against civilians in much of Central Africa; the UPDF withdrew from the mission in 2017 after declaring that the LRA no longer posed a security threatUganda intervened in the South Sudan civil war in 2013-2016 and UPDF forces have clashed with South Sudanese forces along the border as recently as 2020 the military traces its history back to the formation of the Uganda Rifles in 1895; the Uganda Rifles were merged with the Central Africa Regiment and the East Africa Rifles to form the King’s African Rifles (“KAR”) in 1902, which participated in both world wars; the UPDF was established in 1995 Topic: Ukraine    Topic: United Arab Emiratesthe UAE hosts a multi-service French military base, which includes the French naval command for the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN); the UAE has a defense cooperation agreement with the US and hosted about 3,500 US troops, mostly air and naval personnel in 2015, UAE intervened militarily in Yemen as part of the Saudi-led coalition in support of the Republic of Yemen Government with an estimated 3,500 troops, as well as supporting air and naval forces; UAE withdrew its main military force from Yemen in 2019, but has retained a small military presence while working with proxies in southern Yemen, most notably the Southern Transitional Council (STC) the UAE's military traces its origins to the establishment of the Trucial Oman Scouts in 1951, a joint UK-Abu Dhabi organization modeled after Jordan’s Arab Legion, which became the Abu Dhabi Defense Force in 1965; the modern Emirati armed forces were formed in 1976 (2022) Topic: United Kingdomthe UK is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949; the UK is also a member of the Five Powers Defense Arrangements (FPDA), a series of mutual assistance agreements reached in 1971 embracing Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK; the FPDA commits the members to consult with one another in the event or threat of an armed attack on any of the members and to mutually decide what measures should be taken, jointly or separately; there is no specific obligation to intervene militarily in 2010, France and the UK signed a declaration on defense and security cooperation that included greater military interoperability and a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), a deployable, combined Anglo-French military force for use in a wide range of crisis scenarios, up to and including high intensity combat operations; the CJEF has no standing forces, but would be available at short notice for UK-French bilateral, NATO, EU, UN, or other operations; combined training exercises began in 2011; as of 2020, the CJEF was assessed as having full operating capacity with the ability to rapidly deploy over 10,000 personnel capable of high intensity operations, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance in 2014, the UK led the formation of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a pool of high-readiness military forces from Baltic and Scandinavian countries able to respond to a wide range of contingencies both in peacetime and in times of crisis or conflict; its principal geographic area of interest is the High North, North Atlantic, and Baltic Sea regions, where the JEF can complement national capabilities or NATO’s deterrence posture, although it is designed to be flexible and prepared to respond to humanitarian crises further afield; the JEF consists of 10 countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK) and was declared operational in 2018; most of the forces in the pool are British, and the UK provides the most rapidly deployable units as well as the command and control elements the British Armed Forces were formed in 1707 as the armed forces of the Kingdom of Great Britain when England and Scotland merged under the terms of the Treaty of Union; while the origins of the armed forces of England and Scotland stretch back to the Middle Ages, the first standing armies for England and Scotland were organized in the 1600s while the navies were formed in the 1500s; the Royal Marines were established in 1755; the Royal Air Force was created in April 1918 by the merger of the British Army's Royal Flying Corps and the Admiralty's Royal Naval Air Service (2022) Topic: United Statesthe US is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 the US military has 11 regional- or functionally-based joint service "combatant" commands: Africa Command; Central Command, Cyber Command, European Command, Indo-Pacific Command, Northern Command, Southern Command, Space Command, Special Operations Command, Strategic Command, and Transportation Command Congress officially created the US military in September 1789; the US Army was established in June 1775 as the Continental Army; after the declaration of independence in July 1776, the Continental Army and the militia in the service of Congress became known collectively as the Army of the United States; when Congress ordered the Continental Army to disband in 1784, it retained a small number of personnel that would form the nucleus of the 1st American Regiment for national service formed later that year; both the US Navy and the US Marines were also established in 1775, but the Navy fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War, and was reestablished by Congress in 1794; the first US military unit devoted exclusively to aviation began operations in 1913 as part of the US Army; the Army Air Corps (AAC) was the US military service dedicated to aerial warfare between 1926 and 1941; the AAC became the US Army Air Forces in 1941 and remained as a combat arm of the Army until the establishment of the US Air Force in 1947 Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugesdefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: Uruguaythe military has some domestic responsibilities, including perimeter security for a number of prisons and border security; in 2020, the military deployed more than 1,000 troops to assist the National Police in securing the land border with Brazil and the riverine border with Argentina as part of a border control law passed in 2018 (2022) Topic: Uzbekistanthe Uzbek armed forces were established in January 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when the newly-established Ministry for Defense Affairs assumed jurisdiction over all former Soviet ground, air, and air defense units, formations, and installations then deployed on its soil; the building hosting the headquarters for the ex-Soviet Turkestan Military District became the headquarters for the Uzbek armed forces; all former Soviet troops departed Uzbekistan by 1995; as of 2022, Uzbekistan continued to maintain bilateral defense ties with Russia based on a 2005 mutual security agreement as of 2022, Uzbekistan was not part of the Russian-sponsored Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that is comprised of former Soviet Republics; Uzbekistan joined in the 1990s but withdrew in 1999; it returned in 2006 but left again in 2012the Uzbek armed forces were established in January 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when the newly-established Ministry for Defense Affairs assumed jurisdiction over all former Soviet ground, air, and air defense units, formations, and installations then deployed on its soil; the building hosting the headquarters for the ex-Soviet Turkestan Military District became the headquarters for the Uzbek armed forces; all former Soviet troops departed Uzbekistan by 1995; as of 2022, Uzbekistan continued to maintain bilateral defense ties with Russia based on a 2005 mutual security agreementas of 2022, Uzbekistan was not part of the Russian-sponsored Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that is comprised of former Soviet Republics; Uzbekistan joined in the 1990s but withdrew in 1999; it returned in 2006 but left again in 2012 Topic: Vanuatuthe separate British and French police forces were unified in 1980 under Ni-Vanuatu officers as the New Hebrides Constabulary; the force retained some British and French officers as advisors; the Constabulary was subsequently renamed the Vanuatu Police Force later in 1980 the Vanuatu Mobile Force has received training and other support from Australia, China, France, New Zealand, and the US (2022) Topic: Venezuelabetween 2013 and 2017, Venezuela established at least a dozen military-led firms in a variety of economic sectors, such as agriculture, banking, construction, insurance, the media, mining, oil, and tourism; as of 2020, military officers reportedly led at least 60 state-owned companies; as of 2019, 9 of 32 government ministries were controlled by the military, including the ministries of agriculture and energy as of late 2021, an estimated 1,500- 2,000 members of the terrorist organizations National Liberation Army (ELN) and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia dissidents (FARC-People's Army and Segundo Marquetalia - see Appendix T) operated in Venezuela, mostly in the states of Amazonas, Apure, Bolivar, Guarico, Tachira, and Zulia, although ELN was assessed to be present in 12 of Venezuela’s 23 states; the groups were particularly active in Apure state where the Venezuelan military clashed several times with FARC dissidents of the 10th Front in 2020-2021 (2022) Topic: Vietnamthe PAVN is the military arm of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and responsible to the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest party organ on military policy; the CMC is led by the CPV General Secretary Vietnam has a security policy of non-alignment, but noted in 2019 that it would consider developing appropriate defense and security relations with other countries depending on circumstances (2022) Topic: Virgin Islandsdefense is the responsibility of the US Topic: Wake Islanddefense is the responsibility of the US; the US Air Force is responsible for overall administration and operation of the island facilities; the launch support facility is administered by the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Topic: Wallis and Futunadefense is the responsibility of France Topic: Yemenin 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab states intervened militarily in Yemen in support of the Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG) against the separatist Huthis; as of early 2022, the conflict had become largely stalemated, but the coalition (consisting largely of Saudi forces), ROYG forces, and the Huthis continued to engage in fighting, mostly with air and missile forces, although some ground fighting was also taking place over the key oil-rich province of Marib; the Saudis have conducted numerous air strikes in northern Yemen, while the Huthis have launched attacks into Saudi territory with ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles armed with explosives; Saudi Arabia also has raised and equipped paramilitary/militia security forces in Yemen based largely on tribal or regional affiliation to deploy along the Saudi-Yemen border, especially the areas bordering the governorates of Saada and Al-Jawf; in April 2022, the warring parties agreed to a two-month cease-fire the United Arab Emirates (UAE) intervened in Yemen in 2015 as part of the Saudi-led coalition with about 3,500 troops, as well as supporting air and naval forces; UAE withdrew its main military force from Yemen in 2019, but has retained a small military presence while working with proxies in southern Yemen, most notably the Southern Transitional Council (STC); as of 2021, UAE had recruited, trained, and equipped an estimated 150-200,000 Yemeni fighters and formed them into dozens of militia and paramilitary units Iran reportedly has backed the Huthi forces by providing military training, lethal support, and technical assistance; Iran has said it supports the Huthis politically, but denies sending the group weapons (2022) Topic: Zambiathe Zambian Defense Force (ZDF) traces its roots to the Northern Rhodesia Regiment, which was raised by the British colonial government to fight in World War II; the ZDF was established in 1964 from units of the dissolved Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland armed forces; it participated in a number of regional conflicts during the 1970s and 1980s; Zambia actively supported independence movements such as the Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA), the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), and the South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) (2022) Topic: Zimbabwethe ZDF was formed after independence from the former Rhodesian Army and the two guerrilla forces that opposed it during the Rhodesian Civil War (aka "Bush War") of the 1970s, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA); internal security is a key current responsibility, and the military continues to play an active role in the country’s politics since the coup of 2017 (2022)

20220901

countries-tunisia-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Tunisia due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. 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. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [216] 71 107-000; US Embassy Tunis, Les Berges du Lac, 1053 Tunis, Tunisia; tunisacs@state.gov; https://tn.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 216 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 190; Fire: 198; Police: 197 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south Currency (Code): Tunisian dinars (TND) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E Major Languages: Arabic, French, Berber Major Religions: Muslim (Sunni) 99.1%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Shia Muslim and Baha'i) 1% Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Tunis (includes Medina, Al-Zaytuna Mosque, Ville Nouvelle); Carthage; Bardo National Museum; Sidi Bou Said; El Jem amphitheater; Monastir; Dougga Major Sports: Soccer, handball, basketball, volleyball Cultural Practices: Eat only with the right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Tipping Guidelines: Tip 5-15%, or round up the bill at restaurants. Hotel porters expect 5 dinars per bag and hotel maids 20 dinars per week as a gratuity. Round up the fare for taxis or add 5% to the total. Souvenirs: Woven carpets/rugs, copper and brassware, olivewood sculptures, carved wooden birdcages, ceramic and tile goods, kaftans, shisha water pipes Traditional Cuisine: Couscous — semolina flour sprinkled with water until it forms into tiny pellets that are then pushed through a sieve; typically steamed to a crumbly paste and tossed with a variety of ingredients including carrots, potatoes, turnips, and parsley 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, July 20, 2022

20220901

countries-kuwait

Topic: Photos of Kuwait Topic: Introduction Background: Kuwait has been ruled by the AL-SABAH dynasty since the 18th century. The threat of Ottoman invasion in 1899 prompted Amir Mubarak AL-SABAH to seek protection from Britain, ceding foreign and defense responsibility to Britain until 1961, when the country attained its independence. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq in August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led UN coalition began a ground assault in February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. In 1992, the Amir reconstituted the parliament that he had dissolved in 1986. Amid the 2010-11 uprisings and protests across the Arab world, stateless Arabs, known as Bidoon, staged small protests in early 2011 demanding citizenship, jobs, and other benefits available to Kuwaiti nationals. Other demographic groups, notably Islamists and Kuwaitis from tribal backgrounds, soon joined the growing protest movements, which culminated in late 2011 with the resignation of the prime minister amidst allegations of corruption. Demonstrations renewed in late 2012 in response to an amiri decree amending the electoral law that lessened the voting power of the tribal blocs. An opposition coalition of Sunni Islamists, tribal populists, and some liberals, largely boycotted legislative elections in 2012 and 2013, which ushered in a legislature more amenable to the government's agenda. Faced with the prospect of painful subsidy cuts, oppositionists and independents actively participated in the November 2016 election, winning nearly half of the seats, but a cohesive opposition alliance largely ceased to exist with the 2016 election and the opposition became increasingly factionalized. Since coming to power in 2006, the Amir has dissolved the National Assembly on seven occasions (the Constitutional Court annulled the Assembly elections in June 2012 and again in June 2013) and shuffled the cabinet over a dozen times, usually citing political stagnation and gridlock between the legislature and the government. The current Amir, who assumed his role in 2020, launched a "National Dialogue" in September 2021 meant to resolve political gridlock. As part of the "National Dialogue," the Amir pardoned several opposition figures who had been living in exile, and they returned to Kuwait. Legislative challenges remain, and the cabinet was reshuffled in March 2022.Kuwait has been ruled by the AL-SABAH dynasty since the 18th century. The threat of Ottoman invasion in 1899 prompted Amir Mubarak AL-SABAH to seek protection from Britain, ceding foreign and defense responsibility to Britain until 1961, when the country attained its independence. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq in August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led UN coalition began a ground assault in February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. In 1992, the Amir reconstituted the parliament that he had dissolved in 1986. Amid the 2010-11 uprisings and protests across the Arab world, stateless Arabs, known as Bidoon, staged small protests in early 2011 demanding citizenship, jobs, and other benefits available to Kuwaiti nationals. Other demographic groups, notably Islamists and Kuwaitis from tribal backgrounds, soon joined the growing protest movements, which culminated in late 2011 with the resignation of the prime minister amidst allegations of corruption. Demonstrations renewed in late 2012 in response to an amiri decree amending the electoral law that lessened the voting power of the tribal blocs. An opposition coalition of Sunni Islamists, tribal populists, and some liberals, largely boycotted legislative elections in 2012 and 2013, which ushered in a legislature more amenable to the government's agenda. Faced with the prospect of painful subsidy cuts, oppositionists and independents actively participated in the November 2016 election, winning nearly half of the seats, but a cohesive opposition alliance largely ceased to exist with the 2016 election and the opposition became increasingly factionalized. Since coming to power in 2006, the Amir has dissolved the National Assembly on seven occasions (the Constitutional Court annulled the Assembly elections in June 2012 and again in June 2013) and shuffled the cabinet over a dozen times, usually citing political stagnation and gridlock between the legislature and the government. The current Amir, who assumed his role in 2020, launched a "National Dialogue" in September 2021 meant to resolve political gridlock. As part of the "National Dialogue," the Amir pardoned several opposition figures who had been living in exile, and they returned to Kuwait. Legislative challenges remain, and the cabinet was reshuffled in March 2022.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia Geographic coordinates: 29 30 N, 45 45 E Map references: Middle East Area: total: 17,818 sq km land: 17,818 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: total: 475 km border countries (2): Iraq 254 km; Saudi Arabia 221 km Coastline: 499 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters Terrain: flat to slightly undulating desert plain Elevation: highest point: 3.6 km W. of Al-Salmi Border Post 300 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m mean elevation: 108 m Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas Land use: agricultural land: 8.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.) forest: 0.4% (2018 est.) other: 91.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 105 sq km (2012) Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System Population distribution: densest settlement is along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait City and on Bubiyan Island; significant population threads extend south and west along highways that radiate from the capital, particularly in the southern half of the country Natural hazards: sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year but are most common between March and August Geography - note: strategic location at head of Persian Gulf Map description: Kuwait map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Persian Gulf.Kuwait map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Persian Gulf. Topic: People and Society Population: 3,068,155 (2022 est.) note: Kuwait's Public Authority for Civil Information estimates the country's total population to be 4,420,110 for 2019, with non-Kuwaitis accounting for nearly 70% of the population Nationality: noun: Kuwaiti(s) adjective: Kuwaiti Ethnic groups: Kuwaiti 30.4%, other Arab 27.4%, Asian 40.3%, African 1%, other 0.9% (includes European, North American, South American, and Australian) (2018 est.) Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Muslim (official) 74.6%, Christian 18.2%, other and unspecified 7.2% (2013 est.) note: data represent the total population; about 72% of the population consists of immigrants Age structure: 0-14 years: 24.29% (male 378,778/female 348,512) 15-24 years: 14.96% (male 245,354/female 202,642) 25-54 years: 52.39% (male 984,813/female 583,632) 55-64 years: 5.43% (male 90,583/female 72,026) 65 years and over: 2.92% (2020 est.) (male 38,614/female 48,752) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 32.4 youth dependency ratio: 28.4 elderly dependency ratio: 4 potential support ratio: 24.9 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 29.7 years male: 30.7 years female: 27.9 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.17% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 17.78 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 2.25 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -3.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: densest settlement is along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait City and on Bubiyan Island; significant population threads extend south and west along highways that radiate from the capital, particularly in the southern half of the country Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 3.239 million KUWAIT (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.19 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.66 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.21 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female total population: 1.37 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 12 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 7.43 deaths/1,000 live births male: 7.75 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.13 years male: 77.67 years female: 80.65 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.24 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.5% (2019) Physicians density: 2.34 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 2 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2018 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2018 est.) <1000 HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 37.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 17.9% (2020 est.) male: 33.5% (2020 est.) female: 2.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 3% (2014) Education expenditures: 6.6% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 96.5% male: 97.1% female: 95.4% (2020) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 13 years female: 16 years (2015) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 15.4% male: 9.4% female: 30% (2016 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification; loss of biodiversity Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Convention Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 57.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 98.73 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.21 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters Land use: agricultural land: 8.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.) forest: 0.4% (2018 est.) other: 91.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.75 million tons (2010 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System Total water withdrawal: municipal: 448.3 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 23.3 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 778.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 20 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: State of Kuwait conventional short form: Kuwait local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt local short form: Al Kuwayt etymology: the name derives from the capital city, which is from Arabic "al-Kuwayt" a diminutive of "kut" meaning "fortress," possibly a reference to a small castle built on the current location of Kuwait City by the Beni Khaled tribe in the 17th century Government type: constitutional monarchy (emirate) Capital: name: Kuwait City geographic coordinates: 29 22 N, 47 58 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name derives from Arabic "al-Kuwayt" a diminutive of "kut" meaning "fortress," possibly a reference to a small castle built on the current location of Kuwait City by the Beni Khaled tribe in the 17th century Administrative divisions: 6 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak al Kabir Independence: 19 June 1961 (from the UK) National holiday: National Day, 25 February (1950) Constitution: history: approved and promulgated 11 November 1962; suspended 1976 to 1981 (4 articles); 1986 to 1991; May to July 1999 amendments: proposed by the amir or supported by at least one third of the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds consent of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the amir; constitutional articles on the initiation, approval, and promulgation of general legislation cannot be amended Legal system: mixed legal system consisting of English common law, French civil law, and Islamic sharia 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 Kuwait dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: not specified Suffrage: 21 years of age and at least 20-year citizenship Executive branch: chief of state: Amir NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 30 September 2020); Crown Prince MISHAL Al Ahmad Al Sabah, born in 1940, is the brother of Amir NAWAF al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad Al Sabah Al Salim Al Sabah (since 19 July 2022); First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmed al-Nawaf Al Sabah (since 22 March 2022), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal al-Khaled Al Sabah (since 9 March 2022), and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Mohammed al-Faris (since 22 March 2022) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, approved by the amir elections/appointments: amir chosen from within the ruling family, confirmed by the National Assembly; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the amir; crown prince appointed by the amir and approved by the National Assembly Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (65 seats; 50 members directly elected from 5 multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 15 ex-officio members (cabinet ministers) appointed by the amir; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 5 December 2020 (next to be held NA) election results: all candidates ran as independents, though nearly one-half were oppositionists; composition of elected members - men 50, women 0, percent of women 0% Judicial branch: highest courts: Constitutional Court (consists of 5 judges); Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (organized into several circuits, each with 5 judges) judge selection and term of office: all Kuwaiti judges appointed by the Amir upon recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, a consultative body comprised of Kuwaiti judges and Ministry of Justice officials subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; Court of First Instance; Summary Court Political parties and leaders: none; the government does not recognize any political parties or allow their formation, although no formal law bans political parties International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CD, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, Paris Club (associate), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador SALEM Abdallah al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 10 October 2021) chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702 FAX: [1] (202) 966-8468 email address and website: https://www.kuwaitembassy.us/ consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (CA), New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires James HOLTSNIDER (since July 2021) embassy: P.O. Box 77, Safat 13001 mailing address: 6200 Kuwait Place, Washington DC  20521-6200 telephone: [00] (965) 2259-1001 FAX: [00] (965) 2538-0282 email address and website: KuwaitACS@state.gov https://kw.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side; colors and design are based on the Arab Revolt flag of World War I; green represents fertile fields, white stands for purity, red denotes blood on Kuwaiti swords, black signifies the defeat of the enemy National symbol(s): golden falcon; national colors: green, white, red, black National anthem: name: "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (National Anthem) lyrics/music: Ahmad MUSHARI al-Adwani/Ibrahim Nasir al-SOULA note: adopted 1978; the anthem is only used on formal occasions Topic: Economy Economic overview: Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively open economy with crude oil reserves of about 102 billion barrels - more than 6% of world reserves. Kuwaiti officials plan to increase production to 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2020. Petroleum accounts for over half of GDP, 92% of export revenues, and 90% of government income.   With world oil prices declining, Kuwait realized a budget deficit in 2015 for the first time more than a decade; in 2016, the deficit grew to 16.5% of GDP. Kuwaiti authorities announced cuts to fuel subsidies in August 2016, provoking outrage among the public and National Assembly, and the Amir dissolved the government for the seventh time in ten years. In 2017 the deficit was reduced to 7.2% of GDP, and the government raised $8 billion by issuing international bonds. Despite Kuwait’s dependence on oil, the government has cushioned itself against the impact of lower oil prices, by saving annually at least 10% of government revenue in the Fund for Future Generations.   Kuwait has failed to diversify its economy or bolster the private sector, because of a poor business climate, a large public sector that employs about 74% of citizens, and an acrimonious relationship between the National Assembly and the executive branch that has stymied most economic reforms. The Kuwaiti Government has made little progress on its long-term economic development plan first passed in 2010. While the government planned to spend up to $104 billion over four years to diversify the economy, attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy, many of the projects did not materialize because of an uncertain political situation or delays in awarding contracts. To increase non-oil revenues, the Kuwaiti Government in August 2017 approved draft bills supporting a Gulf Cooperation Council-wide value added tax scheduled to take effect in 2018.Kuwait has a geographically small, but wealthy, relatively open economy with crude oil reserves of about 102 billion barrels - more than 6% of world reserves. Kuwaiti officials plan to increase production to 4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2020. Petroleum accounts for over half of GDP, 92% of export revenues, and 90% of government income. With world oil prices declining, Kuwait realized a budget deficit in 2015 for the first time more than a decade; in 2016, the deficit grew to 16.5% of GDP. Kuwaiti authorities announced cuts to fuel subsidies in August 2016, provoking outrage among the public and National Assembly, and the Amir dissolved the government for the seventh time in ten years. In 2017 the deficit was reduced to 7.2% of GDP, and the government raised $8 billion by issuing international bonds. Despite Kuwait’s dependence on oil, the government has cushioned itself against the impact of lower oil prices, by saving annually at least 10% of government revenue in the Fund for Future Generations. Kuwait has failed to diversify its economy or bolster the private sector, because of a poor business climate, a large public sector that employs about 74% of citizens, and an acrimonious relationship between the National Assembly and the executive branch that has stymied most economic reforms. The Kuwaiti Government has made little progress on its long-term economic development plan first passed in 2010. While the government planned to spend up to $104 billion over four years to diversify the economy, attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy, many of the projects did not materialize because of an uncertain political situation or delays in awarding contracts. To increase non-oil revenues, the Kuwaiti Government in August 2017 approved draft bills supporting a Gulf Cooperation Council-wide value added tax scheduled to take effect in 2018. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $209.74 billion (2019 est.) $208.85 billion (2018 est.) $206.274 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -3.3% (2017 est.) 2.2% (2016 est.) -1% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $49,900 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $50,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $50,856 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $134.638 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (2017 est.) 3.5% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AA (2008) Moody's rating: A1 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: AA- (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.4% (2017 est.) industry: 58.7% (2017 est.) services: 40.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 43.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 49.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -47% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: eggs, dates, tomatoes, cucumbers, poultry, milk, mutton, potatoes, vegetables, eggplants Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, water desalination, food processing, construction materials Industrial production growth rate: 2.8% (2017 est.) Labor force: 2.695 million (2017 est.) note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA Unemployment rate: 1.1% (2017 est.) 1.1% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 15.4% male: 9.4% female: 30% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 50.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 62.6 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -10% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 20.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 9.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 41.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: $7.127 billion (2017 est.) -$5.056 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $72.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $85.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: China 20%, South Korea 16%, India 15%, Japan 10%, Taiwan 6%, Vietnam 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, aircraft, natural gas, industrial hydrocarbon products (2019) Imports: $59.65 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $68.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 14%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 10%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Japan 6%, Germany 5%, India 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, broadcasting equipment, natural gas, packaged medicines, jewelry (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $33.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $31.13 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $47.24 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $38.34 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US dollar - 0.3049 (2020 est.) 0.3037 (2019 est.) 0.304 (2018 est.) 0.3009 (2014 est.) 0.2845 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 19.371 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 63,802,360,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6.701 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 68,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 68,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 2,720,500 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 342,000 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,837,900 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 101.5 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 915,800 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 705,500 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 19,509,907,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 24,322,970,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 4,805,531,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 1,783,958,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 92.582 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 578,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 44.288 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 47.715 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 381.985 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 583,463 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 6,770,346 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 159 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Kuwait’s telecom infrastructure is well developed, with a focus on mobile infrastructure and services; the telecom sector is important to the country’s economy, and this will become more pronounced in coming years as the economy is purposefully transitioned away from a dependence on oil and gas to one which is increasingly knowledge-based and focused on ICT and related services; the MNOs have focused investment on 5G networks, which support and promote the growth of data traffic; this in turn has been a catalyst for revenue growth in recent quarters; while Kuwait’s mobile sector shows considerable progress; the country’s fixed broadband system is the lowest in the region; the government has stepped up efforts to build up fixed broadband networks, and ultimately this sector offers a potential future growth opportunity; improvements to the fixed broadband infrastructure will help develop sectors such as e-commerce, along with smart infrastructure developments, and tech start-ups. (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions are nearly 14 per 100 and mobile-cellular stands at nearly 159 per 100 subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 965; landing points for the FOG, GBICS, MENA, Kuwait-Iran, and FALCON submarine cables linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 6 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean, and 2 Arabsat) (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: state-owned TV broadcaster operates 4 networks and a satellite channel; several private TV broadcasters have emerged; satellite TV available and pan-Arab TV stations are especially popular; state-owned Radio Kuwait broadcasts on a number of channels in Arabic and English; first private radio station emerged in 2005; transmissions of at least 2 international radio broadcasters are available (2019) Internet country code: .kw Internet users: total: 4,227,857 (2020 est.) percent of population: 99% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 73,948 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 44 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 6,464,847 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 392.36 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9K Airports: total: 7 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Heliports: 4 (2021) Pipelines: 261 km gas, 540 km oil, 57 km refined products (2013) Roadways: total: 5,749 km (2018) paved: 4,887 km (2018) unpaved: 862 km (2018) Merchant marine: total: 165 by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 28, other 122 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Az Zawr (Mina' Sa'ud), Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Kuwaiti Armed Forces: Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), Kuwaiti Navy, Kuwaiti Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya; includes Kuwaiti Air Defense Force, KADF), 25th Commando Brigade, and the Kuwait Emiri Guard Brigade; Kuwaiti National Guard (KNG); Coast Guard (Ministry of Interior) (2022) note 1: the Kuwait Amiri Guard Authority and the 25th Commando Brigade exercise independent command authority within the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, although activities such as training and equipment procurement are often coordinated with the other services note 2: the Kuwaiti National Guard reports directly to the prime minister and the amir and possesses an independent command structure, equipment inventory, and logistics corps separate from the Ministry of Defense, the regular armed services, and the Ministry of Interior; it is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure and providing support for the Ministries of Interior and Defense as required Military expenditures: 6.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 6.3% of GDP (2020 est.) 5.6% of GDP (2019) (approximately $10.2 billion) 5.1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $9.25 billion) 5.6% of GDP (2017) (approximately $10 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 17,000 active armed forces personnel (12,500 Army, including the Amiri Guard and 25th Commando Brigade; 2,000 Navy; 2,500 Air Force); approximately 6,500 National Guard (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces consists of weapons from a wide variety of sources, including Western Europe, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the US; the US is the leading supplier of arms to Kuwait since 2010 (2022) Military service age and obligation: 17-21 years of age for voluntary military service; Kuwait reintroduced one-year mandatory service for men aged 18-35 in May 2017 after having suspended conscription in 2001; service is divided in two phases – four months for training and eight months for military service; women were allowed to volunteer in 2021 (2022)   Military - note: Kuwait has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Kuwait-Iraq: no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian Gulf Kuwait-Saudi Arabia: their maritime boundary was established in 2000 and has a neutral zone but its extension to Iran’s maritime boundary has not been negotiated  Kuwait-Iraq: no maritime boundary exists with Iraq in the Persian GulfKuwait-Saudi Arabia: their maritime boundary was established in 2000 and has a neutral zone but its extension to Iran’s maritime boundary has not been negotiated  Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 92,020 (mid-year 2021); note - Kuwait's 1959 Nationality Law defined citizens as persons who settled in the country before 1920 and who had maintained normal residence since then; one-third of the population, descendants of Bedouin tribes, missed the window of opportunity to register for nationality rights after Kuwait became independent in 1961 and were classified as bidun (meaning "without"); since the 1980s Kuwait's bidun have progressively lost their rights, including opportunities for employment and education, amid official claims that they are nationals of other countries who have destroyed their identification documents in hopes of gaining Kuwaiti citizenship; Kuwaiti authorities have delayed processing citizenship applications and labeled biduns as "illegal residents," denying them access to civil documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates

20220901

countries-denmark

Topic: Photos of Denmark Topic: Introduction Background: Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the EU's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union, European defense cooperation, and justice and home affairs issues.Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the EU's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union, European defense cooperation, and justice and home affairs issues.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes several major islands (Sjaelland, Fyn, and Bornholm) Geographic coordinates: 56 00 N, 10 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 43,094 sq km land: 42,434 sq km water: 660 sq km note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts; about two-thirds the size of West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 140 km border countries (1): Germany 140 km Coastline: 7,314 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers Terrain: low and flat to gently rolling plains Elevation: highest point: Store Mollehoj 171 m lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m mean elevation: 34 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, fish, arable land, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand Land use: agricultural land: 63.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 58.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.4% (2018 est.) forest: 12.9% (2018 est.) other: 23.7% (2018 est.) note: highest percentage of arable land for any country in the world Irrigated land: 4,350 sq km (2012) Population distribution: with excellent access to the North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, and the Baltic Sea, population centers tend to be along coastal areas, particularly in Copenhagen and the eastern side of the country's mainland Natural hazards: flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes Geography - note: composed of the Jutland Peninsula and a group of more than 400 islands (Danish Archipelago); controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen Map description: Denmark map showing major cities and the country in relation to neighboring countries and water bodies.Denmark map showing major cities and the country in relation to neighboring countries and water bodies. Topic: People and Society Population: 5,920,767 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Dane(s) adjective: Danish Ethnic groups: Danish (includes Greenlandic (who are predominantly Inuit) and Faroese) 85.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 13.3% (largest groups are Polish, Syrian, Romanian, German, and Iraqi) (2022 est.) note: data represent population by ancestry Languages: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority); note - English is the predominant second language major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabog, den uundværlig kilde til grundlæggende oplysninger. (Danish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (official) 74.7%, Muslim 5.5%, other/none/unspecified (denominations of less than 1% each in descending order of size include Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Serbian Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Baptist, Buddhist, Church of Jesus Christ, Pentecostal, and nondenominational Christian) 19.8% (2019 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.42% (male 494,806/female 469,005) 15-24 years: 12.33% (male 370,557/female 352,977) 25-54 years: 38.71% (male 1,149,991/female 1,122,016) 55-64 years: 12.63% (male 370,338/female 371,149) 65 years and over: 19.91% (2020 est.) (male 538,096/female 630,475) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 57.3 youth dependency ratio: 25.6 elderly dependency ratio: 31.7 potential support ratio: 3.2 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 42 years male: 40.9 years female: 43.1 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.44% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 11.22 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 9.52 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 2.73 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: with excellent access to the North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, and the Baltic Sea, population centers tend to be along coastal areas, particularly in Copenhagen and the eastern side of the country's mainland Urbanization: urban population: 88.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.370 million COPENHAGEN (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 29.8 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 4 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.04 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.49 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.56 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.66 years male: 79.74 years female: 83.71 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.77 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 10% (2019) Physicians density: 4.23 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 2.6 beds/1,000 population (2019) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 6,700 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 19.7% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 17.5% (2020 est.) male: 17.8% (2020 est.) female: 17.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 7.8% of GDP (2017 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 19 years male: 18 years female: 19 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 11.6% male: 12.6% female: 10.6% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides; much of country's household and industrial waste is recycled Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 31.79 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.54 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers Land use: agricultural land: 63.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 58.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.4% (2018 est.) forest: 12.9% (2018 est.) other: 23.7% (2018 est.) note: highest percentage of arable land for any country in the world Urbanization: urban population: 88.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.485 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 1,223,060 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 27.3% (2015 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 381.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 32.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 326.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 6 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark conventional short form: Denmark local long form: Kongeriget Danmark local short form: Danmark etymology: the name derives from the words "Dane(s)" and "mark"; the latter referring to a march (borderland) or forest Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Copenhagen geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October; note - applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components etymology: name derives from the city's Danish appellation Kobenhavn, meaning "Merchant's Harbor" Administrative divisions: metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular - region); Hovedstaden (Capital), Midtjylland (Central Jutland), Nordjylland (North Jutland), Sjaelland (Zealand), Syddanmark (Southern Denmark) Independence: ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormsson); 5 June 1849 (became a parliamentary constitutional monarchy) National holiday: Constitution Day, 5 June (1849); note - closest equivalent to a national holiday Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 5 June 1953 amendments: proposed by the Folketing with consent of the government; passage requires approval by the next Folketing following a general election, approval by simple majority vote of at least 40% of voters in a referendum, and assent of the chief of state; changed several times, last in 2009 (Danish Act of Succession) Legal system: civil law; judicial review of legislative acts International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Denmark dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK (elder son of the monarch, born on 26 May 1968) head of government: Prime Minister Mette FREDERIKSEN (since 27 June 2019) cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch Legislative branch: description: unicameral People's Assembly or Folketing (179 seats, including 2 each representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier) elections: last held on 5 June 2019 (next to be held in June 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - SDP 27.4%, V 24.6%, DF 9.1%, SLP 9.1%, SF 8%, EL 7.4%, C 6.9%, AP 2.9%, NB 2.3%, LA 2.3%; seats by party - SDP 48, V 43, DF 16, SLP 16, SF 14, EL 13, C 12, AP 5, NB 4, LA 4; composition (as of September 2021) - men 108, women 71 (includes 2 from Greenland), percent of women 39.7% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges) judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, with the advice of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts Political parties and leaders: The Alternative AP (Franciska ROSENKILDE) Conservative People's Party or DKF or C [Soren PAPE POULSEN] Danish People's Party or DF or O [Kristian THULESEN DAHL] Liberal Alliance or LA or I [Alex VANOPSLAGH] Liberal Party (Venstre) or V [Jakob ELLEMANN-JENSEN] New Right Party or NB or D [Pernille VERMUND] Red-Green Alliance (Unity List) or EL [collective leadership, Mai VILLADSEN, spokesperson] Social Democrats or SDP or A [Mette FREDERIKSEN] Social Liberal Party or SLP or B [Sofie CARSTEN NIELSEN] Socialist People's Party or SF or F [Pia OLSEN DYHR] International organization participation: ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lone Dencker WISBORG (since 8 April 2019) chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300 FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470 email address and website: wasamb@um.dk https://usa.um.dk/en consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, Silicon Valley (CA) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Jim BOUGHNER embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Kobenhavn 0 mailing address: 5280 Copenhagen Place, Washington DC  20521-5280 telephone: [45] 33-41-71-00 FAX: [45] 35-43-02-23 email address and website: CopenhagenACS@state.gov https://dk.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side; the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle; caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign note: the shifted cross design element was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, as well as by the Faroe Islands National symbol(s): lion, mute swan; national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "Der er et yndigt land" (There is a Lovely Country); "Kong Christian" (King Christian) lyrics/music: Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown note: Denmark has two national anthems with equal status; "Der er et yndigt land," adopted 1844, is a national anthem, while "Kong Christian," adopted 1780, serves as both a national and royal anthem; "Kong Christian" is also known as "Kong Christian stod ved hojen mast" (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast) and "Kongesangen" (The King's Anthem); within Denmark, the royal anthem is played only when royalty is present and is usually followed by the national anthem; when royalty is not present, only the national anthem is performed; outside Denmark, the royal anthem is played, unless the national anthem is requested National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 10 (7 cultural, 3 natural); note - includes three sites in Greenland selected World Heritage Site locales: Denmark: Mounds, Runic Stones, and Church at Jelling (c); Roskilde Cathedral (c); Kronborg Castle (c); Wadden Sea (n); Stevns Klint (n); Christiansfeld, Moravian Church Settlement (c); Par force hunting landscape, North Zealand (c); Greenland: Ilulissat Icefjord (n); Kujataa, Norse and Inuit Farming (c); Aasivissuit–Nipisat, Inuit Hunting Ground (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: This thoroughly modern market economy features advanced industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping, and renewable energy, and a high-tech agricultural sector. Danes enjoy a high standard of living, and the Danish economy is characterized by extensive government welfare measures and an equitable distribution of income. An aging population will be a long-term issue.   Denmark’s small open economy is highly dependent on foreign trade, and the government strongly supports trade liberalization. Denmark is a net exporter of food, oil, and gas and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus, but depends on imports of raw materials for the manufacturing sector.   Denmark is a member of the EU but not the eurozone. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union, Denmark has negotiated an opt-out with the EU and is not required to adopt the euro.   Denmark is experiencing a modest economic expansion. The economy grew by 2.0% in 2016 and 2.1% in 2017. The expansion is expected to decline slightly in 2018. Unemployment stood at 5.5% in 2017, based on the national labor survey. The labor market was tight in 2017, with corporations experiencing some difficulty finding appropriately-skilled workers to fill billets. The Danish Government offers extensive programs to train unemployed persons to work in sectors that need qualified workers.   Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the global financial crisis swung the budget balance into deficit. Since 2014 the balance has shifted between surplus and deficit. In 2017 there was a surplus of 1.0%. The government projects a lower deficit in 2018 and 2019 of 0.7%, and public debt (EMU debt) as a share of GDP is expected to decline to 35.6% in 2018 and 34.8% in 2019. The Danish Government plans to address increasing municipal, public housing and integration spending in 2018.This thoroughly modern market economy features advanced industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping, and renewable energy, and a high-tech agricultural sector. Danes enjoy a high standard of living, and the Danish economy is characterized by extensive government welfare measures and an equitable distribution of income. An aging population will be a long-term issue. Denmark’s small open economy is highly dependent on foreign trade, and the government strongly supports trade liberalization. Denmark is a net exporter of food, oil, and gas and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus, but depends on imports of raw materials for the manufacturing sector. Denmark is a member of the EU but not the eurozone. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union, Denmark has negotiated an opt-out with the EU and is not required to adopt the euro. Denmark is experiencing a modest economic expansion. The economy grew by 2.0% in 2016 and 2.1% in 2017. The expansion is expected to decline slightly in 2018. Unemployment stood at 5.5% in 2017, based on the national labor survey. The labor market was tight in 2017, with corporations experiencing some difficulty finding appropriately-skilled workers to fill billets. The Danish Government offers extensive programs to train unemployed persons to work in sectors that need qualified workers. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the global financial crisis swung the budget balance into deficit. Since 2014 the balance has shifted between surplus and deficit. In 2017 there was a surplus of 1.0%. The government projects a lower deficit in 2018 and 2019 of 0.7%, and public debt (EMU debt) as a share of GDP is expected to decline to 35.6% in 2018 and 34.8% in 2019. The Danish Government plans to address increasing municipal, public housing and integration spending in 2018. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $326.2 billion (2020 est.) $335.36 billion (2019 est.) $326.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.85% (2019 est.) 2.18% (2018 est.) 2.83% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $55,900 (2020 est.) $57,700 (2019 est.) $56,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $350.037 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.7% (2019 est.) 0.8% (2018 est.) 1.1% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AAA (2003) Moody's rating: Aaa (1999) Standard & Poors rating: AAA (2001) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.3% (2017 est.) industry: 22.9% (2017 est.) services: 75.8% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 48% (2017 est.) government consumption: 25.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 54.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -47.5% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beet, pork, rye, rapeseed, oats, poultry Industries: wind turbines, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, shipbuilding and refurbishment, iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products Industrial production growth rate: 2.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 2.736 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2.4% industry: 18.3% services: 79.3% (2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.05% (2019 est.) 3.07% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 11.6% male: 12.6% female: 10.6% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 12.5% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 28.7 (2017 est.) 27.5 (2010 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 9% highest 10%: 23.4% (2016 est.) Budget: revenues: 172.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 168.9 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 35.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 37.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Taxes and other revenues: 53% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $30.935 billion (2019 est.) $24.821 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $191.53 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $204.14 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $200.81 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Germany 14%, United States 11%, Sweden 10%, United Kingdom 7%, Norway 6%, Netherlands 5%, China 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: packaged medicines, electric generators, pork, refined petroleum, medical cultures/vaccines (2019) Imports: $170.33 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $178.44 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $179.95 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Germany 21%, Sweden 11%, Netherlands 8%, China 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, crude petroleum, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $75.25 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $64.25 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $504.808 billion (2019 est.) $517.972 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 6.16045 (2020 est.) 6.7506 (2019 est.) 6.5533 (2018 est.) 6.7236 (2014 est.) 5.6125 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 17.655 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 33.081 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 12.694 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 18.891 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.573 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 14.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 57.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 23.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 1.249 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 194,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 1.122 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 69,000 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 165,400 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 56,700 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 95,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 441 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 183,900 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 133,700 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 109,700 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 1,314,636,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 2,188,096,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 1,700,594,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 2,645,893,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 29.534 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 33.85 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 3.455 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 24.621 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 5.775 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 124.163 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 734,436 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 7,252,675 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Denmark has one of the highest broadband subscription rates globally, with a near universal availability of super fast connections; extensive cable and DSL infrastructure has been supported by a progressive regulatory regime which has encouraged operator access to both copper and fiber networks; fiber networks have a fast-growing footprint, while a number of community and metropolitan schemes have supplemented TDC’s own commitments to build out fiber nationally; a number of wholesale fiber schemes have also added to the wider availability of fiber broadband; the reach of LTE infrastructure is comprehensive, while the MNOs by mid-2021 have also provided about 90% population coverage with 5G; services based on 5G were initially launched using trial 3.5GHz licenses; the multi-spectrum auction held in April 2021 has enabled them to improve the resilience and capacity of 5G; all MNOs are engaged in closing down their 3G networks and re purposing spectrum for LTE and 5G use (2021) domestic: fixed-line roughly 16 per 100 and about 123 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 45; landing points for the NSC, COBRAcable, CANTAT-3, DANICE, Havfrue/AEC-2, TAT-14m Denmark-Norway-5 & 6, Skagenfiber West & East, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC-KPN, Kattegat 1 & 2 & 3, Energinet Lyngsa-Laeso, Energinet Laeso-Varberg, Fehmarn Balt, Baltica, German-Denmark 2 & 3, Ronne-Rodvig, Denmark-Sweden 15 & 16 & 17 & 18, IP-Only Denmark-Sweden, Scandinavian South, Scandinavian Ring North, Danica North, 34 series of fiber-optic submarine cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, US and UK; satellite earth stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (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: strong public-sector TV presence with state-owned Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 6 channels and publicly owned TV2 operating roughly a half-dozen channels; broadcasts of privately owned stations are available via satellite and cable feed; DR operates 4 nationwide FM radio stations, 10 digital audio broadcasting stations, and 14 web-based radio stations; 140 commercial and 187 community (non-commercial) radio stations (2019) Internet country code: .dk Internet users: total: 5,656,462 (2020 est.) percent of population: 97% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,590,282 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 10 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 76 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 582,011 (2015) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 (2015) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: OY Airports: total: 80 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 28 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 52 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 47 (2021) Pipelines: 1,536 km gas, 330 km oil (2015) Railways: total: 3,476 km (2017) standard gauge: 3,476 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (1,756 km electrified) Roadways: total: 74,558 km (2017) paved: 74,558 km (2017) (includes 1,205 km of expressways) Waterways: 400 km (2010) Merchant marine: total: 717 by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 148, general cargo 68, oil tanker 105, other 388 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Baltic Sea - Aarhus, Copenhagen, Fredericia, Kalundborg cruise port(s): Copenhagen river port(s): Aalborg (Langerak) dry bulk cargo port(s): Ensted (coal) North Sea - Esbjerg, Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Danish Armed Forces (Forsvaret): Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force, Danish Home Guard (Reserves) (2022) note: the Danish military maintains a Joint Arctic Command with the mission of protecting the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark in the Arctic Region, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland; the command also conducts maritime pollution prevention, environmental monitoring, fishery inspections, search and rescue, hydrographical surveys, and provides support to governmental science missions Military expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020) 1.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $5.02 billion) 1.3% of GDP (2018) (approximately $4.8 billion) 1.1% of GDP (2017) (approximately $4.11 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 17,000 active duty personnel (10,000 Army; 3,500 Navy; 3,500 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Danish military inventory is comprised of a mix of modern European, US, and domestically-produced equipment; the US is the largest supplier of military equipment to Denmark since 2010; the Danish defense industry is active in the production of naval vessels, defense electronics, and subcomponents of larger weapons systems, such as the US F-35 fighter aircraft (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months depending on specialization; former conscripts are assigned to mobilization units; women eligible to volunteer for military service; in addition to full time employment, the Danish Military offers reserve contracts in all three branches (2021) note: women have been able serve in all military occupations, including combat arms, since 1988; as of 2019, they made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel; conscientious objectors can choose to instead serve 6 months in a non-military position, for example in Beredskabsstyrelsen (dealing with non-military disasters like fires, flood, pollution, etc.) or overseas foreign aid work Military deployments: approximately 220 Estonia (NATO); approximately 100 Middle East/Iraq (NATO) (2022) note: in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries, including Denmark, have sent additional troops and equipment to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe Military - note: Denmark is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 Denmark is a member of the EU, but opted out of the EU’s Common Defense and Security Policy, and therefore does not participate in EU military operations or in the cooperation on development and acquisition of military capabilities within the EU framework the Danish Armed Forces cooperate closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009 in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020 (2022)the Danish Armed Forces cooperate closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; areas of cooperation include armaments, education, human resources, training and exercises, and operations; NORDEFCO was established in 2009 in 2018, the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC); the C-SOCC was declared operational in December 2020 Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; sovereignty dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland; Denmark (Greenland) and Norway have made submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and Russia is collecting additional data to augment its 2001 CLCS submissionIceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; sovereignty dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland; Denmark (Greenland) and Norway have made submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and Russia is collecting additional data to augment its 2001 CLCS submission Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 19,833 (Syria), 5,634 (Eritrea) (mid-year 2021); 32,689 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 11,608 (mid-year 2021)

20220901

field-exports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Topic: Afghanistan$1.48 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.61 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: not including illicit exports or reexports Topic: Albania$3.47 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.82 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Algeria$38.32 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $44.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: American Samoa$428 million (2016 est.) $427 million (2015 est.) Topic: Andorra$78.71 million (2015 est.) $79.57 million (2014 est.) Topic: Angola$21 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $35.18 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Anguilla$7.9 million (2017 est.) $3.9 million (2016 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda$1.15 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $56.5 million (2016 est.) Topic: Argentina$64.18 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $79.29 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $77.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Armenia$3.82 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.64 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.91 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Aruba$1.45 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.56 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Australia$299.04 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $342.43 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $327.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Austria$226.79 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $247.17 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $253.3 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Azerbaijan$15.21 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $23.63 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $25.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bahamas, The$1.69 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.14 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.75 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bahrain$30.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.762 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bangladesh$38.78 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $44.96 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $44.13 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Barbados$485.4 million (2017 est.) $516.9 million (2016 est.) Topic: Belarus$37.04 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.97 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $42.27 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Belgium$414.79 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $436.3 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $451.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Belize$710 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.1 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Benin$3.58 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.85 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bermuda$1.59 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bhutan$790 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $780 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $790 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bolivia$7.55 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.35 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina$6.81 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.17 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Botswana$6.16 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Brazil$239.18 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $260.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $274.9 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: British Virgin Islands$23 million (2017 est.) $23 million (2015 est.) Topic: Brunei$7.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bulgaria$39.27 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $44.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $43.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Burkina Faso$4.47 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Burma$17.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $15.73 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: official export figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of timber, gems, narcotics, rice, and other products smuggled to Thailand, China, and Bangladesh Topic: Burundi$290 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $283 million (2018 est.) $315 million (2017 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde$420 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $960 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cambodia$19.4 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $18.41 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cameroon$7.73 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.3 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Canada$477.31 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $555.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $556.89 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cayman Islands$4.13 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.96 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Central African Republic$113.7 million (2017 est.) $101.5 million (2016 est.) Topic: Chad$2.464 billion (2017 est.) $2.187 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Chile$79.8 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $78.02 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $84.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: China$2,732,370,000,000 (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.631 trillion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2,651,010,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Christmas IslandNANA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsNANA Topic: Colombia$39.14 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $52.96 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $55.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Comoros$140 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $150 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the$13.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $15.17 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $16.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Congo, Republic of the$4.193 billion (2017 est.) $4.116 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Cook Islands$3.125 million (2011 est.) $5.163 million (2010 est.) Topic: Costa Rica$21.2 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cote d'Ivoire$13.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Croatia$23.66 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $30.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cuba$2.63 billion (2017 est.) $2.546 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Curacao$1.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cyprus$16.1 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.92 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $19.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Czechia$174.92 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $186.54 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $191.69 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Denmark$191.53 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $204.14 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $200.81 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Djibouti$5.15 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Dominica$160 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $43.7 million (2016 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic$14.44 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.51 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ecuador$22.23 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.12 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $25.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Egypt$40.1 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $53.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $51.62 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: El Salvador$6.29 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.98 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Equatorial Guinea$8.776 billion (2019 est.) $8.914 billion (2018 est.) $9.94 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Eritrea$624.3 million (2017 est.) $485.4 million (2016 est.) Topic: Estonia$21.69 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.94 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.69 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Eswatini$1.81 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.9 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ethiopia$7.62 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.814 billion (2016 est.) Topic: European Union$7,102,345,000,000 (2019 est.) $6,929,845,000,000 (2018 est.) $6,690,764,000,000 (2017 est.) note: external exports, excluding intra-EU trade Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)$257.3 million (2015 est.) $125 million (2004 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands$1.184 billion (2016 est.) $1.019 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Fiji$1.23 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.64 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.67 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Finland$108.22 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $106.01 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $109.513 billion (2017 est.) Topic: France$746.91 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $891.18 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $918.97 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: French Polynesia$1.245 billion (2014 est.) $1.168 billion (2013 est.) Topic: Gabon$10.8 billion (2019 est.) $9.533 billion (2018 est.) $9.145 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, The$350 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $448 million (2018 est.) $435 million (2017 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip$1.955 billion (2017 est.) $1.827 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Georgia$5.94 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.54 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.9 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Germany$1,671,650,000,000 (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1,813,190,000,000 (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1,881,510,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ghana$25.59 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Gibraltar$202.3 million (2014 est.) $271 million (2004 est.) Topic: Greece$59.02 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $81.18 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $81.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Greenland$407.1 million (2015 est.) $599.7 million (2014 est.) Topic: Grenada$650 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $44.2 million (2016 est.) Topic: Guam$1.124 billion (2016 est.) $1.046 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Guatemala$13.12 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.6 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.35 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: GuernseyNANA Topic: Guinea$4.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.733 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau$290 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $380 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Guyana$1.8 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Haiti$1.73 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Honduras$7.16 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.14 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Hong Kong$615.88 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $649.02 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $681.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Hungary$123.83 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $134.55 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $134.66 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Iceland$7.43 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.01 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $12.26 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: India$484.95 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $546.03 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $537.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Indonesia$178.26 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $200.1 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $211.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Iran$101.4 billion (2017 est.) $83.98 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Iraq$50.61 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $88.9 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $91.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ireland$502.31 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $471.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $440.693 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Isle of ManNANA Topic: Israel$113.87 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $115.57 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $110.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Italy$558.26 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $636.01 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $656.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Jamaica$5.92 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.79 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Japan$793.32 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $904.63 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $929.83 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: JerseyNANA Topic: Jordan$16.29 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $15.09 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kazakhstan$51.75 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $65.91 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $67.15 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kenya$11.49 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.723 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Kiribati$30 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Korea, North$222 million (2018) $4.582 billion (2017 est.) $2.908 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Korea, South$606.71 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $660.51 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $729.94 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kosovo$1.69 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.31 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kuwait$72.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $85.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kyrgyzstan$3.11 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.73 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.352 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Laos$6.99 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Latvia$20.23 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.5 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Lebanon$18.17 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $19.16 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Lesotho$900 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Liberia$550 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $530 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $359 million (2017 est.) Topic: Libya$29.96 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.99 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Liechtenstein$3.217 billion (2015 est.) $3.774 billion (2014 est.) note: trade data exclude trade with Switzerland Topic: Lithuania$41.48 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $42.3 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $40.36 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Luxembourg$137.09 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $133.59 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $136.11 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Macau$45.35 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $45.62 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: includes reexports Topic: Madagascar$4.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.41 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.839 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Malawi$1.16 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.11 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.658 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Malaysia$207.37 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $237.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $245.89 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Maldives$3.72 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Mali$4.18 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.803 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Malta$19.04 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Marshall Islands$130 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Mauritania$2.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $302 million (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritius$5.17 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Mexico$434.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $492.73 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $480.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of$88.3 million (2013 est.) Topic: Moldova$3.24 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.66 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.45 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Monaco$964.6 million (2017 est.) $1.115 billion (2011) note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France Topic: Mongolia$7.65 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.42 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Montenegro$1.24 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.42 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.35 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Montserrat$4.4 million (2017 est.) $5.2 million (2016 est.) Topic: Morocco$37.52 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $44.05 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $43.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Mozambique$4.35 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.6 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.97 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Namibia$3.56 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.56 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.95 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Nauru$30 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $110.3 million (2012 est.) Topic: Nepal$1.79 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.73 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.68 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Netherlands$719.78 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $755.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $773.74 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: New Caledonia$2.207 billion (2014 est.) Topic: New Zealand$50.43 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $57.16 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $57.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Nicaragua$5.34 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.71 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Niger$1.39 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.45 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Nigeria$39.94 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $69.93 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $66.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Niue$201,400 (2004 est.) Topic: Norfolk IslandNANA Topic: North Macedonia$7.18 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.78 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.61 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Northern Mariana Islands$914 million (2016 est.) $520 million (2015 est.) Topic: Norway$117.06 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $146.71 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $165.37 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Oman$43.69 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $46.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Pakistan$27.3 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $30.67 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $30.77 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Palau$23.17 billion (2017 est.) $14.8 million (2015 est.) Topic: Panama$20.18 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $28.58 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $28.55 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: includes the Colon Free Zone Topic: Papua New Guinea$10.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.224 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Paraguay$11.81 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.27 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $14.36 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Peru$54.88 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $55.84 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $53.823 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Philippines$78.82 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $94.74 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $90.37 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Pitcairn IslandsNANA Topic: Poland$333.54 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $330.68 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $324.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Portugal$85.28 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $104.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $105.76 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Puerto Rico$73.17 billion (2017 est.) $73.2 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Qatar$70.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $92.05 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $102.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Romania$93.01 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $100.9 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $101.11 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Russia$379.12 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $481.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $508.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Rwanda$2.25 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$19 million (2004 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis$610 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $53.9 million (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia$1.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $188.2 million (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon$6.641 million (2010 est.) $5.5 million (2005 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines$320 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $47.3 million (2016 est.) Topic: Samoa$310 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: San Marino$3.827 billion (2011 est.) $2.576 billion (2010 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe$50 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $70 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $100 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Saudi Arabia$184.11 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $285.86 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $314.92 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Senegal$5.29 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.498 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Serbia$25.42 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.13 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $24.97 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Seychelles$1.09 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.61 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.68 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Sierra Leone$740 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $720 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Singapore$599.2 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $658.54 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $665.7 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Sint Maarten$1.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $800 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Slovakia$89.92 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $97.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $100.76 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Slovenia$41.73 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $45.41 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $45.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Solomon Islands$430 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $590 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $680 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Somalia$819 million (2014 est.) $779 million (2013 est.) Topic: South Africa$93.01 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $104.85 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $110.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: South Sudan$3.01 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.09 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Spain$392.85 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $486.15 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $499.55 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Sri Lanka$19.41 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.26 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $15.166 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Sudan$5.11 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Suriname$2.29 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.24 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: SvalbardNANA Topic: Sweden$240.08 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $254.53 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $254.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Switzerland$470.91 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $478.34 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $482.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: trade data exclude trade with Switzerland Topic: Syria$1.85 billion (2017 est.) $1.705 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Taiwan$388.49 billion (2019 est.) $383.484 billion (2018 est.) $382.736 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Tajikistan$1.41 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.24 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tanzania$9.66 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.46 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Thailand$258.42 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $323.88 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $328.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Timor-Leste$60 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $120 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $120 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Togo$1.67 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.7 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tokelau$103,000 (2015 est.) $102,826 (2002 est.) Topic: Tonga$90 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $110 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $100 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Trinidad and Tobago$9.57 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tunisia$19.17 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $19.42 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)$203.29 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $245.84 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $237.54 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Turkmenistan$7.458 billion (2017 est.) $6.987 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands$830 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tuvalu$10 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Uganda$6.12 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.63 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.958 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Ukraine$60.67 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $63.56 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $59.18 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: United Arab Emirates$308.5 billion (2017 est.) $298.6 billion (2016 est.) Topic: United Kingdom$741.95 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $879.92 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $882.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: United States$2,127,250,000,000 (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2,528,270,000,000 (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2,539,380,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Uruguay$13.55 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $16.99 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Uzbekistan$14.52 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $16.99 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $14.14 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Vanuatu$380 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $520 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Venezuela$83.401 billion (2018 est.) $93.485 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Vietnam$280.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $258.49 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $204.169 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands$1.81 billion (2016 est.) $1.537 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futuna$47,450 (2004 est.) Topic: West Bank$2.65 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip $2.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip note: excludes Gaza Strip Topic: World$17.31 trillion (2017 est.) $15.82 trillion (2016 est.) Topic: Yemen$384.5 million (2017 est.) $940 million (2016 est.) Topic: Zambia$8.55 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.98 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Zimbabwe$4.422 billion (2018 est.) $6.252 billion (2017 est.)

20220901

field-national-air-transport-system

This entry includes four subfields describing the air transport system of a given country in terms of both structure and performance. The first subfield, number of registered air carriers, indicates the total number of air carriers registered with the country’s national aviation authority and issued an air operator certificate as required by the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The second subfield, inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers, lists the total number of aircraft operated by all registered air carriers in the country. The last two subfields measure the performance of the air transport system in terms of both passengers and freight. The subfield, annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers, includes the total number of passengers carried by air carriers registered in the country, including both domestic and international passengers, in a given year. The last subfield, annual freight traffic on registered air carriers, includes the volume of freight, express, and diplomatic bags carried by registered air carriers and measured in metric tons times kilometers traveled. Freight ton-kilometers equal the sum of the products obtained by multiplying the number of tons of freight, express, and diplomatic bags carried on each flight stage by the stage distance (operation of an aircraft from takeoff to its next landing). For statistical purposes, freight includes express and diplomatic bags but not passenger baggage. Topic: Afghanistannumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 13 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,722,612 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 29.56 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Albanianumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 303,137 (2018) Topic: Algerianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 87 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 6,442,442 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 28.28 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Angolanumber of registered air carriers: 10 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 55 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,516,628 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 78.16 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Anguillanumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4 Topic: Antigua and Barbudanumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 10 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 580,174 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 290,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Argentinanumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 107 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 18,081,937 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 311.57 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Armenianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 Topic: Arubanumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 19 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 274,280 (2018) Topic: Australianumber of registered air carriers: 25 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 583 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 75,667,645 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,027,640,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Austrianumber of registered air carriers: 11 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 130 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 12,935,505 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 373.51 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Azerbaijannumber of registered air carriers: 42 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 44 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,279,546 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 44.09 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Bahamas, Thenumber of registered air carriers: 5 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 35 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,197,116 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 160,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Bahrainnumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 42 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,877,003 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 420.98 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Bangladeshnumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 30 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,984,155 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 63.82 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Belarusnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 30 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,760,168 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.9 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Belgiumnumber of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 117 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 13,639,487 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,285,340,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Belizenumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 28 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,297,533 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 3.78 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Beninnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2015) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 (2015) annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 112,392 (2015) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 805,347 (2015) mt-km Topic: Bhutannumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 275,849 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 690,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Bolivianumber of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 39 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,122,113 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 13.73 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinanumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 7,070 (2015) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 87 (2015) mt-km Topic: Botswananumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 253,417 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 110,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Brazilnumber of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 443 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 102,109,977 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,845,650,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Bruneinumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 10 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,234,455 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 129.35 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Bulgarianumber of registered air carriers: 8 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 44 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,022,645 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.38 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Burkina Fasonumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 151,531 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 100,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Burmanumber of registered air carriers: 8 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 42 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 3,407,788 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.74 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Cabo Verdenumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 140,429 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,728,152 (2015) mt-km Topic: Cambodianumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 25 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,411,059 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 680,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Cameroonnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 265,136 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 70,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Canadanumber of registered air carriers: 51 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 879 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 89.38 million (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 3,434,070,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Cayman Islandsnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 Topic: Central African Republicnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 2 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 46,364 (2015) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 (2015) mt-km Topic: Chadnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 Topic: Chilenumber of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 173 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 19,517,185 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,226,440,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Chinanumber of registered air carriers: 56 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 2,890 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 436,183,969 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 611,439,830 (2018) mt-km Topic: Colombianumber of registered air carriers: 12 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 157 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 33,704,037 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,349,450,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Comorosnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 9 Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thenumber of registered air carriers: 8 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 13 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 932,043 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 890,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Congo, Republic of thenumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 333,899 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.6 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Cook Islandsnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 Topic: Costa Ricanumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 39 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,948,546 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 11.13 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Cote d'Ivoirenumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 10 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 779,482 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5.8 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Croatianumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 18 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,093,577 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 530,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Cubanumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 18 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 560,754 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 17.76 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Curacaonumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 11 Topic: Cyprusnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 401,408 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 20,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Czechianumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 48 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,727,200 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 25.23 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Denmarknumber of registered air carriers: 10 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 76 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 582,011 (2015) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 (2015) mt-km Topic: Djiboutinumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4 Topic: Dominican Republicnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 Topic: Ecuadornumber of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 35 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,365,261 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 64.2 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Egyptnumber of registered air carriers: 14 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 101 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 12,340,832 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 437.63 million (2018) mt-km Topic: El Salvadornumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 13 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,545,105 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 10.73 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Equatorial Guineanumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 15 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 466,435 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 350,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Eritreanumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 102,729 (2018) Topic: Estonianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 14 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 31,981 (2018) Topic: Ethiopianumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 75 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 11,501,244 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,089,280,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: European Unionannual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 636,860,155 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 31,730,660,000 (2018) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 Topic: Faroe Islandsnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in Denmark) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 (registered in Denmark) Topic: Fijinumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 16 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,670,216 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 106.83 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Finlandnumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 77 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 13,364,839 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 957.64 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Francenumber of registered air carriers: 19 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 553 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 70,188,028 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4,443,790,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: French Polynesianumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) (registered in France) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 19 (registered in France) Topic: Gabonnumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 Topic: Gambia, Thenumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 53,735 (2018) Topic: Georgianumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 516,034 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 750,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Germanynumber of registered air carriers: 20 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1,113 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 109,796,202 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7,969,860,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Ghananumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 467,438 (2018) Topic: Greecenumber of registered air carriers: 11 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 97 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 15,125,933 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 21.91 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Greenlandnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in Denmark) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 (registered in Denmark) Topic: Guatemalanumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 145,795 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 110,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Guernseynumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in UK) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 9 (registered in UK) Topic: Haitinumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 Topic: Hondurasnumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 26 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 251,149 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 450,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Hong Kongnumber of registered air carriers: 12 (2020) (registered in China) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 275 (registered in China) annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 47,101,822 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 12,676,720,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Hungarynumber of registered air carriers: 5 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 145 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 31,226,848 (2018) Topic: Icelandnumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 63 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 7,819,740 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 163.65 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Indianumber of registered air carriers: 14 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 485 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 164,035,637 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,703,960,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Indonesianumber of registered air carriers: 25 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 611 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 115,154,100 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,131,910,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Irannumber of registered air carriers: 22 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 237 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 25,604,871 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 290.74 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Iraqnumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 34 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,075,065 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 16.2 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Irelandnumber of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 450 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 167,598,633 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 168.71 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Israelnumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 64 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 7,404,373 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 994.54 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Italynumber of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 180 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 27,630,435 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.418 billion (2018) mt-km Topic: Jamaicanumber of registered air carriers: 0 (2020) Topic: Japannumber of registered air carriers: 22 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 673 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 126,387,527 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 9,420,660,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Jerseynumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in UK) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4 (registered in UK) Topic: Jordannumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 54 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 3,383,805 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 175.84 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Kazakhstannumber of registered air carriers: 12 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 84 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 7,143,797 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 50.22 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Kenyanumber of registered air carriers: 25 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 188 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,935,831 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 294.97 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Kiribatinumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 66,567 (2018) Topic: Korea, Northnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 103,560 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 250,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Korea, Southnumber of registered air carriers: 14 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 424 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 88,157,579 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 11,929,560,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Kosovonumber of registered air carriers: 0 (2020) Topic: Kuwaitnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 44 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 6,464,847 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 392.36 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Kyrgyzstannumber of registered air carriers: 5 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 17 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 709,198 (2018) Topic: Laosnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,251,961 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.53 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Latvianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 53 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,058,762 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.01 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Lebanonnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,981,937 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 56.57 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Libyanumber of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 55 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 927,153 (2018) Topic: Lithuanianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 50 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 26,031 (2018) Topic: Luxembourgnumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 66 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,099,102 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7,323,040,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Macaunumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in China) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 (registered in China) annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 3,157,724 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 31.84 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Madagascarnumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 18 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 541,290 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 16.25 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Malawinumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 9 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 10,545 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 10,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Malaysianumber of registered air carriers: 13 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 270 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 60,481,772 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,404,410,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Maldivesnumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 36 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,147,247 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7.75 million (2018) Topic: Malinumber of registered air carriers: 0 (2020) Topic: Maltanumber of registered air carriers: 13 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 180 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,576,898 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5.14 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Marshall Islandsnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 24,313 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 130,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Mauritanianumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 454,435 (2018) Topic: Mauritiusnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 13 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,745,291 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 233.72 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Mexiconumber of registered air carriers: 16 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 370 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 64,569,640 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,090,380,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Moldovanumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,135,999 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 640,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Mongolianumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 670,360 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7.82 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Montenegronumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 565,522 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 130,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Montserratnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 Topic: Morocconumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 76 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 8,132,917 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 97.71 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Mozambiquenumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 11 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 540,124 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.78 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Namibianumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 602,893 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 26.29 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Naurunumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 45,457 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7.94 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Nepalnumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 39 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 3,296,953 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.66 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Netherlandsnumber of registered air carriers: 8 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 238 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 43,996,044 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5,886,510,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: New Caledonianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) (registered in France) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 15 (registered in France) Topic: New Zealandnumber of registered air carriers: 15 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 199 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 17,249,049 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,349,300,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Nicaraguanumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 7 Topic: Nigernumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 Topic: Nigerianumber of registered air carriers: 13 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 104 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 8,169,192 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 19.42 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Norwaynumber of registered air carriers: 8 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 125 Topic: Omannumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 57 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 10,438,241 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 510.43 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Pakistannumber of registered air carriers: 5 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 52 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 6,880,637 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 217.53 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Palaunumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 Topic: Panamanumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 122 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 12,939,350 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 47.63 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Papua New Guineanumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 48 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 964,713 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 30.93 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Paraguaynumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 560,631 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.97 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Perunumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 62 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 17,758,527 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 313.26 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Philippinesnumber of registered air carriers: 13 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 200 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 43,080,118 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 835.9 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Polandnumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 169 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 9,277,538 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 271.49 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Portugalnumber of registered air carriers: 10 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 168 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 17,367,956 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 454.21 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Qatarnumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 251 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 29,178,923 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 12,666,710,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Romanianumber of registered air carriers: 8 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 60 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,908,235 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2.71 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Russianumber of registered air carriers: 32 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 958 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 99,327,311 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 6,810,610,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Rwandanumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,073,528 (2018) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 11 Topic: Samoanumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 137,770 (2018) Topic: Sao Tome and Principenumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 Topic: Saudi Arabianumber of registered air carriers: 12 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 230 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 39,141,660 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,085,470,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Senegalnumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 11 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 21,038 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 40,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Serbianumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 43 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,262,703 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 17.71 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Seychellesnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 7 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 455,201 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7.79 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Sierra Leoneannual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 50,193 (2015) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 (2015) mt-km Topic: Singaporenumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 230 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 40,401,515 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5,194,900,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Slovakianumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 45 Topic: Slovenianumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,094,762 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 540,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Solomon Islandsnumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 427,806 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 3.84 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Somalianumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 7 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,486 (2018) Topic: South Africanumber of registered air carriers: 17 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 243 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 23,921,748 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 716.25 million (2018) mt-km Topic: South Sudannumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 2 annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 mt-km Topic: Spainnumber of registered air carriers: 21 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 552 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 80,672,105 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,117,070,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Sri Lankanumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 34 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,882,376 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 436.2 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Sudannumber of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 42 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 269,958 (2018) Topic: Surinamenumber of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 20 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 272,347 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 33.2 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Swedennumber of registered air carriers: 11 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 316 Topic: Switzerlandnumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 179 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 28,857,994 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,841,310,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Syrianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 11 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 17,896 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 30,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Taiwannumber of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 216 Topic: Tajikistannumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 492,320 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2.34 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Tanzanianumber of registered air carriers: 11 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 91 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,481,557 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 390,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Thailandnumber of registered air carriers: 15 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 283 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 76,053,042 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,666,260,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Timor-Lestenumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 2 Topic: Togonumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 566,295 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 10.89 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Tonganumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 Topic: Trinidad and Tobagonumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 19 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,525,130 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 41.14 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Tunisianumber of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 53 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 4,274,199 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 13.23 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Turkeynumber of registered air carriers: 11 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 618 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 115,595,495 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5,949,210,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Turkmenistannumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 27 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,457,474 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 16.92 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsnumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 22 Topic: Ugandanumber of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 26 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 21,537 (2018) Topic: Ukrainenumber of registered air carriers: 14 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 126 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 7,854,842 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 75.26 million (2018) mt-km Topic: United Arab Emiratesnumber of registered air carriers: 10 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 497 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 95,533,069 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 15,962,900,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: United Kingdomnumber of registered air carriers: 20 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 794 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 165,388,610 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 6,198,370,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: United Statesnumber of registered air carriers: 99 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 7,249 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 889.022 million (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 42,985,300,000 (2018) mt-km Topic: Uruguaynumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 Topic: Uzbekistannumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 34 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 3,056,558 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 89.43 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Vanuatunumber of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 374,603 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.66 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Venezuelanumber of registered air carriers: 12 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 75 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,137,771 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.55 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Vietnamnumber of registered air carriers: 5 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 224 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 47,049,671 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 481.37 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Yemennumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 336,310 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 3.27 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Zambianumber of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 8,904 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 75.08 million (2018) mt-km Topic: Zimbabwenumber of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 12 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 285,539 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 670,000 (2018) mt-km

20220901

countries-antigua-and-barbuda-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: The Siboney were the first people to inhabit the islands in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.The Siboney were the first people to inhabit the islands in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. Topic: Geography Area: total: 443 sq km land: 443 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation Natural resources: NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism Topic: People and Society Population: 100,335 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: African descent 87.3%, mixed 4.7%, Hispanic 2.7%, White 1.6%, other 2.7%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) Languages: English (official), Antiguan creole Religions: Protestant 68.3% (Anglican 17.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.4%, Pentecostal 12.2%, Moravian 8.3%, Methodist 5.6%, Wesleyan Holiness 4.5%, Church of God 4.1%, Baptist 3.6%), Roman Catholic 8.2%, other 12.2%, unspecified 5.5%, none 5.9% (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 1.15% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Saint John's Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Rodney WILLIAMS (since 14 August 2014) head of government: Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE (since 13 June 2014) Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (17 seats; members appointed by the governor general) House of Representatives (18 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: dual island-tourism and construction-driven economy; emerging “blue economy”; limited water supply and susceptibility to hurricanes limit activity; improving road infrastructure; friendly to foreign direct investment; looking at financial innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologiesdual island-tourism and construction-driven economy; emerging “blue economy”; limited water supply and susceptibility to hurricanes limit activity; improving road infrastructure; friendly to foreign direct investment; looking at financial innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.76 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $18,000 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: tropical fruit, milk, mangoes/guavas, melons, tomatoes, pineapples, lemons, limes, eggplants, onions Industries: tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) Exports: $1.15 billion (2018 est.) Exports - partners: Poland 37%, Suriname 33%, United Arab Emirates 8% (2019) Exports - commodities: ships, refined petroleum, precious/semi-precious metal scraps, rice, corn (2019) Imports: $1.12 billion (2018 est.) Imports - partners: United States 39%, Poland 16%, China 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, ships, cars, precious/semi-precious metals, recreational boats (2019) Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -Page last updated: Monday, May 16, 2022

20220901

countries-oman

Topic: Photos of Oman Topic: Introduction Background: The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, although the sultanate never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew his father, and ruled as sultan for the next five decades. His extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. He prioritized strategic ties with the UK and US, and his moderate, independent foreign policy allowed Oman to maintain good relations with its neighbors and to avoid external entanglements. Inspired by the popular uprisings that swept the Middle East and North Africa beginning in January 2011, some Omanis staged demonstrations, calling for more jobs and economic benefits and an end to corruption. In response to those protester demands, QABOOS in 2011 pledged to implement economic and political reforms, such as granting Oman’s bicameral legislative body more power and authorizing direct elections for its lower house, which took place in November 2011. Additionally, the sultan increased unemployment benefits, and, in August 2012, issued a royal directive mandating the speedy implementation of a national job creation plan for thousands of public and private sector Omani jobs. As part of the government's efforts to decentralize authority and allow greater citizen participation in local governance, Oman successfully conducted its first municipal council elections in December 2012. Announced by the sultan in 2011, the municipal councils have the power to advise the Royal Court on the needs of local districts across Oman's 11 governorates. Sultan QABOOS, Oman's longest reigning monarch, died on 11 January 2020. His cousin, HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, former Minister of Heritage and Culture, was sworn in as Oman's new sultan the same day.The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered from Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, the nascent sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, although the sultanate never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al-Said overthrew his father, and ruled as sultan for the next five decades. His extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. He prioritized strategic ties with the UK and US, and his moderate, independent foreign policy allowed Oman to maintain good relations with its neighbors and to avoid external entanglements. Inspired by the popular uprisings that swept the Middle East and North Africa beginning in January 2011, some Omanis staged demonstrations, calling for more jobs and economic benefits and an end to corruption. In response to those protester demands, QABOOS in 2011 pledged to implement economic and political reforms, such as granting Oman’s bicameral legislative body more power and authorizing direct elections for its lower house, which took place in November 2011. Additionally, the sultan increased unemployment benefits, and, in August 2012, issued a royal directive mandating the speedy implementation of a national job creation plan for thousands of public and private sector Omani jobs. As part of the government's efforts to decentralize authority and allow greater citizen participation in local governance, Oman successfully conducted its first municipal council elections in December 2012. Announced by the sultan in 2011, the municipal councils have the power to advise the Royal Court on the needs of local districts across Oman's 11 governorates. Sultan QABOOS, Oman's longest reigning monarch, died on 11 January 2020. His cousin, HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said, former Minister of Heritage and Culture, was sworn in as Oman's new sultan the same day.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the UAE Geographic coordinates: 21 00 N, 57 00 E Map references: Middle East Area: total: 309,500 sq km land: 309,500 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: twice the size of Georgia Land boundaries: total: 1,561 km border countries (3): Saudi Arabia 658 km; UAE 609 km; Yemen 294 km Coastline: 2,092 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south Terrain: central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south Elevation: highest point: Jabal Shams 3,004 m lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m mean elevation: 310 m Natural resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas Land use: agricultural land: 4.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.5% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 95.3% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 590 sq km (2012) Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System Population distribution: the vast majority of the population is located in and around the Al Hagar Mountains in the north of the country; another smaller cluster is found around the city of Salalah in the far south; most of the country remains sparsely poplulated Natural hazards: summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts Geography - note: consists of Oman proper and two northern exclaves, Musandam and Al Madhah; the former is a peninsula that occupies a strategic location adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil Map description: Oman map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.Oman map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Topic: People and Society Population: 3,764,348 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up approximately 46% of the total population (2019) Nationality: noun: Omani(s) adjective: Omani Ethnic groups: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African Languages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.4%, Hindu 5.7%, other and unaffiliated 2% (2020 est.) note: Omani citizens represent approximately 56.4% of the population and are overwhelming Muslim (Ibadhi and Sunni sects each constitute about 45% and Shia about 5%); Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists account for roughly 5% of Omani citizens Age structure: 0-14 years: 30.15% (male 561,791/female 533,949) 15-24 years: 17.35% (male 331,000/female 299,516) 25-54 years: 44.81% (male 928,812/female 699,821) 55-64 years: 4.02% (male 77,558/female 68,427) 65 years and over: 3.68% (2020 est.) (male 64,152/female 69,663) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 33.3 youth dependency ratio: 30 elderly dependency ratio: 3.3 potential support ratio: 29.9 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 26.2 years male: 27.2 years female: 25.1 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.84% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 22.11 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 3.23 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the vast majority of the population is located in and around the Al Hagar Mountains in the north of the country; another smaller cluster is found around the city of Salalah in the far south; most of the country remains sparsely poplulated Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.623 million MUSCAT (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.32 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 1.17 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 19 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 14.45 deaths/1,000 live births male: 15.71 deaths/1,000 live births female: 13.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.9 years male: 74.96 years female: 78.93 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 29.7% (2014) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 97.9% of population total: 99.7% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 2.1% of population total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4.1% (2019) Physicians density: 1.77 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 1.5 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2019) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 2,500 (2019) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2019) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 27% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 8% (2020 est.) male: 15.5% (2020 est.) female: 0.4% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.2% (2016/17) Education expenditures: 5.4% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 95.7% male: 97% female: 92.7% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 14 years female: 15 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.7% male: 10.3% female: 33.9% (2016) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources; high levels of soil and water salinity in the coastal plains; beach pollution from oil spills; industrial effluents seeping into the water tables and aquifers; desertificaiton due to high winds driving desert sand into arable lands 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 38.25 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 63.46 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 5.6 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south Land use: agricultural land: 4.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.5% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 95.3% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 87.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,734,885 tons (2014 est.) Major aquifers: Arabian Aquifer System Total water withdrawal: municipal: 130 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 135 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.607 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 1.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman conventional short form: Oman local long form: Saltanat Uman local short form: Uman former: Sultanate of Muscat and Oman etymology: the origin of the name is uncertain, but it apparently dates back at least 2,000 years since an "Omana" is mentioned by Pliny the Elder (1st century A.D.) and an "Omanon" by Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.) Government type: absolute monarchy Capital: name: Muscat geographic coordinates: 23 37 N, 58 35 E time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name, whose meaning is uncertain, traces back almost two millennia; two 2nd century A.D. scholars, the geographer Ptolemy and the historian Arrian, both mention an Arabian Sea coastal town of Moscha, which most likely referred to Muscat Administrative divisions: 11 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafaza); Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Buraymi, Al Wusta, Az Zahirah, Janub al Batinah (Al Batinah South), Janub ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah South), Masqat (Muscat), Musandam, Shamal al Batinah (Al Batinah North), Shamal ash Sharqiyah (Ash Sharqiyah North), Zufar (Dhofar) Independence: 1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese) National holiday: National Day, 18 November; note - celebrates Oman's independence from Portugal in 1650 and the birthday of Sultan QABOOS bin Said al Said, who reigned from 1970 to 2020 Constitution: history: promulgated by royal decree 6 November 1996 (the Basic Law of the Sultanate of Oman serves as the constitution); amended by royal decree in 2011 amendments: promulgated by the sultan or proposed by the Council of Oman and drafted by a technical committee as stipulated by royal decree and then promulgated through royal decree; amended by royal decree 2011, 2021 Legal system: mixed legal system of Anglo-Saxon law and Islamic 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: the father must be a citizen of Oman dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: unknown Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces by law cannot vote Executive branch: chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister HAYTHAM bin Tariq bin Taimur Al-Said (since 11 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch Legislative branch: description: bicameral Council of Oman or Majlis Oman consists of: Council of State or Majlis al-Dawla (85 seats including the chairman; members appointed by the sultan from among former government officials and prominent educators, businessmen, and citizens) Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (86 seats; members directly elected in single- and 2-seat constituencies by simple majority popular vote to serve renewable 4-year terms); note - since political reforms in 2011, legislation from the Consultative Council is submitted to the Council of State for review by the Royal Court elections: Council of State - last appointments on 11 July 2019 (next to be held in November 2023) Consultative Assembly - last held on 27 October 2019 (next to be held in October 2023) election results: Council of State - composition - men 70, women 15, percent of women 17.6% Consultative Council percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA (organized political parties in Oman are legally banned); composition men 84, women 2, percent of women 2.3%; note - total Council of Oman percent of women 9.9% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 5 judges) judge selection and term of office: judges nominated by the 9-member Supreme Judicial Council (chaired by the monarch) and appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Administrative Court; Courts of First Instance; sharia courts; magistrates' courts; military courts Political parties and leaders: none; note - organized political parties are legally banned in Oman, and loyalties tend to form around tribal affiliations International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Moosa Hamdan Moosa AL TAI (since 17 February 2021) chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980 FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933 email address and website: washington@fm.gov.om https://www.culturaloffice.info/aboutomaniembassy Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie M. TSOU (since 19 January 2020) embassy: P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat mailing address: 6220 Muscat Place, Washington DC  20521 telephone: [968] 2464-3400 FAX: [968] 2464-3740 email address and website: ConsularMuscat@state.gov https://om.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three horizontal bands of white (top), red, and green of equal width with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band; white represents peace and prosperity, red recalls battles against foreign invaders, and green symbolizes the Jebel al Akhdar (Green Mountains) and fertility National symbol(s): khanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords; national colors: red, white, green National anthem: name: "Nashid as-Salaam as-Sultani" (The Sultan's Anthem) lyrics/music: Rashid bin Uzayyiz al KHUSAIDI/James Frederick MILLS, arranged by Bernard EBBINGHAUS note: adopted 1932; new lyrics written after QABOOS bin Said al Said gained power in 1970; first performed by the band of a British ship as a salute to the Sultan during a 1932 visit to Muscat; the bandmaster of the HMS Hawkins was asked to write a salutation to the Sultan on the occasion of his ship visit National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 5 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Bahla Fort; Archaeological Sites of Bat; Land of Frankincense; Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman; Ancient Qalhat Topic: Economy Economic overview: Oman is heavily dependent on oil and gas resources, which can generate between and 68% and 85% of government revenue, depending on fluctuations in commodity prices. In 2016, low global oil prices drove Oman’s budget deficit to $13.8 billion, or approximately 20% of GDP, but the budget deficit is estimated to have reduced to 12% of GDP in 2017 as Oman reduced government subsidies. As of January 2018, Oman has sufficient foreign assets to support its currency’s fixed exchange rates. It is issuing debt to cover its deficit.   Oman is using enhanced oil recovery techniques to boost production, but it has simultaneously pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP. The key components of the government's diversification strategy are tourism, shipping and logistics, mining, manufacturing, and aquaculture.   Muscat also has notably focused on creating more Omani jobs to employ the rising number of nationals entering the workforce. However, high social welfare benefits - that had increased in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring - have made it impossible for the government to balance its budget in light of current oil prices. In response, Omani officials imposed austerity measures on its gasoline and diesel subsidies in 2016. These spending cuts have had only a moderate effect on the government’s budget, which is projected to again face a deficit of $7.8 billion in 2018.Oman is heavily dependent on oil and gas resources, which can generate between and 68% and 85% of government revenue, depending on fluctuations in commodity prices. In 2016, low global oil prices drove Oman’s budget deficit to $13.8 billion, or approximately 20% of GDP, but the budget deficit is estimated to have reduced to 12% of GDP in 2017 as Oman reduced government subsidies. As of January 2018, Oman has sufficient foreign assets to support its currency’s fixed exchange rates. It is issuing debt to cover its deficit. Oman is using enhanced oil recovery techniques to boost production, but it has simultaneously pursued a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP. The key components of the government's diversification strategy are tourism, shipping and logistics, mining, manufacturing, and aquaculture. Muscat also has notably focused on creating more Omani jobs to employ the rising number of nationals entering the workforce. However, high social welfare benefits - that had increased in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring - have made it impossible for the government to balance its budget in light of current oil prices. In response, Omani officials imposed austerity measures on its gasoline and diesel subsidies in 2016. These spending cuts have had only a moderate effect on the government’s budget, which is projected to again face a deficit of $7.8 billion in 2018. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $135.79 billion (2019 est.) $136.92 billion (2018 est.) $135.696 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -0.9% (2017 est.) 5% (2016 est.) 4.7% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $27,300 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $28,400 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $29,082 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $76.883 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.1% (2019 est.) 0.7% (2018 est.) 1.7% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB- (2020) Moody's rating: Ba3 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: B+ (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.8% (2017 est.) industry: 46.4% (2017 est.) services: 51.8% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 36.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 27.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 51.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.6% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: dates, tomatoes, vegetables, goat milk, milk, cucumbers, green chillies/peppers, watermelons, sorghum, melons Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber Industrial production growth rate: -3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 2.255 million (2016 est.) note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 4.7% NA industry: 49.6% NA services: 45% (2016 est.) NA Unemployment rate: NANA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.7% male: 10.3% female: 33.9% (2016) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 22.14 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 31.92 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -13.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 46.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 32.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: excludes indebtedness of state-owned enterprises Taxes and other revenues: 31.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$10.76 billion (2017 est.) -$12.32 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $43.69 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $46.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: China 46%, India 8%, Japan 6%, South Korea 6%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, iron products, fertilizers (2019) Imports: $32.55 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $35.37 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: United Arab Emirates 36%, China 10%, Japan 7%, India 7%, United States 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, gold, iron (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $16.09 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $20.26 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $46.27 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $27.05 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar - 0.38505 (2020 est.) 0.38505 (2019 est.) 0.385 (2018 est.) 0.3845 (2014 est.) 0.3845 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 99% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 100% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 92% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 8.601 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 32,320,020,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.717 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 115,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 115,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 978,800 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 234,200 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 779,000 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 5.373 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 229,600 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 33,700 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 6,041 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 36,596,746,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 24,279,419,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 13,798,040,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 1,605,959,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 651.286 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 76.321 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 191,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 29.682 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 46.447 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 292.022 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 594,550 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 6,276,535 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 134 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: for many years Oman’s mobile market was a duopoly between the incumbent telco Omantel and its challenger Ooredoo Oman; in February 2021, Vodafone Group and Oman Future Telecommunications consortium secured a license to operate the Sultanate’s third network, with services being under the Vodafone Oman brand; the new operator has been able to extend its reach based on a tower leasing arrangement signed in 2020 with Oman Tower Company; Oman has a modern mobile sector which comprises substantial coverage of both 3G and LTE networks; in February 2021 Omantel launched commercial 5G services, while Ooredoo Group has a five-year framework agreement with Ericsson to develop its 5G platform across the Group’s ten markets, including Oman; the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a spike in mobile data traffic, which prompted Omantel to upgrade a number of sites from 3G to LTE, as well as build a number of additional 5G sites; while Oman’s fixed broadband infrastructure penetration is considered low, it is being improved with the building of fiber-based networks as part of Oman’s Vision 2040 program; Oman has also established itself as an important communications hub in the Middle East, with access to numerous submarine cables including the 2Africa submarine cable, which should become available during 2023-2024; the 9,800km Oman Australia Cable running from Muscat to Perth, with the potential for a branch line to Djibouti, is making progress and is expected to be completed in December 2021; this additional infrastructure will provide considerable additional bandwidth. (2021) domestic: fixed-line nearly 13 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 134 per 100; fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems (2020) international: country code - 968; landing points for GSA, AAE-1, SeaMeWe-5, Tata TGN-Gulf, FALCON, GBICS/MENA, MENA/Guld Bridge International, TW1, BBG, EIG, OMRAN/EPEG, and POI submarine cables providing connectivity to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 state-run TV broadcaster; TV stations transmitting from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Yemen available via satellite TV; state-run radio operates multiple stations; first private radio station began operating in 2007 and several additional stations now operating (2019) Internet country code: .om Internet users: total: 4,851,291 (2020 est.) percent of population: 95% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 508,949 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 57 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 10,438,241 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 510.43 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: A4O Airports: total: 132 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 13 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 119 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 51 914 to 1,523 m: 33 under 914 m: 26 (2021) Heliports: 3 (2021) Pipelines: 106 km condensate, 4,224 km gas, 3,558 km oil, 33 km oil/gas/water, 264 km refined products (2013) Roadways: total: 60,230 km (2012) paved: 29,685 km (2012) (includes 1,943 km of expressways) unpaved: 30,545 km (2012) Merchant marine: total: 57 by type: general cargo 10, other 47 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Mina' Qabus, Salalah, Suhar container port(s) (TEUs): Salalah (4,109,000) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (export): Qalhat Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman (RAO), Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), Royal Guard of Oman (RGO); Royal Oman Police (ROP): Civil Defense, Immigration, Customs, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (2022) Military expenditures: 8% of GDP (2021 est.) 11% of GDP (2020 est.) 11.8% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $12.1 billion) 11.2% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $11.8 billion) 12.3% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $12.7 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 40,000 active duty troops (25,000 Army, 5,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force; 5,000 Royal Guard) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the SAF's inventory includes a mix of older and some more modern weapons systems from a variety of suppliers, particularly Europe and the US; since 2010, the UK and the US are the leading suppliers of arms to Oman (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (women have been allowed to serve since 2011); no conscription (2022) Military - note: the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) have a longstanding security relationship with the British military going back to the 18th century; as of 2022, the SAF and the British maintained a joint training base in Oman and exercised together regularly; in 2017, Oman and the British signed an agreement allowing the British military the use of facilities at Al Duqm Port; in 2019, the US obtained access to the port (2022) Maritime threats: the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2022-003 Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea-Threats to US and International Shipping from Iran) effective 28 February 2022, which states in part that "heightened military activities and increased political tensions in this region continue to present risk to commercial shipping...there is a continued possibility that Iran and/or its regional proxies could take actions against US and partner interests in the region"; Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel has been established to provide escorts for commercial shipping transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Omanthe Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2022-003 Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea-Threats to US and International Shipping from Iran) effective 28 February 2022, which states in part that "heightened military activities and increased political tensions in this region continue to present risk to commercial shipping...there is a continued possibility that Iran and/or its regional proxies could take actions against US and partner interests in the region"; Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel has been established to provide escorts for commercial shipping transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Oman-Saudi Arabia: none identified Oman-UAE: boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public; Oman and UAE signed the final demarcation of their land border in 2008 Oman-Yemen: Oman and Yemen signed a border agreement in 1992; demarcation of their border was completed in 1995  Oman-Saudi Arabia: none identifiedOman-UAE: boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public; Oman and UAE signed the final demarcation of their land border in 2008Oman-Yemen: Oman and Yemen signed a border agreement in 1992; demarcation of their border was completed in 1995  Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 5,000 (Yemen) (2017)

20220901

east-and-southeast-asia

20220901

field-irrigated-land

This entry gives the number of square kilometers of land area that is artificially supplied with water. Topic: Afghanistan32,080 sq km (2012) Topic: Albania3,537 sq km (2014) Topic: Algeria13,600 sq km (2014) Topic: American Samoa0 sq km (2012) Topic: Andorra0 sq km (2012) Topic: Angola860 sq km (2014) Topic: Anguilla0 sq km (2012) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda1.3 sq km (2012) Topic: Argentina23,600 sq km (2012) Topic: Armenia2,740 sq km (2012) Topic: ArubaNA Topic: Australia25,460 sq km (2014) Topic: Austria1,170 sq km (2012) Topic: Azerbaijan14,277 sq km (2012) Topic: Bahamas, The10 sq km (2012) Topic: Bahrain40 sq km (2012) Topic: Bangladesh53,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Barbados50 sq km (2012) Topic: Belarus1,140 sq km (2012) Topic: Belgium230 sq km (2012) Topic: Belize35 sq km (2012) Topic: Benin230 sq km (2012) Topic: BermudaNA Topic: Bhutan320 sq km (2012) Topic: Bolivia3,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina30 sq km (2012) Topic: Botswana20 sq km (2012) Topic: Brazil54,000 sq km (2012) Topic: British Virgin IslandsNA Topic: Brunei10 sq km (2012) Topic: Bulgaria1,020 sq km (2012) Topic: Burkina Faso550 sq km (2016) Topic: Burma22,950 sq km (2012) Topic: Burundi230 sq km (2012) Topic: Cabo Verde35 sq km (2012) Topic: Cambodia3,540 sq km (2012) Topic: Cameroon290 sq km (2012) Topic: Canada8,700 sq km (2012) Topic: Cayman IslandsNA Topic: Central African Republic10 sq km (2012) Topic: Chad300 sq km (2012) Topic: Chile11,100 sq km (2012) Topic: China690,070 sq km (2012) Topic: Christmas IslandNA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsNA Topic: Colombia10,900 sq km (2012) Topic: Comoros1.3 sq km (2012) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the110 sq km (2012) Topic: Congo, Republic of the20 sq km (2012) Topic: Cook IslandsNA Topic: Costa Rica1,015 sq km (2012) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire730 sq km (2012) Topic: Croatia240 sq km (2012) Topic: Cuba8,700 sq km (2012) Topic: CuracaoNA Topic: Cyprus460 sq km (2012) Topic: Czechia320 sq km (2012) Topic: Denmark4,350 sq km (2012) Topic: Djibouti10 sq km (2012) Topic: DominicaNA Topic: Dominican Republic3,070 sq km (2012) Topic: Ecuador15,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Egypt36,500 sq km (2012) Topic: El Salvador452 sq km (2012) Topic: Equatorial GuineaNA Topic: Eritrea210 sq km (2012) Topic: Estonia40 sq km (2012) Topic: Eswatini500 sq km (2012) Topic: Ethiopia2,900 sq km (2012) Topic: European Union154,539.82 sq km (2011 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)NA Topic: Fiji40 sq km (2012) Topic: Finland690 sq km (2012) Topic: France26,420 sq km (2012) 26,950 sq km metropolitan France: 26,000 sq km (2012) Topic: French Polynesia10 sq km (2012) Topic: Gabon40 sq km (2012) Topic: Gambia, The50 sq km (2012) Topic: Gaza Strip(2012) 240 sq km; note - includes the West Bank Topic: Georgia4,330 sq km (2012) Topic: Germany6,500 sq km (2012) Topic: Ghana340 sq km (2012) Topic: GibraltarNA Topic: Greece15,550 sq km (2012) Topic: GreenlandNA Topic: Grenada20 sq km (2012) Topic: Guam2 sq km (2012) Topic: Guatemala3,375 sq km (2012) Topic: GuernseyNA Topic: Guinea950 sq km (2012) Topic: Guinea-Bissau250 sq km (2012) Topic: Guyana1,430 sq km (2012) Topic: Haiti970 sq km (2012) Topic: Honduras900 sq km (2012) Topic: Hong Kong10 sq km (2012) Topic: Hungary1,721 sq km (2012) Topic: IcelandNA Topic: India667,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Indonesia67,220 sq km (2012) Topic: Iran95,530 sq km (2012) Topic: Iraq35,250 sq km (2012) Topic: Ireland0 sq km (2012) Topic: Isle of Man0 sq km (2012) Topic: Israel2,250 sq km (2012) Topic: Italy39,500 sq km (2012) Topic: Jamaica250 sq km (2012) Topic: Jan Mayen0 sq km (2012) Topic: Japan24,690 sq km (2012) Topic: JerseyNA Topic: Jordan964 sq km (2012) Topic: Kazakhstan20,660 sq km (2012) Topic: Kenya1,030 sq km (2012) Topic: Kiribati0 sq km (2012) Topic: Korea, North14,600 sq km (2012) Topic: Korea, South7,780 sq km (2012) Topic: KosovoNA Topic: Kuwait105 sq km (2012) Topic: Kyrgyzstan10,233 sq km (2012) Topic: Laos3,100 sq km (2012) Topic: Latvia12 sq km (2012) note: land in Latvia is often too wet and in need of drainage not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage Topic: Lebanon1,040 sq km (2012) Topic: Lesotho30 sq km (2012) Topic: Liberia30 sq km (2012) Topic: Libya4,700 sq km (2012) Topic: Liechtenstein0 sq km (2012) Topic: Lithuania44 sq km (2012) Topic: Luxembourg0 sq km (2012) Topic: Macau0 sq km (2012) Topic: Madagascar10,860 sq km (2012) Topic: Malawi740 sq km (2012) Topic: Malaysia3,800 sq km (2012) Topic: Maldives0 sq km (2012) Topic: Mali3,780 sq km (2012) Topic: Malta35 sq km (2012) Topic: Marshall Islands0 sq km (2012) Topic: Mauritania450 sq km (2012) Topic: Mauritius190 sq km (2012) Topic: Mexico65,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of0 sq km (2012) NA Topic: Moldova2,283 sq km (2012) Topic: Monaco0 sq km (2012) Topic: Mongolia840 sq km (2012) Topic: Montenegro24 sq km (2012) Topic: Montserrat0 sq km (2012) Topic: Morocco14,850 sq km (2012) Topic: Mozambique1,180 sq km (2012) Topic: Namibia80 sq km (2012) Topic: Nauru0 sq km (2012) Topic: Nepal13,320 sq km (2012) Topic: Netherlands4,860 sq km (2012) Topic: New Caledonia100 sq km (2012) Topic: New Zealand7,210 sq km (2012) Topic: Nicaragua1,990 sq km (2012) Topic: Niger1,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Nigeria2,930 sq km (2012) Topic: Niue0 sq km (2012) Topic: Norfolk Island0 sq km (2012) Topic: North Macedonia1,280 sq km (2012) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands1 sq km (2012) Topic: Norway900 sq km (2012) Topic: Oman590 sq km (2012) Topic: Pakistan202,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Palau0 sq km (2012) Topic: Panama321 sq km (2012) Topic: Papua New Guinea0 sq km (2012) Topic: Paracel Islands0 sq km (2012) Topic: Paraguay1,362 sq km (2012) Topic: Peru25,800 sq km (2012) Topic: Philippines16,270 sq km (2012) Topic: Pitcairn Islands0 sq km (2012) Topic: Poland970 sq km (2012) Topic: Portugal5,400 sq km (2012) Topic: Puerto Rico220 sq km (2012) Topic: Qatar130 sq km (2012) Topic: Romania31,490 sq km (2012) Topic: Russia43,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Rwanda96 sq km (2012) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 sq km (2012) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis8 sq km (2012) Topic: Saint Lucia30 sq km (2012) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon0 sq km (2012) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines10 sq km (2012) Topic: Samoa0 sq km (2012) Topic: San Marino0 sq km (2012) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe100 sq km (2012) Topic: Saudi Arabia16,200 sq km (2012) Topic: Senegal1,200 sq km (2012) Topic: Serbia950 sq km (2012) Topic: Seychelles3 sq km (2012) Topic: Sierra Leone300 sq km (2012) Topic: Singapore0 sq km (2012) Topic: Slovakia869 sq km (2012) Topic: Slovenia60 sq km (2012) Topic: Solomon Islands0 sq km (2012) NA Topic: Somalia2,000 sq km (2012) Topic: South Africa16,700 sq km (2012) Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands0 sq km (2011) Topic: South Sudan1,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Spain38,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Sri Lanka5,700 sq km (2012) Topic: Sudan18,900 sq km (2012) Topic: Suriname570 sq km (2012) Topic: Sweden1,640 sq km (2012) Topic: Switzerland630 sq km (2012) Topic: Syria14,280 sq km (2012) Topic: Taiwan3,820 sq km (2012) Topic: Tajikistan7,420 sq km (2012) Topic: Tanzania1,840 sq km (2012) Topic: Thailand64,150 sq km (2012) Topic: Timor-Leste350 sq km (2012) Topic: Togo70 sq km (2012) Topic: Tokelau0 sq km (2012) Topic: Tonga0 sq km (2012) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago70 sq km (2012) Topic: Tunisia4,590 sq km (2012) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)52,150 sq km (2012) Topic: Turkmenistan19,950 sq km (2012) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands0 sq km (2012) Topic: Tuvalu0 sq km (2012) Topic: Uganda140 sq km (2012) Topic: Ukraine21,670 sq km (2012) Topic: United Arab Emirates923 sq km (2012) Topic: United Kingdom950 sq km (2012) Topic: United States264,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Uruguay2,380 sq km (2012) Topic: Uzbekistan42,150 sq km (2012) Topic: Vanuatu0 sq km (2012) Topic: Venezuela10,550 sq km (2012) Topic: Vietnam46,000 sq km (2012) Topic: Virgin Islands1 sq km (2012) Topic: Wake Island0 sq km (2012) Topic: Wallis and Futuna0 sq km (2012) Topic: West Bank(2012) 240 sq km; note - includes Gaza Strip Topic: World3,242,917 sq km (2012 est.) Topic: Yemen6,800 sq km (2012) Topic: Zambia1,560 sq km (2012) Topic: Zimbabwe1,740 sq km (2012)

20220901

field-dependency-ratios

Dependency ratios are a measure of the age structure of a population. They relate the number of individuals that are likely to be economically "dependent" on the support of others. Dependency ratios contrast the ratio of youths (ages 0-14) and the elderly (ages 65+) to the number of those in the working-age group (ages 15-64). Changes in the dependency ratio provide an indication of potential social support requirements resulting from changes in population age structures. As fertility levels decline, the dependency ratio initially falls because the proportion of youths decreases while the proportion of the population of working age increases. As fertility levels continue to decline, dependency ratios eventually increase because the proportion of the population of working age starts to decline and the proportion of elderly persons continues to increase. total dependency ratio - The total dependency ratio is the ratio of combined youth population (ages 0-14) and elderly population (ages 65+) per 100 people of working age (ages 15-64). A high total dependency ratio indicates that the working-age population and the overall economy face a greater burden to support and provide social services for youth and elderly persons, who are often economically dependent. youth dependency ratio - The youth dependency ratio is the ratio of the youth population (ages 0-14) per 100 people of working age (ages 15-64). A high youth dependency ratio indicates that a greater investment needs to be made in schooling and other services for children. elderly dependency ratio - The elderly dependency ratio is the ratio of the elderly population (ages 65+) per 100 people of working age (ages 15-64). Increases in the elderly dependency ratio put added pressure on governments to fund pensions and healthcare. potential support ratio - The potential support ratio is the number of working-age people (ages 15-64) per one elderly person (ages 65+). As a population ages, the potential support ratio tends to fall, meaning there are fewer potential workers to support the elderly. Topic: Afghanistantotal dependency ratio: 88.8 youth dependency ratio: 75.3 elderly dependency ratio: 4.8 potential support ratio: 21 (2020 est.) Topic: Akrotiritotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Albaniatotal dependency ratio: 46.9 youth dependency ratio: 25.3 elderly dependency ratio: 21.6 potential support ratio: 4.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Algeriatotal dependency ratio: 60.1 youth dependency ratio: 49.3 elderly dependency ratio: 10.8 potential support ratio: 9.3 (2020 est.) Topic: American Samoatotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Andorratotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Angolatotal dependency ratio: 94.5 youth dependency ratio: 90.2 elderly dependency ratio: 4.3 potential support ratio: 23.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Anguillatotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal dependency ratio: 45.3 youth dependency ratio: 31.8 elderly dependency ratio: 13.6 potential support ratio: 7.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Argentinatotal dependency ratio: 56.5 youth dependency ratio: 38.1 elderly dependency ratio: 17.7 potential support ratio: 5.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Armeniatotal dependency ratio: 48.4 youth dependency ratio: 30.9 elderly dependency ratio: 17.5 potential support ratio: 5.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Arubatotal dependency ratio: 47 youth dependency ratio: 25.6 elderly dependency ratio: 21.5 potential support ratio: 4.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Australiatotal dependency ratio: 55.1 youth dependency ratio: 29.9 elderly dependency ratio: 25.1 potential support ratio: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Austriatotal dependency ratio: 50.6 youth dependency ratio: 21.7 elderly dependency ratio: 28.9 potential support ratio: 3.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Azerbaijantotal dependency ratio: 43.4 youth dependency ratio: 33.7 elderly dependency ratio: 9.7 potential support ratio: 10.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal dependency ratio: 41.5 youth dependency ratio: 30.6 elderly dependency ratio: 11 potential support ratio: 9.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Bahraintotal dependency ratio: 26.5 youth dependency ratio: 23.1 elderly dependency ratio: 3.4 potential support ratio: 29.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Bangladeshtotal dependency ratio: 47 youth dependency ratio: 39.3 elderly dependency ratio: 7.7 potential support ratio: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Barbadostotal dependency ratio: 50.3 youth dependency ratio: 25.2 elderly dependency ratio: 25.1 potential support ratio: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Belarustotal dependency ratio: 48.9 youth dependency ratio: 25.7 elderly dependency ratio: 23.2 potential support ratio: 4.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Belgiumtotal dependency ratio: 57 youth dependency ratio: 26.7 elderly dependency ratio: 30.2 potential support ratio: 3.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Belizetotal dependency ratio: 52 youth dependency ratio: 44.4 elderly dependency ratio: 7.6 potential support ratio: 13.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Benintotal dependency ratio: 82.6 youth dependency ratio: 76.6 elderly dependency ratio: 6 potential support ratio: 16.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Bermudatotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Bhutantotal dependency ratio: 45.1 youth dependency ratio: 36.1 elderly dependency ratio: 9 potential support ratio: 11.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Boliviatotal dependency ratio: 60.5 youth dependency ratio: 48.5 elderly dependency ratio: 12 potential support ratio: 8.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal dependency ratio: 48 youth dependency ratio: 21.5 elderly dependency ratio: 26.5 potential support ratio: 3.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Botswanatotal dependency ratio: 61.1 youth dependency ratio: 53.8 elderly dependency ratio: 7.3 potential support ratio: 13.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Bouvet Islandtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Braziltotal dependency ratio: 43.5 youth dependency ratio: 29.7 elderly dependency ratio: 13.8 potential support ratio: 7.3 (2020 est.) Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorytotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Bruneitotal dependency ratio: 38.7 youth dependency ratio: 31 elderly dependency ratio: 7.7 potential support ratio: 12.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Bulgariatotal dependency ratio: 56.6 youth dependency ratio: 23 elderly dependency ratio: 33.6 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasototal dependency ratio: 87.9 youth dependency ratio: 83.4 elderly dependency ratio: 4.5 potential support ratio: 22.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Burmatotal dependency ratio: 46.5 youth dependency ratio: 37.3 elderly dependency ratio: 9.1 potential support ratio: 10.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Burunditotal dependency ratio: 91 youth dependency ratio: 86.4 elderly dependency ratio: 4.5 potential support ratio: 22 (2020 est.) Topic: Cabo Verdetotal dependency ratio: 49 youth dependency ratio: 41.8 elderly dependency ratio: 7.1 potential support ratio: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Cambodiatotal dependency ratio: 55.7 youth dependency ratio: 48.2 elderly dependency ratio: 7.6 potential support ratio: 13.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Cameroontotal dependency ratio: 81.1 youth dependency ratio: 76.2 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Canadatotal dependency ratio: 51.2 youth dependency ratio: 23.9 elderly dependency ratio: 27.4 potential support ratio: 3.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Central African Republictotal dependency ratio: 86.4 youth dependency ratio: 81.1 elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 potential support ratio: 19.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Chadtotal dependency ratio: 96 youth dependency ratio: 91.1 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Chiletotal dependency ratio: 45.9 youth dependency ratio: 28.1 elderly dependency ratio: 17.9 potential support ratio: 5.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Chinatotal dependency ratio: 42.2 youth dependency ratio: 25.2 elderly dependency ratio: 17 potential support ratio: 5.9 (2020 est.) note: data do not include Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Topic: Christmas Islandtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Clipperton Islandtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Colombiatotal dependency ratio: 45.4 youth dependency ratio: 32.3 elderly dependency ratio: 13.2 potential support ratio: 7.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Comorostotal dependency ratio: 75.5 youth dependency ratio: 67.4 elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 potential support ratio: 18.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal dependency ratio: 95.4 youth dependency ratio: 89.5 elderly dependency ratio: 5.9 potential support ratio: 17 (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal dependency ratio: 78.7 youth dependency ratio: 73.7 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Cook Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Coral Sea Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Costa Ricatotal dependency ratio: 45.1 youth dependency ratio: 30.2 elderly dependency ratio: 14.9 potential support ratio: 6.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal dependency ratio: 79.8 youth dependency ratio: 74.6 elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 potential support ratio: 19.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Croatiatotal dependency ratio: 55.7 youth dependency ratio: 22.6 elderly dependency ratio: 33.1 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Cubatotal dependency ratio: 46.7 youth dependency ratio: 23.3 elderly dependency ratio: 23.3 potential support ratio: 4.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Curacaototal dependency ratio: 55.9 youth dependency ratio: 28.3 elderly dependency ratio: 27.5 potential support ratio: 3.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Cyprustotal dependency ratio: 44.9 youth dependency ratio: 24 elderly dependency ratio: 20.9 potential support ratio: 4.8 (2020 est.) note: data represent the whole country Topic: Czechiatotal dependency ratio: 56 youth dependency ratio: 24.6 elderly dependency ratio: 31.4 potential support ratio: 3.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Denmarktotal dependency ratio: 57.3 youth dependency ratio: 25.6 elderly dependency ratio: 31.7 potential support ratio: 3.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Dhekeliatotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Djiboutitotal dependency ratio: 50.6 youth dependency ratio: 43.6 elderly dependency ratio: 7.1 potential support ratio: 14.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Dominicatotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Dominican Republictotal dependency ratio: 53.8 youth dependency ratio: 42.2 elderly dependency ratio: 11.6 potential support ratio: 8.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Ecuadortotal dependency ratio: 53.8 youth dependency ratio: 42.1 elderly dependency ratio: 11.7 potential support ratio: 8.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Egypttotal dependency ratio: 64.6 youth dependency ratio: 55.8 elderly dependency ratio: 8.8 potential support ratio: 11.4 (2020 est.) Topic: El Salvadortotal dependency ratio: 54.4 youth dependency ratio: 41.1 elderly dependency ratio: 13.4 potential support ratio: 7.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal dependency ratio: 64.4 youth dependency ratio: 60.5 elderly dependency ratio: 3.9 potential support ratio: 25.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Eritreatotal dependency ratio: 83.9 youth dependency ratio: 75.6 elderly dependency ratio: 8.3 potential support ratio: 12.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Estoniatotal dependency ratio: 58.4 youth dependency ratio: 26.1 elderly dependency ratio: 32.3 potential support ratio: 3.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Eswatinitotal dependency ratio: 70.8 youth dependency ratio: 64 elderly dependency ratio: 6.9 potential support ratio: 14.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Ethiopiatotal dependency ratio: 76.8 youth dependency ratio: 70.6 elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 potential support ratio: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: European Uniontotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Faroe Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Fijitotal dependency ratio: 53.4 youth dependency ratio: 44.5 elderly dependency ratio: 8.9 potential support ratio: 11.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Finlandtotal dependency ratio: 62.4 youth dependency ratio: 25.8 elderly dependency ratio: 36.6 potential support ratio: 2.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Francetotal dependency ratio: 62.4 youth dependency ratio: 28.7 elderly dependency ratio: 33.7 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: French Polynesiatotal dependency ratio: 45.5 youth dependency ratio: 32.3 elderly dependency ratio: 13.2 potential support ratio: 7.6 (2020 est.) Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Gabontotal dependency ratio: 68.9 youth dependency ratio: 62.9 elderly dependency ratio: 6 potential support ratio: 16.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Gambia, Thetotal dependency ratio: 86.9 youth dependency ratio: 82.1 elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 potential support ratio: 21.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Gaza Striptotal dependency ratio: 71.2 youth dependency ratio: 65.7 elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 potential support ratio: 18.2 (2020 est.) note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank Topic: Georgiatotal dependency ratio: 55 youth dependency ratio: 31.3 elderly dependency ratio: 23.6 potential support ratio: 4.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Germanytotal dependency ratio: 55.4 youth dependency ratio: 21.7 elderly dependency ratio: 33.7 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Ghanatotal dependency ratio: 67.4 youth dependency ratio: 62.2 elderly dependency ratio: 5.3 potential support ratio: 17.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Gibraltartotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Greecetotal dependency ratio: 56.1 youth dependency ratio: 21.3 elderly dependency ratio: 34.8 potential support ratio: 2.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Greenlandtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Grenadatotal dependency ratio: 50.5 youth dependency ratio: 35.8 elderly dependency ratio: 14.7 potential support ratio: 6.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Guamtotal dependency ratio: 52.4 youth dependency ratio: 36.4 elderly dependency ratio: 16.1 potential support ratio: 6.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Guatemalatotal dependency ratio: 62.3 youth dependency ratio: 54.1 elderly dependency ratio: 8.2 potential support ratio: 12.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Guernseytotal dependency ratio: 49 youth dependency ratio: 22.3 elderly dependency ratio: 26.7 potential support ratio: 3.7 (2020 est.) note: data represent Guernsey and Jersey Topic: Guineatotal dependency ratio: 85.2 youth dependency ratio: 79.7 elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 potential support ratio: 18.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal dependency ratio: 81.2 youth dependency ratio: 76 elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 potential support ratio: 19.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Guyanatotal dependency ratio: 53.2 youth dependency ratio: 42.5 elderly dependency ratio: 10.7 potential support ratio: 9.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Haititotal dependency ratio: 60.4 youth dependency ratio: 52.1 elderly dependency ratio: 8.3 potential support ratio: 13.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Hondurastotal dependency ratio: 55.2 youth dependency ratio: 47.5 elderly dependency ratio: 7.7 potential support ratio: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Hong Kongtotal dependency ratio: 44.7 youth dependency ratio: 18.3 elderly dependency ratio: 26.3 potential support ratio: 3.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Hungarytotal dependency ratio: 46.9 youth dependency ratio: 22 elderly dependency ratio: 30.8 potential support ratio: 3.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Icelandtotal dependency ratio: 54 youth dependency ratio: 29.9 elderly dependency ratio: 24.1 potential support ratio: 4.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Indiatotal dependency ratio: 48.7 youth dependency ratio: 38.9 elderly dependency ratio: 9.8 potential support ratio: 10.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Indonesiatotal dependency ratio: 47.5 youth dependency ratio: 38.3 elderly dependency ratio: 9.2 potential support ratio: 10.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Irantotal dependency ratio: 45.6 youth dependency ratio: 36 elderly dependency ratio: 9.6 potential support ratio: 14.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Iraqtotal dependency ratio: 69.9 youth dependency ratio: 64.1 elderly dependency ratio: 5.9 potential support ratio: 17.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Irelandtotal dependency ratio: 54.8 youth dependency ratio: 32.3 elderly dependency ratio: 22.6 potential support ratio: 4.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Isle of Mantotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Israeltotal dependency ratio: 67.3 youth dependency ratio: 46.6 elderly dependency ratio: 20.8 potential support ratio: 4.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Italytotal dependency ratio: 57 youth dependency ratio: 20.4 elderly dependency ratio: 36.6 potential support ratio: 2.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Jamaicatotal dependency ratio: 48 youth dependency ratio: 34.6 elderly dependency ratio: 13.4 potential support ratio: 7.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Jan Mayentotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Japantotal dependency ratio: 69 youth dependency ratio: 21 elderly dependency ratio: 48 potential support ratio: 2.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Jerseytotal dependency ratio: 49 youth dependency ratio: 22.3 elderly dependency ratio: 26.7 potential support ratio: 3.7 (2020 est.) note: data represent Guernsey and Jersey Topic: Jordantotal dependency ratio: 58.2 youth dependency ratio: 52 elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 potential support ratio: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Kazakhstantotal dependency ratio: 58.8 youth dependency ratio: 46.3 elderly dependency ratio: 12.6 potential support ratio: 8 (2020 est.) Topic: Kenyatotal dependency ratio: 69.8 youth dependency ratio: 65.5 elderly dependency ratio: 4.3 potential support ratio: 23.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Kiribatitotal dependency ratio: 67 youth dependency ratio: 60 elderly dependency ratio: 7 potential support ratio: 14.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Northtotal dependency ratio: 41.2 youth dependency ratio: 28 elderly dependency ratio: 13.2 potential support ratio: 7.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Southtotal dependency ratio: 39.5 youth dependency ratio: 17.5 elderly dependency ratio: 22 potential support ratio: 4.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Kosovototal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Kuwaittotal dependency ratio: 32.4 youth dependency ratio: 28.4 elderly dependency ratio: 4 potential support ratio: 24.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal dependency ratio: 59.7 youth dependency ratio: 52.1 elderly dependency ratio: 7.5 potential support ratio: 13.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Laostotal dependency ratio: 56.8 youth dependency ratio: 50.1 elderly dependency ratio: 6.7 potential support ratio: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Latviatotal dependency ratio: 59 youth dependency ratio: 26.1 elderly dependency ratio: 32.9 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Lebanontotal dependency ratio: 48.4 youth dependency ratio: 37.2 elderly dependency ratio: 11.2 potential support ratio: 8.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Lesothototal dependency ratio: 59.2 youth dependency ratio: 51.3 elderly dependency ratio: 7.9 potential support ratio: 12.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Liberiatotal dependency ratio: 77.6 youth dependency ratio: 71.7 elderly dependency ratio: 5.9 potential support ratio: 17 (2020 est.) Topic: Libyatotal dependency ratio: 47.7 youth dependency ratio: 41 elderly dependency ratio: 6.7 potential support ratio: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Liechtensteintotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Lithuaniatotal dependency ratio: 56.5 youth dependency ratio: 24.2 elderly dependency ratio: 32.3 potential support ratio: 3.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Luxembourgtotal dependency ratio: 42.8 youth dependency ratio: 22.2 elderly dependency ratio: 20.5 potential support ratio: 4.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Macautotal dependency ratio: 35.7 youth dependency ratio: 19.5 elderly dependency ratio: 16.2 potential support ratio: 6.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Madagascartotal dependency ratio: 75.9 youth dependency ratio: 70.5 elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 potential support ratio: 18.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Malawitotal dependency ratio: 83.9 youth dependency ratio: 79.1 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Malaysiatotal dependency ratio: 44.2 youth dependency ratio: 33.8 elderly dependency ratio: 10.4 potential support ratio: 9.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Maldivestotal dependency ratio: 30.2 youth dependency ratio: 25.5 elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 potential support ratio: 21.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Malitotal dependency ratio: 98 youth dependency ratio: 93.1 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Maltatotal dependency ratio: 55.5 youth dependency ratio: 22.4 elderly dependency ratio: 33.2 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Marshall Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Mauritaniatotal dependency ratio: 75 youth dependency ratio: 69.5 elderly dependency ratio: 5.6 potential support ratio: 18 (2020 est.) Topic: Mauritiustotal dependency ratio: 41.5 youth dependency ratio: 23.7 elderly dependency ratio: 17.7 potential support ratio: 5.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Mexicototal dependency ratio: 50.3 youth dependency ratio: 38.8 elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 potential support ratio: 8.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal dependency ratio: 55.2 youth dependency ratio: 48.4 elderly dependency ratio: 6.8 potential support ratio: 14.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Moldovatotal dependency ratio: 39.6 youth dependency ratio: 22.2 elderly dependency ratio: 17.4 potential support ratio: 5.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Monacototal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Mongoliatotal dependency ratio: 54.8 youth dependency ratio: 48.1 elderly dependency ratio: 6.7 potential support ratio: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Montenegrototal dependency ratio: 51.1 youth dependency ratio: 27.3 elderly dependency ratio: 23.8 potential support ratio: 4.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Montserrattotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Moroccototal dependency ratio: 52.4 youth dependency ratio: 40.8 elderly dependency ratio: 11.6 potential support ratio: 8.6 (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambiquetotal dependency ratio: 88.4 youth dependency ratio: 83 elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 potential support ratio: 18.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Namibiatotal dependency ratio: 67.9 youth dependency ratio: 61.8 elderly dependency ratio: 6 potential support ratio: 16.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Naurutotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Navassa Islandtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Nepaltotal dependency ratio: 53 youth dependency ratio: 44.1 elderly dependency ratio: 8.9 potential support ratio: 11.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Netherlandstotal dependency ratio: 55.6 youth dependency ratio: 24.4 elderly dependency ratio: 31.2 potential support ratio: 3.2 (2020 est.) Topic: New Caledoniatotal dependency ratio: 46.6 youth dependency ratio: 32.4 elderly dependency ratio: 14.2 potential support ratio: 7 (2020 est.) Topic: New Zealandtotal dependency ratio: 55.8 youth dependency ratio: 30.3 elderly dependency ratio: 25.5 potential support ratio: 3.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Nicaraguatotal dependency ratio: 54.3 youth dependency ratio: 45.5 elderly dependency ratio: 8.8 potential support ratio: 11.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Nigertotal dependency ratio: 109.5 youth dependency ratio: 104.1 elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 potential support ratio: 18.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Nigeriatotal dependency ratio: 86 youth dependency ratio: 80.9 elderly dependency ratio: 5.1 potential support ratio: 19.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Niuetotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Norfolk Islandtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: North Macedoniatotal dependency ratio: 44.5 youth dependency ratio: 23.6 elderly dependency ratio: 20.9 potential support ratio: 4.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Norwaytotal dependency ratio: 53.3 youth dependency ratio: 26.5 elderly dependency ratio: 26.9 potential support ratio: 3.7 (2020 est.) note: data include Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Topic: Omantotal dependency ratio: 33.3 youth dependency ratio: 30 elderly dependency ratio: 3.3 potential support ratio: 29.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Pakistantotal dependency ratio: 64.4 youth dependency ratio: 57.2 elderly dependency ratio: 7.1 potential support ratio: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Palautotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Panamatotal dependency ratio: 53.9 youth dependency ratio: 40.8 elderly dependency ratio: 13.1 potential support ratio: 7.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineatotal dependency ratio: 63.2 youth dependency ratio: 57.4 elderly dependency ratio: 5.8 potential support ratio: 17.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Paracel Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Paraguaytotal dependency ratio: 55.5 youth dependency ratio: 49.9 elderly dependency ratio: 10.6 potential support ratio: 9.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Perutotal dependency ratio: 50.2 youth dependency ratio: 37.1 elderly dependency ratio: 13.1 potential support ratio: 7.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Philippinestotal dependency ratio: 55.2 youth dependency ratio: 46.6 elderly dependency ratio: 8.6 potential support ratio: 11.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Polandtotal dependency ratio: 51.4 youth dependency ratio: 23 elderly dependency ratio: 28.4 potential support ratio: 3.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Portugaltotal dependency ratio: 55.8 youth dependency ratio: 20.3 elderly dependency ratio: 35.5 potential support ratio: 2.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricototal dependency ratio: 57.7 youth dependency ratio: 24.8 elderly dependency ratio: 32.8 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Qatartotal dependency ratio: 18.1 youth dependency ratio: 16.1 elderly dependency ratio: 2 potential support ratio: 50.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Romaniatotal dependency ratio: 53.3 youth dependency ratio: 23.8 elderly dependency ratio: 29.5 potential support ratio: 3.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Russiatotal dependency ratio: 51.2 youth dependency ratio: 27.8 elderly dependency ratio: 23.5 potential support ratio: 4.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Rwandatotal dependency ratio: 74.2 youth dependency ratio: 68.8 elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 potential support ratio: 18.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Barthelemytotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Saint Luciatotal dependency ratio: 39.4 youth dependency ratio: 25 elderly dependency ratio: 14.4 potential support ratio: 7 (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Martintotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal dependency ratio: 46.7 youth dependency ratio: 32.1 elderly dependency ratio: 14.5 potential support ratio: 6.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Samoatotal dependency ratio: 73.3 youth dependency ratio: 64.5 elderly dependency ratio: 8.8 potential support ratio: 11.4 (2020 est.) Topic: San Marinototal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal dependency ratio: 81 youth dependency ratio: 75.6 elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 potential support ratio: 18.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal dependency ratio: 39.3 youth dependency ratio: 34.4 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Senegaltotal dependency ratio: 84.2 youth dependency ratio: 78.4 elderly dependency ratio: 5.7 potential support ratio: 17.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Serbiatotal dependency ratio: 52.5 youth dependency ratio: 23.4 elderly dependency ratio: 29.1 potential support ratio: 3.4 (2020 est.) note: data include Kosovo Topic: Seychellestotal dependency ratio: 46.7 youth dependency ratio: 34.9 elderly dependency ratio: 11.8 potential support ratio: 8.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Sierra Leonetotal dependency ratio: 76.3 youth dependency ratio: 71.1 elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 potential support ratio: 19.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Singaporetotal dependency ratio: 34.5 youth dependency ratio: 16.5 elderly dependency ratio: 18 potential support ratio: 5.6 (2020 est.) Topic: Sint Maartentotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Slovakiatotal dependency ratio: 47.6 youth dependency ratio: 23 elderly dependency ratio: 24.6 potential support ratio: 4.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Sloveniatotal dependency ratio: 55.9 youth dependency ratio: 23.6 elderly dependency ratio: 32.3 potential support ratio: 3.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandstotal dependency ratio: 77.6 youth dependency ratio: 71.1 elderly dependency ratio: 6.5 potential support ratio: 15.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Somaliatotal dependency ratio: 96.3 youth dependency ratio: 90.6 elderly dependency ratio: 5.7 potential support ratio: 17.6 (2020 est.) Topic: South Africatotal dependency ratio: 52.2 youth dependency ratio: 43.8 elderly dependency ratio: 8.4 potential support ratio: 11.9 (2020 est.) Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: South Sudantotal dependency ratio: 80.8 youth dependency ratio: 74.7 elderly dependency ratio: 6.1 potential support ratio: 16.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Spaintotal dependency ratio: 52.4 youth dependency ratio: 21.9 elderly dependency ratio: 30.4 potential support ratio: 3.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Spratly Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Sri Lankatotal dependency ratio: 53.7 youth dependency ratio: 36.4 elderly dependency ratio: 17.3 potential support ratio: 5.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Sudantotal dependency ratio: 76.9 youth dependency ratio: 70.4 elderly dependency ratio: 6.5 potential support ratio: 15.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Surinametotal dependency ratio: 51.1 youth dependency ratio: 40.3 elderly dependency ratio: 10.8 potential support ratio: 9.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Svalbardtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Swedentotal dependency ratio: 61.2 youth dependency ratio: 28.4 elderly dependency ratio: 32.8 potential support ratio: 3.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Switzerlandtotal dependency ratio: 51.6 youth dependency ratio: 22.7 elderly dependency ratio: 29 potential support ratio: 3.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Syriatotal dependency ratio: 55.4 youth dependency ratio: 47.8 elderly dependency ratio: 7.6 potential support ratio: 13.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Taiwantotal dependency ratio: 40 youth dependency ratio: 17.8 elderly dependency ratio: 22.2 potential support ratio: 4.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Tajikistantotal dependency ratio: 67.9 youth dependency ratio: 62.6 elderly dependency ratio: 5.3 potential support ratio: 18.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Tanzaniatotal dependency ratio: 85.9 youth dependency ratio: 81 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Thailandtotal dependency ratio: 41.9 youth dependency ratio: 23.5 elderly dependency ratio: 18.4 potential support ratio: 5.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Timor-Lestetotal dependency ratio: 90.3 youth dependency ratio: 83.7 elderly dependency ratio: 6.6 potential support ratio: 15.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Togototal dependency ratio: 77.1 youth dependency ratio: 72 elderly dependency ratio: 5.1 potential support ratio: 19.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Tokelautotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Tongatotal dependency ratio: 68.6 youth dependency ratio: 58.6 elderly dependency ratio: 10 potential support ratio: 10 (2020 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal dependency ratio: 46.1 youth dependency ratio: 29.3 elderly dependency ratio: 16.8 potential support ratio: 7.4 (2020 est.) Topic: Tunisiatotal dependency ratio: 49.6 youth dependency ratio: 36.3 elderly dependency ratio: 13.3 potential support ratio: 7.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total dependency ratio: 49.1 youth dependency ratio: 35.7 elderly dependency ratio: 13.4 potential support ratio: 7.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Turkmenistantotal dependency ratio: 55.2 youth dependency ratio: 47.8 elderly dependency ratio: 7.4 potential support ratio: 13.5 (2020 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Tuvalutotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Ugandatotal dependency ratio: 92.3 youth dependency ratio: 88.5 elderly dependency ratio: 3.8 potential support ratio: 26.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Ukrainetotal dependency ratio: 49.1 youth dependency ratio: 23.8 elderly dependency ratio: 25.3 potential support ratio: 4 (2020 est.) note: data include Crimea Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal dependency ratio: 19.2 youth dependency ratio: 17.7 elderly dependency ratio: 1.5 potential support ratio: 66.4 (2020 est.) Topic: United Kingdomtotal dependency ratio: 57.1 youth dependency ratio: 27.8 elderly dependency ratio: 29.3 potential support ratio: 3.4 (2020 est.) Topic: United Statestotal dependency ratio: 53.9 youth dependency ratio: 28.3 elderly dependency ratio: 25.6 potential support ratio: 3.9 (2020 est.) Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugestotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Uruguaytotal dependency ratio: 54.9 youth dependency ratio: 31.5 elderly dependency ratio: 23.4 potential support ratio: 4.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Uzbekistantotal dependency ratio: 50.6 youth dependency ratio: 43.4 elderly dependency ratio: 7.2 potential support ratio: 13.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Vanuatutotal dependency ratio: 72.5 youth dependency ratio: 66.2 elderly dependency ratio: 12.3 potential support ratio: 8.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Venezuelatotal dependency ratio: 54.4 youth dependency ratio: 42.1 elderly dependency ratio: 12.3 potential support ratio: 8.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Vietnamtotal dependency ratio: 45.1 youth dependency ratio: 33.6 elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 potential support ratio: 8.8 (2020 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandstotal dependency ratio: 66 youth dependency ratio: 32 elderly dependency ratio: 34 potential support ratio: 2.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Wake Islandtotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Topic: West Banktotal dependency ratio: 71.2 youth dependency ratio: 65.7 elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 potential support ratio: 18.2 (2020 est.) note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank Topic: Worldtotal dependency ratio: 53.3 youth dependency ratio: 39 elderly dependency ratio: 14.3 potential support ratio: 7 (2020 est.) Topic: Yementotal dependency ratio: 71.7 youth dependency ratio: 66.7 elderly dependency ratio: 5 potential support ratio: 19.9 (2020 est.) Topic: Zambiatotal dependency ratio: 85.7 youth dependency ratio: 81.7 elderly dependency ratio: 4 potential support ratio: 25.3 (2020 est.) Topic: Zimbabwetotal dependency ratio: 81.6 youth dependency ratio: 76.1 elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 potential support ratio: 18.3 (2020 est.)

20220901

countries-belarus

Topic: Photos of Belarus Topic: Introduction Background: After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than have any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place and current negotiations on further integration have been contentious. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first and only directly elected president, Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means and a centralized economic system. Government restrictions on political and civil freedoms, freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion have remained in place. Restrictions on political freedoms have grown increasingly strained following the disputed presidential election in August 2020. The election results sparked largescale protests as members of the opposition and civil society criticized the election’s validity. Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA has remained in power as the disputed winner of the presidential election after quelling protests in late 2020.            Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Europe, east of Poland Geographic coordinates: 53 00 N, 28 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 207,600 sq km land: 202,900 sq km water: 4,700 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Kentucky; slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: total: 3,599 km border countries (5): Latvia 161 km; Lithuania 640 km; Poland 375 km; Russia 1,312 km; Ukraine 1,111 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime Terrain: generally flat with much marshland Elevation: highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m mean elevation: 160 m Natural resources: timber, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay Land use: agricultural land: 43.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.9% (2018 est.) forest: 42.7% (2018 est.) other: 13.6% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1,140 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Dnieper (shared with Russia [s] and Ukraine [m]) - 2,287 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Population distribution: a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations Natural hazards: large tracts of marshy land Geography - note: landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes Map description: Belarus map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Belarus map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 9,413,505 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Belarusian(s) adjective: Belarusian Ethnic groups: Belarusian 83.7%, Russian 8.3%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.9% (2009 est.) Languages: Russian (official) 70.2%, Belarusian (official) 23.4%, other 3.1% (includes small Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities), unspecified 3.3% (2009 est.) major-language sample(s): Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник базовой информации. (Russian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Orthodox 48.3%, Catholic 7.1%, other 3.5%, non-believers 41.1% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.09% (male 784,231/female 740,373) 15-24 years: 9.59% (male 467,393/female 441,795) 25-54 years: 43.94% (male 2,058,648/female 2,105,910) 55-64 years: 14.45% (male 605,330/female 763,972) 65 years and over: 15.93% (2020 est.) (male 493,055/female 1,017,211) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 48.9 youth dependency ratio: 25.7 elderly dependency ratio: 23.2 potential support ratio: 4.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 40.9 years male: 38 years female: 43.9 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.31% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 9.08 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 12.88 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations Urbanization: urban population: 80.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 2.049 million MINSK (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.79 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.35 male(s)/female total population: 0.87 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 26.8 years (2019 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 2 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.27 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.72 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.28 years male: 68.9 years female: 79.97 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.51 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 71.2% (2017) note:  percent of women aged 18-49 Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 99.6% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0.4% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.9% (2019) Physicians density: 4.54 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 10.8 beds/1,000 population (2014) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 98.3% of population total: 99.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 1.7% of population total: 0.5% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.5% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 28,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <200 note: estimate does not include children Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 24.5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 30.5% (2020 est.) male: 47.4% (2020 est.) female: 13.5% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.1% women married by age 18: 4.7% men married by age 18: 1.6% (2019 est.) Education expenditures: 5% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.9% male: 99.9% female: 99.9% (2019) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 16 years (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.4% male: 14.3% female: 10.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 18.06 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 58.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 17.19 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime Land use: agricultural land: 43.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.9% (2018 est.) forest: 42.7% (2018 est.) other: 13.6% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 80.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.28 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 684,800 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 16% (2016 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Dnieper (shared with Russia [s] and Ukraine [m]) - 2,287 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 523 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 443 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 431 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 57.9 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Belarus conventional short form: Belarus local long form: Respublika Byelarus' (Belarusian)/ Respublika Belarus' (Russian) local short form: Byelarus' (Belarusian)/ Belarus' (Russian) former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: the name is a compound of the Belarusian words "bel" (white) and "Rus" (the Old East Slavic ethnic designation) to form the meaning White Rusian or White Ruthenian Government type: presidential republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship Capital: name: Minsk geographic coordinates: 53 54 N, 27 34 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the origin of the name is disputed; Minsk may originally have been located 16 km to the southwest, on the banks of Menka River; remnants of a 10th-century settlement on the banks of the Menka have been found Administrative divisions: 6 regions (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and 1 municipality* (horad); Brest, Homyel' (Gomel'), Horad Minsk* (Minsk City), Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev), Minsk, Vitsyebsk (Vitebsk) note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; Russian spelling provided for reference when different from Belarusian Independence: 25 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union Constitution: history: several previous; latest drafted between late 1991 and early 1994, signed 15 March 1994 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic through petition to the National Assembly or by petition of least 150,000 eligible voters; approval required by at least two-thirds majority vote in both chambers or by simple majority of votes cast in a referendum; amended 1996, 2004 Legal system: civil law system; note - nearly all major codes (civil, civil procedure, criminal, criminal procedure, family, and labor) were revised and came into force in 1999 and 2000 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 Belarus dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (since 20 July 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Raman HALOWCHENKA (since 4 June 2020); First Deputy Prime Minister Mikalay SNAPKOW (since 4 June 2020); Deputy Prime Ministers Uladzimir KUKHARAW, Ihar PETRYSHENKA (since 18 August 2018), Yuryy NAZARAW (since 3 March 2020), Alyaksandr SUBOTSIN (since 4 June 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); first election took place on 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999; however, Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996 referendum; subsequent election held on 9 September 2001; an October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and allowed the President LUKASHENKA to run and win in a third (19 March 2006), fourth (19 December 2010), fifth (11 October 2015), and sixth (9 August 2020); next election to be held in (2025); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly election results: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA reelected president (9 August 2022); percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 80.1%, Svyatlana TSIKHANOWSKAYA (independent) 10.1%, other 9.8%; note - widespread street protests erupted following announcement of the election results amid allegations of voter fraud Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA president (11 October 2015); percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 84.1%, Tatsyana KARATKEVICH 4.4%, Sergey GAYDUKEVICH 3.3%, other 8.2%. Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Assembly or Natsyyalny Skhod consists of: Council of the Republic or Savet Respubliki (64 seats; 56 members indirectly elected by regional and Minsk city councils and 8 members appointed by the president; members serve 4-year terms) House of Representatives or Palata Pradstawnikow (110 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed; members serve 4-year terms) elections: Council of the Republic - indirect election last held on 7 November 2019 House of Representatives - last held on 17 November 2019 (next to be held in 2023); OSCE observers determined that the election was neither free nor impartial and that vote counting was problematic in a number of polling stations; pro-LUKASHENKA candidates won every seat; international observers determined that the previous elections, on 28 September 2008, 23 September 2012, and 11 September 2016 also fell short of democratic standards, with pro-LUKASHENKA candidates winning every, or virtually every, seat election results: Council of the Republic - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition - NA House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - KPB 11, Republican Party of Labor and Justice 6, BPP 2, LDP 1, BAP 1, independent 89; composition - men 66, women 44, percent of women 40% note: the US does not recognize the legitimacy of the National Assembly Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chairman and deputy chairman and organized into several specialized panels, including economic and military; number of judges set by the president of the republic and the court chairman); Constitutional Court (consists of 12 judges, including a chairman and deputy chairman) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president with the consent of the Council of the Republic; judges initially appointed for 5 years and evaluated for life appointment; Constitutional Court judges - 6 appointed by the president and 6 elected by the Council of the Republic; the presiding judge directly elected by the president and approved by the Council of the Republic; judges can serve for 11 years with an age limit of 70 subordinate courts: oblast courts; Minsk City Court; town courts; Minsk city and oblast economic courts Political parties and leaders: pro-government parties: Belarusian Agrarian Party or BAP [Mikhail RUSY] Belarusian Patriotic Party or BPP [Mikalay ULAKHOVICH] Belarusian Social Sport Party or BSSP [Uladzimir ALEKSANDROVICH] Communist Party of Belarus or KPB [Alyaksey SOKOL] Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Aleh GAYDUKEVICH] Republican Party [Uladzimir BELAZOR] Republican Party of Labor and Justice [Alyaksandr STSYAPANAW] Social Democratic Party of Popular Accord [Syarhey YERMAK] opposition parties: Belarusian Christian Democracy Party [Paval SEVYARYNETS, Volha KAVALKOVA, Vital RYMASHEWSKI] (unregistered) Belarusian Party of the Green [Dzimtry KUCHUK] Belarusian Party of the Left "Just World" [Syarhey KALYAKIN] Belarusian Social-Democratic Assembly of BSDH [Syarhey CHERACHEN] Belarusian Social Democratic Party ("Assembly") or BSDPH [Ihar BARYSAW] Belarusian Social Democratic Party (People's Assembly) or BSDP [Mikalay STATKEVICH] (unregistered) BPF Party [Ryhor KASTUSYOW] Christian Conservative Party or BPF [Zyanon PAZNYAK] United Civic Party or UCP [Mikalay KAZLOW] International organization participation: BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant; recalled by Belarus in 2008); Charge d'Affaires Dmitry BASIK (since 9 July 2019) chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 986-1606 FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805 email address and website: usa@mfa.gov.by Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Julie FISHER (since 23 December 2020) embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002 mailing address: 7010 Minsk Place, Washington DC  20521-7010 telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83/217-73-47/217-73-48 FAX: [375] (17) 334-78-53 email address and website: ConsularMinsk@state.gov https://by.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red; the red band color recalls past struggles from oppression, the green band represents hope and the many forests of the country National symbol(s): no clearly defined current national symbol, the mounted knight known as Pahonia (the Chaser) is the traditional Belarusian symbol; national colors: green, red, white National anthem: name: "My, Bielarusy" (We Belarusians) lyrics/music: Mikhas KLIMKOVICH and Uladzimir KARYZNA/Nester SAKALOUSKI note: music adopted 1955, lyrics adopted 2002; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarus kept the music of its Soviet-era anthem but adopted new lyrics; also known as "Dziarzauny himn Respubliki Bielarus" (State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus) National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Białowieża Forest (n); Mir Castle Complex (c); Architectural, Residential, and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: As part of the former Soviet Union, Belarus had a relatively well-developed industrial base, but it is now outdated, inefficient, and dependent on subsidized Russian energy and preferential access to Russian markets. The country’s agricultural base is largely dependent on government subsidies. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, an initial burst of economic reforms included privatization of state enterprises, creation of private property rights, and the acceptance of private entrepreneurship, but by 1994 the reform effort dissipated. About 80% of industry remains in state hands, and foreign investment has virtually disappeared. Several businesses have been renationalized. State-owned entities account for 70-75% of GDP, and state banks make up 75% of the banking sector.   Economic output declined for several years following the break-up of the Soviet Union, but revived in the mid-2000s. Belarus has only small reserves of crude oil and imports crude oil and natural gas from Russia at subsidized, below market, prices. Belarus derives export revenue by refining Russian crude and selling it at market prices. Russia and Belarus have had serious disagreements over prices and quantities for Russian energy. Beginning in early 2016, Russia claimed Belarus began accumulating debt – reaching $740 million by April 2017 – for paying below the agreed price for Russian natural gas and Russia cut back its export of crude oil as a result of the debt. In April 2017, Belarus agreed to pay its gas debt and Russia restored the flow of crude.   New non-Russian foreign investment has been limited in recent years, largely because of an unfavorable financial climate. In 2011, a financial crisis lead to a nearly three-fold devaluation of the Belarusian ruble. The Belarusian economy has continued to struggle under the weight of high external debt servicing payments and a trade deficit. In mid-December 2014, the devaluation of the Russian ruble triggered a near 40% devaluation of the Belarusian ruble.   Belarus’s economy stagnated between 2012 and 2016, widening productivity and income gaps between Belarus and neighboring countries. Budget revenues dropped because of falling global prices on key Belarusian export commodities. Since 2015, the Belarusian government has tightened its macro-economic policies, allowed more flexibility to its exchange rate, taken some steps towards price liberalization, and reduced subsidized government lending to state-owned enterprises. Belarus returned to modest growth in 2017, largely driven by improvement of external conditions and Belarus issued sovereign debt for the first time since 2011, which provided the country with badly-needed liquidity, and issued $600 million worth of Eurobonds in February 2018, predominantly to US and British investors.As part of the former Soviet Union, Belarus had a relatively well-developed industrial base, but it is now outdated, inefficient, and dependent on subsidized Russian energy and preferential access to Russian markets. The country’s agricultural base is largely dependent on government subsidies. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, an initial burst of economic reforms included privatization of state enterprises, creation of private property rights, and the acceptance of private entrepreneurship, but by 1994 the reform effort dissipated. About 80% of industry remains in state hands, and foreign investment has virtually disappeared. Several businesses have been renationalized. State-owned entities account for 70-75% of GDP, and state banks make up 75% of the banking sector. Economic output declined for several years following the break-up of the Soviet Union, but revived in the mid-2000s. Belarus has only small reserves of crude oil and imports crude oil and natural gas from Russia at subsidized, below market, prices. Belarus derives export revenue by refining Russian crude and selling it at market prices. Russia and Belarus have had serious disagreements over prices and quantities for Russian energy. Beginning in early 2016, Russia claimed Belarus began accumulating debt – reaching $740 million by April 2017 – for paying below the agreed price for Russian natural gas and Russia cut back its export of crude oil as a result of the debt. In April 2017, Belarus agreed to pay its gas debt and Russia restored the flow of crude. New non-Russian foreign investment has been limited in recent years, largely because of an unfavorable financial climate. In 2011, a financial crisis lead to a nearly three-fold devaluation of the Belarusian ruble. The Belarusian economy has continued to struggle under the weight of high external debt servicing payments and a trade deficit. In mid-December 2014, the devaluation of the Russian ruble triggered a near 40% devaluation of the Belarusian ruble. Belarus’s economy stagnated between 2012 and 2016, widening productivity and income gaps between Belarus and neighboring countries. Budget revenues dropped because of falling global prices on key Belarusian export commodities. Since 2015, the Belarusian government has tightened its macro-economic policies, allowed more flexibility to its exchange rate, taken some steps towards price liberalization, and reduced subsidized government lending to state-owned enterprises. Belarus returned to modest growth in 2017, largely driven by improvement of external conditions and Belarus issued sovereign debt for the first time since 2011, which provided the country with badly-needed liquidity, and issued $600 million worth of Eurobonds in February 2018, predominantly to US and British investors. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $179.97 billion (2020 est.) $181.61 billion (2019 est.) $179.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 1.22% (2019 est.) 3.17% (2018 est.) 2.53% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $19,100 (2020 est.) $19,300 (2019 est.) $18,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $63.168 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.6% (2019 est.) 4.8% (2018 est.) 6% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B (2018) Moody's rating: B3 (2018) Standard & Poors rating: B (2017) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 8.1% (2017 est.) industry: 40.8% (2017 est.) services: 51.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 54.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 5.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 67% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -67% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, potatoes, sugar beet, wheat, triticale, barley, maize, rye, rapeseed, poultry Industries: metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers, motorcycles, synthetic fibers, fertilizer, textiles, refrigerators, washing machines and other household appliances Industrial production growth rate: 5.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 4.381 million (2016 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 9.7% industry: 23.4% services: 66.8% (2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 0.8% (2017 est.) 1% (2016 est.) note: official registered unemployed; large number of underemployed workers Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.4% male: 14.3% female: 10.2% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 5% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 25.2 (2018 est.) 21.7 (1998) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.8% highest 10%: 21.9% (2008) Budget: revenues: 22.15 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 20.57 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 53.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 53.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 40.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$931 million (2017 est.) -$1.669 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $37.04 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.97 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $42.27 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Russia 42%, Ukraine 13%, United Kingdom 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, fertilizers, cheese, delivery trucks, crude petroleum (2019) Imports: $35.16 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $42.38 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.34 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Russia 57%, China 7%, Poland 5%, Germany 5%, Ukraine 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, cars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $7.315 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $4.927 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $39.847 billion (2019 est.) $39.297 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Belarusian rubles (BYB/BYR) per US dollar - 1.9 (2017 est.) 2 (2016 est.) 2 (2015 est.) 15,926 (2014 est.) 10,224.1 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 11.36 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 32,665,500,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 4.777 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 4.277 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.711 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 95.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 621,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 1.574 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 2.117 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 34,300 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 134,600 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 32,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 383,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 198 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 477,200 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 351,200 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 14,630 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 68.951 million cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 18,639,590,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 18,673,429,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 2.832 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 54.695 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.623 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 16.856 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 36.217 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 102.558 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 4,406,560 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 11,704,084 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 124 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the government of Belarus has successfully promoted the migration to an all-IP platform as part of a wider effort towards a digital transformation for the economy; the state-supported infrastructure operator beCloud has built an extensive fiber network which reaches all but the smallest settlements in the country; Belarus has the second highest fiber subscription rate in Europe, behind only Iceland; LTE coverage is almost universal, while considerable progress has also been made in developing 5G services. (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is improving although rural areas continue to be underserved, approximately 47 per 100 fixed-line; mobile-cellular teledensity now roughly 124 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 375; Belarus is landlocked and therefore a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); 3 fiber-optic segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stations; almost 31,000 base stations in service in 2019 (2020) 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: 7 state-controlled national TV channels; Polish and Russian TV broadcasts are available in some areas; state-run Belarusian Radio operates 5 national networks and an external service; Russian and Polish radio broadcasts are available (2019) Internet country code: .by Internet users: total: 7,972,959 (2020 est.) percent of population: 85% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 3,255,552 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 30 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,760,168 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.9 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: EW Airports: total: 65 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 33 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 20 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 7 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 32 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 28 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 5,386 km gas, 1,589 km oil, 1,730 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 5,528 km (2014) standard gauge: 25 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge broad gauge: 5,503 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge (874 km electrified) Roadways: total: 86,600 km (2017) Waterways: 2,500 km (2011) (major rivers are the west-flowing Western Dvina and Neman Rivers and the south-flowing Dnepr River and its tributaries, the Berezina, Sozh, and Pripyat Rivers) Merchant marine: total: 4 by type: other 4 (2021) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Mazyr (Prypyats') Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Belarus Armed Forces: Army, Air and Air Defense Force, Special Operations Force, Special Troops (electronic warfare, signals, engineers, biological/chemical/nuclear protection troops, etc); Ministry of Interior: State Border Troops, Militia, Internal Troops (2022) Military expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $2.11 billion) 1.5% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $2.05 billion) 1.5% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $1.98 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 45,000 active duty troops; information on the individual services varies, but reportedly includes about 25,000 Army, 15,000 Air/Air Defense, and 5,000 Special Operations forces (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Belarus Armed Forces is comprised mostly of Russian/Soviet-origin equipment, and since 2010 Russia is the leading provider of arms; Belarus's defense industry manufactures some equipment (mostly modernized Soviet designs), including vehicles, guided weapons, and electronic warfare systems (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for compulsory military or alternative service; conscript service obligation is 12-18 months, depending on academic qualifications, and 24-36 months for alternative service, depending on academic qualifications; 17-year-olds are eligible to become cadets at military higher education institutes, where they are classified as military personnel (2021) note: conscripts can be assigned to the military or to the Ministry of Interior as internal or border troops; as of 2020, conscripts comprised an estimated 40% of the military Military - note: Belarus has close security ties with Russia, including an integrated air and missile defense system, joint training exercises, and the establishment of three joint training centers since 2020 (1 in Belarus, 2 in Russia); Russia is the principal supplier of arms to Belarus, and Belarusian troops reportedly train on Russian equipment; Russia leases from Belarus a strategic ballistic missile defense site operated by Russian Aerospace Forces and a global communications facility for the Russian Navy; in 2020, the countries signed an agreement allowing for close security cooperation between the Belarusian Ministry of Interior and the Russian National Guard, including protecting public order and key government facilities, and combating extremism and terrorism; in 2022, Belarus allowed Russian military forces to stage on its territory during its invasion of Ukraine Belarus has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes an airborne brigade to CSTO's rapid reaction force (KSOR)Belarus has close security ties with Russia, including an integrated air and missile defense system, joint training exercises, and the establishment of three joint training centers since 2020 (1 in Belarus, 2 in Russia); Russia is the principal supplier of arms to Belarus, and Belarusian troops reportedly train on Russian equipment; Russia leases from Belarus a strategic ballistic missile defense site operated by Russian Aerospace Forces and a global communications facility for the Russian Navy; in 2020, the countries signed an agreement allowing for close security cooperation between the Belarusian Ministry of Interior and the Russian National Guard, including protecting public order and key government facilities, and combating extremism and terrorism; in 2022, Belarus allowed Russian military forces to stage on its territory during its invasion of Ukraine Belarus has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes an airborne brigade to CSTO's rapid reaction force (KSOR) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Belarus-Latvia: Boundary demarcated with Latvia. Belarus-Lithuania: Boundary demarcated with Lithuania. Belarus-Poland: As a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Poland has implemented strict Schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its border with Belarus.Belarus-Latvia: Boundary demarcated with Latvia. Belarus-Lithuania: Boundary demarcated with Lithuania. Belarus-Poland: As a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Poland has implemented strict Schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its border with Belarus. Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 11,121 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 6,104 (mid-year 2021) Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims and exploit Belarusians abroad; the majority of trafficking victims are men subjected to forced labor; most Belarusian victims are trafficked in Belarus and Russia, but also in Poland, Turkey, and other Eurasian and Middle Eastern countries; the government continued to subject factory workers, civil servants, and students to state-sponsored forced labor harvesting crops on state-owned farms or cleaning streets tier rating: Tier 3 — Belarus does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking because of a government policy or pattern of government-sponsored forced labor in public works projects and the agricultural sector; however, authorities convicted traffickers under its trafficking statute for the first time in eight years, increased training for law enforcement officers, and confirmed significantly more victims; the government adopted a national action plan to protect minors from sexual violence and exploitation (2020) Illicit drugs: limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; a small and lightly regulated financial center; anti-money-laundering legislation does not meet international standards and was weakened further when know-your-customer requirements were curtailed in 2008; few investigations or prosecutions of money-laundering activities

20220901

field-electricity-generation-sources

This field refers a country's energy portfolio of fossil fuels, nuclear, solar, wind, hydroelectricity, tide and wave, geothermal, and biomass and waste. Portfolios are expressed as a percentage share of a country's total generating capacity. Topic: AfghanistanFossil fuels: 15.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 5.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 79.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: AlbaniaFossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 99.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: AlgeriaFossil fuels: 98.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: American SamoaFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: AngolaFossil fuels: 28.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 70.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Antigua and BarbudaFossil fuels: 95.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ArgentinaFossil fuels: 65.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 7.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 17.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ArmeniaFossil fuels: 40.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 34.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 24.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ArubaFossil fuels: 83.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 15.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: AustraliaFossil fuels: 75.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 8.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 8.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 6.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: AustriaFossil fuels: 17.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 9.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 62.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: AzerbaijanFossil fuels: 94.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 4.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Bahamas, TheFossil fuels: 99.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BahrainFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BangladeshFossil fuels: 98.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BarbadosFossil fuels: 95.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BelarusFossil fuels: 95.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BelgiumFossil fuels: 33.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 38.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 5.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 15% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 7.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BelizeFossil fuels: 63.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 13.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 22.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BeninFossil fuels: 96.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BermudaFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BhutanFossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BoliviaFossil fuels: 64.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 30.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaFossil fuels: 62.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 35.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BotswanaFossil fuels: 99.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BrazilFossil fuels: 11.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 9.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 65.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 9.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: British Virgin IslandsFossil fuels: 98.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BruneiFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BulgariaFossil fuels: 36.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 44.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 9.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Burkina FasoFossil fuels: 89.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BurmaFossil fuels: 52.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 47.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: BurundiFossil fuels: 33.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 62.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Cabo VerdeFossil fuels: 80.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 17.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: CambodiaFossil fuels: 52% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 45.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: CameroonFossil fuels: 32.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 67.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: CanadaFossil fuels: 16.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 14.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 5.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 60.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Cayman IslandsFossil fuels: 97.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Central African RepublicFossil fuels: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 99.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ChadFossil fuels: 96.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ChileFossil fuels: 51.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 9.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 26% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 5.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ChinaFossil fuels: 66% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 4.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 17.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ColombiaFossil fuels: 32.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 65.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ComorosFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theFossil fuels: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 99.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theFossil fuels: 70.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 29.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Cook IslandsFossil fuels: 70% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 30% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Costa RicaFossil fuels: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 12.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 71.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 14.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Cote d'IvoireFossil fuels: 75.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 24.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: CroatiaFossil fuels: 41% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 16.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 31.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 9.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: CubaFossil fuels: 95.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: CyprusFossil fuels: 86.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 5.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: CzechiaFossil fuels: 47% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 37.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 4.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: DenmarkFossil fuels: 14.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 57.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 23.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: DjiboutiFossil fuels: 98.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: DominicaFossil fuels: 74.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 24.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Dominican RepublicFossil fuels: 93.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: EcuadorFossil fuels: 21% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 77.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: EgyptFossil fuels: 88.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 7.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: El SalvadorFossil fuels: 28.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 7.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 30% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 22.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 12.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Equatorial GuineaFossil fuels: 89.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 10.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: EritreaFossil fuels: 93.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 5.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: EstoniaFossil fuels: 55.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 14.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 27.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: EswatiniFossil fuels: 44.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 24.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 31% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: EthiopiaFossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 3.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 95.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Fossil fuels: 66.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 33.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Faroe IslandsFossil fuels: 58.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 15.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 26% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: FijiFossil fuels: 41.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 50.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: FinlandFossil fuels: 13.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 33.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 11.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 23.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 17.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: FranceFossil fuels: 8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 68.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 7.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 11.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: French PolynesiaFossil fuels: 66.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 6.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 27.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GabonFossil fuels: 40.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 59% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Gambia, TheFossil fuels: 98.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Gaza StripFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: GeorgiaFossil fuels: 25.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 73.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GermanyFossil fuels: 40.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 11.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 9.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 23.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 4.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 10.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GhanaFossil fuels: 63.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 35.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GibraltarFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GreeceFossil fuels: 56.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 23% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 8.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GreenlandFossil fuels: 15.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 84.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GrenadaFossil fuels: 98.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GuamFossil fuels: 96% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GuatemalaFossil fuels: 39.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 38% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 17% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GuineaFossil fuels: 22.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 77.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Guinea-BissauFossil fuels: 97.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: GuyanaFossil fuels: 97.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: HaitiFossil fuels: 85.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 13.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: HondurasFossil fuels: 46.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 10.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 7.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 24.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 8.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Hong KongFossil fuels: 99.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: HungaryFossil fuels: 36.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 46% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 7.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: IcelandFossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 67.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 32.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: IndiaFossil fuels: 75.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: IndonesiaFossil fuels: 82.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 5.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: IranFossil fuels: 88.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 9.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: IraqFossil fuels: 97.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: IrelandFossil fuels: 57.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 34.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 3.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: IsraelFossil fuels: 93.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 5.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ItalyFossil fuels: 55.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 9.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 17.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 8.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: JamaicaFossil fuels: 87.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: JapanFossil fuels: 73.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 4.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 8.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 10% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: JordanFossil fuels: 83.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 11.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: KazakhstanFossil fuels: 88.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 10.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: KenyaFossil fuels: 8.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 32.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 46.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: KiribatiFossil fuels: 84.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 15.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, NorthFossil fuels: 15.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 84.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, SouthFossil fuels: 64.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 27.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: KosovoFossil fuels: 95.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: KuwaitFossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: KyrgyzstanFossil fuels: 8.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 91.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LaosFossil fuels: 35.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 64.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LatviaFossil fuels: 33.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 47.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 15.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LebanonFossil fuels: 94.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LesothoFossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 99.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LiberiaFossil fuels: 40.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 59.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LibyaFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LithuaniaFossil fuels: 38% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 35.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 16.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: LuxembourgFossil fuels: 13.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 14.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 27.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 7.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 36.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MacauFossil fuels: 66.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 33.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MadagascarFossil fuels: 59.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 38.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MalawiFossil fuels: 11.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 81.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MalaysiaFossil fuels: 87.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 10.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MaldivesFossil fuels: 99.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MaliFossil fuels: 67.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 29.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MaltaFossil fuels: 88.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 11.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MauritaniaFossil fuels: 73.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 8.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 11.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MauritiusFossil fuels: 75.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 5.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 15% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MexicoFossil fuels: 75.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 3.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 7.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MoldovaFossil fuels: 93.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 4.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MongoliaFossil fuels: 89.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 8.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MontenegroFossil fuels: 42.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 10.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 47.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MontserratFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MoroccoFossil fuels: 81.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 13% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 4.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: MozambiqueFossil fuels: 19.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 79.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NamibiaFossil fuels: 6.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 88.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NauruFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NepalFossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 97.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NetherlandsFossil fuels: 68.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 3.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 13.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 8.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: New CaledoniaFossil fuels: 91.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: New ZealandFossil fuels: 19.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 5.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 54.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 18.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NicaraguaFossil fuels: 37.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 15.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 12.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 16.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 17.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NigerFossil fuels: 94.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 5.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NigeriaFossil fuels: 78.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 21.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NiueFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: North MacedoniaFossil fuels: 71.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 24.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: NorwayFossil fuels: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 92.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: OmanFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: PakistanFossil fuels: 55.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 31.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: PanamaFossil fuels: 24.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 66.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Papua New GuineaFossil fuels: 80.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 18.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ParaguayFossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: PeruFossil fuels: 38.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 3.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 55.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: PhilippinesFossil fuels: 77.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 11% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: PolandFossil fuels: 79.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 10.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: PortugalFossil fuels: 39% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 23.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 26.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 7.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Puerto RicoFossil fuels: 94.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 3.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: QatarFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: RomaniaFossil fuels: 32.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 20.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 13.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 29.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: RussiaFossil fuels: 59.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 21% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 19.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: RwandaFossil fuels: 39% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 6.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 53.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisFossil fuels: 96.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 3.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Saint LuciaFossil fuels: 99.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesFossil fuels: 73.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 25.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SamoaFossil fuels: 72.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 27.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipeFossil fuels: 89.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 10.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Saudi ArabiaFossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SenegalFossil fuels: 84.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 6.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SerbiaFossil fuels: 69.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 27.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SeychellesFossil fuels: 99.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Sierra LeoneFossil fuels: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 87% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SingaporeFossil fuels: 96.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SlovakiaFossil fuels: 19.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 55.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 16.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 5.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SloveniaFossil fuels: 27.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 36.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 32% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Solomon IslandsFossil fuels: 94.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SomaliaFossil fuels: 95.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: South AfricaFossil fuels: 87.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 5.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 2.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: South SudanFossil fuels: 99.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SpainFossil fuels: 32.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 21.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 8.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 22.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 13.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Sri LankaFossil fuels: 64% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 32.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SudanFossil fuels: 43.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 55.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SurinameFossil fuels: 40.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 58.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SwedenFossil fuels: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 29.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 17.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 44.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SwitzerlandFossil fuels: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 34.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 56.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 4.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: SyriaFossil fuels: 95.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 4.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: TaiwanFossil fuels: 82.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 11.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: TajikistanFossil fuels: 8.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 91.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: TanzaniaFossil fuels: 65% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 32.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ThailandFossil fuels: 83.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 9.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Timor-LesteFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: TogoFossil fuels: 82.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 17.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: TongaFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Trinidad and TobagoFossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: TunisiaFossil fuels: 95.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)Fossil fuels: 56.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 8.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 26.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 3.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: TurkmenistanFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: UgandaFossil fuels: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 86.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 10.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: UkraineFossil fuels: 37.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 55.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 3.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: United Arab EmiratesFossil fuels: 95.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: United KingdomFossil fuels: 37.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 15.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 4.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 25.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 15% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: United StatesFossil fuels: 59.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 19.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 8.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: UruguayFossil fuels: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 42.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 30.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 21.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: UzbekistanFossil fuels: 88.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 11.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: VanuatuFossil fuels: 84.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: VenezuelaFossil fuels: 30.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 69.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: VietnamFossil fuels: 70.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 25.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: Virgin IslandsFossil fuels: 98.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: West BankFossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: WorldFossil fuels: 60.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 10.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 3.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 6.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 17% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: YemenFossil fuels: 84.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 15.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ZambiaFossil fuels: 13% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 85.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Topic: ZimbabweFossil fuels: 32.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Hydroelectricity: 65.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Biomass and waste: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

20220901

references-selected-international-environmental-agreements

Topic: Air Pollution Topic: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals Topic: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides Topic: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants Topic: Air Pollution-Sulphur 85 Topic: Air Pollution-Sulphur 94 Topic: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds Topic: Antarctic - Environmental Protocol Topic: Antarctic Treaty Topic: Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal Topic: Biodiversity Topic: Climate Change

20220901

countries-oman-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Oman due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and armed conflict. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country. US Embassy/Consulate: [968] 24-643-400; US Embassy in Muscat, P.C. 115, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman; ConsularMuscat@state.gov; https://om.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 968 Local Emergency Phone: 999 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south Currency (Code): Omani rials (OMR) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G Major Languages: Arabic, English, Baluchi, Swahili, Urdu, Indian dialects Major Religions: Muslim 85.9%, Christian 6.5%, Hindu 5.5%, Buddhist 0.8%, Jewish <0.1% Time Difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Wahiba Sands; Musandam Fjords; Ras al Jinz; Jebel Akhdar; Salalah; Bahla; Masirah Island; Archeological sites at Bat, Al-Khutm, & Al-Ayn; Grand Mosque in Muscat; Souq Muttrah Major Sports: Dhow racing (sailing), horse racing, falconry, camel racing, bull fighting Cultural Practices: Pointing your foot at another person is considered very rude, as is showing the sole of one's foot. Tipping Guidelines: A tip of 10% is considered the norm at restaurants and hotels. Rounding up or letting the driver keep the change is appropriate for taxis.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

20220901

countries-thailand

Topic: Photos of Thailand Topic: Introduction Background: Two unified Thai kingdoms emerged in the mid-13th century. The Sukhothai, located in the south-central plains, gained its independence from the Khmer Empire to the east. By the late 13th century, Sukhothai’s territory extended into present-day Burma and Laos. Sukhotai lasted until the mid-15th century. The Thai Lan Na Kingdom was established in the north with its capital at Chang Mai. Lan Na was conquered by the Burmese in the 16th century. The Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th-18th centuries) succeeded the Sukhothai and would become known as the Siamese Kingdom. During the Ayutthaya period, the Thai/Siamese peoples consolidated their hold on what is present-day central and north-central Thailand. Following a military defeat at the hands of the Burmese in 1767, the Siamese Kingdom rose to new heights under the military ruler TAKSIN, who defeated the Burmese occupiers and expanded the kingdom’s territory into modern-day northern Thailand (formerly the Lan Na Kingdom), Cambodia, Laos, and the Malay Peninsula. The kingdom fought off additional Burmese invasions and raids in the late 1700s and early 1800s. In the mid-1800s, Western pressure led to Siam signing trade treaties that reduced the country’s sovereignty and independence. In the 1890s and 1900s, the British and French forced the kingdom to cede Cambodian, Laotian, and Malay territories that had been under Siamese control. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. After the Japanese invaded Thailand in 1941, the government split into a pro-Japan faction and a pro-Ally faction backed by the king. Following the war, Thailand became a US treaty ally in 1954 after sending troops to Korea and later fighting alongside the US in Vietnam. Thailand since 2005 has experienced several rounds of political turmoil including a military coup in 2006 that ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat, followed by large-scale street protests by competing political factions in 2008, 2009, and 2010. THAKSIN's youngest sister, YINGLAK Chinnawat, in 2011 led the Puea Thai Party to an electoral win and assumed control of the government. In early May 2014, after months of large-scale anti-government protests in Bangkok beginning in November 2013, YINGLAK was removed from office by the Constitutional Court and in late May 2014 the Royal Thai Army, led by Royal Thai Army Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha, staged a coup against the caretaker government. The military-affiliated National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), led by PRAYUT as the appointed minister, ruled the country for more than four years, during which time the NCPO drafted a new constitution guaranteeing military sway over Thai politics in future elections by allowing the military to appoint the entire 250-member Senate and requiring a joint meeting of the House and Senate to select the prime minister, effectively giving the military a veto over the top executive. King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet passed away in October 2016 after 70 years on the throne; his only son, WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun (aka King RAMA X), ascended the throne in December 2016. He signed the new constitution in April 2017. A long-delayed election in March 2019, disputed and widely viewed as skewed in favor of the party aligned with the military, allowed PRAYUT to continue his premiership. The country experienced large-scale pro-democracy protests in 2020.Two unified Thai kingdoms emerged in the mid-13th century. The Sukhothai, located in the south-central plains, gained its independence from the Khmer Empire to the east. By the late 13th century, Sukhothai’s territory extended into present-day Burma and Laos. Sukhotai lasted until the mid-15th century. The Thai Lan Na Kingdom was established in the north with its capital at Chang Mai. Lan Na was conquered by the Burmese in the 16th century. The Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th-18th centuries) succeeded the Sukhothai and would become known as the Siamese Kingdom. During the Ayutthaya period, the Thai/Siamese peoples consolidated their hold on what is present-day central and north-central Thailand. Following a military defeat at the hands of the Burmese in 1767, the Siamese Kingdom rose to new heights under the military ruler TAKSIN, who defeated the Burmese occupiers and expanded the kingdom’s territory into modern-day northern Thailand (formerly the Lan Na Kingdom), Cambodia, Laos, and the Malay Peninsula. The kingdom fought off additional Burmese invasions and raids in the late 1700s and early 1800s. In the mid-1800s, Western pressure led to Siam signing trade treaties that reduced the country’s sovereignty and independence. In the 1890s and 1900s, the British and French forced the kingdom to cede Cambodian, Laotian, and Malay territories that had been under Siamese control.A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. After the Japanese invaded Thailand in 1941, the government split into a pro-Japan faction and a pro-Ally faction backed by the king. Following the war, Thailand became a US treaty ally in 1954 after sending troops to Korea and later fighting alongside the US in Vietnam. Thailand since 2005 has experienced several rounds of political turmoil including a military coup in 2006 that ousted then Prime Minister THAKSIN Chinnawat, followed by large-scale street protests by competing political factions in 2008, 2009, and 2010. THAKSIN's youngest sister, YINGLAK Chinnawat, in 2011 led the Puea Thai Party to an electoral win and assumed control of the government.In early May 2014, after months of large-scale anti-government protests in Bangkok beginning in November 2013, YINGLAK was removed from office by the Constitutional Court and in late May 2014 the Royal Thai Army, led by Royal Thai Army Gen. PRAYUT Chan-ocha, staged a coup against the caretaker government. The military-affiliated National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), led by PRAYUT as the appointed minister, ruled the country for more than four years, during which time the NCPO drafted a new constitution guaranteeing military sway over Thai politics in future elections by allowing the military to appoint the entire 250-member Senate and requiring a joint meeting of the House and Senate to select the prime minister, effectively giving the military a veto over the top executive. King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet passed away in October 2016 after 70 years on the throne; his only son, WACHIRALONGKON Bodinthrathepphayawarangkun (aka King RAMA X), ascended the throne in December 2016. He signed the new constitution in April 2017. A long-delayed election in March 2019, disputed and widely viewed as skewed in favor of the party aligned with the military, allowed PRAYUT to continue his premiership. The country experienced large-scale pro-democracy protests in 2020.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma Geographic coordinates: 15 00 N, 100 00 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 513,120 sq km land: 510,890 sq km water: 2,230 sq km Area - comparative: about three times the size of Florida; slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming Land boundaries: total: 5,673 km border countries (4): Burma 2,416 km; Cambodia 817 km; Laos 1,845 km; Malaysia 595 km Coastline: 3,219 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid Terrain: central plain; Khorat Plateau in the east; mountains elsewhere Elevation: highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m mean elevation: 287 m Natural resources: tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluorite, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 41.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 30.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.6% (2018 est.) forest: 37.2% (2018 est.) other: 21.6% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 64,150 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Thalesap Songkhla - 1,290 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Mekong (shared with China [s], Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km; Salween (shared with China [s] and Burma [m]) - 3,060 km; Mun - 1,162 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Salween (271,914 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km) Population distribution: highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found througout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country Natural hazards: land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts Geography - note: controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore; ideas for the construction of a canal across the Kra Isthmus that would create a bypass to the Strait of Malacca and shorten shipping times around Asia continue to be discussed Map description: Thailand map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Gulf of Thailand.Thailand map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Gulf of Thailand. Topic: People and Society Population: 69,648,117 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Thai (singular and plural) adjective: Thai Ethnic groups: Thai 97.5%, Burmese 1.3%, other 1.1%, unspecified <.1% (2015 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Languages: Thai (official) only 90.7%, Thai and other languages 6.4%, only other languages 2.9% (includes Malay, Burmese); note - data represent population by language(s) spoken at home; English is a secondary language of the elite (2010 est.) major-language sample(s): สารานุกรมโลก - แหล่งข้อมูลพื้นฐานที่สำคัญ (Thai) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Buddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.3%, Christian 1%, other <0.1%, none <0.1% (2015 est.) Demographic profile: Thailand has experienced a substantial fertility decline since the 1960s largely due to the nationwide success of its voluntary family planning program.  In just one generation, the total fertility rate (TFR) shrank from 6.5 children per woman in 1960s to below the replacement level of 2.1 in the late 1980s.  Reduced fertility occurred among all segments of the Thai population, despite disparities between urban and rural areas in terms of income, education, and access to public services.  The country’s “reproductive revolution” gained momentum in the 1970s as a result of the government’s launch of an official population policy to reduce population growth, the introduction of new forms of birth control, and the assistance of foreign non-government organizations.  Contraceptive use rapidly increased as new ways were developed to deliver family planning services to Thailand’s then overwhelmingly rural population.  The contraceptive prevalence rate increased from just 14% in 1970 to 58% in 1981 and has remained about 80% since 2000.  Thailand’s receptiveness to family planning reflects the predominant faith, Theravada Buddhism, which emphasizes individualism, personal responsibility, and independent decision-making.  Thai women have more independence and a higher status than women in many other developing countries and are not usually pressured by their husbands or other family members about family planning decisions.  Thailand’s relatively egalitarian society also does not have the son preference found in a number of other Asian countries; most Thai ideally want one child of each sex. Because of its low fertility rate, increasing life expectancy, and growing elderly population, Thailand has become an aging society that will face growing labor shortages.  The proportion of the population under 15 years of age has shrunk dramatically, the proportion of working-age individuals has peaked and is starting to decrease, and the proportion of elderly is growing rapidly.  In the short-term, Thailand will have to improve educational quality to increase the productivity of its workforce and to compete globally in skills-based industries.  An increasing reliance on migrant workers will be necessary to mitigate labor shortfalls. Thailand is a destination, transit, and source country for migrants. It has 3-4 million migrant workers as of 2017, mainly providing low-skilled labor in the construction, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and fishing and seafood processing sectors.  Migrant workers from other Southeast Asian countries with lower wages – primarily Burma and, to a lesser extent, Laos and Cambodia – have been coming to Thailand for decades to work in labor-intensive industries.  Many are undocumented and are vulnerable to human trafficking for forced labor, especially in the fisheries industry, or sexual exploitation.  A July 2017 migrant worker law stiffening fines on undocumented workers and their employers, prompted tens of thousands of migrants to go home.  Fearing a labor shortage, the Thai Government has postponed implementation of the law until January 2018 and is rapidly registering workers.  Thailand has also hosted ethnic minority refugees from Burma for more than 30 years; as of 2016, approximately 105,000 mainly Karen refugees from Burma were living in nine camps along the Thailand-Burma border. Thailand has a significant amount of internal migration, most often from rural areas to urban centers, where there are more job opportunities.  Low- and semi-skilled Thais also go abroad to work, mainly in Asia and a smaller number in the Middle East and Africa, primarily to more economically developed countries where they can earn higher wages.Thailand has experienced a substantial fertility decline since the 1960s largely due to the nationwide success of its voluntary family planning program.  In just one generation, the total fertility rate (TFR) shrank from 6.5 children per woman in 1960s to below the replacement level of 2.1 in the late 1980s.  Reduced fertility occurred among all segments of the Thai population, despite disparities between urban and rural areas in terms of income, education, and access to public services.  The country’s “reproductive revolution” gained momentum in the 1970s as a result of the government’s launch of an official population policy to reduce population growth, the introduction of new forms of birth control, and the assistance of foreign non-government organizations.  Contraceptive use rapidly increased as new ways were developed to deliver family planning services to Thailand’s then overwhelmingly rural population.  The contraceptive prevalence rate increased from just 14% in 1970 to 58% in 1981 and has remained about 80% since 2000. Thailand’s receptiveness to family planning reflects the predominant faith, Theravada Buddhism, which emphasizes individualism, personal responsibility, and independent decision-making.  Thai women have more independence and a higher status than women in many other developing countries and are not usually pressured by their husbands or other family members about family planning decisions.  Thailand’s relatively egalitarian society also does not have the son preference found in a number of other Asian countries; most Thai ideally want one child of each sex.Because of its low fertility rate, increasing life expectancy, and growing elderly population, Thailand has become an aging society that will face growing labor shortages.  The proportion of the population under 15 years of age has shrunk dramatically, the proportion of working-age individuals has peaked and is starting to decrease, and the proportion of elderly is growing rapidly.  In the short-term, Thailand will have to improve educational quality to increase the productivity of its workforce and to compete globally in skills-based industries.  An increasing reliance on migrant workers will be necessary to mitigate labor shortfalls.Thailand is a destination, transit, and source country for migrants. It has 3-4 million migrant workers as of 2017, mainly providing low-skilled labor in the construction, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and fishing and seafood processing sectors.  Migrant workers from other Southeast Asian countries with lower wages – primarily Burma and, to a lesser extent, Laos and Cambodia – have been coming to Thailand for decades to work in labor-intensive industries.  Many are undocumented and are vulnerable to human trafficking for forced labor, especially in the fisheries industry, or sexual exploitation.  A July 2017 migrant worker law stiffening fines on undocumented workers and their employers, prompted tens of thousands of migrants to go home.  Fearing a labor shortage, the Thai Government has postponed implementation of the law until January 2018 and is rapidly registering workers.  Thailand has also hosted ethnic minority refugees from Burma for more than 30 years; as of 2016, approximately 105,000 mainly Karen refugees from Burma were living in nine camps along the Thailand-Burma border.Thailand has a significant amount of internal migration, most often from rural areas to urban centers, where there are more job opportunities.  Low- and semi-skilled Thais also go abroad to work, mainly in Asia and a smaller number in the Middle East and Africa, primarily to more economically developed countries where they can earn higher wages. Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.45% (male 5,812,803/female 5,533,772) 15-24 years: 13.02% (male 4,581,622/female 4,400,997) 25-54 years: 45.69% (male 15,643,583/female 15,875,353) 55-64 years: 13.01% (male 4,200,077/female 4,774,801) 65 years and over: 11.82% (2020 est.) (male 3,553,273/female 4,601,119) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 41.9 youth dependency ratio: 23.5 elderly dependency ratio: 18.4 potential support ratio: 5.4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 39 years male: 37.8 years female: 40.1 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.23% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 10.14 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.76 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: highest population density is found in and around Bangkok; significant population clusters found througout large parts of the country, particularly north and northeast of Bangkok and in the extreme southern region of the country Urbanization: urban population: 52.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 10.900 million BANGKOK (capital), 1.436 Chon Buri, 1.342 million Samut Prakan, 1.198 million Chiang Mai, 992,000 Songkla, 988,000 Nothaburi (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 23.3 years (2009 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 37 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.47 deaths/1,000 live births male: 7.09 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.66 years male: 74.65 years female: 80.83 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.54 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 73% (2019) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3.8% (2019) Physicians density: 0.95 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 500,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 12,000 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 10% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 22.1% (2020 est.) male: 41.3% (2020 est.) female: 2.9% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 7.7% (2019) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 3% women married by age 18: 20.2% men married by age 18: 9.8% (2019 est.) Education expenditures: 3% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93.8% male: 95.2% female: 92.4% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 16 years (2016) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 5.2% male: 4.6% female: 5.9% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; water scarcity; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting; hazardous waste disposal 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, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 26.23 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 283.76 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 86.98 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humid Land use: agricultural land: 41.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 30.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.6% (2018 est.) forest: 37.2% (2018 est.) other: 21.6% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 52.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.34% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 26,853,366 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 5,128,993 tons (2012 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 19.1% (2012 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Thalesap Songkhla - 1,290 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Mekong (shared with China [s], Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km; Salween (shared with China [s] and Burma [m]) - 3,060 km; Mun - 1,162 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Salween (271,914 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 2.739 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 2.777 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 51.79 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 438.61 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand conventional short form: Thailand local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai local short form: Prathet Thai former: Siam etymology: Land of the Tai [People]"; the meaning of "tai" is uncertain, but may originally have meant "human beings," "people," or "free people Government type: constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Bangkok geographic coordinates: 13 45 N, 100 31 E time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Bangkok was likely originally a colloquial name, but one that was widely adopted by foreign visitors; the name may derive from "bang ko," where "bang" is the Thai word for "village on a stream" and "ko" means "island," both referencing the area's landscape, which was carved by rivers and canals; alternatively, the name may come from "bang makok," where "makok" is the name of the Java plum, a plant bearing olive-like fruit; this possibility is supported by the former name of Wat Arun, a historic temple in the area, that used to be called Wat Makok; Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, the city's Thai name, means "City of Angels, Great City" or simply "Great City of Angels" and is a shortening of the full ceremonial name: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit; translated the meaning is: "City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra's behest"; it holds the world's record as the longest place name (169 letters); Krung Thep is used colloquially Administrative divisions: 76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (maha nakhon); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Buri Ram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep* (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Satun, Sing Buri, Si Sa Ket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon Independence: 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized) National holiday: Birthday of King WACHIRALONGKON, 28 July (1952) Constitution: history: many previous; latest drafted and presented 29 March 2016, approved by referendum 7 August 2016, signed into law by the king on 6 April 2017 amendments: amendments require a majority vote in a joint session of the House and Senate and further require at least one fifth of opposition House members and one third of the Senate vote in favor; a national referendum is additionally required for certain amendments; all amendments require signature by the king; Thailand's 2017 constitution was amended in November 2021 to increase the number of constituency members of parliament (MPs) from 350 to 400, reduce the number of party-list MPs from 150 to 100, and change the election to a two-ballot system Legal system: civil law system with common law influences 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 Thailand dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: King WACHIRALONGKON, also spelled Vajiralongkorn, (since 1 December 2016) head of government: Prime Minister PRAYUT Chan-ocha (since 11 June 2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the king; a Privy Council advises the king elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the House of Representatives and Senate approves a person for prime minister who must then be appointed by the King (as stated in the transitory provision of the 2017 constitution); the office of prime minister can be held for up to a total of 8 years note:  PRAYUT Chan-ocha was appointed interim prime minister in August 2014, three months after he staged the coup that removed the previously elected government of Prime Minister YINGLAK Chinnawat; on 5 June 2019 PRAYUT (independent) was approved as prime minister by the parliament  Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Assembly or Ratthasapha consists of: Senate or Wuthisapha (250 seats; members appointed by the Royal Thai Army to serve 5-year terms) House of Representatives or Saphaphuthan Ratsadon (500 seats; 375 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 150 members elected in a single nationwide constituency by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 14 May 2019 (next to be held in 2024) House of Representatives - last held on 24 March 2019 (next to be held in 2023) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition - men 224, women 26, percent of women 10.4% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party in 2019 election- PPRP 23.7%, PTP 22.2%, FFP* 17.8%, DP 11.1%, PJT 10.5%, TLP 2.3%, CTP 2.2%, NEP 1.4%, PCC 1.4%, ACT 1.2%, PCP 1.2%,  other 5.1%; seats by party - PTP 136, PPRP 116, FFP 81, DP 53, PJT 51, CTP 10, TLP 10, PCC 7, PCP 5, NEP 6, ACT 5, other 20; composition - men 421, women 79, percent of women 15.8%; note(s) - total National Assembly percent of women 14%; the FFP was dissolved by the Constitutional Court in February of 2020 and its representatives moved to the newly-formed Move Forward Party or to other political parties Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice (consists of the court president, 6 vice presidents, 60-70 judges, and organized into 10 divisions); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 8 judges); Supreme Administrative Court (number of judges determined by Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Courts of Justice and approved by the monarch; judge term determined by the monarch; Constitutional Court justices - 3 judges drawn from the Supreme Court, 2 judges drawn from the Administrative Court, and 4 judge candidates selected by the Selective Committee for Judges of the Constitutional Court, and confirmed by the Senate; judges appointed by the monarch serve single 9-year terms; Supreme Administrative Court judges selected by the Judicial Commission of the Administrative Courts and appointed by the monarch; judges serve for life subordinate courts: courts of first instance and appeals courts within both the judicial and administrative systems; military courts Political parties and leaders: Action Coalition of Thailand Party or ACT [ANEK Laothamatas] Bhumjaithai Party or BJT [ANUTIN Charnvirakul] Chat Phatthana Party (National Development Party) [THEWAN Liptaphanlop] Chat Thai Phatthana Party (Thai Nation Development Party) or CTP [KANCHANA Sinlapa-acha] New Economics Party or NEP [MINGKHWAN Sangsuwan] Move Forward Party or MFP (formed in 2020 from the disbanded Future Forward Party, FPP) [PHITHA Limcharoenrat] Palang Pracharat Party or PPRP (a pro-military party formed in 2018 by members of the military junta’s cabinet) [PRAWIT Wongsuwan] Phumchai Thai Party (Thai Pride Party) or PJT [ANUTHIN Chanwirakun] Prachachat Party of PCC [WAN Muhamad NOOR Matha] Prachathipat Party (Democrat Party) or DP [JURIN Laksanawisit] Puea Chat Party (For Nation Party) or PCP [SARUNWUT Sarunket] Puea Thai Party (For Thais Party) or PTP [CHONLANON Sikaew] Puea Tham Party (For Dharma Party) [NALINI Thawisin] Seri Ruam Thai Party (Thai Liberal Party) or TLP [SERIPHISUT Temiyawet] Thai Civilized Party or TCL [MONGKOLKIT Suksintharanon] Thai Forest Conservation Party or TFCP [DAMRONG Phidet] Thai Liberal Party or TLP [SERIPISUT TEMIYAVET] Thai Local Power Party or TLP [CHATCHAWAI Kong-udom] Thai People Power Party or TLPT [NIKHOM Bunwiset] Thai Raksa Chat Party (Thai National Preservation Party) [PRICHAPHON Phongpanit] note - as of 5 April 2018, 98 new parties applied to be registered with the Election Commission in accordance with the provisions of the new organic law on political parties International organization participation: ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador MANATSAWI Sisodaphon (since 17 February 2021) chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 401, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600 FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611 email address and website: https://thaiembdc.org consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Michael HEATH (since August 2019) embassy: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 mailing address: 7200 Bangkok Place, Washington DC  20521-7200 telephone: [66] 2-205-4000 FAX: [66] 2-205-4103 email address and website: acsbkk@state.gov https://th.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai Flag description: five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life, white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism, and blue stands for the monarchy note: similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed National symbol(s): garuda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure), elephant; national colors: red, white, blue National anthem: name: "Phleng Chat Thai" (National Anthem of Thailand) lyrics/music: Luang SARANUPRAPAN/Phra JENDURIYANG note: music adopted 1932, lyrics adopted 1939; by law, people are required to stand for the national anthem at 0800 and 1800 every day; the anthem is played in schools, offices, theaters, and on television and radio during this time; "Phleng Sanlasoen Phra Barami" (A Salute to the Monarch) serves as the royal anthem and is played in the presence of the royal family and during certain state ceremonies National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 6 (3 cultural, 3 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic City of Ayutthaya (c); Historic Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns (c); Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries (n); Ban Chiang Archaeological Site (c); Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (n); Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: With a relatively well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and generally pro-investment policies, Thailand is highly dependent on international trade, with exports accounting for about two thirds of GDP. Thailand’s exports include electronics, agricultural commodities, automobiles and parts, and processed foods. The industry and service sectors produce about 90% of GDP. The agricultural sector, comprised mostly of small-scale farms, contributes only 10% of GDP but employs about one third of the labor force. Thailand has attracted an estimated 3.0-4.5 million migrant workers, mostly from neighboring countries. Over the last few decades, Thailand has reduced poverty substantially. In 2013, the Thai Government implemented a nationwide 300 baht (roughly $10) per day minimum wage policy and deployed new tax reforms designed to lower rates on middle-income earners. Thailand’s economy is recovering from slow growth during the years since the 2014 coup. Thailand’s economic fundamentals are sound, with low inflation, low unemployment, and reasonable public and external debt levels. Tourism and government spending - mostly on infrastructure and short-term stimulus measures – have helped to boost the economy, and The Bank of Thailand has been supportive, with several interest rate reductions. Over the longer-term, household debt levels, political uncertainty, and an aging population pose risks to growth.With a relatively well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and generally pro-investment policies, Thailand is highly dependent on international trade, with exports accounting for about two thirds of GDP. Thailand’s exports include electronics, agricultural commodities, automobiles and parts, and processed foods. The industry and service sectors produce about 90% of GDP. The agricultural sector, comprised mostly of small-scale farms, contributes only 10% of GDP but employs about one third of the labor force. Thailand has attracted an estimated 3.0-4.5 million migrant workers, mostly from neighboring countries.Over the last few decades, Thailand has reduced poverty substantially. In 2013, the Thai Government implemented a nationwide 300 baht (roughly $10) per day minimum wage policy and deployed new tax reforms designed to lower rates on middle-income earners.Thailand’s economy is recovering from slow growth during the years since the 2014 coup. Thailand’s economic fundamentals are sound, with low inflation, low unemployment, and reasonable public and external debt levels. Tourism and government spending - mostly on infrastructure and short-term stimulus measures – have helped to boost the economy, and The Bank of Thailand has been supportive, with several interest rate reductions.Over the longer-term, household debt levels, political uncertainty, and an aging population pose risks to growth. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1,206,620,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,284,830,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,256,360,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.62% (2019 est.) 4.31% (2018 est.) 4.26% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $17,300 (2020 est.) $18,500 (2019 est.) $18,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $543.798 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.7% (2019 est.) 1% (2018 est.) 0.6% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB+ (2013) Moody's rating: Baa1 (2003) Standard & Poors rating: BBB+ (2004) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 8.2% (2017 est.) industry: 36.2% (2017 est.) services: 55.6% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 48.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 68.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -54.6% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, cassava, rice, oil palm fruit, rubber, maize, tropical fruit, poultry, pineapples, mangoes/guavas Industries: tourism, textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing such as jewelry and electric appliances, computers and parts, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics, automobiles and automotive parts, agricultural machinery, air conditioning and refrigeration, ceramics, aluminum, chemical, environmental management, glass, granite and marble, leather, machinery and metal work, petrochemical, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, printing, pulp and paper, rubber, sugar, rice, fishing, cassava, world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producer Industrial production growth rate: 1.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 37.546 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 31.8% industry: 16.7% services: 51.5% (2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 0.99% (2019 est.) 1.06% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 5.2% male: 4.6% female: 5.9% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 9.9% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 36.4 (2018 est.) 48.4 (2011) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 31.5% (2009 est.) Budget: revenues: 69.23 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 85.12 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 41.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 41.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions Taxes and other revenues: 15.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Current account balance: $37.033 billion (2019 est.) $28.423 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $258.42 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $323.88 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $328.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 13%, China 12%, Japan 10%, Vietnam 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: office machinery/parts, cars and vehicle parts, integrated circuits, delivery trucks, gold (2019) Imports: $233.75 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $272.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $283.66 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 22%, Japan 14%, United States 7%, Malaysia 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, integrated circuits, natural gas, vehicle parts, gold (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $202.6 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $171.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $167.89 billion (2019 est.) $158.964 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: baht per US dollar - 30.03 (2020 est.) 30.29749 (2019 est.) 32.8075 (2018 est.) 34.248 (2014 est.) 32.48 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 53.13 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 190,569,262,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2,617,583,000 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 29,550,571,000 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 13.286 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 83.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 9.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 13.251 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 35.761 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 63,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 23.899 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1.063 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 438,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 1,284,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 28,600 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 979,800 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 252.8 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 1.328 million bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 278,300 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 134,200 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 38,420,517,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 54,802,466,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 14,944,842,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 138.243 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 305.273 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 58.78 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 146.172 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 100.321 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 76.714 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 5.003 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 129.614 million (2019) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 186.16 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Thailand’s telecom sector is relatively mature and hosts a mix of public and private sector players; the mobile market is highly developed and has experienced strong growth over the last seven years; the market returned to growth in 2021 after it contracted in 2020 driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, and a steep decline in inbound tourism; it remains highly saturated, owing to overall maturity and the popularity of multiple SIM card use, which has resulted in a particularly high penetration rate; in general, the sector retains considerable potential given the impetus of 5G, the recent spectrum auctions, and continued network deployments by the country’s network operators; further auctions of spectrum in the 700MHz band (being repurposed from digital TV broadcasting), and in the 3.6GHz range will further improve network capacity; the announcement of the planned merger of True and DTAC, the country’s second and third largest mobile network operators, holds the potential to significantly alter the mobile market’s dynamics; if approved, the new entity would displace the current market leader AIS; additionally, this could risk establishing an unofficial duopoly in the market (despite the presence of the far smaller National Telecom and other players such as MVNOs) posing a risk to consumer choice and benefits; in the wire line segment, the decline in fixed-line penetration is expected to continue as subscribers migrate to mobile networks for voice and data services; the emphasis among operators has been to bolster their fiber footprints in key high-value areas; the transition to fiber from DSL and cable has also been facilitated by changes to the regulatory structure that have removed some barriers to investment; this is supporting the cannibalization of older copper-based DSL lines by fiber; the returns from this investment remain a long-term prospect as consumers still favor entry-level packages; there is also strong interest from the government, as well as private vendors, in establishing Thailand as a data center hub to serve the region; recent developments include Amazon tapping Thailand for a data center build to support its hyperscale infrastructure in the Asia Pacific region, as well as Telehouse’s facility set for launch in 2023; the size, capacity and spread of existing data centers in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) outside of Thailand is small; Thailand retains some advantages to attract investment, including improved fiber connectivity and international bandwidth; increasing submarine capacity, such as the SJC2 cable to come online later in 2022, will considerably improve Thailand’s potential as a regional hub. (2022) domestic: fixed-line system provided by both a government-owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding; fixed-line over 7 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 167 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 66; landing points for the AAE-1, FEA, SeaMeWe-3,-4, APG, SJC2, TIS, MCT and AAG submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 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: 26 digital TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally, 6 terrestrial TV stations in Bangkok broadcast nationally via relay stations - 2 of the stations are owned by the military, the other 4 are government-owned or controlled, leased to private enterprise, and all are required to broadcast government-produced news programs twice a day; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services are available; radio frequencies have been allotted for more than 500 government and commercial radio stations; many small community radio stations operate with low-power transmitters (2017) Internet country code: .th Internet users: total: 54,443,983 (2020 est.) percent of population: 78% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 11,478,265 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 15 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 283 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 76,053,042 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,666,260,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: HS Airports: total: 101 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 63 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 23 914 to 1,523 m: 14 under 914 m: 6 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 38 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 26 (2021) Heliports: 7 (2021) Pipelines: 2 km condensate, 5,900 km gas, 85 km liquid petroleum gas, 1 km oil, 1,097 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 4,127 km (2017) standard gauge: 84 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (84 km electrified) narrow gauge: 4,043 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge Roadways: total: 180,053 km (2006) (includes 450 km of expressways) Waterways: 4,000 km (2011) (3,701 km navigable by boats with drafts up to 0.9 m) Merchant marine: total: 839 by type: bulk carrier 26, container ship 27, general cargo 94, oil tanker 251, other 441 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut, Prachuap Port, Si Racha container port(s) (TEUs): Laem Chabang (8,106,928) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Map Ta Phut Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Royal Thai Armed Forces (Kongthap Thai, RTARF): Royal Thai Army (Kongthap Bok Thai, RTA), Royal Thai Navy (Kongthap Ruea Thai, RTN; includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force (Kongthap Akaat Thai, RTAF); Office of the Prime Minister: Royal Thai Police; Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) (2022) note 1: the ISOC oversees counter-insurgency operations, as well as countering terrorism, narcotics and weapons trafficking, and other internal security duties; it is primarily run by the Army note 2: official paramilitary forces in Thailand include the Thai Rangers (Thahan Phran or "Hunter Soldiers") under the Army; the Paramilitary Marines under the Navy; the Border Patrol Police (BPP) under the Royal Thai Police; the Volunteer Defense Corps (VDC or O So) and National Defense Volunteers (NDV), both under the Ministry of Interior; there are also several government-backed volunteer militias created to provide village security against insurgents in the deep south or to assist the ISOC Military expenditures: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020) 1.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $14.6 billion) 1.3% of GDP (2018) (approximately $14.2 billion) 1.4% of GDP (2017) (approximately $13.8 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: estimates 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) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the RTARF has a diverse array of foreign-supplied weapons systems, including a large amount of obsolescent or second-hand US equipment; since 2010, Thailand has received military equipment from nearly 20 countries with China, South Korea, Sweden, Ukraine, and the US as the leading suppliers (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 21 years of age for compulsory military service (men only); males register at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation varies by educational qualifications (2021) note 1: information varies, but conscripts reportedly comprise as much as 50% of the RTARF; around 100,000 males are drafted each year note 2: as of 2020, women comprised about 8% of active military personnel Military deployments: 280 South Sudan (UNMISS) (May 2022) Military - note: including the most recent in 2014, the military has attempted more than 20 coups since the fall of absolute monarchy in 1932 since 2004, the military has fought against separatist insurgents in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, as well as parts of Songkhla; the insurgency is rooted in ethnic Malay nationalist resistance to Thai rule that followed the extension of Siamese sovereignty over the Patani Sultanate in the 18th century; the insurgency consists of several armed groups, the largest of which is the Barisan Revolusi Nasional-Koordinasi (BRN-C): since 2020, the Thai military has been negotiating with BRN, and has parallel talks with an umbrella organization, MARA Pattani, that claims to represent the insurgency groups; since 2004, the fighting has claimed more than 7,000 lives (as of early 2022); as of 2021, at least 70,000 military, paramilitary, and government-backed militia forces were estimated to be deployed in the south to combat the insurgency Thailand has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Thailand-Burma: in 2016, Thailand expressed its interest in investing in Burma’s Hatgyi Dam project on the Salween River near the Thai-Burma border; the dam has the potential to supply electricity and water during the drought season; approximately 100,000 mostly Karen refugees fleeing civil strife, political upheaval, and economic stagnation in Burma live in nine remote camps in Thailand near the border Thailand-Cambodia: Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of their border; in 2011, Thailand and Cambodia resorted to arms in the dispute over the location of the boundary on the precipice surmounted by Preah Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962 and part of a planned UN World Heritage site; in 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled that the land with the temple was Cambodian territory but that a nearby hill belonged to Thailand Thailand-Laos: talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong River Thailand-Malaysia: separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Malay-Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem insurgent activities; disputed areas are the Bukit Jeli area at the headwaters of the Golok River and the continental shelf boundary in the Gulf of ThailandThailand-Burma: in 2016, Thailand expressed its interest in investing in Burma’s Hatgyi Dam project on the Salween River near the Thai-Burma border; the dam has the potential to supply electricity and water during the drought season; approximately 100,000 mostly Karen refugees fleeing civil strife, political upheaval, and economic stagnation in Burma live in nine remote camps in Thailand near the borderThailand-Cambodia: Cambodia and Thailand dispute sections of their border; in 2011, Thailand and Cambodia resorted to arms in the dispute over the location of the boundary on the precipice surmounted by Preah Vihear temple ruins, awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962 and part of a planned UN World Heritage site; in 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled that the land with the temple was Cambodian territory but that a nearby hill belonged to ThailandThailand-Laos: talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong RiverThailand-Malaysia: separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Malay-Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem insurgent activities; disputed areas are the Bukit Jeli area at the headwaters of the Golok River and the continental shelf boundary in the Gulf of Thailand Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 91,349 (Burma) (2022) IDPs: 41,000 (2021) stateless persons: 554,103 (mid-year 2021) (estimate represents stateless persons registered with the Thai Government; actual number may be as high as 3.5 million); note - about half of Thailand's northern hill tribe people do not have citizenship and make up the bulk of Thailand's stateless population; most lack documentation showing they or one of their parents were born in Thailand; children born to Burmese refugees are not eligible for Burmese or Thai citizenship and are stateless; most Chao Lay, maritime nomadic peoples, who travel from island to island in the Andaman Sea west of Thailand are also stateless; stateless Rohingya refugees from Burma are considered illegal migrants by Thai authorities and are detained in inhumane conditions or expelled; stateless persons are denied access to voting, property, education, employment, healthcare, and driving note: Thai nationality was granted to more than 23,000 stateless persons between 2012 and 2016; in 2016, the Government of Thailand approved changes to its citizenship laws that could make 80,000 stateless persons eligible for citizenship, as part of its effort to achieve zero statelessness by 2024 (2018) Illicit drugs: a minor producer of opium, heroin, and cannabis products; major part of the illegal drug market for the Southeast Asia region and the interconnected markets in East Asia and Oceania; transit point for illicit heroin en route to the international drug market from Burma and Laos; . “Yaba,” a tablet containing methamphetamine, caffeine, and other stimulants, is the most widely abused drug in Thailand

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This entry includes miscellaneous geographic information of significance not included elsewhere. Topic: Afghanistanlandlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor) Topic: AkrotiriBritish extraterritorial rights also extended to several small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; of the Sovereign Base Area (SBA) land, 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by the Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land Topic: Albaniastrategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) Topic: Algerialargest country in Africa but 80% desert; canyons and caves in the southern Hoggar Mountains and in the barren Tassili n'Ajjer area in the southeast of the country contain numerous examples of prehistoric art - rock paintings and carvings depicting human activities and wild and domestic animals (elephants, giraffes, cattle) - that date to the African Humid Period, roughly 11,000 to 5,000 years ago, when the region was completely vegetated Topic: American SamoaPago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean Topic: Andorralandlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees Topic: Angolathe province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo Topic: Anguillathe most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles Topic: Antarcticathe coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period mostly uninhabitable, 99% of the land area is covered by the Antarctic ice sheet, the largest single mass of ice on earth covering an area of 14 million sq km (5.4 million sq mi) and containing 26.5 million cu km (6.4 million cu mi) of ice (this is almost 62% of all of the world's fresh water); if all this ice were converted to liquid water, one estimate is that it would be sufficient to raise the height of the world's oceans by 58 m (190 ft) Topic: Antigua and BarbudaAntigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor Topic: Arctic Oceanmajor chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia; floating research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean; snow cover lasts about 10 months Topic: Argentinanote 1: second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); diverse geophysical landscapes range from tropical climates in the north to tundra in the far south; Cerro Aconcagua is the Western Hemisphere's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere; shares Iguazu Falls, the world's largest waterfalls system, with Brazil note 2: southeast Bolivia and northwest Argentina seem to be the original development site for peanuts Topic: Armenialandlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range Topic: Arubaa flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) Topic: Ashmore and Cartier IslandsAshmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000 Topic: Atlantic Oceanmajor chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean Topic: Australianote 1: world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; the largest country in Oceania, the largest country entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, and the largest country without land borders note 2: the Great Dividing Range that runs along eastern Australia is that continent’s longest mountain range and the third-longest land-based range in the world; the term "Great Dividing Range" refers to the fact that the mountains form a watershed crest from which all of the rivers of eastern Australia flow – east, west, north, and south note 3: Australia is the only continent without glaciers; it is the driest inhabited continent on earth, making it particularly vulnerable to the challenges of climate change; the invigorating sea breeze known as the "Fremantle Doctor" affects the city of Perth on the west coast and is one of the most consistent winds in the world; Australia is home to 10% of the world's biodiversity, and a great number of its flora and fauna exist nowhere else in the world Topic: Austrianote 1: landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere note 2: the world's largest and longest ice cave system at 42 km (26 mi) is the Eisriesenwelt (Ice Giants World) inside the Hochkogel mountain near Werfen, about 40 km south of Salzburg; ice caves are bedrock caves that contain year-round ice formations; they differ from glacial caves, which are transient and are formed by melting ice and flowing water within and under glaciers Topic: Azerbaijanboth the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are landlocked Topic: Bahamas, Thestrategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited Topic: Bahrainclose to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean Topic: Bangladeshmost of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal Topic: Barbadoseasternmost Caribbean island Topic: Belaruslandlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes Topic: Belgiumcrossroads of Western Europe; most West European capitals are within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO Topic: Belizeonly country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean Topic: Beninsandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural harbors, river mouths, or islands Topic: Bermudaconsists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by the US Government from 1941 to 1995 Topic: Bhutanlandlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes Topic: Bolivianote 1: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru note 2: the southern regions of Peru and the extreme northwestern part of Bolivia are considered to be the place of origin for the common potato, while southeast Bolivia and northwest Argentina seem to be the original development site for peanuts Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinawithin Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Montenegro, and traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority in the west and an ethnic Serb majority in the east Topic: Botswanalandlocked; population concentrated in the southern and eastern parts of the country Topic: Bouvet Islandalmost entirely covered by glacial ice (93%); declared a nature reserve by Norway; the distance from Bouvet Island to Norway is 12,776 km, which is almost one-third the circumference of the earth Topic: Brazilnote 1: largest country in South America and in the Southern Hemisphere; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador; most of the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, extends through the west central part of the country; shares Iguazu Falls, the world's largest waterfalls system, with Argentina note 2: cassava (manioc) the sixth most important food crop in the world - after maize, rice, wheat, potatoes, and soybeans - seems to have originated in the west-central part of Brazil; pineapples are probably indigenous to the southern Brazil-Paraguay region Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorynote 1: archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, the largest and southernmost island, occupies a strategic location in the central Indian Ocean; the island is the site of a joint US-UK military facility note 2: Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island of the BIOT and one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being Gibraltarnote 1: archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, the largest and southernmost island, occupies a strategic location in the central Indian Ocean; the island is the site of a joint US-UK military facilitynote 2: Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island of the BIOT and one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being Gibraltar Topic: British Virgin Islandsstrong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Topic: Bruneiclose to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; the eastern part, the Temburong district, is an exclave and is almost an enclave within Malaysia Topic: Bulgariastrategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia Topic: Burkina Fasolandlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red, and White Voltas Topic: Burmastrategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes; the north-south flowing Irrawaddy River is the country's largest and most important commercial waterway Topic: Burundilandlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote headstream of the White Nile Topic: Cabo Verdestrategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site; one of four North Atlantic archipelagos that make up Macaronesia; the others are Azores (Portugal), Canary Islands (Spain), and Madeira (Portugal) Topic: Cambodiaa land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap (Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake) Topic: Cameroonsometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa because of its central location on the continent and its position at the west-south juncture of the Gulf of Guinea; throughout the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano Topic: Canadanote 1: second-largest country in world (after Russia) and largest in the Americas; strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km (100 mi) of the US border note 2: Canada has more fresh water than any other country and almost 9% of Canadian territory is water; Canada has at least 2 million and possibly over 3 million lakes - that is more than all other countries combinednote 1: second-largest country in world (after Russia) and largest in the Americas; strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km (100 mi) of the US bordernote 2: Canada has more fresh water than any other country and almost 9% of Canadian territory is water; Canada has at least 2 million and possibly over 3 million lakes - that is more than all other countries combined Topic: Cayman Islandsimportant location between Cuba and Central America Topic: Central African Republiclandlocked; almost the precise center of Africa Topic: Chadnote 1: Chad is the largest of Africa's 16 landlocked countries note 2: not long ago - geologically speaking - what is today the Sahara was green savannah teeming with wildlife; during the African Humid Period, roughly 11,000 to 5,000 years ago, a vibrant animal community, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and antelope lived there; the last remnant of the "Green Sahara" exists in the Lakes of Ounianga (oo-nee-ahn-ga) in northern Chad, a series of 18 interconnected freshwater, saline, and hypersaline lakes now protected as a World Heritage site note 3: Lake Chad, the most significant water body in the Sahel, is a remnant of a former inland sea, paleolake Mega-Chad; at its greatest extent, sometime before 5000 B.C., Lake Mega-Chad was the largest of four Saharan paleolakes that existed during the African Humid Period; it covered an area of about 400,000 sq km (150,000 sq mi), roughly the size of today's Caspian Seanote 1: Chad is the largest of Africa's 16 landlocked countriesnote 2: not long ago - geologically speaking - what is today the Sahara was green savannah teeming with wildlife; during the African Humid Period, roughly 11,000 to 5,000 years ago, a vibrant animal community, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, and antelope lived there; the last remnant of the "Green Sahara" exists in the Lakes of Ounianga (oo-nee-ahn-ga) in northern Chad, a series of 18 interconnected freshwater, saline, and hypersaline lakes now protected as a World Heritage sitenote 3: Lake Chad, the most significant water body in the Sahel, is a remnant of a former inland sea, paleolake Mega-Chad; at its greatest extent, sometime before 5000 B.C., Lake Mega-Chad was the largest of four Saharan paleolakes that existed during the African Humid Period; it covered an area of about 400,000 sq km (150,000 sq mi), roughly the size of today's Caspian Sea Topic: Chilenote 1: the longest north-south trending country in the world, extending across 39 degrees of latitude; strategic location relative to sea lanes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage) note 2: Chile is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: the Atacama Desert - the driest desert in the world - spreads across the northern part of the country; Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) in the Atacama Desert is the highest active volcano in the world, Chile's tallest mountain, and the second highest in the Western Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere - its small crater lake (at 6,390 m) is the world's highest lake note 1: the longest north-south trending country in the world, extending across 39 degrees of latitude; strategic location relative to sea lanes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)note 2: Chile is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 3: the Atacama Desert - the driest desert in the world - spreads across the northern part of the country; Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) in the Atacama Desert is the highest active volcano in the world, Chile's tallest mountain, and the second highest in the Western Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere - its small crater lake (at 6,390 m) is the world's highest lake Topic: Chinanote 1: world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US) and largest country situated entirely in Asia; Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak above sea level note 2: the largest cave chamber in the world is the Miao Room, in the Gebihe cave system at China's Ziyun Getu He Chuandong National Park, which encloses some 10.78 million cu m (380.7 million cu ft) of volume note 3: China appears to have been the center of domestication for two of the world's leading cereal crops: millet in the north along the Yellow River and rice in the south along the lower or middle Yangtze River Topic: Christmas Islandlocated along major sea lanes of the Indian Ocean Topic: Clipperton Islandthe atoll reef is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) in circumference; an attempt to colonize the atoll in the early 20th century ended in disaster and was abandoned in 1917 Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnote 1: there are 27 coral islands in the group; apart from North Keeling Island, which lies 30 km north of the main group, the islands form a horseshoe-shaped atoll surrounding a lagoon; North Keeling Island was declared a national park in 1995 and is administered by Parks Australia; the population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island; the islands are thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation note 2: site of a World War I naval battle in November 1914 between the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and the German raider SMS Emden; after being heavily damaged in the engagement, the Emden was beached by her captain on North Keeling Island Topic: Colombiaonly South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea Topic: Comorosimportant location at northern end of Mozambique Channel; the only Arab League country that lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thenote 1: second largest country in Africa (after Algeria) and largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa; straddles the equator; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands; the narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River is the DRC's only outlet to the South Atlantic Ocean note 2: because of its speed, cataracts, rapids, and turbulence the Congo River, most of which flows through the DRC, has never been accurately measured along much of its length; nonetheless, it is conceded to be the deepest river in the world; estimates of its greatest depth vary between 220 and 250 metersnote 1: second largest country in Africa (after Algeria) and largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa; straddles the equator; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands; the narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River is the DRC's only outlet to the South Atlantic Oceannote 2: because of its speed, cataracts, rapids, and turbulence the Congo River, most of which flows through the DRC, has never been accurately measured along much of its length; nonetheless, it is conceded to be the deepest river in the world; estimates of its greatest depth vary between 220 and 250 meters Topic: Congo, Republic of theabout 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them Topic: Cook Islandsthe northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km Topic: Coral Sea Islandsimportant nesting area for birds and turtles Topic: Costa Ricafour volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65 Topic: Cote d'Ivoiremost of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated Topic: Croatiacontrols most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits; most Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast of Croatia - some 1,200 islands, islets, ridges, and rocks Topic: Cubalargest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater Antilles Topic: CuracaoCuracao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group in the Lesser AntillesCuracao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group in the Lesser Antilles Topic: Cyprusthe third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia); several small Cypriot enclaves exist within the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area Topic: Czechianote 1: landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional military corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in central Europe note 2: the Hranice Abyss in Czechia is the world's deepest surveyed underwater cave at 404 m (1,325 ft); its survey is not complete and it could end up being some 800-1,200 m deep Topic: Denmarkcomposed of the Jutland Peninsula and a group of more than 400 islands (Danish Archipelago); controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen Topic: DhekeliaBritish extraterritorial rights also extended to several small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus; several small Cypriot enclaves exist within the Sovereign Base Area (SBA); of the SBA land, 60% is privately owned and farmed, 20% is owned by the Ministry of Defense, and 20% is SBA Crown land Topic: Djiboutistrategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in Africa and the saltiest lake in the world Topic: Dominicaknown as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest, thermally active lake in the world Topic: Dominican Republicshares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern two-thirds makes up the Dominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti); the second largest country in the Antilles (after Cuba); geographically diverse with the Caribbean's tallest mountain, Pico Duarte, and lowest elevation and largest lake, Lago Enriquillo Topic: Ecuadornote 1: Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world note 2: genetic research indicates that the cherry-sized tomato originated in Ecuador without any human domestication; later domestication in Mexico transformed the plant into the large modern tomato; archeological research indicates that the cacao tree, whose seeds are used to make chocolate and which was long thought to have originated in Mesoamerica, was first domesticated in the upper Amazon region of northwest South America - present-day Ecuador - about 3,300 B.C. Topic: Egyptnote: controls Sinai Peninsula, the only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics; dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues; prone to influxes of refugees from Sudan and the Palestinian territories Topic: El Salvadorsmallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea Topic: Equatorial Guineainsular and continental regions widely separated; despite its name, no part of the Equator passes through Equatorial Guinea; the mainland part of the country is located just north of the Equator Topic: Eritreastrategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes; Eritrea retained the entire coastline of Ethiopia along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 24 May 1993 Topic: Estoniathe mainland terrain is flat, boggy, and partly wooded; offshore lie more than 1,500 islands Topic: Eswatinilandlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa Topic: Ethiopianote 1: landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure independence of Eritrea on 24 May 1993; Ethiopia is, therefore, the most populous landlocked country in the world; the Blue Nile, the chief headstream of the Nile by water volume, rises in T'ana Hayk (Lake Tana) in northwest Ethiopia note 2: three major crops may have originated in Ethiopia: coffee (almost certainly), grain sorghum, and castor bean Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season Topic: Faroe Islandsarchipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands Topic: Fijiconsists of 332 islands, approximately 110 of which are inhabited, and more than 500 islets Topic: Finlandlong boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain Topic: Francelargest West European nation; most major French rivers - the Meuse, Seine, Loire, Charente, Dordogne, and Garonne - flow northward or westward into the Atlantic Ocean, only the Rhone flows southward into the Mediterranean Sea Topic: French Polynesiaincludes five archipelagoes: four volcanic (Iles Gambier, Iles Marquises, Iles Tubuai, Society Islands) and one coral (Archipel des Tuamotu); the Tuamotu Archipelago forms the largest group of atolls in the world - 78 in total, 48 inhabited; Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landsislands' component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian OceanBassas da India (Iles Eparses): atoll is a circular reef atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano; Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles; Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses): islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)islands' component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian OceanBassas da India (Iles Eparses): atoll is a circular reef atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano; Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles; Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses): islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises) Topic: Gabona small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity Topic: Gambia, Thealmost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the African mainland Topic: Gaza Striponce a strategic strip of land along Mideast-North African trade routes that has experienced an incredibly turbulent history; the town of Gaza itself has been besieged countless times in its history; Israel evacuated its civilian settlements and soldiers from the Gaza Strip in 2005 Topic: Georgianote 1: strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them note 2: the world's four deepest caves are all in Georgia, including two that are the only known caves on earth deeper than 2,000 m: Krubera Cave at -2,197 m (-7,208 ft; reached in 2012) and Veryovkina Cave at -2,212 (-7,257 ft; reached in 2018) Topic: Germanystrategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance to the Baltic Sea; most major rivers in Germany - the Rhine, Weser, Oder, Elbe - flow northward; the Danube, which originates in the Black Forest, flows eastward Topic: GhanaLake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake (manmade reservoir) by surface area (8,482 sq km; 3,275 sq mi); the lake was created following the completion of the Akosombo Dam in 1965, which holds back the White Volta and Black Volta Rivers Topic: Gibraltarnote 1: strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea note 2: one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being the island of Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territorynote 1: strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Seanote 2: one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being the island of Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory Topic: Greecestrategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands Topic: Greenlanddominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast; close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk; world's second largest ice sheet after that of Antarctica covering an area of 1.71 million sq km (660,000 sq mi) or about 79% of the island, and containing 2.85 million cu km (684 thousand cu mi) of ice (this is almost 7% of all of the world's fresh water); if all this ice were converted to liquid water, one estimate is that it would be sufficient to raise the height of the world's oceans by 7.2 m (24 ft) Topic: Grenadathe administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada Topic: Guamlargest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago and the largest island in Micronesia; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean Topic: Guatemalanote 1: despite having both eastern and western coastlines (Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean respectively), there are no natural harbors on the west coast note 2: Guatemala is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 1: despite having both eastern and western coastlines (Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean respectively), there are no natural harbors on the west coastnote 2: Guatemala is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire Topic: Guernseylarge, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port Topic: Guineathe Niger and its important tributary the Milo River have their sources in the Guinean highlands Topic: Guinea-Bissauthis small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland Topic: Guyanathe third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively; contains some of the largest unspoiled rainforests on the continent Topic: Haitishares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic); it is the most mountainous nation in the Caribbean Topic: Heard Island and McDonald IslandsMawson Peak on Heard Island is the highest Australian mountain (at 2,745 meters, it is taller than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia proper), and one of only two active volcanoes located in Australian territory, the other being McDonald Island; in 1992, McDonald Island broke its dormancy and began erupting; it has erupted several times since, most recently in 2005 Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)landlocked; an enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; beyond the territorial boundary of Vatican City, the Lateran Treaty of 1929 grants the Holy See extraterritorial authority over 23 sites in Rome and five outside of Rome, including the Pontifical Palace at Castel Gandolfo (the Pope's summer residence) Topic: Hondurashas only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast Topic: Hong Kongconsists of a mainland area (the New Territories) and more than 200 islands Topic: Hungarylandlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean basin; the north-south flowing Duna (Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions Topic: Icelandstrategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe Topic: Indiadominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the world, lies on the border with Nepal Topic: Indian Oceanmajor chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait Topic: Indonesianote 1: according to Indonesia's National Coordinating Agency for Survey and Mapping, the total number of islands in the archipelago is 13,466, of which 922 are permanently inhabited (Indonesia is the world's largest country comprised solely of islands); the country straddles the equator and occupies a strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean note 2: Indonesia is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire; 80% of tsunamis, caused by volcanic or seismic events, occur within the "Pacific Ring of Fire" note 3: despite having the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia is the most heavily forested region on earth after the Amazon note 4: two major food crops apparently developed on the island of New Guinea: bananas and sugarcanenote 1: according to Indonesia's National Coordinating Agency for Survey and Mapping, the total number of islands in the archipelago is 13,466, of which 922 are permanently inhabited (Indonesia is the world's largest country comprised solely of islands); the country straddles the equator and occupies a strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Oceannote 2: Indonesia is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire; 80% of tsunamis, caused by volcanic or seismic events, occur within the "Pacific Ring of Fire"note 3: despite having the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia is the most heavily forested region on earth after the Amazon note 4: two major food crops apparently developed on the island of New Guinea: bananas and sugarcane Topic: Iranstrategic location on the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, which are vital maritime pathways for crude oil transport Topic: Iraqstrategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf Topic: Irelandstrategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 100 km of Dublin Topic: Isle of Manone small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest and is a bird sanctuary Topic: Israelnote 1: Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) is an important freshwater source; the Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world (after Lake Assal in Djibouti) note 2: the Malham Cave in Mount Sodom is the world's longest salt cave at 10 km (6 mi); its survey is not complete and its length will undoubtedly increase; Mount Sodom is actually a hill some 220 m (722 ft) high that is 80% salt (multiple salt layers covered by a veneer of rock) note 3: in March 2019, there were 380 Israeli settlements,to include 213 settlements and 132 outposts in the West Bank, and 35 settlements in East Jerusalem; there are no Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip, as all were evacuated in 2005 (2019) Topic: Italystrategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe Topic: Jamaicathird largest island in the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola); strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal Topic: Jan Mayenbarren volcanic spoon-shaped island with some moss and grass flora; island consists of two parts: a larger northeast Nord-Jan (the spoon "bowl") and the smaller Sor-Jan (the "handle"), linked by a 2.5 km-wide isthmus (the "stem") with two large lakes, Sorlaguna (South Lagoon) and Nordlaguna (North Lagoon) Topic: Japannote 1: strategic location in northeast Asia; composed of four main islands - from north: Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest and most populous), Shikoku, and Kyushu (the "Home Islands") - and 6,848 smaller islands and islets note 2: Japan annually records the most earthquakes in the world; it is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 1: strategic location in northeast Asia; composed of four main islands - from north: Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest and most populous), Shikoku, and Kyushu (the "Home Islands") - and 6,848 smaller islands and isletsnote 2: Japan annually records the most earthquakes in the world; it is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire Topic: Jerseylargest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier Topic: Jordanstrategic location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba and as the Arab country that shares the longest border with Israel and the occupied West Bank; the Dead Sea, the lowest point in Asia and the second saltiest body of water in the world (after Lac Assal in Djibouti), lies on Jordan's western border with Israel and the West Bank; Jordan is almost landlocked but does have a 26 km southwestern coastline with a single port, Al 'Aqabah (Aqaba) Topic: Kazakhstanworld's largest landlocked country and one of only two landlocked countries in the world that extends into two continents (the other is Azerbaijan); Russia leases approximately 6,000 sq km of territory enclosing the Baikonur Cosmodrome; in January 2004, Kazakhstan and Russia extended the lease to 2050 Topic: Kenyathe Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers are found on Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value; Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake and the second largest fresh water lake, is shared among three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda Topic: Kiribati21 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia, and Nauru; Kiribati is the only country in the world to fall into all four hemispheres (northern, southern, eastern, and western) Topic: Korea, Northstrategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia; mountainous interior is isolated and sparsely populated Topic: Korea, Southstrategic location on Korea Strait; about 3,000 mostly small and uninhabited islands lie off the western and southern coasts Topic: Kosovothe 41-km long Nerodimka River divides into two branches each of which flows into a different sea: the northern branch flows into the Sitnica River, which via the Ibar, Morava, and Danube Rivers ultimately flows into the Black Sea; the southern branch flows via the Lepenac and Vardar Rivers into the Aegean Sea Topic: Kuwaitstrategic location at head of Persian Gulf Topic: Kyrgyzstanlandlocked; entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range; 94% of the country is 1,000 m above sea level with an average elevation of 2,750 m; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes Topic: Laoslandlocked; most of the country is mountainous and thickly forested; the Mekong River forms a large part of the western boundary with Thailand Topic: Latviamost of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east Topic: Lebanonsmallest country in continental Asia; Nahr el Litani is the only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, and ethnicity Topic: Lesotholandlocked, an enclave of (completely surrounded by) South Africa; mountainous, more than 80% of the country is 1,800 m above sea level Topic: Liberiafacing the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline is characterized by lagoons, mangrove swamps, and river-deposited sandbars; the inland grassy plateau supports limited agriculture Topic: Libyanote 1: more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert note 2: the volcano Waw an Namus lies in south central Libya in the middle of the Sahara; the caldera is an oasis - the name means "oasis of mosquitoes" - containing several small lakes surrounded by vegetation and hosting various insects and a large diversity of birds Topic: Liechtensteinalong with Uzbekistan, one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation Topic: Lithuaniafertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that are ancient glacial deposits Topic: Luxembourglandlocked; the only grand duchy in the world Topic: Macauessentially urban; an area of land reclaimed from the sea measuring 5.2 sq km and known as Cotai now connects the islands of Coloane and Taipa; the island area is connected to the mainland peninsula by three bridges Topic: Madagascarworld's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel; despite Madagascar’s close proximity to the African continent, ocean currents isolate the island resulting in high rates of endemic plant and animal species; approximately 90% of the flora and fauna on the island are found nowhere else Topic: Malawilandlocked; Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's most prominent physical feature; it contains more fish species than any other lake on earth Topic: Malaysiastrategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea Topic: Maldivessmallest Asian country; archipelago of 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean Topic: Malilandlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern, cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the northern, arid Saharan Topic: Maltathe country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia are discussing oil exploration on the continental shelf between their countries, although no commercially viable reserves have been found as of 2017 Topic: Marshall Islandsthe islands of Bikini and Enewetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein atoll, famous as a World War II battleground, surrounds the world's largest lagoon and is used as a US missile test range; the island city of Ebeye is the second largest settlement in the Marshall Islands, after the capital of Majuro, and one of the most densely populated locations in the Pacific Topic: MauritaniaMauritania is considered both a part of North Africa's Maghreb region and West Africa's Sahel region; most of the population is concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country Topic: Mauritiusthe main island, from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs; former home of the dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons, driven to extinction by the end of the 17th century through a combination of hunting and the introduction of predatory species Topic: Mexiconote 1: strategic location on southern border of the US; Mexico is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 2: some of the world's most important food crops were first domesticated in Mexico; the "Three Sisters" companion plants - winter squash, maize (corn), and climbing beans - served as the main agricultural crops for various North American Indian groups; all three apparently originated in Mexico but then were widely disseminated through much of North America; avocado, amaranth, and chili peppers also emanate from Mexico, as does vanilla, the world's most popular aroma and flavor spice; although cherry tomatoes originated in Ecuador, their domestication in Mexico transformed them into the larger modern tomato note 3: the Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States) note 4: the prominent Yucatan Peninsula that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; just on the northern coast of Yucatan, near the town of Chicxulub (pronounce cheek-sha-loob), lie the remnants of a massive crater (some 150 km in diameter and extending well out into the Gulf of Mexico); formed by an asteroid or comet when it struck the earth 66 million years ago, the impact is now widely accepted as initiating a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of all the earth's plant and animal species - including the non-avian dinosaursnote 1: strategic location on southern border of the US; Mexico is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 2: some of the world's most important food crops were first domesticated in Mexico; the "Three Sisters" companion plants - winter squash, maize (corn), and climbing beans - served as the main agricultural crops for various North American Indian groups; all three apparently originated in Mexico but then were widely disseminated through much of North America; avocado, amaranth, and chili peppers also emanate from Mexico, as does vanilla, the world's most popular aroma and flavor spice; although cherry tomatoes originated in Ecuador, their domestication in Mexico transformed them into the larger modern tomato note 3: the Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States) note 4: the prominent Yucatan Peninsula that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; just on the northern coast of Yucatan, near the town of Chicxulub (pronounce cheek-sha-loob), lie the remnants of a massive crater (some 150 km in diameter and extending well out into the Gulf of Mexico); formed by an asteroid or comet when it struck the earth 66 million years ago, the impact is now widely accepted as initiating a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of all the earth's plant and animal species - including the non-avian dinosaurs Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofcomposed of four major island groups totaling 607 islands Topic: Moldovalandlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone Topic: Monacosecond-smallest independent state in the world (after the Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban Topic: Mongolialandlocked; strategic location between China and Russia Topic: Montenegrostrategic location along the Adriatic coast Topic: Montserratthe island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages Topic: Moroccostrategic location along Strait of Gibraltar; the only African nation to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines; the waters off the Atlantic coast are particularly rich fishing areas Topic: Mozambiquethe Zambezi River flows through the north-central and most fertile part of the country Topic: Namibiathe Namib Desert, after which the country is named, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world; Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip; Namib-Naukluft National Park (49,768 sq km), is the largest game park in Africa and one of the largest in the world Topic: NauruNauru is the third-smallest country in the world behind the Holy See (Vatican City) and Monaco; it is the smallest country in the Pacific Ocean, the smallest country outside Europe, the world's smallest island country, and the the world's smallest independent republic; situated just 53 km south of the Equator, Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia Topic: Navassa Islandstrategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock with numerous solution holes (limestone sinkholes) but with enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig trees, scattered cactus Topic: Nepallandlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world's tallest and third tallest mountains - on the borders with China and India respectively Topic: Netherlandslocated at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, and Schelde); about a quarter of the country lies below sea level and only about half of the land exceeds one meter above sea level Topic: New Caledoniaconsists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls Topic: New Zealandnote 1: consists of two main islands and a number of smaller islands; South Island, the larger main island, is the 12th largest island in the world and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps; North Island is the 14th largest island in the world and is not as mountainous, but it is marked by volcanism note 2: New Zealand lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: almost 90% of the population lives in cities and over three-quarters on North Island; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the worldnote 1: consists of two main islands and a number of smaller islands; South Island, the larger main island, is the 12th largest island in the world and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps; North Island is the 14th largest island in the world and is not as mountainous, but it is marked by volcanismnote 2: New Zealand lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 3: almost 90% of the population lives in cities and over three-quarters on North Island; Wellington is the southernmost national capital in the world Topic: Nicaragualargest country in Central America; contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua Topic: Nigerlandlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world; northern four-fifths is desert, southern one-fifth is savanna, suitable for livestock and limited agriculture Topic: Nigeriathe Niger River enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea Topic: Niueone of world's largest coral islands; the only major break in the surrounding coral reef occurs in the central western part of the coast Topic: Norfolk Islandmost of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated Topic: North Macedonialandlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsstrategic location in the North Pacific Ocean Topic: Norwayabout two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much-indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of the most rugged and longest coastlines in the world Topic: Omanconsists of Oman proper and two northern exclaves, Musandam and Al Madhah; the former is a peninsula that occupies a strategic location adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil Topic: Pacific Oceanthe major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean; much of the Pacific Ocean's rim lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters that accounts for up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes; the Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean basin averaging 4,000 m in depth Topic: Pakistancontrols Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent Topic: Palauwesternmost 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 Topic: Panamastrategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean Topic: Papua New Guineanote 1: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; generally east-west trending highlands break up New Guinea into diverse ecoregions; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast note 2: two major food crops apparently developed on the island of New Guinea: bananas and sugarcane note 3: Papua New Guinea is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 1: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; generally east-west trending highlands break up New Guinea into diverse ecoregions; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast note 2: two major food crops apparently developed on the island of New Guinea: bananas and sugarcanenote 3: Papua New Guinea is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire Topic: Paracel Islandscomposed of 130 small coral islands and reefs divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent Group Topic: Paraguaynote 1: landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in eastern and southern part of country note 2: pineapples are probably indigenous to the southern Brazil-Paraguay region  Topic: Perunote 1: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak, is the ultimate source of the Amazon River note 2: Peru is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: on 19 February 1600, Mount Huaynaputina in the southern Peruvian Andes erupted in the largest volcanic explosion in South America in historical times; intermittent eruptions lasted until 5 March 1600 and pumped an estimated 16 to 32 million metric tons of particulates into the atmosphere reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the earth's surface and affecting weather worldwide; over the next two and a half years, millions died around the globe in famines from bitterly cold winters, cool summers, and the loss of crops and animals note 4: the southern regions of Peru and the extreme northwestern part of Bolivia are considered to be the place of origin for the common potato note 1: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak, is the ultimate source of the Amazon Rivernote 2: Peru is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: on 19 February 1600, Mount Huaynaputina in the southern Peruvian Andes erupted in the largest volcanic explosion in South America in historical times; intermittent eruptions lasted until 5 March 1600 and pumped an estimated 16 to 32 million metric tons of particulates into the atmosphere reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the earth's surface and affecting weather worldwide; over the next two and a half years, millions died around the globe in famines from bitterly cold winters, cool summers, and the loss of crops and animals note 4: the southern regions of Peru and the extreme northwestern part of Bolivia are considered to be the place of origin for the common potato Topic: Philippinesnote 1: for decades, the Philippine archipelago was reported as having 7,107 islands; in 2016, the national mapping authority reported that hundreds of new islands had been discovered and increased the number of islands to 7,641 - though not all of the new islands have been verified; the country is favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait note 2: Philippines is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: the Philippines sits astride the Pacific typhoon belt and an average of 9 typhoons make landfall on the islands each year - with about 5 of these being destructive; the country is the most exposed in the world to tropical stormsnote 1: for decades, the Philippine archipelago was reported as having 7,107 islands; in 2016, the national mapping authority reported that hundreds of new islands had been discovered and increased the number of islands to 7,641 - though not all of the new islands have been verified; the country is favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Straitnote 2: Philippines is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 3: the Philippines sits astride the Pacific typhoon belt and an average of 9 typhoons make landfall on the islands each year - with about 5 of these being destructive; the country is the most exposed in the world to tropical storms Topic: Pitcairn IslandsBritain's most isolated dependency; only the larger island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger ships stationed offshore Topic: Polandhistorically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain Topic: PortugalAzores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; they are two of the four North Atlantic archipelagos that make up Macaronesia; the others are the Canary Islands (Spain) and Cabo Verde Topic: Puerto Ricoimportant location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north Topic: Qatarthe peninsula occupies a strategic location in the central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits Topic: Romaniacontrols the most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine; the Carpathian Mountains dominate the center of the country, while the Danube River forms much of the southern boundary with Serbia and Bulgaria Topic: Russianote 1: largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture note 2: Russia's far east, particularly the Kamchatka Peninsula, lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak; Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, is estimated to hold one fifth of the world's fresh surface water note 4: Kaliningrad oblast is an exclave annexed from Germany following World War II (it was formerly part of East Prussia); its capital city of Kaliningrad - formerly Koenigsberg - is the only Baltic port in Russia that remains ice free in the winternote 1: largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculturenote 2: Russia's far east, particularly the Kamchatka Peninsula, lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 3: Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak; Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, is estimated to hold one fifth of the world's fresh surface water note 4: Kaliningrad oblast is an exclave annexed from Germany following World War II (it was formerly part of East Prussia); its capital city of Kaliningrad - formerly Koenigsberg - is the only Baltic port in Russia that remains ice free in the winter Topic: Rwandalandlocked; most of the country is intensively cultivated and rugged with the population predominantly rural Topic: Saint Barthelemya 1,200-hectare marine nature reserve, the Reserve Naturelle, is made up of five zones around the island that form a network to protect the island's coral reefs, seagrass, and endangered marine species Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown elsewhere in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns; Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes around southern Africa Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevissmallest country in the Western Hemisphere both in terms of area and population; with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that of its sister island Topic: Saint Luciathe twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean Topic: Saint Martinnote 1: the southern border is shared with Sint Maarten, a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka as Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entities  Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonvegetation scanty; the islands are actually part of the northern Appalachians along with Newfoundland Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesthe administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays Topic: Samoaoccupies an almost central position within Polynesia Topic: San Marinolandlocked; an enclave of (completely surrounded by) Italy; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennine Mountains Topic: Sao Tome and Principethe second-smallest African country (after the Seychelles); the two main islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are mountainous Topic: Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia is the largest country in the world without a river; extensive coastlines on the Persian Gulf and Red Sea allow for considerable shipping (especially of crude oil) through the Persian Gulf and Suez Canal Topic: Senegalwesternmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost an enclave within Senegal Topic: Serbialandlocked; controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East Topic: Seychellesthe smallest African country in terms of both area and population; the constitution of the Republic of Seychelles lists 155 islands: 42 granitic and 113 coralline; by far the largest island is Mahe, which is home to about 90% of the population and the site of the capital city of Victoria Topic: Sierra Leonerainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches) a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western Africa Topic: Singaporefocal point for Southeast Asian sea routes; consists of about 60 islands, by far the largest of which is Pulau Ujong; land reclamation has removed many former islands and created a number of new ones Topic: Sint Maartennote 1: the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka as Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entitiesnote 1: the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka as Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entities Topic: Slovakialandlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous; the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic lakes and valleys Topic: Sloveniadespite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe's major transit routes Topic: Solomon Islandsstrategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea; Rennell Island, the southernmost in the Solomon Islands chain, is one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls; the island’s Lake Tegano, formerly a lagoon on the atoll, is the largest lake in the insular Pacific (15,500 hectares) Topic: Somaliastrategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal Topic: South AfricaSouth Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Eswatini Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandsthe north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage Topic: South Sudanlandlocked; The Sudd is a vast swamp in the north central region of South Sudan, formed by the White Nile, its size is variable but can reach some 15% of the country's total area during the rainy season; it is one of the world's largest wetlands Topic: Southern Oceanthe major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly winds Topic: Spainstrategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas; Spain's Canary Islands are one of four North Atlantic archipelagos that make up Macaronesia; the others are Azores (Portugal), Madeira (Portugal), and Cabo Verde Topic: Spratly Islandsstrategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs Topic: Sri Lankastrategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes; Adam's Bridge is a chain of limestone shoals between the southeastern coast of India and the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka; geological evidence suggests that this 50-km long Bridge once connected India and Sri Lanka; ancient records seem to indicate that a foot passage was possible between the two land masses until the 15th century when the land bridge broke up in a cyclone Topic: Sudanthe Nile is Sudan's primary water source; its major tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, meet at Khartoum to form the River Nile which flows northward through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea Topic: Surinamesmallest independent country on South American continent; mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna that, for the most part, is increasingly threatened by new development; relatively small population, mostly along the coast Topic: Svalbardnorthernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total area; Spitsbergen Island is the site of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a seed repository established by the Global Crop Diversity Trust and the Norwegian Government Topic: Swedenstrategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas; Sweden has almost 100,000 lakes, the largest of which, Vanern, is the third largest in Europe Topic: Switzerlandlandlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with southeastern France, northern Italy, and southwestern Austria, has the highest elevations in the Alps Topic: Syriathe capital of Damascus - located at an oasis fed by the Barada River - is thought to be one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities; there are 42 Israeli settlements and civilian land use sites in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights (2017) Topic: Taiwanstrategic location adjacent to both the Taiwan Strait and the Luzon Strait Topic: Tajikistanlandlocked; highest point, Qullai Ismoili Somoni (formerly Communism Peak), was the tallest mountain in the former USSR Topic: TanzaniaKilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and one of only three mountain ranges on the continent that has glaciers (the others are Mount Kenya [in Kenya] and the Ruwenzori Mountains [on the Uganda-Democratic Republic of the Congo border]); Tanzania is bordered by three of the largest lakes on the continent: Lake Victoria (the world's second-largest freshwater lake) in the north, Lake Tanganyika (the world's second deepest) in the west, and Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) in the southwest Topic: Thailandcontrols only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore; ideas for the construction of a canal across the Kra Isthmus that would create a bypass to the Strait of Malacca and shorten shipping times around Asia continue to be discussed Topic: Timor-LesteTimor comes from the Malay word for "east"; the island of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands; the district of Oecussi is an exclave separated from Timor-Leste proper by Indonesia; Timor-Leste has the unique distinction of being the only Asian country located completely in the Southern Hemisphere Topic: Togothe country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna Topic: Tokelauconsists of three atolls (Atafu, Fakaofo, Nukunonu), each with a lagoon surrounded by a number of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over 3 m above sea level Topic: Tongathe western islands (making up the Tongan Volcanic Arch) are all of volcanic origin; the eastern islands are nonvolcanic and are composed of coral limestone and sand Topic: Trinidad and TobagoPitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt Topic: Tunisiastrategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link the Black and Aegean Seas; the 3% of Turkish territory north of the Straits lies in Europe and goes by the names of European Turkey, Eastern Thrace, or Turkish Thrace; the 97% of the country in Asia is referred to as Anatolia; Istanbul, which straddles the Bosporus, is the only metropolis in the world located on two continents; Mount Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's ark, is in the far eastern portion of the country Topic: Turkmenistanlandlocked; the western and central low-lying desolate portions of the country make up the great Garagum (Kara-Kum) desert, which occupies over 80% of the country; eastern part is plateau Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsinclude eight large islands and numerous smaller cays, islets, and reefs; only two of the Caicos Islands and six of the Turks group are inhabited Topic: Tuvaluone of the smallest and most remote countries on Earth; six of the nine coral atolls - Nanumea, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Funafuti, and Nukulaelae - have lagoons open to the ocean; Nanumaya and Niutao have landlocked lagoons; Niulakita does not have a lagoon Topic: Ugandalandlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and rivers; Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake and the second largest fresh water lake, is shared among three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda Topic: Ukrainestrategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second-largest country in Europe after Russia Topic: United Arab Emiratesstrategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil Topic: United Kingdomlies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km from France and linked by tunnel under the English Channel (the Channel Tunnel or Chunnel); because of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from tidal waters Topic: United Statesnote 1: world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Denali (Mt. McKinley) is the highest point (6,190 m) in North America and Death Valley the lowest point (-86 m) on the continent note 2: the western coast of the United States and southern coast of Alaska lie along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: the Aleutian Islands are a chain of volcanic islands that divide the Bering Sea (north) from the main Pacific Ocean (south); they extend about 1,800 km westward from the Alaskan Peninsula; the archipelago consists of 14 larger islands, 55 smaller islands, and hundreds of islets; there are 41 active volcanoes on the islands, which together form a large northern section of the Ring of Fire note 4: Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 miles) of surveyed passageways, which is nearly twice as long as the second-longest cave system, the Sac Actun underwater cave in Mexico - the world's longest underwater cave system (see "Geography - note" under Mexico); note 5: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep note 6: Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave; it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals note 7: the US is reliant on foreign imports for 100% of its needs for the following strategic resources - Arsenic, Cesium, Fluorspar, Gallium, Graphite, Indium, Manganese, Niobium, Rare Earths, Rubidium, Scandium, Tantalum, Yttrium; see Appendix H: Strategic Materials for further details note 8: three food crops are generally acknowledged to be native to areas of what is now the United States: cranberries, pecans, and sunflowersnote 1: world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Denali (Mt. McKinley) is the highest point (6,190 m) in North America and Death Valley the lowest point (-86 m) on the continentnote 2: the western coast of the United States and southern coast of Alaska lie along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 3: the Aleutian Islands are a chain of volcanic islands that divide the Bering Sea (north) from the main Pacific Ocean (south); they extend about 1,800 km westward from the Alaskan Peninsula; the archipelago consists of 14 larger islands, 55 smaller islands, and hundreds of islets; there are 41 active volcanoes on the islands, which together form a large northern section of the Ring of Fire note 4: Mammoth Cave, in west-central Kentucky, is the world's longest known cave system with more than 650 km (405 miles) of surveyed passageways, which is nearly twice as long as the second-longest cave system, the Sac Actun underwater cave in Mexico - the world's longest underwater cave system (see "Geography - note" under Mexico); note 5: Kazumura Cave on the island of Hawaii is the world's longest and deepest lava tube cave; it has been surveyed at 66 km (41 mi) long and 1,102 m (3,614 ft) deep note 6: Bracken Cave outside of San Antonio, Texas is the world's largest bat cave; it is the summer home to the largest colony of bats in the world; an estimated 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost in the cave from March to October making it the world's largest known concentration of mammals note 7: the US is reliant on foreign imports for 100% of its needs for the following strategic resources - Arsenic, Cesium, Fluorspar, Gallium, Graphite, Indium, Manganese, Niobium, Rare Earths, Rubidium, Scandium, Tantalum, Yttrium; see Appendix H: Strategic Materials for further details note 8: three food crops are generally acknowledged to be native to areas of what is now the United States: cranberries, pecans, and sunflowers Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesBaker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; closed to the public; Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands, which have been expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; the egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public; Kingman Reef: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to the public; Midway Islands: a coral atoll managed as a National Wildlife Refuge and open to the public for wildlife-related recreation in the form of wildlife observation and photography; Palmyra Atoll: the high rainfall and resulting lush vegetation make the environment of this atoll unique among the US Pacific Island territories; supports a large undisturbed stand of Pisonia beach forestBaker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; closed to the public; Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands, which have been expanded by coral dredging; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; the egg-shaped reef is 34 km in circumference; closed to the public; Kingman Reef: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to the public; Midway Islands: a coral atoll managed as a National Wildlife Refuge and open to the public for wildlife-related recreation in the form of wildlife observation and photography; Palmyra Atoll: the high rainfall and resulting lush vegetation make the environment of this atoll unique among the US Pacific Island territories; supports a large undisturbed stand of Pisonia beach forest Topic: Uruguaysecond-smallest South American country (after Suriname); most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising Topic: Uzbekistanalong with Liechtenstein, one of the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world Topic: Vanuatua Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes and there are several underwater volcanoes as well Topic: Venezuelanote 1: the country lies on major sea and air routes linking North and South America note 2: Venezuela has some of the most unique geology in the world; tepuis are massive table-top mountains of the western Guiana Highlands that tend to be isolated and thus support unique endemic plant and animal species; their sheer cliffsides account for some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world including Angel Falls, the world's highest (979 m) that drops off Auyan Tepuinote 1: the country lies on major sea and air routes linking North and South Americanote 2: Venezuela has some of the most unique geology in the world; tepuis are massive table-top mountains of the western Guiana Highlands that tend to be isolated and thus support unique endemic plant and animal species; their sheer cliffsides account for some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world including Angel Falls, the world's highest (979 m) that drops off Auyan Tepui Topic: Vietnamnote 1: extending 1,650 km north to south, the country is only 50 km across at its narrowest point note 2: Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the world's largest cave (greatest cross sectional area) and is the largest known cave passage in the world by volume; it currently measures a total of 38.5 million cu m (about 1.35 billion cu ft); it connects to Thung cave (but not yet officially); when recognized, it will add an additional 1.6 million cu m in volume; Son Doong is so massive that it contains its own jungle, underground river, and localized weather system; clouds form inside the cave and spew out from its exits and two dolines (openings (sinkhole skylights) created by collapsed ceilings that allow sunlight to stream in) Topic: Virgin Islandsimportant location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean Topic: Wake Islandstrategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights Topic: Wallis and Futunaboth island groups have fringing reefs; Wallis contains several prominent crater lakes Topic: West Banklandlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers; there are about 380 Israeli civilian sites, including about 213 settlements and 132 small outpost communities in the West Bank and 35 sites in East Jerusalem (2017) Topic: Worldnote 1: the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old, just about one-third of the 13.8-billion-year age estimated for the universe; the earliest widely accepted date for life appearing on earth is 3.48 billion years ago, but this date is conservative and may get pushed back further note 2: although earthquakes can strike anywhere at any time, the vast majority occur in three large zones of the earth; the world's greatest earthquake belt, the Circum-Pacific Belt (popularly referred to as the Ring of Fire), is the zone of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; about 90% of the world's earthquakes (81% of the largest earthquakes) and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire; the belt extends northward from Chile, along the South American coast, through Central America, Mexico, the western US, southern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, to Japan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, island groups in the southwestern Pacific, and New Zealand the second prominent belt, the Alpide, extends from Java to Sumatra, northward along the mountains of Burma, then eastward through the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and out into the Atlantic Ocean; it accounts for about 17% of the world's largest earthquakes; the third important belt follows the long Mid-Atlantic Ridge note 3: information on the origin sites for many of the world's major food crops may be found in the "Geography - note" for the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, and the United Statesnote 1: the world is now thought to be about 4.55 billion years old, just about one-third of the 13.8-billion-year age estimated for the universe; the earliest widely accepted date for life appearing on earth is 3.48 billion years ago, but this date is conservative and may get pushed back furthernote 2: although earthquakes can strike anywhere at any time, the vast majority occur in three large zones of the earth; the world's greatest earthquake belt, the Circum-Pacific Belt (popularly referred to as the Ring of Fire), is the zone of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; about 90% of the world's earthquakes (81% of the largest earthquakes) and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire; the belt extends northward from Chile, along the South American coast, through Central America, Mexico, the western US, southern Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, to Japan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, island groups in the southwestern Pacific, and New Zealand the second prominent belt, the Alpide, extends from Java to Sumatra, northward along the mountains of Burma, then eastward through the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and out into the Atlantic Ocean; it accounts for about 17% of the world's largest earthquakes; the third important belt follows the long Mid-Atlantic Ridge note 3: information on the origin sites for many of the world's major food crops may be found in the "Geography - note" for the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States Topic: Yemenstrategic location on Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping lanes Topic: Zambialandlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zimbabwe; Lake Kariba on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border forms the world's largest reservoir by volume (180 cu km; 43 cu mi) Topic: Zimbabwelandlocked; the Zambezi forms a natural riverine boundary with Zambia; in full flood (February-April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water; Lake Kariba on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border forms the world's largest reservoir by volume (180 cu km; 43 cu mi)

20220901

countries-djibouti

Topic: Photos of Djibouti Topic: Introduction Background: The region of present-day Djibouti was the site of the medieval Ifat and Adal Sultanates. In the late 19th century, treaties signed by the Afar sultans with the French allowed the latter to establish the colony of French Somaliland in 1862. The French signed additional treaties with the ethnic Somali in 1885. Tension between the ethnic Afar and Somali populations increased over time, as the ethnic Somalis perceived that the French unfairly favored the Afar and gave them disproportionate influence in local governance. In 1958, the French held a referendum that provided residents of French Somaliland the option to either continue their association with France or to join neighboring Somalia as it established its independence. The ethnic Somali protested the vote, because French colonial leaders did not recognize many Somali as residents, which gave the Afar outsized influence in the decision to uphold ties with France. After a second referendum in 1967, the French changed the territory’s name to the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, in part to underscore their relationship with the ethnic Afar and downplay the significance of the ethnic Somalis. A final referendum in 1977 established Djibouti as an independent nation and granted ethnic Somalis Djiboutian nationality, formally resetting the balance of power between the majority ethnic Somalis and minority ethnic Afar residents. Upon independence, the country was named after its capital city of Djibouti. Hassan Gouled APTIDON, an ethnic Somali leader, installed an authoritarian one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999. Unrest between the Afar minority and Somali majority culminated in a civil war during the 1990s that ended in 2001 with a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Somali Issa-dominated government. In 1999, Djibouti's first multiparty presidential election resulted in the election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH as president; he was reelected to a second term in 2005 and extended his tenure in office via a constitutional amendment, which allowed him to serve his third and fourth terms, and to begin a fifth term in 2021. Djibouti occupies a strategic geographic location at the intersection of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its ports handle 95% of Ethiopia’s trade. Djibouti’s ports also service transshipments between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The government holds longstanding ties to France, which maintains a military presence in the country, as does the US, Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, and China.The region of present-day Djibouti was the site of the medieval Ifat and Adal Sultanates. In the late 19th century, treaties signed by the Afar sultans with the French allowed the latter to establish the colony of French Somaliland in 1862. The French signed additional treaties with the ethnic Somali in 1885.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia Geographic coordinates: 11 30 N, 43 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 23,200 sq km land: 23,180 sq km water: 20 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: total: 528 km border countries (3): Eritrea 125 km; Ethiopia 342 km; Somalia 61 km Coastline: 314 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: desert; torrid, dry Terrain: coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains Elevation: highest point: Moussa Ali 2,021 m lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m mean elevation: 430 m Natural resources: potential geothermal power, gold, clay, granite, limestone, marble, salt, diatomite, gypsum, pumice, petroleum Land use: agricultural land: 73.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 73.3% (2018 est.) forest: 0.2% (2018 est.) other: 26.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 10 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Abhe Bad/Abhe Bid Hayk (shared with Ethiopia) - 780 sq km Population distribution: most densely populated areas are in the east; the largest city is Djibouti, with a population over 600,000; no other city in the country has a total population over 50,000 as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floodsvolcanism: experiences limited volcanic activity; Ardoukoba (298 m) last erupted in 1978; Manda-Inakir, located along the Ethiopian border, is also historically activeearthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floodsvolcanism: experiences limited volcanic activity; Ardoukoba (298 m) last erupted in 1978; Manda-Inakir, located along the Ethiopian border, is also historically active Geography - note: strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; mostly wasteland; Lac Assal (Lake Assal) is the lowest point in Africa and the saltiest lake in the world Map description: Djibouti map showing the capital and major towns, as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Gulf of Aden.Djibouti map showing the capital and major towns, as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Gulf of Aden. Topic: People and Society Population: 957,273 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Djiboutian(s) adjective: Djiboutian Ethnic groups: Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (mostly Yemeni Arab, also French, Ethiopian, and Italian) Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar Religions: Sunni Muslim 94% (nearly all Djiboutians), other 6% (mainly foreign-born residents - Shia Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Baha'i, and atheist) Demographic profile: Djibouti is a poor, predominantly urban country, characterized by high rates of illiteracy, unemployment, and childhood malnutrition. More than 75% of the population lives in cities and towns (predominantly in the capital, Djibouti). The rural population subsists primarily on nomadic herding. Prone to droughts and floods, the country has few natural resources and must import more than 80% of its food from neighboring countries or Europe. Health care, particularly outside the capital, is limited by poor infrastructure, shortages of equipment and supplies, and a lack of qualified personnel. More than a third of health care recipients are migrants because the services are still better than those available in their neighboring home countries. The nearly universal practice of female genital cutting reflects Djibouti’s lack of gender equality and is a major contributor to obstetrical complications and its high rates of maternal and infant mortality. A 1995 law prohibiting the practice has never been enforced.Because of its political stability and its strategic location at the confluence of East Africa and the Gulf States along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Djibouti is a key transit point for migrants and asylum seekers heading for the Gulf States and beyond. Each year some hundred thousand people, mainly Ethiopians and some Somalis, journey through Djibouti, usually to the port of Obock, to attempt a dangerous sea crossing to Yemen. However, with the escalation of the ongoing Yemen conflict, Yemenis began fleeing to Djibouti in March 2015, with almost 20,000 arriving by August 2017. Most Yemenis remain unregistered and head for Djibouti City rather than seeking asylum at one of Djibouti’s three spartan refugee camps. Djibouti has been hosting refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly Somalis and lesser numbers of Ethiopians and Eritreans, at camps for 20 years, despite lacking potable water, food shortages, and unemployment.Djibouti is a poor, predominantly urban country, characterized by high rates of illiteracy, unemployment, and childhood malnutrition. More than 75% of the population lives in cities and towns (predominantly in the capital, Djibouti). The rural population subsists primarily on nomadic herding. Prone to droughts and floods, the country has few natural resources and must import more than 80% of its food from neighboring countries or Europe. Health care, particularly outside the capital, is limited by poor infrastructure, shortages of equipment and supplies, and a lack of qualified personnel. More than a third of health care recipients are migrants because the services are still better than those available in their neighboring home countries. The nearly universal practice of female genital cutting reflects Djibouti’s lack of gender equality and is a major contributor to obstetrical complications and its high rates of maternal and infant mortality. A 1995 law prohibiting the practice has never been enforced.Because of its political stability and its strategic location at the confluence of East Africa and the Gulf States along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Djibouti is a key transit point for migrants and asylum seekers heading for the Gulf States and beyond. Each year some hundred thousand people, mainly Ethiopians and some Somalis, journey through Djibouti, usually to the port of Obock, to attempt a dangerous sea crossing to Yemen. However, with the escalation of the ongoing Yemen conflict, Yemenis began fleeing to Djibouti in March 2015, with almost 20,000 arriving by August 2017. Most Yemenis remain unregistered and head for Djibouti City rather than seeking asylum at one of Djibouti’s three spartan refugee camps. Djibouti has been hosting refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly Somalis and lesser numbers of Ethiopians and Eritreans, at camps for 20 years, despite lacking potable water, food shortages, and unemployment. Age structure: 0-14 years: 29.97% (male 138,701/female 137,588) 15-24 years: 20.32% (male 88,399/female 98,955) 25-54 years: 40.73% (male 156,016/female 219,406) 55-64 years: 5.01% (male 19,868/female 26,307) 65 years and over: 3.97% (2020 est.) (male 16,245/female 20,319) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 50.6 youth dependency ratio: 43.6 elderly dependency ratio: 7.1 potential support ratio: 14.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 24.9 years male: 23 years female: 26.4 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.97% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 22.25 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.12 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 4.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most densely populated areas are in the east; the largest city is Djibouti, with a population over 600,000; no other city in the country has a total population over 50,000 as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 78.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.56% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 591,000 DJIBOUTI (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.7 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.72 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.83 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 248 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 46.89 deaths/1,000 live births male: 54.14 deaths/1,000 live births female: 39.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.3 years male: 62.72 years female: 67.96 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.15 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 19% (2012) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.7% of population rural: 59.3% of population total: 90.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0.3% of population rural: 40.7% of population total: 9.2% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 1.8% (2019) Physicians density: 0.22 physicians/1,000 population (2014) Hospital bed density: 1.4 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 87.7% of population rural: 24.2% of population total: 73.8% of population unimproved: urban: 12.3% of population rural: 75.8% of population total: 26.2% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.8% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 6,800 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Djibouti is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 13.5% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 29.9% (2012) Education expenditures: 3.6% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 7 years male: 7 years female: 7 years (2011) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 73% male: 72% female: 74.6% (2017) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; water pollution; limited arable land; deforestation (forests threatened by agriculture and the use of wood for fuel); desertification; endangered species 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 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 40.38 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.62 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.52 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: desert; torrid, dry Land use: agricultural land: 73.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 73.3% (2018 est.) forest: 0.2% (2018 est.) other: 26.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 78.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.56% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.26% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Djibouti is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Food insecurity: widespread lack of access: due to floods - about 194,000 people were estimated to be severely food insecure in the January‑August 2021 period, mainly due to livelihood losses caused by floods and landslides, and as a result of the socio‑economic impact of the pandemic on the livelihoods of vulnerable households; Cyclone Sagar struck the country on 19 and 20 May 2021, bringing torrential rains; the precipitation received, about 110 mm, was the equivalent of the average rainfall for an entire year and triggered heavy flooding, especially in the capital, Djibouti City and surrounding areas (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 114,997 tons (2002 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Abhe Bad/Abhe Bid Hayk (shared with Ethiopia) - 780 sq km Total water withdrawal: municipal: 16 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 3 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 300 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Djibouti conventional short form: Djibouti local long form: Republique de Djibouti (French)/ Jumhuriyat Jibuti (Arabic) local short form: Djibouti (French)/ Jibuti (Arabic) former: French Somaliland, French Territory of the Afars and Issas etymology: the country name derives from the capital city of Djibouti Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Djibouti geographic coordinates: 11 35 N, 43 09 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the origin of the name is disputed; multiple descriptions, possibilities, and theories have been proposed Administrative divisions: 6 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); Ali Sabieh, Arta, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjourah Independence: 27 June 1977 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 27 June (1977) Constitution: history: approved by referendum 4 September 1992 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; Assembly consideration of proposals requires assent of at least one third of the membership; passage requires a simple majority vote by the Assembly and approval by simple majority vote in a referendum; the president can opt to bypass a referendum if adopted by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the sovereignty of Djibouti, its republican form of government, and its pluralist form of democracy cannot by amended; amended 2006, 2008, 2010 Legal system: mixed legal system based primarily on the French civil code (as it existed in 1997), Islamic religious law (in matters of family law and successions), and customary law International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the mother must be a citizen of Djibouti dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May 1999) head of government: Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil MOHAMED (since 1 April 2013) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term; election last held on 9 April 2021 (next to be held in April 2026); prime minister appointed by the president election results: 2021: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president for a fifth term; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH (RPP) 97.4%, Zakaria Ismael FARAH (MDEND) 2.7% 2016: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president for a fourth term; percent of vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH (RPP) 87%, Omar Elmi KHAIREH (CDU) 7.3%, other 5.6% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale, formerly the Chamber of Deputies (65 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 23 February 2018 (next to be held in February 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 57, UDJ-PDD 7, CDU 1; composition - men 48, women 17, percent of women 26.2% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of NA magistrates); Constitutional Council (consists of 6 magistrates) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court magistrates appointed by the president with the advice of the Superior Council of the Magistracy CSM, a 10-member body consisting of 4 judges, 3 members (non parliamentarians and judges) appointed by the president, and 3 appointed by the National Assembly president or speaker; magistrates appointed for life with retirement at age 65; Constitutional Council magistrate appointments - 2 by the president of the republic, 2 by the president of the National Assembly, and 2 by the CSM; magistrates appointed for 8-year, non-renewable terms subordinate courts: High Court of Appeal; 5 Courts of First Instance; customary courts; State Court (replaced sharia courts in 2003) Political parties and leaders: Center for United Democrats or CDU [Ahmed Mohamed YOUSSOUF, chairman] Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Abdillahi HAMARITEH] Djibouti Development Party or PDD [Mohamed Daoud CHEHEM] Front for Restoration of Unity and Democracy (Front pour la Restauration de l'Unite Democratique) or FRUD [Ali Mohamed DAOUD] Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development [Daher Ahmed FARAH] Movement for Development and Liberty or MoDel [Ismail Ahmed WABERI] Movement for the Development and Balance of the Djiboutian Nation (Mouvement pour le Dévelopment et l'Équilibre de la Nation Djiboutienne) or MDEND [Zakaria Ismael FARAH] National Democratic Party or PND [Aden Robleh AWALEH] People's Rally for Progress or RPP [Ismail Omar GUELLEH] (governing party) Peoples Social Democratic Party or PPSD [Hasna Moumin BAHDON] Republican Alliance for Democracy or ARD [Aden Mohamed ABDOU, interim president] Union for a Presidential Majority or UMP (coalition includes RPP, FRUD, PND, PPSD) Union for Democracy and Justice or UDJ [Ilya Ismail GUEDI Hared] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU (candidates), COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Siad DOUALEH (28 January 2016) chancery: 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 515, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 331-0270 FAX: [1] (202) 331-0302 email address and website: info@djiboutiembassyus.org https://www.djiboutiembassyus.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jonathan Goodale PRATT (since 22 February 2021) embassy: Lot 350-B Haramouss, B.P. 185 mailing address: 2150 Djibouti Place, Washington DC  20521-2150 telephone: [253] 21-45-30-00 FAX: [253] 21-45-31-29 email address and website: DjiboutiACS@state.gov https://dj.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star in the center; blue stands for sea and sky and the Issa Somali people; green symbolizes earth and the Afar people; white represents peace; the red star recalls the struggle for independence and stands for unity National symbol(s): red star; national colors: light blue, green, white, red National anthem: name: "Jabuuti" (Djibouti) lyrics/music: Aden ELMI/Abdi ROBLEH note: adopted 1977 Topic: Economy Economic overview: Djibouti's economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location as a deepwater port on the Red Sea. Three-fourths of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Scant rainfall and less than 4% arable land limits crop production to small quantities of fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported.   Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. Imports, exports, and reexports represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal. Reexports consist primarily of coffee from landlocked neighbor Ethiopia. Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An official unemployment rate of nearly 40% - with youth unemployment near 80% - continues to be a major problem. Inflation was a modest 3% in 2014-2017, due to low international food prices and a decline in electricity tariffs.   Djibouti’s reliance on diesel-generated electricity and imported food and water leave average consumers vulnerable to global price shocks, though in mid-2015 Djibouti passed new legislation to liberalize the energy sector. The government has emphasized infrastructure development for transportation and energy and Djibouti – with the help of foreign partners, particularly China – has begun to increase and modernize its port capacity. In 2017, Djibouti opened two of the largest projects in its history, the Doraleh Port and Djibouti-Addis Ababa Railway, funded by China as part of the "Belt and Road Initiative," which will increase the country’s ability to capitalize on its strategic location.Djibouti's economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location as a deepwater port on the Red Sea. Three-fourths of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Scant rainfall and less than 4% arable land limits crop production to small quantities of fruits and vegetables, and most food must be imported. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. Imports, exports, and reexports represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal. Reexports consist primarily of coffee from landlocked neighbor Ethiopia. Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to support its balance of payments and to finance development projects. An official unemployment rate of nearly 40% - with youth unemployment near 80% - continues to be a major problem. Inflation was a modest 3% in 2014-2017, due to low international food prices and a decline in electricity tariffs. Djibouti’s reliance on diesel-generated electricity and imported food and water leave average consumers vulnerable to global price shocks, though in mid-2015 Djibouti passed new legislation to liberalize the energy sector. The government has emphasized infrastructure development for transportation and energy and Djibouti – with the help of foreign partners, particularly China – has begun to increase and modernize its port capacity. In 2017, Djibouti opened two of the largest projects in its history, the Doraleh Port and Djibouti-Addis Ababa Railway, funded by China as part of the "Belt and Road Initiative," which will increase the country’s ability to capitalize on its strategic location. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $5.42 billion (2020 est.) $5.39 billion (2019 est.) $5 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 6.7% (2017 est.) 6.5% (2016 est.) 6.5% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $5,500 (2020 est.) $5,500 (2019 est.) $5,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $3.323 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.7% (2017 est.) 2.7% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.4% (2017 est.) industry: 17.3% (2017 est.) services: 80.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 56.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 29.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 41.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -66.4% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: vegetables, milk, beef, camel milk, lemons, limes, goat meat, mutton, beans, tomatoes Industries: construction, agricultural processing, shipping Industrial production growth rate: 2.7% (2017 est.) Labor force: 294,600 (2012) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA Unemployment rate: 40% (2017 est.) 60% (2014 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 73% male: 72% female: 74.6% (2017) Population below poverty line: 21.1% (2017 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 41.6 (2017 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.4% highest 10%: 30.9% (2002) Budget: revenues: 717 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 899.2 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 31.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 33.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 35.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$280 million (2017 est.) -$178 million (2016 est.) Exports: $5.15 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Saudi Arabia 42%, India 15%, China 14%, Egypt 5%, South Korea 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: various animals, chlorides, dried legumes, industrial fatty acids/oils, coffee, chickpeas (2019) Imports: $4.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 43%, United Arab Emirates 15%, India 7%, Turkey 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fertilizers, iron sheeting, cars, palm oil (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $547.7 million (31 December 2017 est.) $398.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $1.954 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.519 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Djiboutian francs (DJF) per US dollar - 177.7 (2017 est.) 177.72 (2016 est.) 177.72 (2015 est.) 177.72 (2014 est.) 177.72 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 42% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 54% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 1% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 130,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: -62.6 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 120 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 98.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 4,300 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 403 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 6,692 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 610,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 610,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 8.869 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 38,866 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 434,035 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Djibouti remains one of the last bastions where the national telco has a monopoly on all telecom services, including fixed lines, mobile, internet, and broadband; the lack of competition to Djibouti Telecom for such services has meant that the market has not lived up to its potential; despite the country benefiting from its location as a hub for international submarine cables, and with Djibouti Telecom being a partner in at least eight of them, prices for telecom services remain relatively high, and out of reach for a number of customers, weighing on market advancement; the government has long harbored plans to privatize Djibouti Telecom, though thus far such plans have been delayed repeatedly; it has been encouraged by the experience of neighboring Ethiopia, which recently licensed the Global Partnership for Ethiopia consortium (controlled by Safaricom) and so broke the monopoly held by Ethio Telecom; the Djibouti government is aiming to sell a minority stake in the incumbent telco (retaining some control of decisions) while securing the financial backing and the management acumen of a foreign operator; this is part of a larger plan to modernize the country’s economy more generally; the state expects to conduct of a sale of up to 40% of the company to an international investor by end-2022. (2022) domestic: about 4 per 100 fixed-line teledensity and nearly 44 per 100 mobile-cellular; Djibouti Telecom (DT) is the sole provider of telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around Djibouti city (2020) international: country code - 253; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3 & 5, EASSy, Aden-Djibouti, Africa-1, DARE-1, EIG, MENA, Bridge International, PEACE Cable, and SEACOM fiber-optic submarine cable systems providing links to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and Africa; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat) (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: state-owned Radiodiffusion-Television de Djibouti operates the sole terrestrial TV station, as well as the only 2 domestic radio networks; no private TV or radio stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are available (2019) Internet country code: .dj Internet users: total: 582,921 (2020 est.) percent of population: 59% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 25,053 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 4 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: J2 Airports: total: 13 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Railways: total: 97 km (2017) (Djibouti segment of the 756 km Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway) standard gauge: 97 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge Roadways: total: 2,893 km (2013) Merchant marine: total: 33 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 8, other 21 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Djibouti Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD): Army, Navy, Air Force; Djibouti Coast Guard; Ministry of Interior: National Gendarmerie, National Police (2022) note: the National Police is responsible for security within Djibouti City and has primary control over immigration and customs procedures for all land border-crossing points, while the National Gendarmerie is responsible for all security outside of Djibouti City, as well as for protecting critical infrastructure within the city, such as the international airport Military expenditures: 3.5% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $180 million) 3.5% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $160 million) 3.3% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $150 million) 2.7% of GDP (2016 est.) (approximately $120 million) 2.5% of GDP (2015 est.) (approximately $110 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 10,000 active troops (8,000 Army; 250 Naval; 250 Air; 1,500 Gendarmerie) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FAD is armed largely with older French and Soviet-era weapons systems; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of mostly second-hand equipment from a variety of countries, including China and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 16-25 years of age for voluntary military training; no conscription (2021) Military deployments: 960 Somalia (ATMIS) (2022) Military - note: as of 2022, China, France, Italy, Japan, and the US maintained bases in Djibouti for regional military missions, including counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, crisis response, and security assistance (note – France has multiple bases and hosts troop contingents from Germany and Spain); the EU and NATO have also maintained a presence to support multinational naval counter-piracy operations and maritime training efforts; in 2017, Djibouti and Saudi Arabia announced plans for the Saudis to build a military base there, although no start date was announcedas of 2022, China, France, Italy, Japan, and the US maintained bases in Djibouti for regional military missions, including counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, crisis response, and security assistance (note – France has multiple bases and hosts troop contingents from Germany and Spain); the EU and NATO have also maintained a presence to support multinational naval counter-piracy operations and maritime training efforts; in 2017, Djibouti and Saudi Arabia announced plans for the Saudis to build a military base there, although no start date was announced Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) Piracy Reporting Center (PRC) received one incident of piracy and armed robbery in 2021 for the Horn of Africa; while there were no recorded incidents, the IMB PRC warns that Somalia pirates continue to possess the capacity to carry out attacks in the Somali basin and wider Indian Ocean; in particular, the report warns that, "Masters and crew must remain vigilant and cautious when transiting these waters."; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators, including the use of on-board armed security teams, contributed to the drop in incidents; the EU naval mission, Operation ATALANTA, continues its operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean through 2022; naval units from China, India, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, the US, and other countries also operate in conjunction with EU forces; China has established a logistical base in Djibouti to support its deployed naval units in the Horn of Africa Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): al-Shabaab note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Djibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with "Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to various factions in Somalia; Kuwait is chief investor in the 2008 restoration and upgrade of the Ethiopian-Djibouti rail link; in 2008, Eritrean troops moved across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupied Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red SeaDjibouti maintains economic ties and border accords with "Somaliland" leadership while maintaining some political ties to various factions in Somalia; Kuwait is chief investor in the 2008 restoration and upgrade of the Ethiopian-Djibouti rail link; in 2008, Eritrean troops moved across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupied Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 5,972 (Yemen) (mid-year 2021); 14,227 (Somalia) (2021)

20220901

countries-mexico

Topic: Photos of Mexico Topic: Introduction Background: The site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations - including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec - Mexico was conquered and colonized by Spain in the early 16th century. Administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain for three centuries, it achieved independence early in the 19th century. Elections held in 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) - defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate Felipe CALDERON, but Enrique PENA NIETO regained the presidency for the PRI in 2012. Left-leaning anti-establishment politician and former mayor of Mexico City (2000-05) Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR, from the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), became president in December 2018. The global financial crisis in late 2008 caused a massive economic downturn in Mexico the following year. Growth rebounded to about 5% in 2010, but then averaged roughly half that for the rest of the decade. Notwithstanding this challenge, Mexico is currently the largest goods trading partner of the US – with $614.5 billion in two-way goods trade during 2019. US exports of goods and services to Mexico supported 1.2 million jobs in the US in 2015 (the latest data available) according to estimates from the Department of Commerce. Mexico's GDP contracted by 8.2% in 2020 due to pandemic-induced closures, its lowest level since the Great Depression, but Mexico’s economy rebounded in 2021 when it grew by 4.8%, driven largely by increased remittances, despite supply chain and pandemic-related challenges. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or T-MEC by its Spanish acronym) entered into force on 1 July 2020 and replaced its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico amended its constitution on 1 May 2019 to facilitate the implementation of the labor components of USMCA. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, high underemployment, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely indigenous population in the impoverished southern states. Since 2007, Mexico's powerful transnational criminal organizations have engaged in a struggle to control criminal markets, resulting in tens of thousands of drug-related homicides and forced disappearances.The site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations - including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec - Mexico was conquered and colonized by Spain in the early 16th century. Administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain for three centuries, it achieved independence early in the 19th century. Elections held in 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) - defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate Felipe CALDERON, but Enrique PENA NIETO regained the presidency for the PRI in 2012. Left-leaning anti-establishment politician and former mayor of Mexico City (2000-05) Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR, from the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), became president in December 2018. The global financial crisis in late 2008 caused a massive economic downturn in Mexico the following year. Growth rebounded to about 5% in 2010, but then averaged roughly half that for the rest of the decade. Notwithstanding this challenge, Mexico is currently the largest goods trading partner of the US – with $614.5 billion in two-way goods trade during 2019. US exports of goods and services to Mexico supported 1.2 million jobs in the US in 2015 (the latest data available) according to estimates from the Department of Commerce. Mexico's GDP contracted by 8.2% in 2020 due to pandemic-induced closures, its lowest level since the Great Depression, but Mexico’s economy rebounded in 2021 when it grew by 4.8%, driven largely by increased remittances, despite supply chain and pandemic-related challenges.The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or T-MEC by its Spanish acronym) entered into force on 1 July 2020 and replaced its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico amended its constitution on 1 May 2019 to facilitate the implementation of the labor components of USMCA.Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, high underemployment, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely indigenous population in the impoverished southern states. Since 2007, Mexico's powerful transnational criminal organizations have engaged in a struggle to control criminal markets, resulting in tens of thousands of drug-related homicides and forced disappearances.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: North America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States Geographic coordinates: 23 00 N, 102 00 W Map references: North America Area: total: 1,964,375 sq km land: 1,943,945 sq km water: 20,430 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 4,389 km border countries (3): Belize 276 km; Guatemala 958 km; US 3,155 km Coastline: 9,330 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: varies from tropical to desert Terrain: high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert Elevation: highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,636 m lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m mean elevation: 1,111 m Natural resources: petroleum, silver, antimony, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber Land use: agricultural land: 54.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.7% (2018 est.) forest: 33.3% (2018 est.) other: 11.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 65,000 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Laguna de Chapala - 1,140 sq km Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Terminos - 1,550 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Rio Grande river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 3,057 km; Colorado river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 2,333 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Gulf of Mexico) Rio Grande/Bravo (607,965 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: (Gulf of California) Colorado (703,148 sq km) Major aquifers: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Population distribution: most of the population is found in the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz; approximately a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City Natural hazards: tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coastsvolcanism: volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (3,850 m), which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (5,426 m) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note"tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coastsvolcanism: volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (3,850 m), which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (5,426 m) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note" Geography - note: note 1: strategic location on southern border of the US; Mexico is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 2: some of the world's most important food crops were first domesticated in Mexico; the "Three Sisters" companion plants - winter squash, maize (corn), and climbing beans - served as the main agricultural crops for various North American Indian groups; all three apparently originated in Mexico but then were widely disseminated through much of North America; avocado, amaranth, and chili peppers also emanate from Mexico, as does vanilla, the world's most popular aroma and flavor spice; although cherry tomatoes originated in Ecuador, their domestication in Mexico transformed them into the larger modern tomato note 3: the Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States) note 4: the prominent Yucatan Peninsula that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; just on the northern coast of Yucatan, near the town of Chicxulub (pronounce cheek-sha-loob), lie the remnants of a massive crater (some 150 km in diameter and extending well out into the Gulf of Mexico); formed by an asteroid or comet when it struck the earth 66 million years ago, the impact is now widely accepted as initiating a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of all the earth's plant and animal species - including the non-avian dinosaursnote 1: strategic location on southern border of the US; Mexico is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 2: some of the world's most important food crops were first domesticated in Mexico; the "Three Sisters" companion plants - winter squash, maize (corn), and climbing beans - served as the main agricultural crops for various North American Indian groups; all three apparently originated in Mexico but then were widely disseminated through much of North America; avocado, amaranth, and chili peppers also emanate from Mexico, as does vanilla, the world's most popular aroma and flavor spice; although cherry tomatoes originated in Ecuador, their domestication in Mexico transformed them into the larger modern tomato note 3: the Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States) note 4: the prominent Yucatan Peninsula that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; just on the northern coast of Yucatan, near the town of Chicxulub (pronounce cheek-sha-loob), lie the remnants of a massive crater (some 150 km in diameter and extending well out into the Gulf of Mexico); formed by an asteroid or comet when it struck the earth 66 million years ago, the impact is now widely accepted as initiating a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of all the earth's plant and animal species - including the non-avian dinosaurs Map description: Mexico map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and bodies of water.Mexico map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and bodies of water. Topic: People and Society Population: 129,150,971 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Mexican(s) adjective: Mexican Ethnic groups: Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 62%, predominantly Amerindian 21%, Amerindian 7%, other 10% (mostly European) (2012 est.) note: Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity Languages: Spanish only 93.8%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.4%, indigenous only 0.6%, unspecified 0.2%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2020 est.) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant/evangelical Christian 11.2%, other 0.002%, unaffiliated (includes atheism) 10.6% (2020 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 26.01% (male 17,111,199/female 16,349,767) 15-24 years: 16.97% (male 11,069,260/female 10,762,784) 25-54 years: 41.06% (male 25,604,223/female 27,223,720) 55-64 years: 8.29% (male 4,879,048/female 5,784,176) 65 years and over: 7.67% (2020 est.) (male 4,373,807/female 5,491,581) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 50.3 youth dependency ratio: 38.8 elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 potential support ratio: 8.7 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 29.3 years male: 28.2 years female: 30.4 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.51% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 13.55 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.71 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the population is found in the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz; approximately a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City Urbanization: urban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 22.085 million MEXICO CITY (capital), 5.340 million Guadalajara, 5.037 million Monterrey, 3.295 million Puebla, 2.576 million Toluca de Lerdo, 2.221 million Tijuana (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.84 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.3 years (2008 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 33 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 11.86 deaths/1,000 live births male: 13.11 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.32 years male: 68.93 years female: 75.88 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 73.1% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 98.3% of population total: 99.7% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 1.7% of population total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.4% (2019) Physicians density: 2.43 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 1 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 96.4% of population total: 99.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 3.6% of population total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.4% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 340,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 4,300 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever note: a new coronavirus is causing sustained community spread of respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Mexico; sustained community spread means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not known, and the spread is ongoing; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Mexico has reported a total of 5,782,405 cases of COVID-19 or 4,484.8 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 324,966 cumulative deaths or a rate of 252 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 20 May 2022, 66.68% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 28.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 13.1% (2020 est.) male: 19.9% (2020 est.) female: 6.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 4.7% (2018/19) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 3.6% women married by age 18: 20.7% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 4.3% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 95.2% male: 96.1% female: 94.5% (2020) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 15 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.1% male: 7.8% female: 8.7% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to urban migration; natural freshwater resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion note: the government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation national security issues 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 20.08 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 486.41 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 135.77 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies from tropical to desert Land use: agricultural land: 54.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.7% (2018 est.) forest: 33.3% (2018 est.) other: 11.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever note: a new coronavirus is causing sustained community spread of respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Mexico; sustained community spread means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not known, and the spread is ongoing; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Mexico has reported a total of 5,782,405 cases of COVID-19 or 4,484.8 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 324,966 cumulative deaths or a rate of 252 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 20 May 2022, 66.68% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 53.1 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2.655 million tons (2013 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5% (2013 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Laguna de Chapala - 1,140 sq km Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Terminos - 1,550 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Rio Grande river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 3,057 km; Colorado river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 2,333 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Gulf of Mexico) Rio Grande/Bravo (607,965 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: (Gulf of California) Colorado (703,148 sq km) Major aquifers: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Total water withdrawal: municipal: 14.23 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 6.814 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 66.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 461.888 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: United Mexican States conventional short form: Mexico local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos local short form: Mexico former: Mexican Republic, Mexican Empire etymology: named after the capital city, whose name stems from the Mexica, the largest and most powerful branch of the Aztecs; the meaning of the name is uncertain Government type: federal presidential republic Capital: name: Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October time zone note: Mexico has four time zones etymology: named after the Mexica, the largest and most powerful branch of the Aztecs; the meaning of the name is uncertain Administrative divisions: 32 states (estados, singular - estado); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Cuidad de Mexico, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas Independence: 16 September 1810 (declared independence from Spain); 27 September 1821 (recognized by Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810) Constitution: history: several previous; latest approved 5 February 1917 amendments: proposed by the Congress of the Union; passage requires approval by at least two thirds of the members present and approval by a majority of the state legislatures; amended many times, last in 2020 Legal system: civil law system with US constitutional law influence; judicial review of legislative acts International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: not specified residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (since 1 December 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (since 1 December 2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of attorney general, the head of the Bank of Mexico, and senior treasury officials require consent of the Senate elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 1 July 2018 (next to be held in July 2024) election results: 2018: Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR elected president; percent of vote - Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (MORENA) 53.2%, Ricardo ANAYA (PAN) 22.3%, Jose Antonio MEADE Kuribrena (PRI) 16.4%, Jaime RODRIGUEZ Calderon 5.2% (independent), other 2.9% 2012: Enrique PENA NIETO elected president; percent of vote - Enrique PENA NIETO (PRI) 38.2%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (PRD) 31.6%, Josefina Eugenia VAZQUEZ Mota (PAN) 25.4%, other 4.8% Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists of: Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 32 directly elected in a single, nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms) Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 200 directly elected in a single, nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 1 July 2018 (next to be held in July 2024) Chamber of Deputies - last held on 6 June 2021 (next to be held in July 2024) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MORENA 58, PAN 22, PRI 14, PRD 9, MC 7, PT 7, PES 5, PVEM 5, PNA/PANAL 1; composition (as of July 2018) - men 65, women 63, percent of women 49.2% Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MORENA 197, PAN 111, PRI 69, PVEM 44, PT 38, MC 25, PRD 16; composition - men 250, women 250, percent of women 50%; note - overall percent of women in National Congress 49.8% note: as of the 2018 election, senators will be eligible for a second term and deputies up to 4 consecutive terms Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nacion (consists of the chief justice and 11 justices and organized into civil, criminal, administrative, and labor panels) and the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (organized into the superior court, with 7 judges including the court president, and 5 regional courts, each with 3 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president of the republic and approved by two-thirds vote of the members present in the Senate; justices serve 15-year terms; Electoral Tribunal superior and regional court judges nominated by the Supreme Court and elected by two-thirds vote of members present in the Senate; superior court president elected from among its members to hold office for a 4-year term; other judges of the superior and regional courts serve staggered, 9-year terms subordinate courts: federal level includes circuit, collegiate, and unitary courts; state and district level courts note: in April 2021, the Mexican congress passed a judicial reform which changed 7 articles of the constitution and preceded a new Organic Law on the Judicial Branch of the Federation Political parties and leaders: Citizen's Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) or MC [Clemente CASTANEDA Hoeflich] Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) or PRI [Claudia RUIZ Massieu] Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez] Mexican Green Ecological Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de Mexico) or PVEM [Karen CASTREJON Trujillo] Movement for National Regeneration (Movimiento Regeneracion Nacional) or MORENA [Mario DELGADO Carillo] National Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional) or PAN [Antonio CORTES Mendoza] Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolucion Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ZAMBRANO Grijalva] This Is For Mexico (Va Por Mexico) – alliance that includes PAN, PRI, and PRD Together We Make History (Juntos Hacemos Historia) - alliance that includes MORENA, PT, PVEM Citizen's Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) or MC [Clemente CASTANEDA Hoeflich] Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) or PRI [Claudia RUIZ Massieu] Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez] Mexican Green Ecological Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de Mexico) or PVEM [Karen CASTREJON Trujillo] Movement for National Regeneration (Movimiento Regeneracion Nacional) or MORENA [Mario DELGADO Carillo] National Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional) or PAN [Antonio CORTES Mendoza] Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolucion Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ZAMBRANO Grijalva] This Is For Mexico (Va Por Mexico) – alliance that includes PAN, PRI, and PRD Together We Make History (Juntos Hacemos Historia) - alliance that includes MORENA, PT, PVEM International organization participation: APEC, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CE (observer), CELAC, CSN (observer), EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-3, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, NAFTA, NAM (observer), NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Esteban MOCTEZUMA Barragan (since 20 April 2021) chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600 FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698 email address and website: mexembussa@sre.gob.mx https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta (GA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Dallas (TX), Denver (GA), El Paso (TX), Houston (TX), Laredo (TX), Miami (FL), New York (NY), Nogales (AZ), Phoenix (AZ), Raleigh (NC), Sacramento (CA), San Antonio (TX), San Diego (CA), San Francisco (CA), San Jose (CA), San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Brownsville (TX), Calexico (CA), Del Rio (TX), Detroit (MI), Douglas (AZ), Eagle Pass (TX), Fresno (CA), Indianapolis (IN), Kansas City (MO), Las Vegas (NV), Little Rock (AR), Los Angeles (CA), McAllen (TX), Milwaukee (WI), New Orleans (LA), Omaha (NE), Orlando (FL), Oxnard (CA), Philadelphia (PA), Portland (OR), Presidio (TX), Salt Lake City (UT), San Bernardino (CA), Santa Ana (CA), Seattle (WA), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Yuma (AZ)   Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ken SALAZAR (since 14 September 2021) embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, CDMX mailing address: 8700 Mexico City Place, Washington DC  20521-8700 telephone: (011) [52]-55-5080-2000 FAX: (011) 52-55-5080-2005 email address and website: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov https://mx.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; Mexico's coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its beak perched on a cactus) is centered in the white band; green signifies hope, joy, and love; white represents peace and honesty; red stands for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor; the coat of arms is derived from a legend that the wandering Aztec people were to settle at a location where they would see an eagle on a cactus eating a snake; the city they founded, Tenochtitlan, is now Mexico City note: similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter, uses lighter shades of green and red, and does not display anything in its white band National symbol(s): golden eagle; national colors: green, white, red National anthem: name: "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (National Anthem of Mexico) lyrics/music: Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA/Jaime Nuno ROCA note: adopted 1943, in use since 1854; also known as "Mexicanos, al grito de Guerra" (Mexicans, to the War Cry); according to tradition, Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA, an accomplished poet, was uninterested in submitting lyrics to a national anthem contest; his fiancee locked him in a room and refused to release him until the lyrics were completed National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 35 (27 cultural, 6 natural, 2 mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Mexico City (c); Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl (c); Teotihuacan (c); Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino (n); Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (n); Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (m); Historic Puebla (c); El Tajin (c); Historic Tlacotalpan (c); Historic Oaxaca and Monte Albán (c); Palenque (c); Chichen-Itza (c); Uxmal (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Mexico's $2.4 trillion economy – 11th largest in the world - has become increasingly oriented toward manufacturing since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force in 1994. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal.   Mexico has become the US' second-largest export market and third-largest source of imports. In 2017, two-way trade in goods and services exceeded $623 billion. Mexico has free trade agreements with 46 countries, putting more than 90% of its trade under free trade agreements. In 2012, Mexico formed the Pacific Alliance with Peru, Colombia, and Chile.   Mexico's current government, led by President Enrique PENA NIETO, has emphasized economic reforms, passing and implementing sweeping energy, financial, fiscal, and telecommunications reform legislation, among others, with the long-term aim to improve competitiveness and economic growth across the Mexican economy. Since 2015, Mexico has held public auctions of oil and gas exploration and development rights and for long-term electric power generation contracts. Mexico has also issued permits for private sector import, distribution, and retail sales of refined petroleum products in an effort to attract private investment into the energy sector and boost production.   Since 2013, Mexico’s economic growth has averaged 2% annually, falling short of private-sector expectations that President PENA NIETO’s sweeping reforms would bolster economic prospects. Growth is predicted to remain below potential given falling oil production, weak oil prices, structural issues such as low productivity, high inequality, a large informal sector employing over half of the workforce, weak rule of law, and corruption. Mexico’s economy remains vulnerable to uncertainty surrounding the future of NAFTA — because the United States is its top trading partner and the two countries share integrated supply chains — and to potential shifts in domestic policies following the inauguration of a new a president in December 2018.Mexico's $2.4 trillion economy – 11th largest in the world - has become increasingly oriented toward manufacturing since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force in 1994. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Mexico has become the US' second-largest export market and third-largest source of imports. In 2017, two-way trade in goods and services exceeded $623 billion. Mexico has free trade agreements with 46 countries, putting more than 90% of its trade under free trade agreements. In 2012, Mexico formed the Pacific Alliance with Peru, Colombia, and Chile. Mexico's current government, led by President Enrique PENA NIETO, has emphasized economic reforms, passing and implementing sweeping energy, financial, fiscal, and telecommunications reform legislation, among others, with the long-term aim to improve competitiveness and economic growth across the Mexican economy. Since 2015, Mexico has held public auctions of oil and gas exploration and development rights and for long-term electric power generation contracts. Mexico has also issued permits for private sector import, distribution, and retail sales of refined petroleum products in an effort to attract private investment into the energy sector and boost production. Since 2013, Mexico’s economic growth has averaged 2% annually, falling short of private-sector expectations that President PENA NIETO’s sweeping reforms would bolster economic prospects. Growth is predicted to remain below potential given falling oil production, weak oil prices, structural issues such as low productivity, high inequality, a large informal sector employing over half of the workforce, weak rule of law, and corruption. Mexico’s economy remains vulnerable to uncertainty surrounding the future of NAFTA — because the United States is its top trading partner and the two countries share integrated supply chains — and to potential shifts in domestic policies following the inauguration of a new a president in December 2018. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2,306,320,000,000 (2020 est.) $2,513,410,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,514,780,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -0.3% (2019 est.) 2.19% (2018 est.) 2.34% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $17,900 (2020 est.) $19,700 (2019 est.) $19,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1,269,956,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (2019 est.) 4.9% (2018 est.) 6% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB- (2020) Moody's rating: Baa1 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.6% (2017 est.) industry: 31.9% (2017 est.) services: 64.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 67% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 37.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -39.7% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sugarcane, maize, milk, oranges, sorghum, tomatoes, poultry, wheat, green chillies/peppers, eggs Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism Industrial production growth rate: -0.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 50.914 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 13.4% industry: 24.1% services: 61.9% (2011) Unemployment rate: 3.49% (2019 est.) 3.33% (2018 est.) note: underemployment may be as high as 25% Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.1% male: 7.8% female: 8.7% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 41.9% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 36.8 (2018 est.) 48.3 (2008) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 40% (2014) Budget: revenues: 261.4 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 273.8 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 54.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 56.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 22.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$4.351 billion (2019 est.) -$25.415 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $434.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $492.73 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $480.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 75% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, computers, delivery trucks, crude petroleum, insulated wiring (2019) Imports: $410.66 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $495.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $505.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: United States 54%, China 14% (2019) Imports - commodities: integrated circuits, refined petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, office machinery/parts, telephones (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $175.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $178.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.) note: Mexico also maintains access to an $88 million Flexible Credit Line with the IMF Debt - external: $456.713 billion (2019 est.) $448.268 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar - 19.8 (2020 est.) 19.22824 (2019 est.) 20.21674 (2018 est.) 15.848 (2014 est.) 13.292 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 93.43 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 267.34 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 5.954 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 9.965 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 42.121 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 75.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 3.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 4.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 6.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 7.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 9.886 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 10.241 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 3,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 5.182 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1.211 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 1,905,500 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 1,928,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,283,300 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 3,900 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 5,786,100,000 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 844,600 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 155,800 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 867,500 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 27,037,730,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 86,101,223,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 53.037 million cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 59,119,362,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 180.321 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 463.739 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 43.24 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 260.311 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 160.188 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 61.597 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 24,500,456 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 122,898,392 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 95 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: with a large population and relatively low broadband and mobile penetration, (86 lines for mobile broadband for every 100 habitants in June 2021) Mexico’s telecom sector has potential for growth; adequate telephone service for business and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line subscribers (24.6 million fixed line subscribers and 125 million mobile line subscribers in June 2021); relatively low broadband and mobile penetration, potential for growth and international investment; extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of fiber-optic cable and coaxial cable; 5G development slow in part due to high costs (AT&T announced 5G rollout in some sections of Mexico City in December 2021 and Telcel announced a plan to launch 5G network in 18 cities in February 2022); IXP in Mexico City; exporter of computers and broadcasting equipment to USA and importer of same from China (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity exceeds 65 lines per every 100 households; mobile-cellular teledensity is about 99 per 100 persons; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations (2021) international: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain, and Italy; the ARCOS-1 and the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the U.S.; Pan-American Crossing (PAC) submarine cable system provides access to Panama, California, U.S., and Costa Rica; Lazaro Cardenas-Manzanillo Santiago submarines cable system (LCMSSCS) provides access to Michoacan, Guerrero, and Colima, Mexico; AMX-1 submarine cable system with access to Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Gulf of California Cable submarine cable systems that connects La Paz, Baja California Sur and Topolobambo, Sinaloa; and Aurora submarine cable system provides access to Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and the U.S. satellite earth stations - 124 (36 Intelsat, 1 Solidaridad (giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 9 Panamsat, numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American Microwave System of trunk connections (2022) 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: telecom reform in 2013 enabled the creation of new broadcast television channels after decades of a quasi-monopoly; Mexico has 885 TV stations and 1,841 radio stations and most are privately owned; the Televisa group once had a virtual monopoly in TV broadcasting, but new broadcasting groups and foreign satellite and cable operators are now available; in 2016, Mexico became the first country in Latin America to complete the transition from analog to digital transmissions, allowing for better image and audio quality and a wider selection of programming from networks (2022) Internet country code: .mx Internet users: total: 92,831,582 (2020 est.) percent of population: 72% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 21,936,131 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 16 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 370 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 64,569,640 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,090,380,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: XA Airports: total: 1,714 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 243 over 3,047 m: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 32 1,524 to 2,437 m: 80 914 to 1,523 m: 86 under 914 m: 33 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1,471 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 42 914 to 1,523 m: 281 under 914 m: 1,146 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 17,210 km natural gas (2022), 9,757 km oil (2017), 10,237 km refined products (2020) Railways: total: 23,389 km (2017) standard gauge: 23,389 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (27 km electrified) Roadways: total: 704,884 km (2017) paved: 175,526 km (2017) (includes 10,845 km of expressways) unpaved: 529,358 km (2017) Waterways: 2,900 km (2012) (navigable rivers and coastal canals mostly connected with ports on the country's east coast) Merchant marine: total: 671 by type: container ship 1, bulk carrier 4, general cargo 11, oil tanker 31, other 624 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Veracruz oil terminal(s): Cayo Arcas terminal, Dos Bocas terminal cruise port(s): Cancun, Cozumel, Ensenada container port(s) (TEUs): Lazaro Cardenas (1,318,732), Manzanillo (3,069,189), Veracruz (1,144,156) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Altamira, Ensenada Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional, SEDENA): Army (Ejercito), Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana, FAM); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria de Marina, SEMAR): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico (ARM), includes Naval Air Force (FAN), Mexican Naval Infantry Corps (Cuerpo de Infanteria de Marina, Mexmar or CIM)); Secretariat of Public Security and Civilian Protection (Secretaria de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana): National Guard (Guardia Nacional) (2022) note: the National Guard was formed in 2019 and consists of personnel from the former Federal Police (disbanded in December 2019) and military police units of the Army and Navy; while the Guard is part of the civilian-led Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection, the Secretariat of National Defense has day-to-day operational control; in addition, the armed forces provide the commanders and the training; the Guard, along with state and municipal police are responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order; the military also actively supports police operations Military expenditures: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2021) 0.6% of GDP (2020) 0.5% of GDP (2019) (approximately $13.4 billion) 0.5% of GDP (2018) (approximately $12.5 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information 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) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Mexican military inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced and imported equipment from a variety of mostly Western suppliers; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of military hardware to Mexico; Mexico's defense industry produces naval vessels and light armored vehicles, as well as small arms and other miscellaneous equipment (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service for males (selection for service determined by lottery); conscript service obligation is 12 months; those selected serve on Saturdays in a Batallón del Servicio Militar Nacional (National Military Service Battalion) composed entirely of 1-year Servicio Militar Nacional (SMN) conscripts; conscripts remain in reserve status until the age of 40; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary enlistment; cadets enrolled in military schools from the age of 15 are considered members of the armed forces; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2022) note: as of 2022, women comprised about 15% of the active duty military Military - note: the constitution was amended in 2019 to grant the president the authority to use the armed forces to protect internal and national security, and courts have upheld the legality of the armed forces’ role in law enforcement activities in support of civilian authorities through 2024; as of 2022, Mexican military operations were heavily focused on internal security duties, particularly in countering drug cartels and organized crime groups, as well as border control and immigration enforcement; the armed forces also administered most of the country's land and sea ports and customs services, and it built and ran approximately 2,700 branches of a state-owned development bank; in addition, President LOPEZ OBRADOR has placed the military in charge of a growing number of infrastructure projects, such as building a new airport for Mexico City and sections of a train line in the country’s southeast (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Mexico-Belize: Mexico and Belize are working to solve minor border demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treaty Mexico-Guatemala: Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the US Mexico-US: the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal persons, transport, and commodities across its border with Mexico  Mexico-Belize: Mexico and Belize are working to solve minor border demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treatyMexico-Guatemala: Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the USMexico-US: the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal persons, transport, and commodities across its border with Mexico  Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 22,254 (Honduras), 10,662 (El Salvador) (mid-year 2021); 82,976 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum, are recognized as refugees, or have received alternative legal stay) (2021) IDPs: 379,000 (government's quashing of Zapatista uprising in 1994 in eastern Chiapas Region; drug cartel violence and government's military response since 2007; violence between and within indigenous groups) (2021) stateless persons: 13 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: major source and transit country for heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and illicit synthetic drugs including fentanyl and counterfeit pills destined for the United States; main transit country for cocaine from South America, a transit route and destination for fentanyl and associated precursors originating from Chinamajor source and transit country for heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and illicit synthetic drugs including fentanyl and counterfeit pills destined for the United States; main transit country for cocaine from South America, a transit route and destination for fentanyl and associated precursors originating from China

20220901

countries-paracel-islands

Topic: Photos of Paracel Islands Topic: Introduction Background: The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive fishing grounds and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932, French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on Pattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam. China has occupied all the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands. China built a military installation on Woody Island with an airfield and artificial harbor, and has scattered garrisons on some of the other islands. The Paracel islands also are claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines Geographic coordinates: 16 30 N, 112 00 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 8 sq km ca. land: 7.75 sq km ca. water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: land area is about 13 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 518 km Maritime claims: NA Climate: tropical Terrain: mostly low and flat Elevation: highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m Natural resources: none Land use: other: 100% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: a population of over 1,000 Chinese resides on Woody Island, the largest of the Paracels; there are scattered Chinese garrisons on some other islands Natural hazards: typhoons Geography - note: composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent Group Map description: Paracel Islands map showing the major islands of this archipelago in the South China Sea.Paracel Islands map showing the major islands of this archipelago in the South China Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,440 (July 2014 est.) note: Chinese activity has increased in recent years, particularly on Woody Island, where the population exceeds 1,000; there are scattered Chinese garrisons on some other islands Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Population growth rate: 0.75% (2021 est.) Birth rate: NA Death rate: (2021 est.) NA Net migration rate: -0.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2021 est.) Population distribution: a population of over 1,000 Chinese resides on Woody Island, the largest of the Paracels; there are scattered Chinese garrisons on some other islands Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: China's use of dredged sand and coral to build artificial islands harms reef systems; ongoing human activities, including military operations, infrastructure construction, and tourism endangers local ecosystem including birds, fish, marine mammals, and marine reptiles Climate: tropical Land use: other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Paracel Islands etymology: Portuguese navigators began to refer to the "Ilhas do Pracel" in the 16th century as a designation of low lying islets, sandbanks, and reefs scattered over a wide area; over time the name changed to "parcel" and then "paracel" Topic: Economy Economic overview: The islands have the potential for oil and gas development. Waters around the islands support commercial fishing, but the islands themselves are not populated on a permanent basis. Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Ports and terminals: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island Topic: Military and Security Military - note: occupied by China, which is assessed to maintain 20 outposts in the Paracels (Antelope, Bombay, and North reefs; Drummond, Duncan, Lincoln, Middle, Money, North, Pattle, Quanfu, Robert, South, Tree, Triton, Woody, and Yagong islands; South Sand and West Sand; Observation Bank); the outposts range in size from one or two buildings to bases with significant military infrastructure; Woody Island is the main base in the Paracels and includes an airstrip with fighter aircraft hangers, naval facilities, surveillance radars, and defenses such as surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles; fighter aircraft have deployed to the island (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Paracel Islands-China-Taiwan-Vietnam: occupied by China, also claimed by Taiwan and VietnamParacel Islands-China-Taiwan-Vietnam: occupied by China, also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

20220901

field-trafficking-in-persons

Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. The International Labor Organization (ILO), the UN agency charged with addressing labor standards, employment, and social protection issues, estimated in 2016 that 24.9 million people worldwide were victims of forced labor, bonded labor, forced child labor, sexual servitude, and involuntary servitude. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat, depriving people of their human rights and freedoms, risking global health, promoting social breakdown, inhibiting development by depriving countries of their human capital, and helping fuel the growth of organized crime. In 2000, the US Congress passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), reauthorized several times (the latest in (2019), which provides tools for the US to combat trafficking in persons, both domestically and abroad. One of the law's key components is the creation of the US Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses the government response (i.e., the current situation) in some 150 countries with a significant number of victims trafficked across their borders who are recruited, harbored, transported, provided, or obtained for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Countries in the annual report are rated in three tiers, based on government efforts to combat trafficking. The countries identified in this entry are those listed in the annual Trafficking in Persons Report as 'Tier 2 Watch List' or 'Tier 3' based on the following tier rating definitions: Tier 2 Watch List countries do not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but are making significant efforts to do so, and meet one of the following criteria: 1. they display high or significantly increasing number of victims, 2. they have failed to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, or, 3. they have committed to take action over the next year. Tier 3 countries neither satisfy the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking nor demonstrate a significant effort to do so. Countries in this tier are subject to potential non-humanitarian and non-trade sanctions. Topic: Afghanistancurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims and returning Afghan migrants and exploit Afghan victims abroad; internal trafficking is more prevalent than transnational trafficking; traffickers exploit men, women, and a large number of children domestically; victims are subjected to forced labor in agriculture, brick kilns, carpet weaving, domestic servitude, commercial sex, begging, poppy cultivation and harvesting, salt mining, transnational drug smuggling, and truck driving; Afghan security forces and non-state armed groups, including the pro-government militias and the Taliban, continue to unlawfully recruit and use child soldiers; sexual exploitation of boys remains pervasive nationwide, and traffickers subject some boys to sexual exploitation abroad tier rating: Tier 3 — Afghanistan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government decreased law enforcement efforts against civilian and official perpetrators of trafficking, and officials complicit in recruitment and use of child soldiers and the sexual exploitation of boys continued to operate with impunity; authorities continued to arrest, detain, and penalize many trafficking victims, including punishing sex trafficking victims for “moral crimes”; the judiciary remained underfunded, understaffed, and undertrained (2020)Tier 3 — Afghanistan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government decreased law enforcement efforts against civilian and official perpetrators of trafficking, and officials complicit in recruitment and use of child soldiers and the sexual exploitation of boys continued to operate with impunity; authorities continued to arrest, detain, and penalize many trafficking victims, including punishing sex trafficking victims for “moral crimes”; the judiciary remained underfunded, understaffed, and undertrained (2020) Topic: Algeriacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims; Algerian women and girls are vulnerable to sex trafficking due to financial problems or after running away from home; undocumented sub-Saharan migrants are vulnerable to labor and sex trafficking and are exploited in restaurants, houses, and informal worksites; sub-Saharan men and women needing more funds for their onward journey to Europe work illegally in construction and commercial sex and are vulnerable to sex trafficking and debt bondage; foreign women and girls, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, are subject to sex trafficking in bars and informal brothels; criminal begging rings that exploit sub-Saharan African migrant children are common tier rating: Tier 3 — Algeria does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; authorities prosecuted fewer traffickers and identified fewer victims compared to last year and convicted no traffickers; the government continued to lack effective procedures and mechanisms to screen for, identify, and refer potential victims to protective services and punished some potential victims for unlawful acts traffickers forced them to commit; the government took some steps to combat trafficking, including prosecuting some traffickers, identifying some victims, and continuing to implement its 2019-2021 national anti-trafficking action plan (2020)human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims; Algerian women and girls are vulnerable to sex trafficking due to financial problems or after running away from home; undocumented sub-Saharan migrants are vulnerable to labor and sex trafficking and are exploited in restaurants, houses, and informal worksites; sub-Saharan men and women needing more funds for their onward journey to Europe work illegally in construction and commercial sex and are vulnerable to sex trafficking and debt bondage; foreign women and girls, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, are subject to sex trafficking in bars and informal brothels; criminal begging rings that exploit sub-Saharan African migrant children are common Topic: Armeniacurrent situation: Armenians may be exploited domestically or abroad, and foreigners may be subjected to sex trafficking or forced labor in Armenia; Armenian women and children are exploited in sex and labor trafficking domestically, as well as sex trafficking in the UAE and Turkey; Armenian migrants experience forced labor in Russia, the UAE, and Turkey; Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Russian women working as dancers are vulnerable to sex trafficking, while Indian employment seekers are subjected to forced labor in Armenia tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Armenia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; law enforcement authorities did not conduct proactive investigations and relied on victims to self-identify; prevention efforts decreased and protection efforts were weak, with the government continuing to lack a formal victim-witness protection program; the government had no convictions, including convictions of complicit government employees, for the second consecutive year and has not had a forced labor conviction since 2014; legislation was passed to strengthen the health and labor body and training was provided to law enforcement officials; government and local NGOs provided legal, medical, and psychological assistance, housing, and monetary compensation to victims; however, civil society continued to provide reintegration and long-term support services without government funding (2020)Tier 2 Watch List — Armenia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; law enforcement authorities did not conduct proactive investigations and relied on victims to self-identify; prevention efforts decreased and protection efforts were weak, with the government continuing to lack a formal victim-witness protection program; the government had no convictions, including convictions of complicit government employees, for the second consecutive year and has not had a forced labor conviction since 2014; legislation was passed to strengthen the health and labor body and training was provided to law enforcement officials; government and local NGOs provided legal, medical, and psychological assistance, housing, and monetary compensation to victims; however, civil society continued to provide reintegration and long-term support services without government funding (2020) Topic: Arubacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims; foreign men and women are subject to forced labor in Aruba’s services and construction sectors; Venezuelans overstaying visas are at risk of forced labor in domestic service, construction, and commercial sex; Chinese men and women and Indian men are subject to forced labor in retail businesses and domestic service; managers of some Chinese-owned grocery stores and restaurants exploit children through sex trafficking and forced labor tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Aruba does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government provided officials with anti-trafficking training, continued an awareness campaign, and continued to implement the 2018-2022 national action plan; however, officials investigated fewer trafficking cases and did not report prosecuting or convicting any traffickers; efforts were hindered by the conflation of trafficking with migrant smuggling; authorities also did not report identifying any victims, including Venezuelan migrants and refugees, who are vulnerable to trafficking (2020)human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims; foreign men and women are subject to forced labor in Aruba’s services and construction sectors; Venezuelans overstaying visas are at risk of forced labor in domestic service, construction, and commercial sex; Chinese men and women and Indian men are subject to forced labor in retail businesses and domestic service; managers of some Chinese-owned grocery stores and restaurants exploit children through sex trafficking and forced labor Topic: Azerbaijancurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Azerbaijan and exploit Azerbaijanis abroad; Azerbaijani men and boys experience forced labor domestically and in Qatar, Russia, and the UAE; Azerbaijani women and children are subjected to sex trafficking domestically and in Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE; Azerbaijan is a destination country for sex and forced labor trafficking victims from China, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan; some children are exploited domestically for forced begging and forced labor as roadside vendors and at tea houses and wedding venues tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Azerbaijan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; more traffickers were convicted and judges received guidance to issue stricter sentences; the government significantly increased funding for victim protection by establishing grants for civil society; however, authorities identified fewer victims than in the previous year, did not regularly screen vulnerable populations, and continued to lack proactive identification methods, resulting in victims being penalized for unlawful acts traffickers compelled them to commit (2020) Topic: Barbadoscurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Barbados; foreign women are subject to sex trafficking; children are exploited in sex trafficking by parents and caregivers, according to anecdotal reports; documented and undocumented migrants from Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Venezuela are at high risk for trafficking, while migrants from other nearby countries are increasingly vulnerable tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Barbados does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government completed an anti-trafficking manual on assisting and interviewing victims, reinstated the anti-trafficking task force, and increased training for law enforcement and child care officials; however, authorities again did not identify any trafficking victims, reported no new prosecutions, and have never convicted anyone of trafficking; the national action plan has yet to be completed (2020) Topic: Belaruscurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims and exploit Belarusians abroad; the majority of trafficking victims are men subjected to forced labor; most Belarusian victims are trafficked in Belarus and Russia, but also in Poland, Turkey, and other Eurasian and Middle Eastern countries; the government continued to subject factory workers, civil servants, and students to state-sponsored forced labor harvesting crops on state-owned farms or cleaning streets tier rating: Tier 3 — Belarus does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking because of a government policy or pattern of government-sponsored forced labor in public works projects and the agricultural sector; however, authorities convicted traffickers under its trafficking statute for the first time in eight years, increased training for law enforcement officers, and confirmed significantly more victims; the government adopted a national action plan to protect minors from sexual violence and exploitation (2020) Topic: Belizecurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims and Belizeans abroad; Belizean and foreign women, men, and girls and LGBTI persons, mainly from Central America, are sex trafficked in bars, nightclubs, hotels, and brothels; men, women, and children from Central America, Mexico, and Asia may migrate voluntarily to Belize seeking work and then are subjected to forced labor in restaurants, shops, domestic work, and agriculture; foreign child sex tourists exploit children in tourist areas tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Belize does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities initiated more trafficking investigations, convicted a trafficker, screened for potential trafficking victims during labor inspections, and continued to implement a 2018-2020 national anti-trafficking action plan; anti-trafficking training was provided to the anti-trafficking police unit, immigration officers, prosecutors, judges, prison officials, and social workers; however, the government did not initiate any new trafficking prosecutions and continued to apply victim identification procedures inconsistently; corruption and official complicity in trafficking remained concerns, but no investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government employees were reported (2020) Topic: Bhutancurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Bhutan and Bhutanese abroad; some traffickers posing as recruiters use the lure of well-paying jobs overseas to exploit Bhutanese citizens for forced labor; some Bhutanese working in hospitality, retail, and service industries in the Gulf states and India, Thailand, and the UK reported trafficking indicators, including illegal recruitment fees, wage deductions, restricted movement, passport retention, and non-payment of wages; Bhutanese women and girls working as domestics, caregivers, and entertainers are subject to sex and labor trafficking domestically; Bhutanese and Indian women may be forced to work in hotels, massage parlors, and nightclubs, while male Indian workers face unauthorized deductions and non-payment of wages in the construction and hydropower sectors tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Bhutan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; among its accomplishments, Bhutan convicted one trafficker, appealed the dismissal of trafficking charges in a second case, finalized and disseminated standard operating procedures for victim identification and referral, and initiated an investigation into reports of labor exploitation; the government also continued to work with an international organization on anti-trafficking training and public awareness events; however, Bhutanese courts continued to dismiss and refile on lesser charges human trafficking cases due to inconsistencies between Bhutanese law and the international definition of trafficking; additionally, authorities did not identify any trafficking victims during the reporting period and did not provide protective services to Bhutanese victims of forced labor abroad (2020)Tier 2 Watch List — Bhutan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; among its accomplishments, Bhutan convicted one trafficker, appealed the dismissal of trafficking charges in a second case, finalized and disseminated standard operating procedures for victim identification and referral, and initiated an investigation into reports of labor exploitation; the government also continued to work with an international organization on anti-trafficking training and public awareness events; however, Bhutanese courts continued to dismiss and refile on lesser charges human trafficking cases due to inconsistencies between Bhutanese law and the international definition of trafficking; additionally, authorities did not identify any trafficking victims during the reporting period and did not provide protective services to Bhutanese victims of forced labor abroad (2020) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bosnians and Herzegovinians abroad; Bosnian and foreign women and girls are sex trafficked within the country; Bosnians are also exploited through forced labor in construction and other industries in neighboring Balkan countries and throughout Europe; thousands of migrants and refugees smuggled through Bosnia and Herzegovina are vulnerable to trafficking, especially women and unaccompanied minors; Romani children are victims of forced begging, sex trafficking, and domestic servitude tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Bosnia and Herzegovina does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; because the government devoted sufficient resources to a written plan that, if implemented, would constitute significant efforts to meet minimum standards, Bosnia and Herzegovina was granted a waiver from being downgraded to Tier 3; the government adopted a national strategy in January 2020; the State Prosecutor’s Office appointed a prosecutor to the anti-trafficking strike force, the only mechanism to coordinate law enforcement efforts across entities on trafficking cases; the government identified more trafficking victims and revised the structure and guidelines of regional coordinating teams to increase effectiveness; however, the lack of an approved state budget delayed funding for anti-trafficking efforts; law enforcement continued to regularly investigate trafficking under lesser offenses, while judges continued to issue sentences below the minimum penalty; the government continued to penalize victims and did not disburse annual funds to NGOs for victim protection (2020) Topic: Bruneicurrent situation: human traffickers exploit foreign victims in Brunei; some men and women who migrate to Brunei to work as domestics or in retail or construction are subject to involuntary servitude, debt-based coercion, contract switching, non-payment of wages, passport confiscation, physical abuse, or confinement; some female migrants entering Brunei on tourist visas are forced into prostitution; some traffickers use Brunei as a transit point for victims used for sex and labor trafficking in Malaysia and Indonesia tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Brunei does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government enacted the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Order, which criminalized sex and labor trafficking and separated trafficking crimes from migrant smuggling crimes; the government formalized its interagency anti-trafficking in persons committee; instituted a committee to review foreign worker recruitment practices, ratified the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, and acceded to the UN TIP Protocol; however, authorities did not formally identify any trafficking cases, did not initiate any new trafficking prosecutions, and did not convict any traffickers; trafficking victims continued to be detained, deported, and charged with crimes without law enforcement determining if they were forced to commit the illegal acts by traffickers; the government again did not allocate money to a fund established in 2004 for victim compensation and repatriation; a draft national action plan to combat trafficking was not completed for the sixth consecutive year (2020) Topic: Burmacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit men, women, and children through forced labor, and women and children in sex trafficking in Burma and abroad; Burmese men are forced to work domestically and abroad in fishing, manufacturing, forestry, agriculture, and construction; fishermen are lured into forced labor in remote waters and offshore by recruitment agencies in Burma and Southeast Asia; Burmese women increasingly are lured to China for marriage under false pretenses and are subjected to sex trafficking, forced concubinage and childbearing, and forced domestic labor; men, women, and children in ethnic minority areas are at increased risk of sex trafficking and forced labor in farming, manufacturing, and construction; men and boys are recruited locally by traffickers for forced labor in oil palm, banana, and rubber plantations, in mining, fishing, and bamboo, teak, rice, and sugarcane harvesting; some military personnel, civilian brokers, border guard officials, and ethnic armed groups continue to recruit child soldiers, particularly in conflict areas tier rating: Tier 3 — Burma does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; authorities increased the investigation and prosecution of trafficking crimes, including those involving officials, and the investigation of forced labor in the fishing sector; the government identified and referred more victims to care and enacted legislation enhancing protections for child victims; however, a policy or pattern of forced labor existed; the use of children in labor and support roles by the military increased in conflict zones in Rakhine and Shan States; displacement resulting from military conflict made Rohingya and other ethnic groups vulnerable to human trafficking; the constitutionally guaranteed power of the military continued to limit the government’s ability to address forced adult labor and child soldier recruitment; although authorities allocated increased funding to victim protection, most services to trafficking victims were provided by NGOs and foreign donors (2020) Topic: Burundicurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Burundi and victims from Burundi abroad; traffickers take advantage of Burundians in precarious or desperate situations, including returned refugees; children were reportedly recruited by armed groups and forced to participate in anti-government activities; non-state armed groups allegedly used threats, intimidation, and physical assaults to coerce refugees in a camp in Rwanda to support the Burundian opposition; children and young adults are trafficked by relatives, neighbors, and friends and are subjected to forced labor in agriculture, mining, informal commerce, charcoal production, and fishing; some girls and young women are forced into domestic servitude and sex trafficking in restaurants and bars around Lake Tanganyika; women and girls who go to the Middle East for domestic service jobs report physical and sexual abuse tier rating: Tier 3 — Burundi does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government worked with an international organization to provide training to immigration officials, identified victims of trafficking abroad, and conducted public awareness campaigns with an international organization; however, authorities did not convict any traffickers for the fifth consecutive year and did not investigate, prosecute, or convict officials allegedly complicit in human trafficking; the government did not have standard operating procedures to identify and refer victims to services and did not have adequate protection services for victims; authorities continued to lack a clear understanding of trafficking despite the government providing training to immigration officials (2020) Topic: Cambodiacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit Cambodian men, women, and children in forced labor and sex trafficking in Cambodia and abroad, and foreign nationals are trafficked in Cambodia; Cambodian adults and children migrate to other countries in the region or increasingly to the Middle East where traffickers force them to work in agriculture, fishing, construction, manufacturing, and domestic servitude; significant numbers of Cambodian men and boys are subject to forced labor on Thai ships in international waters and may experience physical abuse, nonpayment or underpayment of wages, and confinement at sea for years; brick kiln owners exploit thousands of Cambodians, including children, through debt-based coercion; children from poor families are vulnerable to forced labor, often with the complicity of their parents, in domestic servitude, forced begging, or street vending in Thailand and Vietnam; Cambodian and ethnic Vietnamese women and girls from rural areas move to cities and tourist areas where they are sex trafficked tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Cambodia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities continued to prosecute and convict traffickers and utilized new victim identification and data collection technologies; the government enacted a five-year national action plan to combat human trafficking; however, corruption continued to impede law enforcement efforts, criminal proceedings, and services to victims; some corrupt officials may have profited directly from sex and labor trafficking or accepted bribes to dismiss charges or reduce sentences; insufficient judicial monitoring systems enabled suspected traffickers to flee before trial; authorities failed to issue formal guidance allowing the use of undercover techniques in anti-trafficking investigations (2020) Topic: Camerooncurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Cameroon and Cameroonians abroad; deteriorating economic and education conditions and diminished police and judicial presence caused by conflict in the Northwest and Southwest has left displaced persons vulnerable to trafficking; parents may be lured by promises of education or a better life for their children in urban areas, and then the children are subject to forced labor and sex trafficking; teenagers and adolescents may be lured to cities with promises of employment and then become victims of forced labor and sex trafficking; children from neighboring countries are forced to work in spare parts shops or cattle grazing by business owners and herders; Cameroonians, often from rural areas, are exploited in forced labor and sex trafficking in the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and African countries tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Cameroon does not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities investigated at least nine suspected trafficking cases, identified 77 victims, and provided some training on trafficking indicators to officials and teachers; however, officials prosecuted and convicted fewer traffickers; standard operating procedures for the identification and referral of trafficking victims were not implemented, and officials were not trained on the measures; the government did not report referring trafficking victims to government institutions for vulnerable children, but NGO-funded centers provided care for an unknown number of child victims; 2012 anti-trafficking legislation addressing victim and witness protection in conformity with international law was not passed for the eighth consecutive year (2020) Topic: Chadcurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Chad and Chadians abroad; most trafficking is internal; some children are sent by their parents to relatives or intermediaries to receive education, an apprenticeship, goods, or money and are then forced to work in domestic service or cattle herding; children are also forced to work in agriculture, gold mines, charcoal vending, and fishing, and those attending Koranic schools are forced into begging and street vending; girls from rural areas who search for work in larger towns are exploited in sex trafficking and domestic servitude; terrorist groups abduct children to serve as soldiers, suicide bombers, brides, and forced laborers tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Chad does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; one trafficker was convicted, the first under a 2018 law, but the government did not report investigating or prosecuting alleged traffickers, including complicit government officials; the government adopted a formal Road Map to implement its 2108 National Action Plan but did not report executing it; authorities did not identify any victims and have not drafted victim identification and referral procedures; the government continued to make no effort to raise awareness on trafficking (2020) Topic: Chinacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in China and Chinese people abroad; Chinese men, women, and children are victims of forced labor and sex trafficking in at least 60 countries; traffickers also use China as a transit point to subject foreign individuals to trafficking in other countries throughout Asia and in international maritime industries; state-sponsored forced labor is intensifying under the government’s mass detention and political indoctrination campaign against Muslim minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; well-organized criminal syndicates and local gangs subject Chinese women and girls to sex trafficking within China; women and girls from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and several countries in Africa experience forced labor in domestic service, forced concubinism leading to forced childbearing, and sex trafficking via forced and fraudulent marriage to Chinese men; African and Asian men reportedly experience conditions indicative of forced labor aboard Chinese-flagged fishing vessels; many North Korean refugees and asylum-seekers living in China illegally are particularly vulnerable to trafficking tier rating: Tier 3 — China does not fully meet the minimum standards for elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government prosecuted and convicted some traffickers and continued to cooperate with international authorities to address forced and fraudulent marriages in China; however, there was a government policy or pattern of widespread forced labor, including the continued mass arbitrary detention of more than one million Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, ethnic Kyrgyz, and other Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; the government did not report any investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of law enforcement officials allegedly complicit despite continued reports of officials benefiting from, permitting, or directly facilitating sex trafficking; authorities did not report identifying any trafficking victims or referring them to protective services; it is likely that law enforcement arrested and detained unidentified trafficking victims for crimes traffickers compelled them to commit; for the third consecutive year, the government did not report the extent to which it funded anti-trafficking activities in furtherance of the 2013-2020 National Action Plan on Combating Human Trafficking (2020) Topic: Comoroscurrent situation: human traffickers may exploit domestic and foreign victims in Comoros and Comorians abroad; some Comorian and Malagasy women are subject to forced labor in the Middle East; adults and children may be forced to work in agriculture, construction, or as domestics in Mayotte; children abandoned by parents who left to seek jobs abroad are vulnerable to exploitation in domestic service, vending, baking, fishing, and agriculture; children from poor families whose parents place them with a relative or acquaintance for educational opportunities are vulnerable to domestic servitude and physical and sexual abuse; some children in Koranic schools may experience forced labor in agriculture or domestic servitude; inadequate border controls; government corruption, and international crime networks leave Comorians vulnerable to international trafficking tier rating: Tier 3 — Comoros does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking is not making significant efforts to do so; the Anti-Trafficking Task Force met for the first time since 2017 and began drafting a national action plan for combatting trafficking; the government took steps to ratify the 2000 UN TIP Protocol and supported centers that identify and provide care to victims of crime, would include trafficking victims; however, authorities continued to lack an understanding of trafficking and did not make any anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts; the government did not investigate, prosecute, or convict any alleged traffickers or officials suspected of complicity in trafficking; the government did not develop any standing operating procedures for identifying trafficking victims and referring them to limited care providers; no public awareness campaigns were conducted (2020) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thecurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Congolese abroad; most trafficking is internal and involves the forced labor of men, women, and children in artisanal mining, agriculture, domestic servitude, sex trafficking, or child recruitment by armed groups; some traffickers are family members or others who promise victims or victims’ families educational or job opportunities and instead force victims to work as domestic servants, street vendors, gang members, or in commercial sex; some Congolese women and girls who migrate to other countries in Africa or the Middle East are exploited in sex trafficking or forced labor in agriculture, diamond mines, or domestic service; they may be fraudulently recruited by traffickers with false promises of jobs or education tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the DRC was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List because of several accomplishments; the government drafted and launched its first national anti-trafficking action plan; authorities increased law enforcement efforts, including investigating and prosecuting more trafficking crimes; a number of traffickers were convicted, including a high-ranking army officer and the leader of an armed group; however, authorities continued to lack standard operating procedures for identifying victims and referring them to care; there were credible allegations that the army abducted women and girls for sexual slavery and recruited and used child soldiers (2020)Tier 2 Watch List — The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the DRC was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List because of several accomplishments; the government drafted and launched its first national anti-trafficking action plan; authorities increased law enforcement efforts, including investigating and prosecuting more trafficking crimes; a number of traffickers were convicted, including a high-ranking army officer and the leader of an armed group; however, authorities continued to lack standard operating procedures for identifying victims and referring them to care; there were credible allegations that the army abducted women and girls for sexual slavery and recruited and used child soldiers (2020) Topic: Cubacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Cuba and Cubans abroad; individuals are forced or coerced into participating and threatened to stay in labor export programs, most notably foreign medical missions; sex trafficking and sex tourism occur within Cuba; traffickers exploit Cubans in sex trafficking and forced labor in South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the US; foreigners from Africa and Asia are subject to sex trafficking and forced labor in Cuba to pay off travel debts; the government uses high school students in some rural areas to harvest crops without pay, claiming that the work is voluntary tier rating: Tier 3 — Cuba does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made some efforts to investigate, prosecute, and convict sex traffickers and sex tourists and identified and provided assistance to some victims; however, no efforts were made to address forced labor; there was a government policy or pattern to profit from labor export programs with strong indications of forced labor, particularly in foreign medical missions; authorities did not protect potential trafficking victims, leaving them at risk of being detained or charged for crimes their traffickers forced them to commit (2020)Tier 3 — Cuba does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government made some efforts to investigate, prosecute, and convict sex traffickers and sex tourists and identified and provided assistance to some victims; however, no efforts were made to address forced labor; there was a government policy or pattern to profit from labor export programs with strong indications of forced labor, particularly in foreign medical missions; authorities did not protect potential trafficking victims, leaving them at risk of being detained or charged for crimes their traffickers forced them to commit (2020) Topic: Curacaocurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Curacao; undocumented migrants, including the growing population of Venezuelans, are vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking; Curacaoan and foreign women and girls, mostly Dominican and Venezuelan, are exploited in sex trafficking; migrants from other Caribbean countries, South America, China, and India are subject to forced labor in construction, domestic servitude, landscaping, minimarkets, retail, and restaurants tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Curacao does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but it is making significant efforts to do so; the government prosecuted and convicted more traffickers than in the previous reporting period; however, authorities identified fewer victims, and assistance to victims was contingent upon their cooperation with law enforcement in prosecuting traffickers; victims who were in the country illegally, including Venezuelans, were at risk of deportation if they did not participate in trials against their traffickers; the government did not operate centers for trafficking victims but provided some funding to NGOs and international organizations to care for victims (2020) Topic: Dominican Republiccurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in the Dominican Republic and Dominicans abroad; Dominican women and children are sex trafficked throughout the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, South and Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States; victims from Haiti and elsewhere in the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America are trafficked in the Dominican Republic; Dominican women are lured to the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America to work in nightclubs but are then sex trafficked; domestically, children are forced into domestic servitude, street vending, begging, agricultural work, construction, and moving illicit narcotics, while adults are forced to work in construction, agriculture, and the services sector tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the Dominican Republic does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government has drafted a revised trafficking law that would be consistent with international law by removing the requirement for force, fraud, or coercion of sex trafficking of victims younger than 18; authorities increased investigations and prosecutions but convicted fewer traffickers and issued inadequate sentences; the country lacks a dedicated victim assistance budget and a full-time victim shelter; authorities did not effectively screen for trafficking indicators or refer all vulnerable individuals to care; the government has not allocated specific funds to implement its national anti-trafficking plan beyond the standard operating budget for the 14 institutions that are part of its Inter-Institutional Commission against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (2020) Topic: Equatorial Guineacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Equatorial Guinea and Equatoguineans abroad; the majority of trafficking victims are subjected to forced domestic service and commercial sex in cities, particularly in the hospitality and restaurant sector; local and foreign women, including Latin Americans, are exploited in commercial sex domestically, while some Equatoguinean women are sex trafficked in Spain; some children from rural areas have been forced into domestic servitude; children from nearby countries are forced to labor as domestic workers, market workers, vendors, and launderers; individuals recruited from African countries and temporary workers from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela are sometimes exploited in forced labor and sex trafficking tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Equatorial Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities investigated, and for the first time since 2010, initiated the prosecution of alleged human traffickers; the government partnered with an international organization to provide training for more than 700 officials and civil society actors; authorities developed and implemented formal screening procedures to identify victims within vulnerable populations, an effort that had stalled for five years; however, the government still has not convicted a trafficker or any complicit government employees under its 2004 anti-trafficking law; a lack of training among judicial officials has resulted in potential trafficking crimes being tried under related statutes; victim services remained inadequate; authorities did not report referring any trafficking victims to government housing that was supposed to serve as temporary shelter (2020)Tier 2 Watch List — Equatorial Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities investigated, and for the first time since 2010, initiated the prosecution of alleged human traffickers; the government partnered with an international organization to provide training for more than 700 officials and civil society actors; authorities developed and implemented formal screening procedures to identify victims within vulnerable populations, an effort that had stalled for five years; however, the government still has not convicted a trafficker or any complicit government employees under its 2004 anti-trafficking law; a lack of training among judicial officials has resulted in potential trafficking crimes being tried under related statutes; victim services remained inadequate; authorities did not report referring any trafficking victims to government housing that was supposed to serve as temporary shelter (2020) Topic: Eritreacurrent situation: human traffickers export domestic victims in Eritrea or abroad; National Service is mandatory at age 18 and may take a variety of forms, including military service and physical labor but also government office jobs and teaching; Eritreans who flee the country, usually with the aim of reaching Europe, seek the help of paid smugglers and are vulnerable to trafficking when they cross the border clandestinely into Sudan, Ethiopia, and to a lesser extent Djibouti; Eritreans are subject to forced labor and sex trafficking mainly in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Libya tier rating: Tier 3 — Eritrea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government engaged in critical bilateral and multilateral partnerships to build its capacity for anti-trafficking initiatives; officials participated in a UN-sponsored regional anti-trafficking workshop and committed to produce a regional plan of action to combat trafficking; however, a government policy or pattern of forced labor existed; the government continued to subject its nationals to forced labor in its compulsory national service and citizen militia by forcing them to serve indefinitely or for arbitrary periods; authorities did not report any trafficking investigations, prosecutions, or convictions, including complicit government employees, nor did they report identifying victims and referring them to care; the government has no action plan to combat human trafficking (2020) Topic: Fijicurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Fiji and Fijians abroad; Fijian women and children and victims from Thailand and China are sex trafficked in illegal brothels, local hotels, private homes, and massage parlors; Fijian children sent to live with families in larger cities are vulnerable to forced labor or sexual activity in exchange for food, clothing, shelter, or school fees; labor traffickers exploit Southeast Asian workers on small informal farms and factories and in construction; Southeast Asian fisherman may be subject to forced labor on Fijian-flagged ships or foreign-flagged ships transiting Fijian ports and water tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Fiji does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities maintained anti-trafficking law enforcement, investigating a similar number of cases as the prior year and convicting a trafficker for the first time since 2014; a government-convened working group finalized an updated anti-trafficking national action plan; however, the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts; law enforcement was often unaware of the definition of trafficking, procedures for interviewing victims, and how to proactively screen vulnerable populations for trafficking victims; inspectors did not adequately investigate labor violations for trafficking indicators or provide adequate support to victims (2020) Topic: Gambia, Thecurrent situation: The Gambia is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; Gambian women, children, and, to a lesser extent, boys are exploited for prostitution and domestic servitude; women, girls, and boys from West African countries are trafficked to the Gambia for sexual exploitation, particularly catering to European tourists seeking sex with children; some Gambian trafficking victims have been identified in neighboring West African countries and the UK; boys in some Koranic schools are forced into street vending or begging tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — The Gambia does not meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, but it is making significant efforts to do so; the government has increased investigations, identified more trafficking victims, improved security at a Department of Social Welfare shelter, increased training for officials, and raised public awareness of the problem of trafficking; the government was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List during this rating period; despite these efforts, the government did not convict a trafficker for the third consecutive year; victim services remained inadequate, and some law enforcement officers reportedly requested  bribes to register trafficking complaints (2020) Topic: Guineacurrent situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of trafficking victims are Guinean children; Guinean girls are subjected to domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation, while boys are forced to beg, work as street vendors, shoe shiners, or miners; some Guinean children are forced to mine in Senegal, Mali, and possibly other West African countries; Guinean women and girls are subjected to domestic servitude and sex trafficking in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Greece, and Spain, while Chinese and Vietnamese women are reportedly forced into prostitution in Guinea tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however it is making significant efforts to do so; the government  drafted a new anti-trafficking action plan, provided support to eight victims exploited in the Middle East, and incorporated anti-trafficking training into the law enforcement curriculum; however, the government did not overall increase efforts compared to the last rating period; investigations and prosecutions of trafficking crimes decreased, victim identification was inadequate, and NGO’s providing victim services did not receive government support; for the fourth year, resources for the anti-trafficking committee or the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals were inadequate; a Quranic teacher was not prosecuted for allegedly forcing child begging; Guinea was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: Guinea-Bissaucurrent situation: Guinea-Bissau is a country of origin and destination for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the scope of the problem of trafficking women or men for forced labor or forced prostitution is unknown; boys reportedly were transported to southern Senegal for forced manual and agricultural labor; girls may be subjected to forced domestic service and child prostitution in Senegal and Guinea; both boys and girls are forced to work as street vendors in cities in Guinea-Bissau and Senegal tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Guinea-Bissau does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include identifying forced child begging victims, cooperating with Moroccan authorities on international crime investigations, and approving a new action plan; yet, the government has not convicted a trafficker, identified fewer trafficking victims, and lacked resources or the political will to fight trafficking or to enact its action plan, which would meet minimum standards; Guinea-Bissau was granted a waiver under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from downgrade to Tier 3 (2020) Topic: Hong Kongcurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Hong Kong, and traffickers also exploit victims from Hong Kong abroad; traffickers exploit women from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia in sex trafficking; some women in Hong Kong – often with the assistance of their families – deceive Indian and Pakistani men into arranged marriages involving forced domestic service, bonded labor in construction and other physically demanding industries, and other forms of abuse via exploitative contracts; drug trafficking syndicates coerced South American women to carry drugs into Hong Kong; employment agencies hired foreign domestic workers under false pretenses and forced them into commercial sex, sometimes through debt-based coercion tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List —  Hong Kong does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; Hong Kong is hiring and training 98 new employees within the immigration, customs, labor, and justice departments dedicated to trafficking issues; authorities screened more than 7,000 vulnerable individuals for trafficking; the labor department introduced a victim identification mechanism to its division offices; the government provided anti-trafficking training to various officials; the government did not investigate, prosecute, or convict any cases of labor trafficking, investigated fewer sex trafficking cases, and did not provide victims any government-funded services; the government continued to penalize victims for unlawful acts traffickers compelled them to commit; no legislation was enacted to fully criminalize all forms of trafficking (2020) Topic: Irancurrent situation: Iran is a presumed source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor; Iranian and Afghan boys and girls are forced into prostitution domestically; Iranian women are subjected to sex trafficking in Iran, Pakistan, the Persian Gulf, and Europe; Azerbaijani women and children are also sexually exploited in Iran; Afghan migrants and refugees and Pakistani men and women are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Iran; NGO reports indicate that criminal organizations play a significant role in human trafficking in Iran tier rating: Tier 3 — Iran does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; therefore, Iran remained in Tier 3; the government continued a policy of recruiting and using child soldiers, government officials perpetrated sex trafficking of adults and children and continued trafficking both in Iran and overseas; the government continued to force or coerce children and adults to fight for Iranian-led militias operating in Syria and provided financial support to militias fighting in armed conflicts in the region using child soldiers; authorities failed to identify and protect trafficking victims among vulnerable populations; law enforcement treated trafficking victims as criminals, facing severe punishment or death for unlawful acts traffickers compelled them to commit (2020) Topic: Irelandcurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Ireland and Irish victims abroad; traffickers subject Irish children and foreign trafficking victims from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America to sex trafficking; victims are exploited in forced domestic work, the restaurant industry, waste management, fishing, seasonal agriculture, and car washing services; Vietnamese and Chinese nationals convicted for cannabis cultivation often report indicators of forced labor, such as document retention, restriction of movement, and non-payment of wages; undocumented workers in the fishing industry and domestic workers, particularly au pairs, are vulnerable to trafficking; women from Eastern Europe forced into marriage in Ireland are at risk for sex trafficking and forced labor; the problem of forced labor in the country is growing tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Ireland does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts included increasing prosecutions and funding to NGOs for victim assistance, increasing the number of police and immigration officers receiving anti-trafficking training, and reorganizing its anti-trafficking coordination unit; however, the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts; no traffickers have been convicted since the anti-trafficking law was amended in 2013; weakened deterrence meant impunity for traffickers and undermined efforts to support victims testifying against traffickers; systematic deficiencies in victim identification, a lack of specialized services for victims continued, and the amended working scheme for sea fishers increased their vulnerability to trafficking (2020) Topic: Jordancurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Jordan and Jordanians abroad; victims are primarily from South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, Egypt, and Syria; foreign migrants, many undocumented, working in construction, agriculture, textiles, and domestic work are the most vulnerable to trafficking because of informal work agreements and frequently changing employers; forced labor victims experience withheld or unpaid wages, confiscation of identity documents, restricted freedom of movement, unsafe living conditions, long hours without rest, isolation, and verbal and physical abuse; child labor and potential forced child labor increased; traffickers exploit Lebanese, North African, and Eastern European women who have migrated to Jordan to work in restaurants and nightclubs are subject to sex trafficking tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Jordan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government increased the training of law enforcement personnel and victim advocates, maintained a trafficking shelter offering a wide range of services, partnered with civil society actors to proactively identify and protect trafficking victims, and conducted anti-trafficking awareness campaigns; the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts as fewer traffickers were investigated, prosecuted, and convicted; fewer victims were identified and assisted, and victims were still arrested, detained, and deported for unlawful acts traffickers compelled them to commit; under Jordan’s anti-trafficking law, penalties for sex trafficking offenses were not commensurate with penalties for other serious crimes (2020)human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Jordan and Jordanians abroad; victims are primarily from South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, Egypt, and Syria; foreign migrants, many undocumented, working in construction, agriculture, textiles, and domestic work are the most vulnerable to trafficking because of informal work agreements and frequently changing employers; forced labor victims experience withheld or unpaid wages, confiscation of identity documents, restricted freedom of movement, unsafe living conditions, long hours without rest, isolation, and verbal and physical abuse; child labor and potential forced child labor increased; traffickers exploit Lebanese, North African, and Eastern European women who have migrated to Jordan to work in restaurants and nightclubs are subject to sex trafficking Topic: Kazakhstancurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Kazakhstan and Kazakhstanis abroad; traffickers lure victims from rural areas to larger cities with fake offers of employment; traffickers coerce or force Kazakhstani men and women into labor in Russia, Bahrain, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates; sex traffickers exploit Kazakhstani women and girls in the Middle East, Europe, East Asia, the United States, Central Asian and Eastern European countries and rural areas in Kazakhstan; children are forced to beg and adults and children may be coerced into criminal behavior; traffickers are increasingly using debt-based coercion; traffickers capitalize on tough law enforcement policies on migrants to coerce them to remain and leverage these policies to threaten victims with punishment and deportation if they notify authorities, which fosters a distrust in law enforcement tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Kazakhstan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government adopted amendments increasing criminal penalties for traffickers, including rescinding the provision allowing alleged traffickers to pay a settlement to victims to withdraw their criminal cases; authorities developed victim identification guidelines for diplomatic staff and provided victim identification training to some labor inspectors; the government took initial steps toward improving its annual NGO funding process; the government’s efforts to identify and protect foreign victims increased; foreign victims who did not participate in criminal investigations were ineligible for services and were deported; law enforcement continued to make limited efforts to investigate, prosecute, and convict labor trafficking crimes; trafficking convictions decreased for the fourth consecutive year; NGOs reported allegations of police officers’ involvement in human trafficking, but few police or other officials suspected of complicity were investigated or prosecuted (2020) Topic: Korea, Northcurrent situation: North Korea is a source country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor, forced marriage, and sex trafficking; in the recent past, many North Korean women and girls lured by promises of food, jobs, and freedom migrated to China illegally to escape poor social and economic conditions only to be forced into prostitution, marriage, or exploitative labor arrangements; North Koreans do not have a choice in the work the government assigns them and are not free to change jobs at will; many North Korean workers recruited to work abroad under bilateral contracts with foreign governments are subjected to forced labor and reportedly face government reprisals if they try to escape or complain to outsiders; thousands of North Koreans, including children, are subjected to forced labor in prison camps tier rating: Tier 3 — the government of North Korea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; during this reporting period there was a government policy or pattern of forced labor of adults and children in prison camps, labor training centers, and through its imposition of forced labor conditions on North Korean overseas contract workers;  proceeds from state-sponsored forced labor fund government functions and illicit activities; the government has made no effort to address human trafficking (2020) Topic: Kyrgyzstancurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Kyrgyzstan and Kyrgyzstanis abroad; Kyrgyz men, women, and children are exploited in forced labor in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and other European countries specifically in agriculture, construction, textiles, domestic service, and childcare; sex traffickers exploit Kyrgyz women and girls domestically and in India, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates; problems with police misconduct and corruption include allegations that police threaten and extort sex trafficking victims and accept bribes from alleged traffickers to drop cases; street children who beg or do domestic work are vulnerable to traffickers tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Kyrgyzstan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government adopted a National Referral Mechanism (NRM) that established formal policies on victim identification and the provision of social services;  the government established an interagency focus group to accelerate implementation of the NRM and improve law enforcement investigations; authorities increased investigations but did not prosecute or convict any traffickers; the government conducted limited training on the NRM; some officials reportedly  dropped charges or tipped off suspects and allowed victims to be pressured or paid to drop charges against alleged traffickers; the government’s written plan, if implemented, would meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, Kyrgyzstan was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 (2020) Topic: Lesothocurrent situation: Lesotho is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking and for men subjected to forced labor; Basotho women and children are subjected to domestic servitude and children, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation within Lesotho and South Africa; some Basotho women willingly migrate to South Africa seeking work in domestic service only to be forced into prostitution; some Basotho men who voluntarily migrate to South Africa for work become victims of forced labor in agriculture and mining or are coerced into committing crimes tier rating: Tier 3 — Lesotho does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore it was downgraded to Tier 3; positive steps included partnering with an NGO and an international organization in awareness-raising activities, participating in a regional data collection tool, and training 27 diplomats on trafficking in persons; however, authorities did not investigate, prosecute, or convict any traffickers or officials complicit in trafficking and did not investigate concerns of official complicity in trafficking crimes restricted law enforcement actions; fewer victims were identified and received no protective services; no standard operating procedures for victim identification or implementation of the national referral mechanism; the government did not finance  the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund or the Child and Gender Protection Unit; front-line responders to trafficking crimes are inadequately trained; penalties for human trafficking are not stringent enough to serve as a deterrent (2020) Topic: Macaucurrent situation: Macau is a destination and, to a much lesser extent, source for women and children subjected to sex trafficking and possibly forced labor; most victims come from the Chinese mainland, but others are trafficked from China, Russia, and Southeast Asia; victims are lured in by false job offers and forced into prostitution, often being confined to massage parlors and illegal brothels where their identity documents are confiscated and they are threatened with violence; Chinese, Russian, and Thai criminal organizations are believed to be involved in recruiting women for Macau’s commercial sex industry tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Macau does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government trained police, customs, and social welfare officials on human trafficking, funded an awareness campaign, and provided services to victims; authorities convicted three sex traffickers but did not sentence anyone to significant prison terms; authorities investigated only one potential trafficking case and made no prosecutions; the government provided no assistance to any victims, and officials did not initiate any prosecutions or sentence convicted traffickers to significant terms of imprisonment; Macau was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: Malaysiacurrent situation: Malaysia is a destination and, to a lesser extent, a source and transit country for women and children subjected to conditions of forced labor and women and children subjected to sex trafficking; Malaysia is mainly a destination country for foreign workers who migrate willingly from countries including Indonesia, Nepal, India, Thailand, China, the Philippines, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam, but subsequently they encounter forced labor or debt bondage at the hands of their employers in the domestic, agricultural, construction, plantation, and industrial sectors; a small number of Malaysian citizens were reportedly trafficked internally and to Singapore, China, and Japan for commercial sexual exploitation; refugees are also vulnerable to trafficking; some officials are reportedly complicit in facilitating trafficking; traffickers lure Rohingya women and girls residing in refugee camps in Bangladesh to Malaysia, where they are coerced to engage in commercial sex tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Malaysia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government identified more victims, increased the number of trafficking-specialist prosecutors, drafted victim identification standard operating procedures, identified two volunteer victim assistance specialists that worked with more than 100 victims, and co-hosted the first national conference on anti-trafficking; however, authorities prosecuted and convicted fewer traffickers and investigated few trafficking cases; despite the issue of corruption, insufficient efforts were made to prosecute officials’ complicity in trafficking-related crimes or to report the results of investigations into such crimes; insufficient interagency coordination and victim services discouraged foreign victims from participating in criminal proceedings; no resources were devoted to a written plan that, if implemented, would constitute significant efforts to meet the minimum standards; Malaysia was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 (2020) Topic: Maldivescurrent situation: Maldives is a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking and a source country for Maldivian children subjected to human trafficking within the country; Bangladeshi and Indian migrants working both legally and illegally in the construction and service sectors face conditions of forced labor, including fraudulent recruitment, confiscation of identity and travel documents, nonpayment of wages, and debt bondage; a small number of women from Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, China, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Eastern Europe, and former Soviet states are trafficked to Maldives for sexual exploitation; some Maldivian children are transported to the capital for forced domestic service, where they may also be sexually abused tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Maldives does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts included convicting two individuals for trafficking-related offenses, convening the National Anti-Trafficking Steering Committee for the first time in two years; drafting and finalizing a 2020-2022 national action plan; however, efforts to hold employers accountable for trafficking did not increase, non-payment of wages and of the retention of migrant workers’ passports continued; standard operating procedures for victim identification, protection, and referral were not adopted; insufficient resources were devoted to the national action plan; Maldives was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 (2020) Topic: Malicurrent situation: Mali is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; women and girls are forced into domestic servitude, agricultural labor, and support roles in gold mines, as well as subjected to sex trafficking; Malian boys are found in conditions of forced labor in agricultural settings, gold mines, and the informal commercial sector, as well as forced begging in Mali and neighboring countries; Malians and other Africans who travel through Mali to Mauritania, Algeria, or Libya in hopes of reaching Europe are particularly at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking; men and boys, primarily of Songhai ethnicity, are subjected to debt bondage in the salt mines of Taoudenni in northern Mali; some members of Mali's Tuareg community are subjected to traditional slavery-related practices, and this involuntary servitude reportedly has extended to their children; reports indicate that non-governmental armed groups operating in northern Mali recruited children as combatants, cooks, porters, guards, spies, and sex slaves; slaveholders use some members of the Tuareg community in hereditary servitude where communities rather than individuals or families exploit the enslaved tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Mali does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; government efforts included prosecuting hereditary slavery cases, increasing convictions, continuing training and awareness raising activities, releasing all children associated with the Malian armed forces (FAMa) to an international organization for care, training law enforcement officials on protection of children in armed conflict, identifying 215 children used by armed groups and referring them to international organizations for care; however, the government did not stop all use of children in the FAMa; the government continued to provide support to and collaborate with the Imghad Tuareg and the Allies Self-Defense Group, which recruited and used child soldiers; authorities did not investigate any suspects for child soldier offenses or make efforts to prevent it; law enforcement lacked resources and training about human trafficking; services for victims remained insufficient; therefore, Mali was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: Marshall Islandscurrent situation: The Marshall Islands are a destination country for women from East Asia subjected to sex trafficking; foreign women are reportedly forced into prostitution in bars frequented by crew members of fishing vessels; some Chinese women are recruited to the Marshall Islands with promises of legitimate work and are subsequently forced into prostitution; wealthy or powerful families use traditional cultural practices to exploit impoverished Marshallese from outer islands as indentured laborers on their property; Marshallese children are transported to the United States and subjected to sexual abuse tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the Marshall Islands does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include its first trafficking prosecution since 2011 and opening an investigation into an immigration official for alleged trafficking complicity; however, no efforts were made to identify trafficking victims and no assistance was provided to victims; the government has not convicted any traffickers since 2011 (2020) Topic: Mauritaniacurrent situation: Mauritania is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to conditions of forced labor and sex trafficking; adults and children from traditional slave castes are subjected to slavery-related practices rooted in ancestral master-slave relationships; Mauritanian boys  are trafficked within the country by religious teachers for forced begging; Mauritanian girls, as well as girls from Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, and other West African countries, are forced into domestic servitude; Mauritanian women and girls are forced into prostitution in the country or transported to countries in the Middle East for the same purpose tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Mauritania does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so and was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; the government convicted five hereditary slaveholders, drafted new anti-trafficking legislation and a national action plan, raised awareness on child forced begging in Quranic schools with imams and religious leaders by establishing an inter-ministerial committee, published a child protection guide, and operated a cash transfer program; however, the government rarely imprisoned convicted slaveholders and did not identify any victims; government agencies lacked resources; government officials refuse to investigate or prosecute political offenders (2020) Topic: Mauritiuscurrent situation: Mauritius is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; Mauritian girls are induced or sold into prostitution, often by peers, family members, or businessmen offering other forms of employment; Mauritian adults have been identified as labor trafficking victims in the UK, Belgium, and Canada, while Mauritian women from Rodrigues Island are also subject to domestic servitude in Mauritius; Malagasy women transit Mauritius en route to the Middle East for jobs as domestic servants and subsequently are subjected to forced labor; Cambodian men are victims of forced labor on foreign fishing vessels in Mauritius’ territorial waters; other migrant workers from East and South Asia and Madagascar are also subject to forced labor in Mauritius’ manufacturing and construction sectors tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List – Mauritius does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in 2014, the government made modest efforts to address child sex trafficking but none related to adult forced labor; law enforcement lacks an understanding of trafficking crimes outside of child sex trafficking, despite increasing evidence of other forms of human trafficking; authorities made no trafficking prosecutions or convictions and made modest efforts to assist a couple of child sex trafficking victims; officials sustained an extensive public awareness campaign to prevent child sex trafficking, but no efforts were made to raise awareness or reduce demand for forced adult or child labor (2015) Topic: Nicaraguacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Nicaragua and Nicaraguans abroad; women, children, and migrants are most at risk; women and children are subject to sex trafficking within the country and its two Caribbean autonomous regions, as well as  in other Central American countries, Mexico, Spain, and the United States; traffickers used social media to recruit victims with promises of high-paying jobs in restaurants, hotels, construction, and security outside of Nicaragua where they are subjected to sex or labor trafficking; traffickers exploit children through forced participation in illegal drug production and trafficking; children and persons with disabilities are subjected to forced begging; Nicaragua is also a destination for child sex tourists from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe tier rating: Tier 3 — Nicaragua does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so and was downgraded to Tier 3; the government identified slightly more victims than in the previous reporting period and prosecuted a trafficker; however, no traffickers were convicted and victim identification remained inadequate; authorities did not  investigate, prosecute, or convict government employees complicit in trafficking; the government provided no victim services; prosecution, protection, and prevention efforts in the two Caribbean autonomous regions of Nicaragua continued to be much weaker than in the rest of the country (2020) Topic: Nigeriacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Nigeria along with victims from Nigeria abroad; internal trafficking involving recruiting victims from rural areas for commercial sex  and forced labor in domestic work, street vending, mining, agriculture, begging and textile manufacturing; traffickers operate “baby factories” where women held against their will are raped and children are sold into forced labor or sex trafficking or rented to beggars to increase their profits; women are often taken to other West and Central African countries, South Africa, Europe and the Middle East for commercial sex; Boko Haram and ISIS-WA forcibly recruit, abduct, and use child soldiers as young as 12 as cooks, spies, messengers, bodyguards, armed combatants, and suicide bombers; they abduct women and girls in the northern region of Nigeria for sexual slavery and forced labor tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Nigeria does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government is continuing to train officials and raise public awareness; the government established anti-trafficking task forces in Borno and Ekiti states and used new technology to collect victim testimony; authorities prosecuted three government officials complicit in human trafficking; the government is drafting a memoranda of understanding that will improve coordination between government agencies; however, security forces used at least two children in support roles; some security officials were involved in sex trafficking; no criminal charges were made against military officials or members of the Civilian Joint Task Force for sex trafficking or the use of child soldiers; no protections were given to female and child trafficking victims allegedly associated with insurgencies; fewer traffickers were convicted; Nigeria was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: Pakistancurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Pakistan and Pakistanis abroad; the largest human trafficking problem is bonded labor, where traffickers exploit a debt assumed by a worker as part of the terms of employment, entrapping sometimes generations of a family; bonded laborers are forced to work in agriculture, brick kilns, fisheries, mining, textile manufacturing, bangle- and carpet-making; traffickers buy, sell, rent, and kidnap children for forced labor in begging, domestic work, small shops, sex trafficking and stealing; some children are maimed to bring in more money for begging; Afghans, Iranians, and Pakistanis are forced into drug trafficking in border areas and Karachi; Pakistani traffickers lure women and girls away from their families with promises of marriage and exploit the women and girls in sex trafficking; militant groups kidnap, buy, or recruit children and force them to spy, fight, and conduct suicide attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Pakistan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; government efforts include convicting traffickers under the comprehensive human trafficking law, convicting more traffickers for bonded labor, and increasing registration of brick kilns nationwide for the oversight of workers traffickers target; more trafficking victims were identified; authorities initiated eight investigations against suspected traffickers of Pakistani victims overseas; authorities collaborated with international partners and foreign governments on anti-trafficking efforts; however, the government  significantly decreased investigations and prosecutions of sex traffickers; bonded labor exists on farms and in brick kilns in Punjab province; no action was taken against officials involved in trafficking; several high-profile trafficking cases were dropped during the reporting period; resources were lacking for the care of identified victims; Pakistan was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: Papua New Guineacurrent situation: Papua New Guinea is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor; women and children are subjected to sex trafficking and domestic servitude; families may sell girls into forced marriages to settle debts, leaving them vulnerable to forced domestic service; local and Chinese men are forced to labor in logging and mining camps; migrant women from Malaysia, Thailand, China, and the Philippines are subjected to sex trafficking and domestic servitude at logging and mining camps, fisheries, and entertainment sites tier rating: Tier 3 — Papua New Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; despite remaining at Tier 3, the government continued to identify some trafficking victims and a prominent trafficking case was advanced; however, the government did not provide protective services for victims and did not systematically implement its victim identification procedures; corruption among officials in the logging sector remains a problem, and they continue to facilitate sex trafficking and forced labor; no alleged traffickers were convicted; the government dedicates little financial and human resources to combat trafficking, and awareness of trafficking is low among government officials (2020) Topic: Romaniacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Romania and Romanians abroad;  Romania remains a primary source country for sex and labor trafficking victims in Europe; Romanian men, women, and children are subjected to forced labor in agriculture, construction, hotels, manufacturing, domestic service, commercial sex, and forced begging and theft; Romania is a destination country for a limited number of foreign trafficking victims, including migrants from Africa, Europe, and South and Southeast Asia, exploited in the construction, hotel, and food-processing industries tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Romania does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government identified more trafficking victims during the reporting period, participated in more international investigations, and conducted awareness campaigns; however, authorities investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer traffickers; officials complicit in trafficking crimes, especially with minors in government-run homes or placement centers, were not prosecuted; government funding of services for child trafficking victims remained inadequate (2020) Topic: Russiacurrent situation: Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking, although labor trafficking is the predominant problem; people from Russia and other countries in Europe, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Asia, including Vietnam and North Korea, are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Russia’s construction, manufacturing, agriculture, repair shop, and domestic services industries, as well as forced begging and narcotics cultivation; North Koreans contracted under bilateral government arrangements to work in the timber industry in the Russian Far East reportedly are subjected to forced labor; Russian women and children were reported to be victims of sex trafficking in Russia, Northeast Asia, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, while women from European, African, and Central Asian countries were reportedly forced into prostitution in Russia tier rating: Tier 3 — Russia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, is not making significant efforts to do, and remains in Tier 3; the government took some steps to address trafficking by convicting some traffickers, facilitating the return of Russian children from Iraq and Syria, and identifying some victims, including foreign nationals; however, there was a government policy of forced labor, the number of victims identified was negligible, and authorities penalized potential victims without screening for signs of trafficking; the government offered no funding or programs for trafficking victims’ rehabilitation, prosecutions remained low compared with the scope of Russia’s trafficking problem, no national anti-trafficking strategy has been drafted, and government agencies have not been assigned roles or responsibilities (2020) Topic: Saudi Arabiacurrent situation: Saudi Arabia is a destination country for men and women subjected to forced labor and, to a lesser extent, forced prostitution; men and women primarily from South and Southeast Asia and Africa voluntarily travel to Saudi Arabia to work in domestic service, construction, agriculture or other low-skilled jobs, but some subsequently face conditions indicative of involuntary servitude (many are forced to work months or years beyond their contract term because employers withhold passports and required exit visas); women, primarily from Asian and African countries, are reported to be forced into prostitution in Saudi Arabia tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Saudi Arabia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so and was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; the government enacted the country’s first-ever national referral mechanism (NRM) and increased the number of prosecutions and convictions under the anti-trafficking law; victims are identified and referred for care; the government convicted and sentenced two Saudi officials complicit in trafficking crimes; however, the government continued to fine, jail, and/or deport migrant workers for prostitution or immigration violations who may have been trafficking victims; authorities regularly misclassified potential trafficking crimes as labor law violations rather than as criminal offenses (2020)Tier 2 Watch List — Saudi Arabia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so and was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; Topic: Senegalcurrent situation: Senegal is a source, transit, and destination country for children and women who are subjected to forced begging, forced labor, and sex trafficking; traffickers subject Senegalese children to forced labor in domestic service, mining, and prostitution; some Senegalese boys from Quranic schools and boys from The Gambia, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea are forced to beg; Senegalese women and girls are forced into domestic servitude in neighboring countries, Europe, and the Middle East, while others are sexually exploited in Senegal; women and girls from other West African countries are subjected to domestic servitude and sexual exploitation in Senegal; Ukrainian and Chinese women are exploited for sex trafficking in bars and nightclubs; North Korean workers are forced to work in construction tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Senegal does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include establishing an anti-trafficking database; planning the third phase of its program to remove vulnerable children, including trafficking victims, from the streets of major cities; launching an emergency campaign to place vulnerable children and forced begging victims in shelters due to COVID 19 pandemic; however, the government rarely proactively investigated or prosecuted traffickers exploiting children in forced begging; authorities did not take action against officials who refused to investigate such cases; officials only applied adequate prison terms in accordance with the 2005 anti-trafficking law to two convicted traffickers; authorities did not identify any adult trafficking victims; government officials continued to have a limited knowledge of trafficking; Senegal was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: Seychellescurrent situation: Seychelles is a source and destination country for children and women subjected to sex trafficking; Seychellois girls and, to a lesser extent boys, are forced into prostitution in nightclubs, bars, guest houses, hotels, brothels, private homes, and on the streets by peers, family members, and pimps; foreign tourists, sailors, and migrant workers contribute to the demand for commercial sex acts in Seychelles; some of the large population of foreign migrant workers reportedly experience the underpayment of wages and substandard housing tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Seychelles does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; the government allocated an operational and programmatic budget to the National Coordinating Committee on Trafficking in Persons, signed a bilateral agreement outlining procedures for employment and repatriation in Seychelles of migrant workers from Bangladesh and established a hotline to report forced labor concerns; however, no victims of trafficking were identified; efforts to address sex trafficking remained inadequate, its standard operating procedures for victim identification and referral to care services were not implemented; there are no shelters or care facilities for trafficking victims; investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of traffickers decreased; Seychelles did not establish a secretariat to support the Coordinating Committee, hindering the committee’s ability to direct anti-trafficking efforts across government and drive national policy; Seychelles was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: South Sudancurrent situation: South Sudan is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; South Sudanese women and girls, particularly those who are internally displaced or from rural areas, are vulnerable to forced labor and sexual exploitation in urban centers; the rising number of street children and child laborers are also exploited for forced labor and prostitution; women and girls from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo are trafficked to South Sudan with promises of legitimate jobs and are forced into the sex trade; inter-ethnic abductions continue between some communities in South Sudan; government forces use children to fight and perpetrate violence against other children and civilians, to serve as scouts, escorts, cooks, and cleaners, and to carry heavy loads while on the move tier rating: Tier 3 — South Sudan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so: the government’s efforts include forming and staffing an anti-trafficking inter-ministerial task force, releasing 286 child soldiers, and identifying 19 potential trafficking victims; however, the recruitment of child soldiers by security and law enforcement continues and neither was held criminally responsible; authorities did not investigate or prosecute forced labor or sex trafficking crimes and made no effort to identify and protect trafficking victims; authorities continued to arrest and imprison child sex trafficking victims without screening for indicators of trafficking (2020)Tier 3 — South Sudan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so: the government’s efforts include forming and staffing an anti-trafficking inter-ministerial task force, releasing 286 child soldiers, and identifying 19 potential trafficking victims; however, the recruitment of child soldiers by security and law enforcement continues and neither was held criminally responsible; authorities did not investigate or prosecute forced labor or sex trafficking crimes and made no effort to identify and protect trafficking victims; authorities continued to arrest and imprison child sex trafficking victims without screening for indicators of trafficking (2020) Topic: Sri Lankacurrent situation: Sri Lanka is primarily a source and, to a much lesser extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of trafficking cases involve traffickers forcing Sri Lankan workers into labor overseas; men, women, and children are subjected to forced labor in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States in construction, garment manufacturing, and domestic service; authorities have identified labor trafficking victims among Sri Lankan female migrant workers who seek employment in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Japan, and South Korea; traffickers force children, individuals with physical deformities, and those from socially vulnerable groups to beg or engage in criminal activity in Sri Lanka’s largest cities tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Sri Lanka does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include convicting traffickers under its trafficking statute, identifying victims, and working on anti-trafficking training and raising awareness; however, some officials reportedly complicit in trafficking are inadequately investigated; fewer victims were identified in country and abroad; social and legal assistance for victims remained inadequate and inconsistent; the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment did not refer potential trafficking cases to police for criminal investigation; police continued to arrest  trafficking victims for prostitution, vagrancy, and immigration offenses; child sex trafficking victims remained in government detention centers (2020) Topic: Sudancurrent situation: Sudan is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; traffickers exploit homeless children and unaccompanied migrant children from West and Central Africa in forced labor for begging, public transportation, large markets, and in sex trafficking; business owners, informal mining operators, community members, and farmers exploit children in brick-making factories, gold mining, collecting medical waste, street vending, and agriculture; children are exposed to threats, physical and sexual abuse, and hazardous working conditions; criminal groups exploit Sudanese women and girls from rural areas in domestic work and in sex trafficking; Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a semi-autonomous paramilitary branch of the government, have been accused of recruiting child soldiers, which they deny; Eritrean, Ethiopian, and other Africans refugees at government encampments risk exploitation tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Sudan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; authorities prosecuted more suspected traffickers and launched an awareness campaign; the government streamlined its national anti-trafficking mechanism and focused resources on the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking; a national action plan was drafted, finalized, and approved; Sudanese Armed Forces officials launched a unit for child protection efforts in conflict areas and trained more than 5,000 members of its military on child protection issues; however, the Rapid Support Forces, a semi-autonomous paramilitary branch of the government, is reported to have recruited child soldiers and government authorities have acknowledged there are child soldiers among demobilizing forces covered under the 2020 Juba Peace Agreement; the government has not developed a system to identify, demobilize, and rehabilitate victims; officials’ denial of trafficking, smuggling, and kidnapping for ransom impeded anti-trafficking efforts; investigations and convictions of trafficking crimes decreased; Sudan was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3; Sudan remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year (2020) Topic: Syriacurrent situation: due to Syria’s civil war, hundreds of thousands of Syrians, foreign migrant workers, and refugees have fled the country and are vulnerable to human trafficking; the lack of security and inaccessibility of the majority of the country makes it impossible to conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of the ongoing conflict on the scope and magnitude of Syria’s human trafficking situation; prior to the uprising, the Syrian armed forces and opposition forces used Syrian children in combat and support roles and as human shields tier rating: Tier 3 — Syria does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government does not hold any traffickers, including complicit officials, criminally accountable for trafficking; no trafficking victims were identified or received protection during the reporting period; government and pro-Syrian militias continued to forcibly recruit and use child soldiers; the government does not prevent armed opposition forces and designated terrorist organizations from recruiting children; authorities continued to arrest, detain, and severely abuse trafficking victims, including child soldiers, and punished them for unlawful acts traffickers compelled them to commit (2020) Topic: Tanzaniacurrent situation: Tanzania is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the exploitation of young girls in domestic servitude continues to be Tanzania’s largest human trafficking problem; Tanzanian boys are subject to forced labor mainly on farms but also in mines, in the commercial service sector, in the sex trade, and possibly on small fishing boats; internal trafficking is more prevalent than transnational trafficking and is usually facilitated by friends, family members, or intermediaries offering education or legitimate job opportunities; trafficking victims from Burundi, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nepal, Yemen, and India are forced to work in Tanzania’s agricultural, mining, and domestic service sectors or may be sex trafficked; traffickers transported Tanzanian children with physical disabilities to Kenya to work as beggars or in massage parlors; girls forced to donate a kidney to pay for supposed transportation fees to the United Arab Emirates; traffickers subject Tanzanians to forced labor, including in domestic service, and sex trafficking in other African countries, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the United States tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Tanzania does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts were made to  identify and refer victims for care; investigations and convictions of traffickers, training for officials, and public awareness campaigns were increased along with a National Guideline for Safe Houses; however, the government did not amend its law to remove sentencing provisions that allow fines in lieu of imprisonment; fewer prosecutions were initiated; the government did not implement the 2018-2021 national action plan; officials did not fully implement the creation of the anti-trafficking fund nor disperse funds; no formal victim identification and protection was provided (2020) Topic: Timor-Lestecurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Timor-Leste, and traffickers exploit victims from Timor-Leste abroad; traffickers exploit Timorese women, girls, and occasionally young men and boys from rural areas in sex trafficking or domestic servitude; Timorese men are exploited in forced labor in agriculture, construction, and mining; families place children in bonded domestic and agricultural labor to pay debts; traffickers deceive young men and women with promises of a scholarship or employment opportunities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries in the region only taking them to a different county, taking their passports, and forcing them into labor, including domestic servitude; sex traffickers in Timor-Leste prey on foreign women from East and Southeast Asia; traffickers also recruit Timorese women to send them to China, Indonesia, or Malaysia for commercial sex tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Timor-Leste does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include re-establishing funding to NGOs for victim services and integrating an anti-trafficking curriculum for officials; however, authorities decreased investigations and convictions; victim protection services were inadequate, and no government-wide standard operating procedures for victim identification were implemented; understanding of trafficking remains low among officials (2020) Topic: Turkmenistancurrent situation: Turkmenistan is a source, and to a much lesser degree, destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; Turkmen in search of work in other countries are forced to work in textile sweatshops, construction, and domestic service; some Turkmen women and girls are sex trafficked abroad; Turkey is the primary trafficking destination, followed by Russia, India, and other countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe; labor trafficking occurs within Turkmenistan, particularly in the construction industry; government officials require employees in private sector institutions, soldiers, and public sector workers to pick cotton without payment under the threat of penalty, such as dismissal, reduced work hours, or salary deductions to meet government-imposed quotas for the cotton harvest tier rating: Tier 3 — Turkmenistan does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government approved the 2020-2022 national action plan, continued anti-trafficking awareness campaigns, worked with international organizations on combating trafficking, provided training to its diplomatic corps on human trafficking, and identified potential trafficking victims at the international airport; however, the  government used forced labor in the cotton harvest and public works projects; no officials were held accountable for their role in trafficking crimes; authorities did not prosecute or convict any traffickers; no victims were identified and offered protection or assistance programs (2020) Topic: Ugandacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Uganda, and traffickers exploit victims from Uganda abroad; young Ugandan children are exploited in forced labor in agriculture, fishing, forestry, cattle herding, mining, stone quarrying, brick making, carpentry, steel manufacturing, street vending, bars, restaurants, gold mining, and domestic service; traffickers exploit girls and boys in commercial sex; most are children from the northeastern region and are exploited in forced begging, commercial sex in brothels, or sold in markets; traffickers compel  children from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan into forced agricultural labor and sex trafficking in Uganda; young women most at risk for transnational trafficking seek employment as domestic workers in the Middle East and then are exploited in sex trafficking; traffickers subject Ugandans to forced labor and sex trafficking in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Bahrain, Jordan, China, Kenya, and India; traffickers are often relatives, friends of victims, or religious leaders who receive a fee per worker from recruiters tier rating: Tier 2 Watch list — Uganda does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include investigating allegations of complicit officials, implementing the protection and prevention provisions of the 2009 anti-trafficking act, convicting alleged traffickers, developing a plan for an anti-trafficking department within the police force; however, the government reported the lowest number of investigations in the past five years and a substantial decrease in prosecutions; authorities provided no training for law enforcement and immigration officials and identified fewer victims; the Coordination Office for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons is severely underfunded, stifling efforts to coordinate and combat trafficking; no systematic procedures to refer or assist victims have been developed, and the government provides no resources to NGOs for protective services; Uganda was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Topic: Uzbekistancurrent situation: Uzbekistan is a source country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and women and children subjected to sex trafficking; adults are victims of government-organized forced labor during Uzbekistan’s annual cotton harvest; local officials in some instances force teachers, students (including children), private businesses employees, and others to work in construction and other forms of non-cotton agriculture and to clean parks, streets, and buildings; traffickers exploit Uzbek women and children in sex trafficking in the Middle East, Eurasia, and Asia, and internally in brothels, clubs, and private residences; traffickers subject Uzbek men, and to a lesser extent women, to forced labor in Kazakhstan, Russia, Moldova, Turkey, and in other Asian, Middle Eastern, and European countries in the construction, oil and gas, agricultural, retail, and food sectors tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Uzbekistan does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; government efforts included addressing the use of forced adult labor during the cotton harvest by increasing pay to laborers and improving working conditions for voluntary workers and ceasing the forced use of students, teachers, and health care workers; third-party monitors were allowed access to the harvest to view changes; the government created a National Commission on Trafficking chaired by the regional governor in every area of the country; however, reports continued of corrupt officials requiring public sector employees to pick cotton or pay for a replacement worker with extorted penalties paid to them; fewer cases of traffickers were investigated and prosecuted, fewer victims of trafficking were identified, and fewer convictions carried a prison sentence; authorities conducted no investigations against corrupt officials extorting money during the cotton harvest (2020) Topic: Venezuelacurrent situation: Venezuela is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, lured from the nation's interior to urban and tourist areas; women from Colombia, Peru, Haiti, China, and South Africa are also reported to have been sexually exploited in Venezuela; some Venezuelan women are transported to Caribbean islands, particularly Aruba, Curacao, and Trinidad & Tobago, where they are subjected to forced prostitution; some Venezuelan children are forced to beg on the streets or work as domestic servants, while Ecuadorian children, often from indigenous communities, are subjected to forced labor; the government provided support to FARC dissidents and the ELN, which grew through the recruitment of child soldiers and exploitation of children in sex trafficking and forced labor; Illegal armed groups lure children in vulnerable conditions and dire economic circumstances with gifts and promises of basic sustenance to later recruit them into their ranks tier rating: Tier 3 — Venezuela does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government created a specialized prosecutor’s office to oversee trafficking investigations and prosecutions; authorities began legal proceedings against three complicit officials in a notable case; however, the government did not assist any victims or investigate, prosecute, or convict any traffickers; little effort was made to curb the forced recruitment of Venezuelan children by Colombian armed groups operating illegally in Venezuela; authorities made little effort to screen Cuban medical professionals for trafficking indicators as the Cuban Government may have forced them to work by withholding their documentation, and coercing them to falsify medical records (2020) Topic: Vietnamcurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Vietnam, and traffickers exploit Vietnamese abroad; Vietnamese men and women who migrate abroad for work may be subject to exploitation and illegally high fees from recruiters trapping them in debt bondage; traffickers subject victims to forced labor in construction, fishing, agriculture, mining, maritime industries, logging, and manufacturing, primarily in Taiwan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Laos, Japan, and to a lesser extent, some parts of Europe and the UK; traffickers mislead Vietnamese women and children with fraudulent employment opportunities and sex traffick them to brothels on the borders of China, Cambodia, Laos, and elsewhere in Asia; traffickers use the Internet, gaming sites, and particularly social media to lure victims; domestic traffickers are sometimes  family members or small-scale networks exploiting Vietnamese men, women, and children - including street children and children with disabilities - in forced labor as street beggars or in brick kilns and mines; child sex tourists from elsewhere in Asia and other countries exploit children; prisoners reportedly are forced to work in agriculture, manufacturing, and hazardous industries, such as cashew processing tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Vietnam does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include providing trafficking victims the right to legal representation in judicial proceedings, increasing the amount of shelter time for victims by one month, providing financial support, continuing large-scale awareness campaigns in vulnerable communities and to workers going overseas, and training law enforcement; however, fewer victims were identified or assisted and procedures remained slow and ineffective; provincial officials unfamiliar with anti-trafficking law impede anti-trafficking efforts; labor recruitment firms extorted illegal high fees from workers looking for overseas employment putting them at risk for forced labor; no investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of officials complicit in trafficking offenses were made (2020) Topic: Worldcurrent situation: approximately 800,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked annually across national borders, not including millions trafficked within their own countries; at least 80% of the victims are female and up to 50% are minors; 75% of all victims are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation; almost two-thirds of the global victims are trafficked intra-regionally within East Asia and the Pacific (260,000 to 280,000 people) and Europe and Eurasia (170,000 to 210,000 people) Tier 2 Watch List:  (44 countries) Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia Tier 3:  (19 countries) Afghanistan, Algeria, Belarus, Burma, Burundi, China, Comoros, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Lesotho, Nicaragua, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Russia, South Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Venezuela (2020) Topic: Zambiacurrent situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Zambia and Zambians abroad; most trafficking occurs within Zambia’s borders, with traffickers exploiting women and children from rural areas in cities in domestic servitude or forced labor in agriculture, textile production, mining, construction, small businesses, such as bakeries, and forced begging; Jerabo gangs force Zambian children into illegal mining operations, such as loading stolen copper or crushing rocks; truck drivers exploit Zambian boys and girls in sex trafficking in towns along the Zimbabwean and Tanzanian borders, and miners exploit them in Solwezi; Zambian boys are exploited for sex trafficking in Zimbabwe and women and girls in South Africa; traffickers exploit victims from Tanzania and Malawi in the Zambian timber industry tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Zambia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making efforts to do so; efforts included increasing law enforcement training, establishing two fast-track human trafficking courts, conducting awareness campaigns about human trafficking, slightly increasing prosecutions and convictions, and strengthening prison sentences given to traffickers; however; investigations of trafficking crimes and funding to shelters and other victim assistance programs decreased; authorities did not proactively screen for trafficking among vulnerable populations, including foreign nationals and those involved in commercial sex; authorities detained and deported potential trafficking victims involved in smuggling; the national inter-ministerial committee is weak in overseeing national anti-trafficking efforts and trends (2020) Topic: Zimbabwecurrent situation: Zimbabwe is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; Zimbabwean women and girls from towns bordering South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia are subjected to forced labor, including domestic servitude, and prostitution catering to long-distance truck drivers; Zimbabwean men, women, and children experience forced labor in agriculture and domestic servitude in rural areas; family members may recruit children and other relatives from rural areas with promises of work or education in cities and towns where they end up in domestic servitude and sex trafficking; Zimbabwean women and men are lured into exploitative labor situations in South Africa and other neighboring countries tier rating: Tier 3 - Zimbabwe does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government passed an anti-trafficking law in 2014 defining trafficking in persons as a crime of transportation and failing to capture the key element of the international definition of human trafficking – the purpose of exploitation – which prevents the law from being comprehensive or consistent with the 2000 UN TIP Protocol that Zimbabwe acceded to in 2013; the government did not report on anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts during 2014, and corruption in law enforcement and the judiciary remain a concern; authorities made minimal efforts to identify and protect trafficking victims, relying on NGOs to identify and assist victims; Zimbabwe’s 2014 anti-trafficking law required the opening of 10 centers for trafficking victims, but none were established during the year; five existing shelters for vulnerable children and orphans may have accommodated child victims; in January 2015, an inter-ministerial anti-trafficking committee was established, but it is unclear if the committee ever met or initiated any activities (2015)

20220901

countries-poland

Topic: Photos of Poland Topic: Introduction Background: Poland's history as a state began near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in Central and Eastern Europe. During the 18th century, internal disorders weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force with over 10 million members. Free elections in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the communist era to a close. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Europe, east of Germany Geographic coordinates: 52 00 N, 20 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 312,685 sq km land: 304,255 sq km water: 8,430 sq km Area - comparative: about twice the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than New Mexico Land boundaries: total: 2,865 km border countries (6): Belarus 375 km; Czechia 699 km; Germany 467 km; Lithuania 100 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 209 km; Slovakia 517 km; Ukraine 498 km Coastline: 440 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties Climate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers Terrain: mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border Elevation: highest point: Rysy 2,499 m lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m mean elevation: 173 m Natural resources: coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 48.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 36.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.) forest: 30.6% (2018 est.) other: 21.2% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 970 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Zalew Szczecinski/Stettiner Haff (shared with Germany) - 900 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Vistula river source and mouth (shared with Belarus and Ukraine) - 1,213 km note - longest river in Poland Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Population distribution: population concentrated in the southern area around Krakow and the central area around Warsaw and Lodz, with an extension to the northern coastal city of Gdansk Natural hazards: flooding Geography - note: historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain Map description: Poland map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea.Poland map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 38,093,101 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Pole(s) adjective: Polish Ethnic groups: Polish 96.9%, Silesian 1.1%, German 0.2%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.) note: represents ethnicity declared first Languages: Polish (official) 98.2%, Silesian 1.4%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.3%; note - data represent the language spoken at home; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; Poland ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 2009 recognizing Kashub as a regional language, Czech, Hebrew, Yiddish, Belarusian, Lithuanian, German, Armenian, Russian, Slovak, and Ukrainian as national minority languages, and Karaim, Lemko, Romani (Polska Roma and Bergitka Roma), and Tatar as ethnic minority languages (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Księga Faktów Świata, niezbędne źródło podstawowych informacji. (Polish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Catholic 85% (includes Roman Catholic 84.8% and other Catholic 0.3%), Orthodox 1.3% (almost all are Polish Autocephalous Orthodox), Protestant 0.4% (mainly Augsburg Evangelical and Pentecostal), other 0.3% (includes Jehovah's Witness, Buddhist, Hare Krishna, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Muslim, Jewish, Church of Jesus Christ), unspecified 12.9% (2020 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.83% (male 2,918,518/female 2,756,968) 15-24 years: 9.8% (male 1,928,637/female 1,823,894) 25-54 years: 43.33% (male 8,384,017/female 8,203,646) 55-64 years: 13.32% (male 2,424,638/female 2,675,351) 65 years and over: 18.72% (2020 est.) (male 2,867,315/female 4,299,341) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 51.4 youth dependency ratio: 23 elderly dependency ratio: 28.4 potential support ratio: 3.5 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 41.9 years male: 40.3 years female: 43.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.26% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.5 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 10.71 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population concentrated in the southern area around Krakow and the central area around Warsaw and Lodz, with an extension to the northern coastal city of Gdansk Urbanization: urban population: 60.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.795 million WARSAW (capital), 770,000 Krakow (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 27.9 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 2 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.16 deaths/1,000 live births male: 4.58 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.76 years male: 75.02 years female: 82.73 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.4 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 62.3% (2014) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 6.5% (2019) Physicians density: 3.77 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 6.5 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% 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: intermediate (2016) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2016) Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 23.1% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 24% (2020 est.) male: 27.9% (2020 est.) female: 20.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 0.7% (2010/12) Education expenditures: 4.6% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.8% male: 99.9% female: 99.7% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years male: 15 years female: 17 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.8% male: 10.3% female: 11.6% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: decreased emphasis on heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-communist governments has improved environment; air pollution remains serious because of emissions from burning low-quality coals in homes and from coal-fired power plants; the resulting acid rain causes forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic- Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 20.54 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 299.04 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 46.62 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers Land use: agricultural land: 48.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 36.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.) forest: 30.6% (2018 est.) other: 21.2% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 60.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.17% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.27% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2016) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2016) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 10.863 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,866,746 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 26.4% (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Zalew Szczecinski/Stettiner Haff (shared with Germany) - 900 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Vistula river source and mouth (shared with Belarus and Ukraine) - 1,213 km note - longest river in Poland Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 2.028 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 7.035 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.018 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 60.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Poland conventional short form: Poland local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska local short form: Polska former: Polish People's Republic etymology: name derives from the Polanians, a west Slavic tribe that united several surrounding Slavic groups (9th-10th centuries A.D.) and who passed on their name to the country; the name of the tribe likely comes from the Slavic "pole" (field or plain), indicating the flat nature of their country Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Warsaw geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the origin of the name is unknown; the Polish designation "Warszawa" was the name of a fishing village and several legends/traditions link the city's founding to a man named Wars or Warsz Administrative divisions: 16 voivodships [provinces] (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Dolnoslaskie (Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie (Lodz), Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz), Malopolskie (Lesser Poland), Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie (Opole), Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia), Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania), Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie (Holy Cross), Warminsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater Poland), Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania) Independence: 11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 14 April 966 (adoption of Christianity, traditional founding date), 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created) National holiday: Constitution Day, 3 May (1791) Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1997, approved by referendum 25 May 1997, effective 17 October 1997 amendments: proposed by at least one fifth of Sejm deputies, by the Senate, or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Sejm and absolute majority vote in the Senate; amendments to articles relating to sovereignty, personal freedoms, and constitutional amendment procedures also require passage by majority vote in a referendum; amended 2006, 2009 Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative, administrative, and other governmental acts; constitutional law rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Poland dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Andrzej DUDA (since 6 August 2015) head of government: Prime Minister Mateusz MORAWIECKI (since 11 December 2017); Deputy Prime Ministers Piotr GLINSKI (since 16 November 2015), Jacek SASIN (since 15 November 2019), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI (6 October 2020) and Henryk KOWALCZYK (26 October 2021) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, appointed by the president, and approved by the Sejm elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 June 2020 with a second round on 12 July 2020 (next to be held in 2025); prime minister, deputy prime ministers, and Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm election results: 2020: Andrzej DUDA reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51%, Rafal TRZASKOWSKI (KO) 49% 2015: Andrzej DUDA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrzej DUDA (independent) 51.5%, Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (independent) 48.5% Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate or Senat (100 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) Sejm (460 seats; members elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote with 5% threshold of total votes needed for parties and 8% for coalitions to gain seats; minorities exempt from threshold; members serve 4-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 13 October 2019 (next to be held in October 2023) Sejm - last held on 13 October 2019 (next to be held in October 2023) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PiS 48, KO 43, PSL 3, SLD 2, independent 4; composition (as of October 2021) - men 76, women 24, percent of women 24% Sejm - percent of vote by party - PiS 43.6%, KO 27.4%, SLD 12.6%, PSL 8.5% Confederation 6.8%, other 1.1%; seats by party - PiS 235, KO 134, SLD 49, PSL 30, KWiN 11, MN 1; men 330, women 130, percent of women 28.3%; note - total Parliament percent of women 27.5% note: the designation National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe is only used on those rare occasions when the 2 houses meet jointly Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Sad Najwyzszy (consists of the first president of the Supreme Court and 120 justices organized in criminal, civil, labor and social insurance, and extraordinary appeals and public affairs and disciplinary chambers); Constitutional Tribunal (consists of 15 judges, including the court president and vice president) judge selection and term of office: president of the Supreme Court nominated by the General Assembly of the Supreme Court and selected by the president of Poland; other judges nominated by the 25-member National Judicial Council and appointed by the president of Poland; judges serve until retirement, usually at age 65, but tenure can be extended; Constitutional Tribunal judges chosen by the Sejm for single 9-year terms subordinate courts: administrative courts; military courts; local, regional and appellate courts subdivided into military, civil, criminal, labor, and family courts Political parties and leaders: Civic Coalition or KO [Grzegorz SCHETYNA and Małgorzata KIDAWA-BLONSKA] Confederation Liberty and Independence or KORWiN [Janusz KORWIN-MIKKE, Robert WINNICKI, Grzegorz BRAUN] Law and Justice or PiS [Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI] Polish Coalition or PSL [Wladyslaw KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ] The Left [Wlodzimierz CZARZASTY] International organization participation: Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marek Grzegorz MAGIEROWSKI (since 13 January 2022) chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 499-1700 FAX: [1] (202) 328-2152 email address and website: washington.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl https://www.gov.pl/web/usa-en/embassy-washington consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mark BRZEZINSKI (since 19 January 2022) embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw mailing address: 5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010 telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000 FAX: [48] (22) 504-2088 email address and website: acswarsaw@state.gov https://pl.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Krakow Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; colors derive from the Polish emblem - a white eagle on a red field note: similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white National symbol(s): white crowned eagle; national colors: white, red National anthem: name: "Mazurek Dabrowskiego" (Dabrowski's Mazurka) lyrics/music: Jozef WYBICKI/traditional note: adopted 1927; the anthem, commonly known as "Jeszcze Polska nie zginela" (Poland Has Not Yet Perished), was written in 1797; the lyrics resonate strongly with Poles because they reflect the numerous occasions in which the nation's lands have been occupied National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 17 (15 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Krakow (c); Historic Warsaw (c); Medieval Torun (c); Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region (c); Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (c); Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines (c); Auschwitz Birkenau Concentration Camp (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n); Białowieza Forest (n); Old City of Zamość (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Poland has the sixth-largest economy in the EU and has long had a reputation as a business-friendly country with largely sound macroeconomic policies. Since 1990, Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization. During the 2008-09 economic slowdown Poland was the only EU country to avoid a recession, in part because of the government’s loose fiscal policy combined with a commitment to rein in spending in the medium-term Poland is the largest recipient of EU development funds and their cyclical allocation can significantly impact the rate of economic growth.   The Polish economy performed well during the 2014-17 period, with the real GDP growth rate generally exceeding 3%, in part because of increases in government social spending that have helped to accelerate consumer-driven growth. However, since 2015, Poland has implemented new business restrictions and taxes on foreign-dominated economic sectors, including banking and insurance, energy, and healthcare, that have dampened investor sentiment and has increased the government’s ownership of some firms. The government reduced the retirement age in 2016 and has had mixed success in introducing new taxes and boosting tax compliance to offset the increased costs of social spending programs and relieve upward pressure on the budget deficit. Some credit ratings agencies estimate that Poland during the next few years is at risk of exceeding the EU’s 3%-of-GDP limit on budget deficits, possibly impacting its access to future EU funds. Poland’s economy is projected to perform well in the next few years in part because of an anticipated cyclical increase in the use of its EU development funds and continued, robust household spending.   Poland faces several systemic challenges, which include addressing some of the remaining deficiencies in its road and rail infrastructure, business environment, rigid labor code, commercial court system, government red tape, and burdensome tax system, especially for entrepreneurs. Additional long-term challenges include diversifying Poland’s energy mix, strengthening investments in innovation, research, and development, as well as stemming the outflow of educated young Poles to other EU member states, especially in light of a coming demographic contraction due to emigration, persistently low fertility rates, and the aging of the Solidarity-era baby boom generation.Poland has the sixth-largest economy in the EU and has long had a reputation as a business-friendly country with largely sound macroeconomic policies. Since 1990, Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization. During the 2008-09 economic slowdown Poland was the only EU country to avoid a recession, in part because of the government’s loose fiscal policy combined with a commitment to rein in spending in the medium-term Poland is the largest recipient of EU development funds and their cyclical allocation can significantly impact the rate of economic growth. The Polish economy performed well during the 2014-17 period, with the real GDP growth rate generally exceeding 3%, in part because of increases in government social spending that have helped to accelerate consumer-driven growth. However, since 2015, Poland has implemented new business restrictions and taxes on foreign-dominated economic sectors, including banking and insurance, energy, and healthcare, that have dampened investor sentiment and has increased the government’s ownership of some firms. The government reduced the retirement age in 2016 and has had mixed success in introducing new taxes and boosting tax compliance to offset the increased costs of social spending programs and relieve upward pressure on the budget deficit. Some credit ratings agencies estimate that Poland during the next few years is at risk of exceeding the EU’s 3%-of-GDP limit on budget deficits, possibly impacting its access to future EU funds. Poland’s economy is projected to perform well in the next few years in part because of an anticipated cyclical increase in the use of its EU development funds and continued, robust household spending. Poland faces several systemic challenges, which include addressing some of the remaining deficiencies in its road and rail infrastructure, business environment, rigid labor code, commercial court system, government red tape, and burdensome tax system, especially for entrepreneurs. Additional long-term challenges include diversifying Poland’s energy mix, strengthening investments in innovation, research, and development, as well as stemming the outflow of educated young Poles to other EU member states, especially in light of a coming demographic contraction due to emigration, persistently low fertility rates, and the aging of the Solidarity-era baby boom generation. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1,223,460,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,257,440,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,202,820,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.55% (2019 est.) 5.36% (2018 est.) 4.83% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $32,200 (2020 est.) $33,100 (2019 est.) $31,700 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $595.72 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (2019 est.) 1.7% (2018 est.) 2% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A- (2007) Moody's rating: A2 (2002) Standard & Poors rating: A- (2018) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.4% (2017 est.) industry: 40.2% (2017 est.) services: 57.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 58.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 54% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -49.9% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, sugar beet, wheat, potatoes, triticale, maize, barley, apples, mixed grains, rye Industries: machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles Industrial production growth rate: 7.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 9.561 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 11.5% industry: 30.4% services: 57.6% (2015) Unemployment rate: 5.43% (2019 est.) 6.08% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.8% male: 10.3% female: 11.6% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 15.4% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 29.7 (2017 est.) 33.7 (2008) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3% highest 10%: 23.9% (2015 est.) Budget: revenues: 207.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 216.2 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 50.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 54.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, the data include subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Taxes and other revenues: 39.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $2.92 billion (2019 est.) -$7.52 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $333.54 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $330.68 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $324.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Germany 27%, Czechia 6%, United Kingdom 6%, France 6%, Italy 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, seats, furniture, computers, video displays (2019) Imports: $292.44 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $302.87 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $306.43 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Germany 25%, China 10%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, crude petroleum,  packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment, office machinery/parts (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $113.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $114.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $351.77 billion (2019 est.) $373.721 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: zlotych (PLN) per US dollar - 3.6684 (2020 est.) 3.8697 (2019 est.) 3.76615 (2018 est.) 3.7721 (2014 est.) 3.1538 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 47.269 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 149.203 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 7.357 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 20.624 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 9.995 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 79.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 10.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 108.152 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 110.674 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 11.063 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 13.281 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 26.932 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 28,400 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 697,700 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 6,000 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 542,100 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 113 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 554,200 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 104,800 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 222,300 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 5,666,815,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 21,463,908,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 704.975 million cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 16,633,345,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 91.492 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 304.04 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 176.938 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 89.944 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 37.158 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 112.831 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 5,777,428 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 49,350,724 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 130 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the liberalized telecom market has seen considerable development in the broadband and mobile sectors; the incumbent telco, Orange Poland, dominates the broadband market and has invested in fiber infrastructure to support the growing adoption of bundled services among customers; the regulatory environment has encouraged market competition, partly by encouraging operators to secure spectrum and also by ensuring access to cable and fiber infrastructure; the mobile market in recent years has been characterized by the rapid extension of LTE networks and the development of mobile data services based on newly released and re-farmed spectrum; the regulator’s attempts to auction spectrum in a range of bands has been delayed, with spectrum in the 5G-suitable 3.4-3.8GHz range having been suspended to later in 2021 as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak and legislative changes. (2021) domestic: several nation-wide networks provide mobile-cellular service; fixed-line roughly 15 per 100 (service lags in rural areas), mobile-cellular over 130 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 48; landing points for the Baltica and the Denmark-Poland2 submarine cables connecting Poland, Denmark and Sweden; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (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: state-run public TV operates 2 national channels supplemented by 16 regional channels and several niche channels; privately owned entities operate several national TV networks and a number of special interest channels; many privately owned channels broadcasting locally; roughly half of all households are linked to either satellite or cable TV systems providing access to foreign television networks; state-run public radio operates 5 national networks and 17 regional radio stations; 2 privately owned national radio networks, several commercial stations broadcasting to multiple cities, and many privately owned local radio stations (2019) Internet country code: .pl Internet users: total: 31,456,228 (2020 est.) percent of population: 83% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 8,369,218 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 22 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 6 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 169 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 9,277,538 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 271.49 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: SP Airports: total: 126 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 87 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 30 1,524 to 2,437 m: 36 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 6 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 39 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 17 under 914 m: 21 (2021) Heliports: 6 (2021) Pipelines: 14,198 km gas, 1,374 km oil, 2,483 km refined products (2018) Railways: total: 19,231 km (2016) standard gauge: 18,836 km (2016) 1.435-m gauge (11,874 km electrified) broad gauge: 395 km (2016) 1.524-m gauge Roadways: total: 420,000 km (2016) paved: 291,000 km (2016) (includes 1,492 km of expressways, 1,559 of motorways) unpaved: 129,000 km (2016) Waterways: 3,997 km (2009) (navigable rivers and canals) Merchant marine: total: 143 by type: general cargo 7, oil tanker 6, other 130 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Gdansk, Gdynia, Swinoujscie container port(s) (TEUs): Gdansk (2,073,215) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Swinoujscie river port(s): Szczecin (River Oder) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Polish Armed Forces: Land Forces (Wojska Ladowe), Navy (Marynarka Wojenna), Air Force (Sily Powietrzne), Special Forces (Wojska Specjalne), Territorial Defense Force (Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej); Ministry of Interior and Administration: Border Guard (includes coast guard duties) (2022) note: the Polish Armed Forces are organized into a General Staff, an Armed Forces General Command, an Armed Forces Operational Command, Territorial Defense Forces (established 2017), Military Police, and the Warsaw Garrison Command Military expenditures: 2.3% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.2% of GDP (2020) 2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $17.5 billion) 2% of GDP (2018) (approximately $16.8 billion) 1.9% of GDP (2017) (approximately $14.9 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 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 Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Polish Armed Forces consists of a mix of Soviet-era and more modern Western weapons systems; since 2010, the leading suppliers of armaments include Finland, Germany, Italy, and the US (2021) note: in late 2018, Poland announced a 7-year (through 2026) approximately $50 billion defense modernization plan that would include such items as 5th generation combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, rocket artillery, helicopters, submarines, frigates, and improved cyber security Military service age and obligation: 18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription phased out in 2009-12; professional soldiers serve on a permanent basis (for an unspecified period of time) or on a contract basis (for a specified period of time); initial contract period is 24 months; women serve in the military on the same terms as men (2021) note: as of 2019, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 250 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR); up to 180 Latvia (NATO); 190 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 230 Romania (NATO) (2022) note 1: Poland contributes about 2,500 troops to the Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine joint military brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG), which was established in 2014; the brigade is headquartered in Poland and is comprised of an international staff, three battalions, and specialized units note 2: in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries, including Poland, have sent additional troops and equipment to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe Military - note: Poland joined NATO in 1999; Czechia, Hungary, and Poland were invited to begin accession talks at NATO's Madrid Summit in 1997, and in March 1999 they became the first former members of the Warsaw Pact to join the Alliance since 2017, Poland has hosted a US-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; since 2014, Poland has also hosted NATO fighter detachments at Malbork Air Base under NATO's enhanced air policing arrangements Poland hosts a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast; operational in 2018), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania; Poland also hosts a corps-level headquarters (Multinational Corps Northeast) (2022)since 2017, Poland has hosted a US-led multi-national NATO ground force battlegroup as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Forward Presence initiative; since 2014, Poland has also hosted NATO fighter detachments at Malbork Air Base under NATO's enhanced air policing arrangements Poland hosts a NATO-led divisional headquarters (Multinational Division Northeast; operational in 2018), which coordinates training and preparation activities of its respective subordinate battlegroups in Poland and Lithuania; Poland also hosts a corps-level headquarters (Multinational Corps Northeast) (2022) Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Poland-Belarus-Ukraine: as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Poland has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders with Belarus and UkrainePoland-Belarus-Ukraine: as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Poland has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 9,870 (Russia) (2019); 1,274,130 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 1,389 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: source country for amphetaminessource country for amphetamines

20220901

countries-spratly-islands

Topic: Photos of Spratly Islands Topic: Introduction Background: The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs surrounded by rich fishing grounds - and potentially by gas and oil deposits. They are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines. About 45 islands are occupied by relatively small numbers of military forces from China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Since 1985, Brunei has claimed a continental shelf that overlaps a southern reef but has not made any formal claim to the reef. Brunei claims an exclusive economic zone over this area.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines Geographic coordinates: 8 38 N, 111 55 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 5 sq km less than land: 5 sq km less than water: 0 sq km note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over an area of nearly 410,000 sq km (158,000 sq mi) of the central South China Sea Area - comparative: land area is about seven times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 926 km Maritime claims: NA Climate: tropical Terrain: small, flat islands, islets, cays, and reefs Elevation: highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 6 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m Natural resources: fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas potential Land use: other: 100% (2018 est.) Natural hazards: typhoons; numerous reefs and shoals pose a serious maritime hazard Geography - note: strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs Map description: Spratly Islands map showing the major islands and reefs of this archipelago in the South China Sea.Spratly Islands map showing the major islands and reefs of this archipelago in the South China Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: (July 2021 est.) no indigenous inhabitants note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by military personnel of several claimant states Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Population growth rate: NA Birth rate: NA Death rate: (2021 est.) NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: China's use of dredged sand and coral to build artificial islands harms reef systems; illegal fishing practices indiscriminately harvest endangered species, including sea turtles and giant clams Climate: tropical Land use: other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Spratly Islands etymology: named after a British whaling captain Richard SPRATLY, who sighted Spratly Island in 1843; the name of the island eventually passed to the entire archipelago Topic: Economy Economic overview: Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing. The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins indicate potential oil and gas deposits, but the region is largely unexplored. No reliable estimates of potential reserves are available. Commercial exploitation has yet to be developed. Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 8 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Heliports: 5 (2021) Ports and terminals: none; offshore anchorage only Topic: Military and Security Military - note: Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs of which about 45 are claimed and occupied by China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam China: occupies 7 outposts (Fiery Cross, Mischief, Subi, Cuarteron, Gavin, Hughes, and Johnson reefs); the outposts on Fiery Cross, Mischief, and Subi include air bases with helipads and aircraft hangers, naval port facilities, surveillance radars, air defense and anti-ship missile sites, and other military infrastructure such as communications, barracks, maintenance facilities, and ammunition and fuel bunkers Malaysia:  occupies 5 outposts in the southern portion of the archipelago, closest to the Malaysian state of Sabah (Ardasier Reef, Eric Reef, Mariveles Reef, Shallow Reef, and Investigator Shoal); all the outposts have helicopter landing pads, while Shallow Reef also has an airstrip Philippines: occupies 9 features (Commodore Reef, Second Thomas Shoal, Flat Island, Loaita Cay, Loaita Island, Nanshan Island, Northeast Cay, Thitu Island, and West York Island); Thitu Island has the only Philippine airstrip in the Spratlys Taiwan: maintains a coast guard outpost with an airstrip on Itu Aba Island Vietnam: occupies about 50 outposts spread across 27 features, including facilities on 21 rocks and reefs in the Spratlys, plus 14 platforms known as “economic, scientific, and technological service stations,” or Dịch vụ-Khoa (DK1), on six underwater banks to the southeast that Vietnam does not consider part of the disputed island chain, although China and Taiwan disagree; Spratly Islands outposts are on Alison Reef, Amboyna Cay, Barque Canada Reef, Central Reef, Collins Reef, Cornwallis South Reef, Discovery Great Reef, East Reef, Grierson Reef, Ladd Reef, Landsdowne Reef, Namyit Island, Pearson Reef, Petley Reef, Sand Cay, Sin Cowe Island, South Reef, Southwest Cay, Spratly Island, Tennent Reef, West Reef; Spratly Island includes an airstrip with aircraft hangers; the six underwater banks with outposts include Vanguard, Rifleman, Prince of Wales, Prince Consort, Grainger, and Alexandra; over the past few years, Vietnam has continued to make modest improvements to its outposts, including defensive positions and infrastructure (2022)Taiwan: maintains a coast guard outpost with an airstrip on Itu Aba Island Vietnam: occupies about 50 outposts spread across 27 features, including facilities on 21 rocks and reefs in the Spratlys, plus 14 platforms known as “economic, scientific, and technological service stations,” or Dịch vụ-Khoa (DK1), on six underwater banks to the southeast that Vietnam does not consider part of the disputed island chain, although China and Taiwan disagree; Spratly Islands outposts are on Alison Reef, Amboyna Cay, Barque Canada Reef, Central Reef, Collins Reef, Cornwallis South Reef, Discovery Great Reef, East Reef, Grierson Reef, Ladd Reef, Landsdowne Reef, Namyit Island, Pearson Reef, Petley Reef, Sand Cay, Sin Cowe Island, South Reef, Southwest Cay, Spratly Island, Tennent Reef, West Reef; Spratly Island includes an airstrip with aircraft hangers; the six underwater banks with outposts include Vanguard, Rifleman, Prince of Wales, Prince Consort, Grainger, and Alexandra; over the past few years, Vietnam has continued to make modest improvements to its outposts, including defensive positions and infrastructure Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Taiwan-Brunei-China-Malaysia-Philippines-Vietnam: all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China (including Taiwan) and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median with Vietnam; the islands are strategically located in the South China Sea and are surrounded by rich fishing groups and potential oil and natural gas deposits; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," which eased tensions but fell short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; China’s island-building and military presence in the archipelago remain controversialTaiwan-Brunei-China-Malaysia-Philippines-Vietnam: all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China (including Taiwan) and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines; despite no public territorial claim to Louisa Reef, Brunei implicitly lays claim by including it within the natural prolongation of its continental shelf and basis for a seabed median with Vietnam; the islands are strategically located in the South China Sea and are surrounded by rich fishing groups and potential oil and natural gas deposits; claimants in November 2002 signed the "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," which eased tensions but fell short of a legally binding "code of conduct"; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; China’s island-building and military presence in the archipelago remain controversial

20220901

countries-timor-leste

Topic: Photos of Timor-Leste Topic: Introduction Background: Timor was actively involved in Southeast Asian trading networks for centuries, and by the 14th century exported aromatic sandalwood, slaves, honey, and wax. A number of local chiefdoms ruled the island in the early 16th century when Portuguese traders arrived, chiefly attracted by the relative abundance of sandalwood on Timor; by mid-century, the Portuguese had colonized the island. Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the island. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). An unsuccessful campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 people died. In an August 1999 UN-supervised popular referendum, an overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. However, in the next three weeks, anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,400 Timorese and displaced nearly 500,000. Most of the country's infrastructure, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and nearly all of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20 September 1999, Australian-led peacekeeping troops deployed to the country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state. In 2006, internal tensions threatened the new nation's security when a military strike led to violence and a breakdown of law and order. At Dili's request, an Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Timor-Leste, and the UN Security Council established the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which included an authorized police presence of over 1,600 personnel. The ISF and UNMIT restored stability, allowing for presidential and parliamentary elections in 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In February 2008, a rebel group staged an unsuccessful attack against the president and prime minister. The ringleader was killed in the attack, and most of the rebels surrendered in April 2008. Since the attack, the government has enjoyed one of its longest periods of post-independence stability, including successful 2012 elections for both the National Parliament and president and a successful transition of power in February 2015. In late 2012, the UN Security Council ended its peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste and both the ISF and UNMIT departed the country. Timor was actively involved in Southeast Asian trading networks for centuries, and by the 14th century exported aromatic sandalwood, slaves, honey, and wax. A number of local chiefdoms ruled the island in the early 16th century when Portuguese traders arrived, chiefly attracted by the relative abundance of sandalwood on Timor; by mid-century, the Portuguese had colonized the island. Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the island. Imperial Japan occupied Portuguese Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of Timor Timur (East Timor). An unsuccessful campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 people died. In an August 1999 UN-supervised popular referendum, an overwhelming majority of the people of Timor-Leste voted for independence from Indonesia. However, in the next three weeks, anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,400 Timorese and displaced nearly 500,000. Most of the country's infrastructure, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and nearly all of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20 September 1999, Australian-led peacekeeping troops deployed to the country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002, Timor-Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state.In 2006, internal tensions threatened the new nation's security when a military strike led to violence and a breakdown of law and order. At Dili's request, an Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Timor-Leste, and the UN Security Council established the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), which included an authorized police presence of over 1,600 personnel. The ISF and UNMIT restored stability, allowing for presidential and parliamentary elections in 2007 in a largely peaceful atmosphere. In February 2008, a rebel group staged an unsuccessful attack against the president and prime minister. The ringleader was killed in the attack, and most of the rebels surrendered in April 2008. Since the attack, the government has enjoyed one of its longest periods of post-independence stability, including successful 2012 elections for both the National Parliament and president and a successful transition of power in February 2015. In late 2012, the UN Security Council ended its peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste and both the ISF and UNMIT departed the country. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, northwest of Australia in the Lesser Sunda Islands at the eastern end of the Indonesian archipelago; note - Timor-Leste includes the eastern half of the island of Timor, the Oecussi (Ambeno) region on the northwest portion of the island of Timor, and the islands of Pulau Atauro and Pulau Jaco Geographic coordinates: 8 50 S, 125 55 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 14,874 sq km land: 14,874 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Connecticut; almost half the size of Maryland Land boundaries: total: 253 km border countries (1): Indonesia 253 km Coastline: 706 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons Terrain: mountainous Elevation: highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m Natural resources: gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese, marble Land use: agricultural land: 25.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.1% (2018 est.) forest: 49.1% (2018 est.) other: 25.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 350 sq km (2012) Population distribution: most of the population concentrated in the western third of the country, particularly around Dili Natural hazards: floods and landslides are common; earthquakes; tsunamis; tropical cyclones Geography - note: Timor comes from the Malay word for "east"; the island of Timor is part of the Malay Archipelago and is the largest and easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands; the district of Oecussi is an exclave separated from Timor-Leste proper by Indonesia; Timor-Leste has the unique distinction of being the only Asian country located completely in the Southern Hemisphere Map description: Timor Leste map showing the major population centers of this country on the eastern end of the island of Timor in the Timor Sea.Timor Leste map showing the major population centers of this country on the eastern end of the island of Timor in the Timor Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,445,006 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Timorese adjective: Timorese Ethnic groups: Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) (includes Tetun, Mambai, Tokodede, Galoli, Kemak, Baikeno), Melanesian-Papuan (includes Bunak, Fataluku, Bakasai), small Chinese minority Languages: Tetun Prasa 30.6%, Mambai 16.6%, Makasai 10.5%, Tetun Terik 6.1%, Baikenu 5.9%, Kemak 5.8%, Bunak 5.5%, Tokodede 4%, Fataluku 3.5%, Waima'a 1.8%, Galoli 1.4%, Naueti 1.4%, Idate 1.2%, Midiki 1.2%, other 4.5% (2015 est.) note: data represent population by mother tongue; Tetun and Portuguese are official languages; Indonesian and English are working languages; there are about 32 indigenous languages Religions: Roman Catholic 97.6%, Protestant/Evangelical 2%, Muslim 0.2%, other 0.2% (2015 est.) Demographic profile: Timor-Leste’s high fertility and population growth rates sustain its very youthful age structure – approximately 40% of the population is below the age of 15 and the country’s median age is 20.  While Timor-Leste’s total fertility rate (TFR) – the average number of births per woman – decreased significantly from over 7 in the early 2000s, it remains high at 4.3 in 2021 and will probably continue to decline slowly.  The low use of contraceptives and the traditional preference for large families is keeping fertility elevated.  The high TFR and falling mortality rates continue to fuel a high population growth rate of nearly 2.2%, which is the highest in Southeast Asia.  The country’s high total dependency ratio – a measure of the ratio of dependents to the working-age population – could divert more government spending toward social programs. Timor-Leste’s growing, poorly educated working-age population and insufficient job creation are ongoing problems.  Some 70% of the population lives in rural areas, where most of people are dependent on the agricultural sector.  Malnutrition and poverty are prevalent, with 42% of the population living under the poverty line as of 2014. During the Indonesian occupation (1975-1999) and Timor-Leste’s fight for independence, approximately 250,000 Timorese fled to western Timor and, in lesser numbers, Australia, Portugal, and other countries. Many of these emigrants later returned.  Since Timor-Leste’s 1999 independence referendum, economic motives and periods of conflict have been the main drivers of emigration.  Bilateral labor agreements with Australia, Malaysia, and South Korea and the presence of Timorese populations abroad, are pull factors, but the high cost prevents many young Timorese from emigrating.  Timorese communities are found in its former colonizers, Indonesia and Portugal, as well as the Philippines and the UK.  The country has also become a destination for migrants in the surrounding region, mainly men seeking work in construction, commerce, and services in Dili.Timor-Leste’s high fertility and population growth rates sustain its very youthful age structure – approximately 40% of the population is below the age of 15 and the country’s median age is 20.  While Timor-Leste’s total fertility rate (TFR) – the average number of births per woman – decreased significantly from over 7 in the early 2000s, it remains high at 4.3 in 2021 and will probably continue to decline slowly.  The low use of contraceptives and the traditional preference for large families is keeping fertility elevated.  The high TFR and falling mortality rates continue to fuel a high population growth rate of nearly 2.2%, which is the highest in Southeast Asia.  The country’s high total dependency ratio – a measure of the ratio of dependents to the working-age population – could divert more government spending toward social programs. Timor-Leste’s growing, poorly educated working-age population and insufficient job creation are ongoing problems.  Some 70% of the population lives in rural areas, where most of people are dependent on the agricultural sector.  Malnutrition and poverty are prevalent, with 42% of the population living under the poverty line as of 2014.During the Indonesian occupation (1975-1999) and Timor-Leste’s fight for independence, approximately 250,000 Timorese fled to western Timor and, in lesser numbers, Australia, Portugal, and other countries. Many of these emigrants later returned.  Since Timor-Leste’s 1999 independence referendum, economic motives and periods of conflict have been the main drivers of emigration.  Bilateral labor agreements with Australia, Malaysia, and South Korea and the presence of Timorese populations abroad, are pull factors, but the high cost prevents many young Timorese from emigrating.  Timorese communities are found in its former colonizers, Indonesia and Portugal, as well as the Philippines and the UK.  The country has also become a destination for migrants in the surrounding region, mainly men seeking work in construction, commerce, and services in Dili. Age structure: 0-14 years: 39.96% (male 284,353/female 268,562) 15-24 years: 20.32% (male 142,693/female 138,508) 25-54 years: 30.44% (male 202,331/female 218,914) 55-64 years: 5.22% (male 34,956/female 37,229) 65 years and over: 4.06% (2020 est.) (male 27,153/female 29,024) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 90.3 youth dependency ratio: 83.7 elderly dependency ratio: 6.6 potential support ratio: 15.2 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 19.6 years male: 18.9 years female: 20.2 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.15% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 30.94 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.61 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -3.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the population concentrated in the western third of the country, particularly around Dili Urbanization: urban population: 32.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 281,000 DILI (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 23 years (2016 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 142 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 33.69 deaths/1,000 live births male: 36.96 deaths/1,000 live births female: 30.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.92 years male: 68.25 years female: 71.7 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.21 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 26.1% (2016) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98% of population rural: 82.5% of population total: 87.4% of population unimproved: urban: 2% of population rural: 17.5% of population total: 12.6% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7.2% (2019) Physicians density: 0.76 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 88.7% of population rural: 56.1% of population total: 66.3% of population unimproved: urban: 11.3% of population rural: 43.9% of population total: 33.7% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.2% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,200 (2020) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020) <100 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 3.8% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 39.2% (2020 est.) male: 67.6% (2020 est.) female: 10.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 37.5% (2013) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 2.6% women married by age 18: 14.9% men married by age 18: 1.2% (2016 est.) Education expenditures: 6.8% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 68.1% male: 71.9% female: 64.2% (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.2% male: 10.9% female: 15.9% (2016 est.) People - note: one of only two predominantly Christian nations in Southeast Asia, the other being the Philippines Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution and deterioration of air quality; greenhouse gas emissions; water quality, scarcity, and access; land and soil degradation; forest depletion; widespread use of slash and burn agriculture has led to deforestation and soil erosion; loss of biodiversity Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 17.88 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.5 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.74 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; hot, humid; distinct rainy and dry seasons Land use: agricultural land: 25.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.1% (2018 est.) forest: 49.1% (2018 est.) other: 25.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 32.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 63,875 tons (2016 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 99 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.071 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 8.215 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste conventional short form: Timor-Leste local long form: Republika Demokratika Timor Lorosa'e (Tetum)/ Republica Democratica de Timor-Leste (Portuguese) local short form: Timor Lorosa'e (Tetum)/ Timor-Leste (Portuguese) former: East Timor, Portuguese Timor etymology: timor" derives from the Indonesian and Malay word "timur" meaning "east"; "leste" is the Portuguese word for "east", so "Timor-Leste" literally means "Eastern-East"; the local [Tetum] name "Timor Lorosa'e" translates as "East Rising Sun" note: pronounced TEE-mor LESS-tay Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Dili geographic coordinates: 8 35 S, 125 36 E time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Administrative divisions: 12 municipalities (municipios, singular municipio) and 1 special adminstrative region* (regiao administrativa especial); Aileu, Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro (Maliana), Covalima (Suai), Dili, Ermera (Gleno), Lautem (Lospalos), Liquica, Manatuto, Manufahi (Same), Oe-Cusse Ambeno* (Pante Macassar), Viqueque note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) Independence: 20 May 2002 (from Indonesia); note - 28 November 1975 was the date independence was proclaimed from Portugal; 20 May 2002 was the date of international recognition of Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia National holiday: Restoration of Independence Day, 20 May (2002); Proclamation of Independence Day, 28 November (1975) Constitution: history: drafted 2001, approved 22 March 2002, entered into force 20 May 2002 amendments: proposed by Parliament and parliamentary groups; consideration of amendments requires at least four-fifths majority approval by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by Parliament and promulgation by the president of the republic; passage of amendments to the republican form of government and the flag requires approval in a referendum Legal system: civil law system based on the Portuguese model; note - penal and civil law codes to replace the Indonesian codes were passed by Parliament and promulgated in 2009 and 2011, respectively International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Timor-Leste dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 17 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President José RAMOS-HORTA (since May 2022); note - the president is commander in chief of the military and is able to veto legislation, dissolve parliament, and call national elections head of government: Prime Minister Taur Matan RUAK (since 22 June 2018) cabinet: the governing coalition in the Parliament proposes cabinet member candidates to the prime minister, who presents these recommendations to the President of the Republic for swearing in elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); last election held in April 2022; following parliamentary elections, the president appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as the prime minister election results: 2022: José RAMOS-HORTA elected president in a run-off election -  RAMOS-HORTA (CNRT) 62.1%, Francisco GUTERRES (FRETILIN) 37.9% 2017: Francisco GUTERRES (FRETILIN) 57.1%, António da CONCEICAO (PD) 32.46% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Parliament (65 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 12 May 2018 (next to be held in July 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - AMP - 49.6%, FRETILIN 34.2%, PD 8.1%, DDF 5.5%, other 2.6%; seats by party - AMP 34, FRETILIN 23, PD 5, DDF 3; composition - men 39, women 26, percent of women 40% Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeals (consists of the court president and NA judges) judge selection and term of office: court president appointed by the president of the republic from among the other court judges to serve a 4-year term; other court judges appointed - 1 by the Parliament and the others by the Supreme Council for the Judiciary, a body chaired by the court president and that includes mostly presidential and parliamentary appointees; other judges serve for life subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Administrative, Tax, and Audit Court; district courts; magistrates' courts; military courts note: the UN Justice System Programme, launched in 2003 and being rolled out in 4 phases through 2018, is helping strengthen the country's justice system; the Programme is aligned with the country's long-range Justice Sector Strategic Plan, which includes legal reforms Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Change and Progress or AMP [Xanana GUSMAO] (collapsed in 2020; alliance included CNRT, KHUNTO, PLP) Democratic Development Forum or DDF Democratic Party or PD [Mariano Assanami SABINO] Frenti-Mudanca (Front for National Reconstruction of Timor-Leste - Change) or FM [Jose Luis GUTERRES] Kmanek Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan or KHUNTO [Armanda BERTA DOS SANTOS] National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction or CNRT [Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO] People's Liberation Party or PLP [Taur Matan RUAK] Revolutionary Front of Independent Timor-Leste or FRETILIN [Mari ALKATIRI] Timorese Democratic Union or UDT [Gilman SANTOS] International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, ARF, ASEAN (observer), CPLP, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Isilio Antonio De Fatima COELHO DA SILVA (since 6 January 2020) chancery: 4201 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 966-3202 FAX: [1] (202) 966-3205 email address and website: info@timorlesteembassy.org http://www.timorlesteembassy.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant), Charge d'Affaires Thomas DALEY (since August 2021) embassy: Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili mailing address: 8250 Dili Place, Washington, DC 20521-8250 telephone: (670) 332-4684, (670) 330-2400 FAX: (670) 331-3206 email address and website: ConsDili@state.gov https://tl.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: red with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a slightly longer yellow arrowhead that extends to the center of the flag; a white star - pointing to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag - is in the center of the black triangle; yellow denotes the colonialism in Timor-Leste's past, black represents the obscurantism that needs to be overcome, red stands for the national liberation struggle; the white star symbolizes peace and serves as a guiding light National symbol(s): Mount Ramelau; national colors: red, yellow, black, white National anthem: name: "Patria" (Fatherland) lyrics/music: Fransisco Borja DA COSTA/Afonso DE ARAUJO note: adopted 2002; the song was first used as an anthem when Timor-Leste declared its independence from Portugal in 1975; the lyricist, Francisco Borja DA COSTA, was killed in the Indonesian invasion just days after independence was declared Topic: Economy Economic overview: Since independence in 1999, Timor-Leste has faced great challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening the civil administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the work force. The development of offshore oil and gas resources has greatly supplemented government revenues. This technology-intensive industry, however, has done little to create jobs in part because there are no production facilities in Timor-Leste. Gas is currently piped to Australia for processing, but Timor-Leste has expressed interest in developing a domestic processing capability.   In June 2005, the National Parliament unanimously approved the creation of the Timor-Leste Petroleum Fund to serve as a repository for all petroleum revenues and to preserve the value of Timor-Leste's petroleum wealth for future generations. The Fund held assets of $16 billion, as of mid-2016. Oil accounts for over 90% of government revenues, and the drop in the price of oil in 2014-16 has led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of government spending. Timor-Leste compensated for the decline in price by exporting more oil. The Ministry of Finance maintains that the Petroleum Fund is sufficient to sustain government operations for the foreseeable future.   Annual government budget expenditures increased markedly between 2009 and 2012 but dropped significantly through 2016. Historically, the government failed to spend as much as its budget allowed. The government has focused significant resources on basic infrastructure, including electricity and roads, but limited experience in procurement and infrastructure building has hampered these projects. The underlying economic policy challenge the country faces remains how best to use oil-and-gas wealth to lift the non-oil economy onto a higher growth path and to reduce poverty.Since independence in 1999, Timor-Leste has faced great challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, strengthening the civil administration, and generating jobs for young people entering the work force. The development of offshore oil and gas resources has greatly supplemented government revenues. This technology-intensive industry, however, has done little to create jobs in part because there are no production facilities in Timor-Leste. Gas is currently piped to Australia for processing, but Timor-Leste has expressed interest in developing a domestic processing capability. In June 2005, the National Parliament unanimously approved the creation of the Timor-Leste Petroleum Fund to serve as a repository for all petroleum revenues and to preserve the value of Timor-Leste's petroleum wealth for future generations. The Fund held assets of $16 billion, as of mid-2016. Oil accounts for over 90% of government revenues, and the drop in the price of oil in 2014-16 has led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of government spending. Timor-Leste compensated for the decline in price by exporting more oil. The Ministry of Finance maintains that the Petroleum Fund is sufficient to sustain government operations for the foreseeable future. Annual government budget expenditures increased markedly between 2009 and 2012 but dropped significantly through 2016. Historically, the government failed to spend as much as its budget allowed. The government has focused significant resources on basic infrastructure, including electricity and roads, but limited experience in procurement and infrastructure building has hampered these projects. The underlying economic policy challenge the country faces remains how best to use oil-and-gas wealth to lift the non-oil economy onto a higher growth path and to reduce poverty. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $4.19 billion (2020 est.) $4.59 billion (2019 est.) $3.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -4.6% (2017 est.) 5.3% (2016 est.) 4% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $3,200 (2020 est.) $3,600 (2019 est.) $3,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $2.775 billion (2017 est.) note: non-oil GDP Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.6% (2017 est.) -1.3% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 9.1% (2017 est.) industry: 56.7% (2017 est.) services: 34.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 33% (2017 est.) government consumption: 30% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 10.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 78.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -52% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: rice, maize, vegetables, coffee, roots/tubers nes, other meats, cassava, pork, beans, mangoes/guavas Industries: printing, soap manufacturing, handicrafts, woven cloth Industrial production growth rate: 2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 286,700 (2016 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 41% industry: 13% services: 45.1% (2013) Unemployment rate: 4.4% (2014 est.) 3.9% (2010 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.2% male: 10.9% female: 15.9% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: 41.8% (2014 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 28.7 (2014 est.) 38 (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4% highest 10%: 27% (2007) Budget: revenues: 300 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.4 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -75.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 3.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 3.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 10.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$284 million (2017 est.) -$544 million (2016 est.) Exports: $60 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $120 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $120 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Singapore 51%, China 20%, Japan 9%, Indonesia 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, coffee, various vegetables, scrap iron (2019) Imports: $850 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Indonesia 39%, China 27%, Singapore 10%, Malaysia 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, cement, delivery trucks, motorcycles (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $544.4 million (31 December 2017 est.) $437.8 million (31 December 2015 est.) note: excludes assets of approximately $9.7 billion in the Petroleum Fund (31 December 2010) Debt - external: $311.5 million (31 December 2014 est.) $687 million (31 December 2013 est.) Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 85.6% (2018) electrification - urban areas: 100% (2018) electrification - rural areas: 79.2% (2018) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 284,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: -103 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 103 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 14,000 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 3,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 32,900 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 3,481 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 5,104,670,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 5,104,670,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 538,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 538,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 5.74 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 2,012 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1,425,260 (2019) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 110.22 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Timor-Leste has been moving forward with the regeneration of its economy and rebuilding key infrastructure, including telecommunications networks, that were destroyed during the years of civil unrest; fixed-line and fixed broadband penetration in Timor-Leste remains extremely low, mainly due to the limited fixed-line infrastructure and the proliferation of mobile connectivity; in an effort to boost e-government services, in 2018 the government contracted Timor Telecom to build a national terrestrial fiber network; the project, completed in 2019, has helped boost fixed broadband subscriber growth and will continue to do so over the next few years; the number of subscribers through to 2026 is expected to develop steadily, though from a low base; by August 2020, Timor-Leste had three telecom service providers who jointly achieved a 98% network coverage nationally; all three major mobile operators - Timor Telecom, Telkomcel and Telemor - launched LTE services during 2019; Timor-Leste has seen a rapid increase in mobile broadband penetration over the last few years, driven by a rising proportion of mobile subscribers having smartphones; the mobile broadband market is still at an early stage of development, strong growth is predicted over the next five years; at the end of 2020, the government issued new policy guidelines to maximize the use of spectrum in Timor-Leste; it invited mobile operators to submit applications for the allocation of spectrum in the 1800MHz, 2300MHz and 2600MHz bands; in November 2020, the government approved the deployment of a submarine fiber link connecting the south of the country to Australia via the North Western Cable System (NWCS). (2021) domestic: system suffered significant damage during the violence associated with independence; limited fixed-line services, less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular services are now available in urban and most rural areas with teledensity of over 104 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 670;  international service is available; partnership with Australia telecom companies for potential deployment of a submarine fiber-optic link (NWCS); geostationary earth orbit satellite 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: 7 TV stations (3 nationwide satellite coverage; 2 terrestrial coverage, mostly in Dili; 2 cable) and 21 radio stations (3 nationwide coverage) (2019) Internet country code: .tl Internet users: total: 382,348 (2020 est.) percent of population: 29% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 75 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.01 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 2 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 4W Airports: total: 6 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Heliports: 8 (2021) Roadways: total: 6,040 km (2008) paved: 2,600 km (2008) unpaved: 3,440 km (2008) Merchant marine: total: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Dili Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Timor-Leste Defense Force (Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor-L'este, Falintil (F-FDTL)): Joint Headquarters with Land, Air, Naval, Service Support, and Education/Training components; National Police (Polícia Nacional de Timor-Leste, PNTL) (2022) Military expenditures: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $45 million) 1.3% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $30 million) 1.6% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $35 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 2,000 personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: Timor-Leste Defense Force's limited inventory consists of equipment donated by other countries; the only recorded deliveries of major arms to Timor-Leste since 2010 were naval patrol craft from China and South Korea (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; 18-month service obligation (2021) Military - note: since achieving independence, Timor-Leste has received security assistance from or has made defense cooperation arrangements with Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, the UN, and the US; some F-FDTL personnel train with the Indonesian military and the two countries maintain a joint Border Security Task Force to jointly monitor and patrol the border, particularly the Oecussi exclave area where smuggling and trafficking are prevalent (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Timor-Leste-Australia: Timor-Leste and Australia reached agreement on a treaty delimiting a permanent maritime boundary in March 2018; both countries ratified the treaty in August 2019 Timor-Leste-Indonesia: three stretches of land borders with Indonesia have yet to be delimited, two of which are in the Oecussi exclave area, and no maritime or Economic Exclusion Zone boundaries have been established between the countries; maritime boundaries with Indonesia remain unresolved; between 2005 and 2015, 500 border landmarks were placed and another 200 were proposedTimor-Leste-Australia: Timor-Leste and Australia reached agreement on a treaty delimiting a permanent maritime boundary in March 2018; both countries ratified the treaty in August 2019Timor-Leste-Indonesia: three stretches of land borders with Indonesia have yet to be delimited, two of which are in the Oecussi exclave area, and no maritime or Economic Exclusion Zone boundaries have been established between the countries; maritime boundaries with Indonesia remain unresolved; between 2005 and 2015, 500 border landmarks were placed and another 200 were proposed Trafficking in persons: current situation: human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Timor-Leste, and traffickers exploit victims from Timor-Leste abroad; traffickers exploit Timorese women, girls, and occasionally young men and boys from rural areas in sex trafficking or domestic servitude; Timorese men are exploited in forced labor in agriculture, construction, and mining; families place children in bonded domestic and agricultural labor to pay debts; traffickers deceive young men and women with promises of a scholarship or employment opportunities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries in the region only taking them to a different county, taking their passports, and forcing them into labor, including domestic servitude; sex traffickers in Timor-Leste prey on foreign women from East and Southeast Asia; traffickers also recruit Timorese women to send them to China, Indonesia, or Malaysia for commercial sex tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Timor-Leste does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include re-establishing funding to NGOs for victim services and integrating an anti-trafficking curriculum for officials; however, authorities decreased investigations and convictions; victim protection services were inadequate, and no government-wide standard operating procedures for victim identification were implemented; understanding of trafficking remains low among officials (2020) Illicit drugs: NA

20220901

countries-togo

Topic: Photos of Togo Topic: Introduction Background: From the 11th to the 16th centuries, various ethnic groups settled the Togo region. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the coastal region became a major trading center for enslaved people, and the surrounding region  took on the name of "The Slave Coast." In 1884, Germany declared a region including present-day Togo as a protectorate called Togoland. After World War I, rule over Togo was transferred to France. French Togoland became Togo upon independence in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, ruled Togo with a heavy hand for almost four decades. Despite the facade of multi-party elections instituted in the early 1990s, the government was largely dominated by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party has been in power almost continually since 1967 and its successor, the Union for the Republic, maintains a majority of seats in today's legislature. Upon EYADEMA's death in February 2005, the military installed the president's son, Faure GNASSINGBE, and then engineered his formal election two months later. Togo held its first relatively free and fair legislative elections in October 2007. Since then, President GNASSINGBE has started the country along a gradual path to democratic reform. Togo has held multiple presidential and legislative elections, and in 2019 held its first local elections in 32 years. Despite those positive moves, political reconciliation has moved slowly, and the country experiences periodic outbursts of protests by frustrated citizens that have led to violence between security forces and protesters. Constitutional changes in 2019 to institute a runoff system in presidential elections and to establish term limits has done little to reduce the resentment many Togolese feel after more than 50 years of one-family rule. GNASSINGBE became eligible for his current fourth term and one additional fifth term under the new rules. The next presidential election will be in 2025.   From the 11th to the 16th centuries, various ethnic groups settled the Togo region. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the coastal region became a major trading center for enslaved people, and the surrounding region  took on the name of "The Slave Coast." In 1884, Germany declared a region including present-day Togo as a protectorate called Togoland. After World War I, rule over Togo was transferred to France. French Togoland became Togo upon independence in 1960. Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA, installed as military ruler in 1967, ruled Togo with a heavy hand for almost four decades. Despite the facade of multi-party elections instituted in the early 1990s, the government was largely dominated by President EYADEMA, whose Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party has been in power almost continually since 1967 and its successor, the Union for the Republic, maintains a majority of seats in today's legislature. Upon EYADEMA's death in February 2005, the military installed the president's son, Faure GNASSINGBE, and then engineered his formal election two months later. Togo held its first relatively free and fair legislative elections in October 2007. Since then, President GNASSINGBE has started the country along a gradual path to democratic reform. Togo has held multiple presidential and legislative elections, and in 2019 held its first local elections in 32 years. Despite those positive moves, political reconciliation has moved slowly, and the country experiences periodic outbursts of protests by frustrated citizens that have led to violence between security forces and protesters. Constitutional changes in 2019 to institute a runoff system in presidential elections and to establish term limits has done little to reduce the resentment many Togolese feel after more than 50 years of one-family rule. GNASSINGBE became eligible for his current fourth term and one additional fifth term under the new rules. The next presidential election will be in 2025.  Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and Ghana Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 1 10 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 56,785 sq km land: 54,385 sq km water: 2,400 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 1,880 km border countries (3): Benin 651 km; Burkina Faso 131 km; Ghana 1,098 km Coastline: 56 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 30 nm; note: the US does not recognize this claim exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes Elevation: highest point: Mont Agou 986 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 236 m Natural resources: phosphates, limestone, marble, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 67.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 45.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.4% (2018 est.) forest: 4.9% (2018 est.) other: 27.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 70 sq km (2012) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Volta (410,991 sq km) Population distribution: one of the more densely populated African nations with most of the population residing in rural communities, density is highest in the south on or near the Atlantic coast as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts Geography - note: the country's length allows it to stretch through six distinct geographic regions; climate varies from tropical to savanna Map description: Togo map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Bight of Benin.Togo map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Bight of Benin. Topic: People and Society Population: 8,492,333 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Togolese (singular and plural) adjective: Togolese Ethnic groups: Adja-Ewe/Mina 42.4%, Kabye/Tem 25.9%, Para-Gourma/Akan 17.1%, Akposso/Akebu 4.1%, Ana-Ife 3.2%, other Togolese 1.7%, foreigners 5.2%, no response 0.4% (2013-14 est.) note: Togo has an estimated 37 ethnic groups Languages: French (official, the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north) Religions: Christian 42.3%, folk religion 36.9%, Muslim 14%, Hindu <1%, Buddhist <1%, Jewish <1%, other <1%, none 6.2% (2020 est.) Demographic profile: Togo’s population is estimated to have grown to four times its size between 1960 and 2010. With nearly 60% of its populace under the age of 25 and a high annual growth rate attributed largely to high fertility, Togo’s population is likely to continue to expand for the foreseeable future. Reducing fertility, boosting job creation, and improving education will be essential to reducing the country’s high poverty rate. In 2008, Togo eliminated primary school enrollment fees, leading to higher enrollment but increased pressure on limited classroom space, teachers, and materials. Togo has a good chance of achieving universal primary education, but educational quality, the underrepresentation of girls, and the low rate of enrollment in secondary and tertiary schools remain concerns.Togo is both a country of emigration and asylum. In the early 1990s, southern Togo suffered from the economic decline of the phosphate sector and ethnic and political repression at the hands of dictator Gnassingbe EYADEMA and his northern, Kabye-dominated administration. The turmoil led 300,000 to 350,000 predominantly southern Togolese to flee to Benin and Ghana, with most not returning home until relative stability was restored in 1997. In 2005, another outflow of 40,000 Togolese to Benin and Ghana occurred when violence broke out between the opposition and security forces over the disputed election of EYADEMA’s son Faure GNASSINGBE to the presidency. About half of the refugees reluctantly returned home in 2006, many still fearing for their safety. Despite ethnic tensions and periods of political unrest, Togo in September 2017 was home to more than 9,600 refugees from Ghana.Togo’s population is estimated to have grown to four times its size between 1960 and 2010. With nearly 60% of its populace under the age of 25 and a high annual growth rate attributed largely to high fertility, Togo’s population is likely to continue to expand for the foreseeable future. Reducing fertility, boosting job creation, and improving education will be essential to reducing the country’s high poverty rate. In 2008, Togo eliminated primary school enrollment fees, leading to higher enrollment but increased pressure on limited classroom space, teachers, and materials. Togo has a good chance of achieving universal primary education, but educational quality, the underrepresentation of girls, and the low rate of enrollment in secondary and tertiary schools remain concerns.Togo is both a country of emigration and asylum. In the early 1990s, southern Togo suffered from the economic decline of the phosphate sector and ethnic and political repression at the hands of dictator Gnassingbe EYADEMA and his northern, Kabye-dominated administration. The turmoil led 300,000 to 350,000 predominantly southern Togolese to flee to Benin and Ghana, with most not returning home until relative stability was restored in 1997. In 2005, another outflow of 40,000 Togolese to Benin and Ghana occurred when violence broke out between the opposition and security forces over the disputed election of EYADEMA’s son Faure GNASSINGBE to the presidency. About half of the refugees reluctantly returned home in 2006, many still fearing for their safety. Despite ethnic tensions and periods of political unrest, Togo in September 2017 was home to more than 9,600 refugees from Ghana. Age structure: 0-14 years: 39.73% (male 1,716,667/female 1,703,230) 15-24 years: 19.03% (male 817,093/female 820,971) 25-54 years: 33.26% (male 1,423,554/female 1,439,380) 55-64 years: 4.42% (male 179,779/female 200,392) 65 years and over: 3.57% (2020 est.) (male 132,304/female 175,074) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 77.1 youth dependency ratio: 72 elderly dependency ratio: 5.1 potential support ratio: 19.4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 20 years male: 19.7 years female: 20.3 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.48% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 31.86 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.27 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -1.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: one of the more densely populated African nations with most of the population residing in rural communities, density is highest in the south on or near the Atlantic coast as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 43.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.6% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.926 million LOME (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.55 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 25 years (2017 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 Maternal mortality ratio: 396 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 41.19 deaths/1,000 live births male: 45.88 deaths/1,000 live births female: 36.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.36 years male: 68.76 years female: 74.03 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.23 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 23.9% (2017) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 93.8% of population rural: 60.3% of population total: 74.6% of population unimproved: urban: 6.2% of population rural: 39.7% of population total: 25.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.7% (2019) Physicians density: 0.08 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 0.7 beds/1,000 population (2011) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 81.9% of population rural: 18.3% of population total: 45.5% of population unimproved: urban: 18.1% of population rural: 81.7% of population total: 54.5% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 2% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 110,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,000 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies respiratory diseases: meningococcal meningitis Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 8.4% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 6.8% (2020 est.) male: 12.3% (2020 est.) female: 1.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 15.2% (2017) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 6.4% women married by age 18: 24.8% men married by age 18: 2.6% (2017 est.) Education expenditures: 5% of GDP (2019) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 66.5% male: 80% female: 55.1% (2019) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years male: 14 years female: 12 years (2017) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 9.5% male: 12.3% female: 7.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; very little rain forest still present and what remains is highly degraded; desertification; water pollution presents health hazards and hinders the fishing industry; air pollution increasing in urban areas 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 32.71 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.06 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Land use: agricultural land: 67.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 45.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.4% (2018 est.) forest: 4.9% (2018 est.) other: 27.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 43.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.6% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 3.96% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies respiratory diseases: meningococcal meningitis Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,109,030 tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 22,181 tons (2012 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 2% (2012 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Volta (410,991 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 140.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 6.3 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 76 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 14.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Togolese Republic conventional short form: Togo local long form: Republique Togolaise local short form: none former: French Togoland etymology: derived from the Ewe words "to" (river) and "godo" (on the other side) to give the sense of "on the other side of the river"; originally, this designation applied to the town of Togodo (now Togoville) on the northern shore of Lake Togo, but the name was eventually extended to the entire nation Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Lome geographic coordinates: 6 07 N, 1 13 E time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Lome comes from "alotime" which in the native Ewe language means "among the alo plants"; alo trees dominated the city's original founding site Administrative divisions: 5 regions (regions, singular - region); Centrale, Kara, Maritime, Plateaux, Savanes Independence: 27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship) National holiday: Independence Day, 27 April (1960) Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 27 September 1992, effective 14 October 1992 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or supported by at least one fifth of the National Assembly membership; passage requires four-fifths majority vote by the Assembly; a referendum is required if approved by only two-thirds majority of the Assembly or if requested by the president; constitutional articles on the republican and secular form of government cannot be amended; amended 2002, 2007, last in 2019 when the National Assembly unanimously approved a package of amendments, including setting presidential term limits of two 5-year mandates Legal system: customary law system International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Togo dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Faure GNASSINGBE (since 4 May 2005)  head of government: Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah DOGBE (since 28 September 2020) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 February 2020 (next to be held  February 2025); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Faure GNASSINGBE reelected president; percent of vote - Faure GNASSINGBE (UNIR) 72.4%, Agbeyome KODJO (MPDD) 18.4%, Jean-Pierre FABRE (ANC) 4.4%, other 5% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (91 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed, party-list proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 20 December 2018 (next to be held in 2023) election results: percent of vote by coalition/party - NA; seats by party - UNIR 59, UFC 6, NET 3, MPDD 3, other 2, independent 18; composition - men 75, women 16, percent of women 17.6% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into criminal and administrative chambers, each with a chamber president and advisors); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges, including the court president) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president appointed by decree of the president of the republic upon the proposal of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy, a 9-member judicial, advisory, and disciplinary body; other judicial appointments and judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges appointed by the National Assembly; judge tenure NA subordinate courts: Court of Assizes (sessions court); Appeal Court; tribunals of first instance (divided into civil, commercial, and correctional chambers; Court of State Security; military tribunal Political parties and leaders: Action Committee for Renewal or CAR [Yaovi AGBOYIBO] Alliance of Democrats for Integral Development or ADDI [Tchaboure GOGUE] Democratic Convention of African Peoples or CDPA [Brigitte ADJAMAGBO-JOHNSON] Democratic Forces for the Republic or FDR [Dodji APEVON] National Alliance for Change or ANC [Jean-Pierre FABRE] New Togolese Commitment [Gerry TAAMA] Pan-African National Party or PNP [Tikpi ATCHADAM] Pan-African Patriotic Convergence or CPP [Edem KODJO] Patriotic Movement for Democracy and Development or MPDD [Agbeyome KODJO] Socialist Pact for Renewal or PSR [Abi TCHESSA] The Togolese Party [Nathaniel OLYMPIO] Union of Forces for Change or UFC [Gilchrist OLYMPIO] Union for the Republic or UNIR [Faure GNASSINGBE] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Frederic Edem HEGBE (since 24 April 2017) chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212 FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190 email address and website: embassyoftogo@hotmail.com https://embassyoftogousa.com/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Elizabeth FITZSIMMONS (since 26 April 2022) embassy: Boulevard Eyadema, B.P. 852, Lome mailing address: 2300 Lome Place, Washington, DC 20521-2300 telephone: [228] 2261-5470 FAX: [228] 2261-5501 email address and website: consularLome@state.gov https://tg.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; a white five-pointed star on a red square is in the upper hoist-side corner; the five horizontal stripes stand for the five different regions of the country; the red square is meant to express the loyalty and patriotism of the people, green symbolizes hope, fertility, and agriculture, while yellow represents mineral wealth and faith that hard work and strength will bring prosperity; the star symbolizes life, purity, peace, dignity, and Togo's independence note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia National symbol(s): lion; national colors: green, yellow, red, white National anthem: name: "Salut a toi, pays de nos aieux" (Hail to Thee, Land of Our Forefathers) lyrics/music: Alex CASIMIR-DOSSEH note: adopted 1960, restored 1992; this anthem was replaced by another during one-party rule between 1979 and 1992 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba Topic: Economy Economic overview: Togo has enjoyed a period of steady economic growth fueled by political stability and a concerted effort by the government to modernize the country’s commercial infrastructure, but discontent with President Faure GNASSINGBE has led to a rapid rise in protests, creating downside risks. The country completed an ambitious large-scale infrastructure improvement program, including new principal roads, a new airport terminal, and a new seaport. The economy depends heavily on both commercial and subsistence agriculture, providing employment for around 60% of the labor force. Some basic foodstuffs must still be imported. Cocoa, coffee, and cotton and other agricultural products generate about 20% of export earnings with cotton being the most important cash crop. Togo is among the world's largest producers of phosphate and seeks to develop its carbonate phosphate reserves, which provide more than 20% of export earnings.   Supported by the World Bank and the IMF, the government's decade-long effort to implement economic reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in line with expenditures has moved slowly. Togo completed its IMF Extended Credit Facility in 2011 and reached a Heavily Indebted Poor Country debt relief completion point in 2010 at which 95% of the country's debt was forgiven. Togo continues to work with the IMF on structural reforms, and in January 2017, the IMF signed an Extended Credit Facility arrangement consisting of a three-year $238 million loan package. Progress depends on follow through on privatization, increased transparency in government financial operations, progress toward legislative elections, and continued support from foreign donors.   Togo’s 2017 economic growth probably remained steady at 5.0%, largely driven by infusions of foreign aid, infrastructure investment in its port and mineral industry, and improvements in the business climate. Foreign direct investment inflows have slowed in recent years.Togo has enjoyed a period of steady economic growth fueled by political stability and a concerted effort by the government to modernize the country’s commercial infrastructure, but discontent with President Faure GNASSINGBE has led to a rapid rise in protests, creating downside risks. The country completed an ambitious large-scale infrastructure improvement program, including new principal roads, a new airport terminal, and a new seaport. The economy depends heavily on both commercial and subsistence agriculture, providing employment for around 60% of the labor force. Some basic foodstuffs must still be imported. Cocoa, coffee, and cotton and other agricultural products generate about 20% of export earnings with cotton being the most important cash crop. Togo is among the world's largest producers of phosphate and seeks to develop its carbonate phosphate reserves, which provide more than 20% of export earnings. Supported by the World Bank and the IMF, the government's decade-long effort to implement economic reform measures, encourage foreign investment, and bring revenues in line with expenditures has moved slowly. Togo completed its IMF Extended Credit Facility in 2011 and reached a Heavily Indebted Poor Country debt relief completion point in 2010 at which 95% of the country's debt was forgiven. Togo continues to work with the IMF on structural reforms, and in January 2017, the IMF signed an Extended Credit Facility arrangement consisting of a three-year $238 million loan package. Progress depends on follow through on privatization, increased transparency in government financial operations, progress toward legislative elections, and continued support from foreign donors. Togo’s 2017 economic growth probably remained steady at 5.0%, largely driven by infusions of foreign aid, infrastructure investment in its port and mineral industry, and improvements in the business climate. Foreign direct investment inflows have slowed in recent years. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $17.45 billion (2020 est.) $17.15 billion (2019 est.) $16.26 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.4% (2017 est.) 5.1% (2016 est.) 5.7% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,100 (2020 est.) $2,100 (2019 est.) $2,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $5.232 billion (2018 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.6% (2019 est.) 0.9% (2018 est.) -0.9% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: B3 (2019) Standard & Poors rating: B (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 28.8% (2017 est.) industry: 21.8% (2017 est.) services: 49.8% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 84.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -61% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: cassava, maize, yams, sorghum, beans, oil palm fruit, rice, vegetables, cotton, groundnuts Industries: phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles, beverages Industrial production growth rate: 5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 2.595 million (2007 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 65% industry: 5% services: 30% (1998 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.9% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 9.5% male: 12.3% female: 7.4% (2017 est.) Population below poverty line: 55.1% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 43.1 (2015 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.3% highest 10%: 27.1% (2006) Budget: revenues: 1.023 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.203 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 75.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 81.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 21.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$383 million (2017 est.) -$416 million (2016 est.) Exports: $1.67 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.7 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: India 16%, Benin 15%, Burkina Faso 6%, France 6%, Morocco 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, crude petroleum, electricity, calcium phosphates, cotton (2019) Imports: $2.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.33 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 18%, South Korea 13%, India 11%, Belgium 10%, Netherlands 8%, United States 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, motorcycles, crude petroleum, rice, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $77.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $42.6 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $1.442 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.22 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 617.4 (2017 est.) 593.01 (2016 est.) 593.01 (2015 est.) 591.45 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 43% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 77% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 19% (2019) Electricity - production: 232.6 million kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - consumption: 1.261 billion kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - imports: 1.14 billion kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - installed generating capacity: 230,000 kW (2016 est.) Electricity - from fossil fuels: 70% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 29% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Electricity - from other renewable sources: 1% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Crude oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2018 est.) Crude oil - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Crude oil - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Crude oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - consumption: 15,000 bbl/day (2016 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 13,100 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2017 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2017 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2017 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2017 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 46,499 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 6,239,180 (2019) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 77.2 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: system based on a network of microwave radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a mobile-cellular system; telecoms supply 8% of GDP; 3 mobile operators; 12% of residents have access to the Internet; mobile subscribers and mobile broadband both increasing (2020) domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 79 telephones per 100 persons with mobile-cellular use predominating (2020) international: country code - 228; landing point for the WACS submarine cable, linking countries along the west coast of Africa with each other and with Portugal; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Symphonie (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station with multiple transmission sites; five private TV stations broadcast locally; cable TV service is available; state-owned radio network with two stations (in Lome and Kara); several dozen private radio stations and a few community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters available (2019) Internet country code: .tg Internet users: total: 1,986,897 (2020 est.) percent of population: 24% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 52,706 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.64 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 566,295 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 10.89 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 5V Airports: total: 8 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Pipelines: 62 km gas Railways: total: 568 km (2014) narrow gauge: 568 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge Roadways: total: 11,734 km (2018) paved: 1,794 km (2018) unpaved: 8,157 km (2018) urban: 1,783 km (2018) Waterways: 50 km (2011) (seasonally navigable by small craft on the Mono River depending on rainfall) Merchant marine: total: 411 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 9, general cargo 265, oil tanker 56, other 80 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Kpeme, Lome Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Togolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Togolaise, FAT): Togolese Army (l'Armee de Terre), Togolese Navy (Forces Naval Togolaises), Togolese Air Force (Armee de l’Air), National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale Togolaise or GNT) (2022) note - the GNT falls under the Ministry of the Armed Forces but also reports to the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection on many matters involving law enforcement and internal security Military expenditures: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 2% of GDP (2020 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $190 million) 1.9% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $140 million) 1.9% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $130 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 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 Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FAT's small inventory is a mix of older equipment from a variety of countries, including Brazil, France, Germany, Russia/former Soviet Union, the UK, and the US; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of equipment from China, France, South Africa, and the US (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for military service; 2-year service obligation; no conscription; women have been able to serve since 2007 (2022) Military deployments: 730 (plus about 300 police) Mali (MINUSMA) (Feb 2022) Military - note: the first Togolese Army unit was created in 1963, while the Air Force was established in 1964; the Navy was not established until 1976; since its creation, the Togolese military has a history of interfering in the country’s politics with assassinations, coups, influence, and a large military crackdown in 2005 that killed hundreds; over the past decade, it has made some efforts to reform and professionalize, as well as increase its role in UN peacekeeping activities; Togolese police have also been deployed on peacekeeping operations, and Togo maintains a regional peacekeeping training center for military and police in Lome; the Navy and Air Force have increasingly focused on combating piracy and smuggling in the Gulf of Guinea in June 2022, the Togolese Government declared a state of emergency in its northern border region due to the threat from Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qa'ida-affiliated terrorist coalition that is based in Mali, but also operates in neighboring Burkina Faso; the declaration followed an attack on a Togolese military post in May that killed 8 soldiers and a Togolese military operation launched the same month to boost border security and prevent terrorist infiltrations (2022) Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea remain a very high risk for piracy and armed robbery of ships; in 2021, there were 34 reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea region; although a significant decrease from the total number of 81 incidents in 2020, it included the one hijacking and three of five ships fired upon worldwide; while boarding and attempted boarding to steal valuables from ships and crews are the most common types of incidents, almost a third of all incidents involve a hijacking and/or kidnapping; in 2021, 57 crew members were kidnapped in seven separate incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, representing 100% of kidnappings worldwide; Nigerian pirates in particular are well armed and very aggressive, operating as far as 200 nm offshore; the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2022-001 - Gulf of Guinea-Piracy/Armed Robbery/Kidnapping for Ransom) effective 4 January 2022, which states in part, "Piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom continue to serve as significant threats to US-flagged vessels transiting or operating in the Gulf of Guinea" Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Togo-Benin: in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint commission continues to resurvey the boundary; Benin’s and Togo’s Adjrala hydroelectric dam project on the Mona River, proposed in the 1990s, commenced in 2017 with funding from a Chinese bank Togo-Burkina Faso: none identified Togo-Ghana: none identifiedTogo-Benin: in 2001, Benin claimed Togo moved boundary monuments - joint commission continues to resurvey the boundary; Benin’s and Togo’s Adjrala hydroelectric dam project on the Mona River, proposed in the 1990s, commenced in 2017 with funding from a Chinese bankTogo-Burkina Faso: none identifiedTogo-Ghana: none identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 8,391 (Ghana) (2022) Illicit drugs: transit hub for Nigerian heroin and cocaine traffickers; money laundering not a significant problem

20220901

field-major-aquifers

This entry lists the major (mega) aquifer system(s) that underlie a country, keeping in mind that many of these mega aquifers are so large that they extend under multiple countries. More than 30% of freshwater is held in underground aquifers. There is great variation in the size of such aquifers, but a limited number of very large aquifer systems contain a majority of the World’s groundwater volume in storage. Topic: AlgeriaLullemeden-Irhazer Aquifer System, Murzuk-Djado Basin, North Western Sahara Aquifer, Taoudeni-Tanezrouft Basin Topic: AngolaCongo Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: ArgentinaGuarani Aquifer System Topic: AustraliaGreat Artesian Basin, Canning Basin Topic: BahrainArabian Aquifer System Topic: BangladeshIndus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Topic: BoliviaAmazon Basin Topic: BotswanaLower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: BrazilAmazon Basin, Guarani Aquifer System, Maranhao Basin Topic: CameroonLake Chad Basin Topic: CanadaNorthern Great Plains Aquifer Topic: Central African RepublicCongo Basin, Lake Chad Basin Topic: ChadLake Chad Basin, Nubian Aquifer System Topic: ChinaNorth China Aquifer System (Huang Huai Hai Plain), Song-Liao Plain, Tarim Basin Topic: ColombiaAmazon Basin Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theCongo Basin Topic: Congo, Republic of theCongo Basin Topic: EgyptNubian Aquifer System Topic: EthiopiaOgaden-Juba Basin, Sudd Basin (Umm Ruwaba Aquifer) Topic: FranceParis Basin Topic: GabonCongo Basin Topic: Gambia, TheSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin Topic: Guinea-BissauSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin Topic: IndiaIndus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Topic: IraqArabian Aquifer System Topic: JordanArabian Aquifer System Topic: KenyaOgaden-Juba Basin Topic: KuwaitArabian Aquifer System Topic: LibyaNubian Aquifer System, North Western Sahara Aquifer System, Murzuk-Djado Basin Topic: MaliLullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Taodeni-Tanezrouft Basin Topic: MauritaniaSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin, Taodeni-Tanzerouft Basin Topic: MexicoAtlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Topic: NamibiaLower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: NepalIndus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Topic: NigerLake Chad Basin, Lullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Murzuk-Djado Basin Topic: NigeriaLake Chad Basin, Lullemeden-Irhazer Aquifer System Topic: OmanArabian Aquifer System Topic: PakistanIndus Basin Topic: ParaguayGuarani Aquifer System Topic: PeruAmazon Basin Topic: QatarArabian Aquifer System Topic: RussiaAngara-Lena Basin, Pechora Basin, North Caucasus Basin, East European Aquifer System, West Siberian Basin, Tunguss Basin, Yakut Basin Topic: Saudi ArabiaArabian Aquifer System Topic: SenegalSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin Topic: SomaliaOgaden-Juba Basin Topic: South AfricaKaroo Basin, Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin Topic: SudanNubian Aquifer System, Sudd Basin (Umm Ruwaba Aquifer) Topic: TunisiaNorth Western Sahara Aquifer System Topic: United StatesNorthern Great Plains Aquifer, Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer System, Californian Central Valley Aquifer System, Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains), Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Topic: UruguayGuarani Aquifer System Topic: Worldsummary statement: aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing permeable rock formations; they include alluvial formations such as unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifers, sedimentary rock formations of sandstone and karst (carbonate rocks such as limestone) aquifers, as well as volcanic aquifers, and basement aquifers (igneous and metamorphic rocks that underlie sedimentary and volcanic rock sequences); groundwater from aquifers can be extracted using a water well; The World Factbook lists 37 major aquifers across 52 countries; of these, 13 are in Africa, 10 in Asia, 5 in North America, 3 in South America, 4 in Europe, and 2 in Australia; although aquifers can vary in size, the major aquifers listed in The Factbook contain the bulk of the stored volume of groundwater; the fresh water held in these aquifers represents more than 30% of the World's fresh water; in the US, groundwater is primarily used for irrigation and globally, 70% of groundwater withdrawn is used for agriculture; groundwater also supplies almost half of all drinking water worldwide Topic: ZambiaUpper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: ZimbabweUpper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin

20220901

field-median-age-country-comparison

20220901

countries-slovakia

Topic: Photos of Slovakia Topic: Introduction Background: Slovakia traces its roots to the 9th century state of Great Moravia. Subsequently, the Slovaks became part of the Hungarian Kingdom, where they remained for the next 1,000 years. After the formation of the dual Austro-Hungarian monarchy in 1867, backlash to language and education policies favoring the use of Hungarian (Magyarization) encouraged the strengthening of Slovak nationalism and a cultivation of cultural ties with the closely related Czechs, who fell administratively under the Austrian half of the empire. After the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close of World War I, the Slovaks joined the Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. The new state was envisioned as a nation with Czech and Slovak branches. During the interwar period, Slovak nationalist leaders pushed for autonomy within Czechoslovakia, and in 1939 Slovakia became an independent state created by and allied with Nazi Germany. Following World War II, Czechoslovakia was reconstituted and came under communist rule within Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of Czechoslovakia's leaders to liberalize communist rule and create "socialism with a human face," ushering in a period of repression known as "normalization." The peaceful "Velvet Revolution" swept the Communist Party from power at the end of 1989 and inaugurated a return to democratic rule and a market economy. On 1 January 1993, Czechoslovakia underwent a nonviolent "velvet divorce" into its two national components, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004 and the euro zone on 1 January 2009.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Europe, south of Poland Geographic coordinates: 48 40 N, 19 30 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 49,035 sq km land: 48,105 sq km water: 930 sq km Area - comparative: about one and a half times the size of Maryland; about twice the size of New Hampshire Land boundaries: total: 1,587 km border countries (5): Austria 105 km; Czechia 241 km; Hungary 627 km; Poland 517 km; Ukraine 97 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters Terrain: rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south Elevation: highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m mean elevation: 458 m Natural resources: lignite, small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; salt; arable land Land use: agricultural land: 40.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 28.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.8% (2018 est.) forest: 40.2% (2018 est.) other: 19.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 869 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Population distribution: a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country; slightly larger concentration in the west in proximity to the Czech border Natural hazards: flooding Geography - note: landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous; the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic lakes and valleys Map description: Slovakia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Slovakia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 5,431,252 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Slovak(s) adjective: Slovak Ethnic groups: Slovak 83.8%, Hungarian 7.8%, Romani 1.2%, other 1.8% (includes Czech, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Russian, German, Polish), unspecified 5.4% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by nationality; Romani populations are usually underestimated in official statistics and may represent 7–11% of Slovakia's population Languages: Slovak (official) 81.8%, Hungarian 8.5%, Roma 1.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified 5.7% (2021 est.) major-language sample(s): Svetova Kniha Faktov, nenahraditelny zdroj zakladnej informacie. (Slovak) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 55.8%, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession 5.3%, Greek Catholic 4%, Reformed Christian 1.6%, other 3%, none 23.8%, unspecified 6.5% (2021 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 15.13% (male 423,180/female 400,128) 15-24 years: 10.06% (male 280,284/female 266,838) 25-54 years: 44.61% (male 1,228,462/female 1,198,747) 55-64 years: 13.15% (male 342,124/female 373,452) 65 years and over: 17.05% (2020 est.) (male 366,267/female 561,120) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 47.6 youth dependency ratio: 23 elderly dependency ratio: 24.6 potential support ratio: 4.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 41.8 years male: 40.1 years female: 43.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.1% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.94 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 10.13 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country; slightly larger concentration in the west in proximity to the Czech border Urbanization: urban population: 53.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.17% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 439,000 BRATISLAVA (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 27.2 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 5 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.82 deaths/1,000 live births male: 5.48 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.31 years male: 74.83 years female: 82.04 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.46 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7% (2019) Physicians density: 3.57 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 5.7 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2018 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,200 (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 20.5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 31.5% (2020 est.) male: 37.4% (2020 est.) female: 25.6% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 4% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 14 years female: 15 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.4% male: 18.3% female: 21.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution and acid rain present human health risks and damage forests; land erosion caused by agricultural and mining practices; water pollution Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 17.54 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 32.42 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.43 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters Land use: agricultural land: 40.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 28.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.8% (2018 est.) forest: 40.2% (2018 est.) other: 19.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 53.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.17% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.22% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.784 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 135,941 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 7.6% (2015 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 293.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 231.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 31.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 50.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Slovak Republic conventional short form: Slovakia local long form: Slovenska republika local short form: Slovensko etymology: may derive from the medieval Latin word "Slavus" (Slav), which had the local form "Sloven", used since the 13th century to refer to the territory of Slovakia and its inhabitants Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Bratislava geographic coordinates: 48 09 N, 17 07 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the name was adopted in 1919 after Czechoslovakia gained its independence and may derive from later transliterations of the 9th century military commander, Braslav, or the 11th century Bohemian Duke Bretislav I; alternatively, the name may derive from the Slovak words "brat" (brother) and "slava" (glory) Administrative divisions: 8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banska Bystrica, Bratislava, Kosice, Nitra, Presov, Trencin, Trnava, Zilina Independence: 1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia) National holiday: Constitution Day, 1 September (1992) Constitution: history: several previous (preindependence); latest passed by the National Council 1 September 1992, signed 3 September 1992, effective 1 October 1992 amendments: proposed by the National Council; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote of Council members; amended many times, last in 2020 Legal system: civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; note - legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Slovakia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Zuzana CAPUTOVA (since 15 June 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Eduard HEGER (since 1 April 2021); Deputy Prime Ministers Stefan HOLY, Veronika REMISOVA, Richard SULIK (all since 21 March 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 16 March and 30 March 2019 (next to be held March 2024); following National Council elections (every 4 years), the president designates a prime minister candidate, usually the leader of the party or coalition that wins the most votes, who must win a vote of confidence in the National Council election results: 2019: Zuzana CAPUTOVA reelected president in second round; percent of vote - Zuzana CAPUTOVA (PS) 58.4%, Maros SEFCOVIC (independent) 41.6% 2014: Andrej KISKA elected president in second round; percent of vote - Andrej KISKA (independent) 59.4%, Robert FICO (Smer-SD) 40.6% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Council or Narodna Rada (150 seats; members directly elected in a single- and multi-seat constituencies by closed, party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 29 February 2020 (next to be held in February 2024) election results: percent of vote by party - OLaNO-NOVA 25%, Smer-SD 18.3%, Sme-Rodina 8.2%, LSNS 8%, PS-SPOLU 7%, SaS 6.2%, Za Ludi 5.8%, other 21.5%; seats by party - OLaNO-NOVA 53, Smer-SD 38, Sme-Rodina 17, LSNS 17, SaS 13, Za Ludi 12, PS-SPOLU 0; composition (as of mid-2022) - men 118, women 32, percent of women 21.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of the Slovak Republic (consists of the court president, vice president, and approximately 80 judges organized into criminal, civil, commercial, and administrative divisions with 3- and 5-judge panels); Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic (consists of 13 judges organized into 3-judge panels) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judge candidates nominated by the Judicial Council of the Slovak Republic, an 18-member self-governing body that includes the Supreme Court chief justice and presidential, governmental, parliamentary, and judiciary appointees; judges appointed by the president serve for life subject to removal by the president at age 65; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the National Council of the Republic and appointed by the president; judges serve 12-year terms subordinate courts: regional and district civil courts; Special Criminal Court; Higher Military Court; military district courts; Court of Audit; Political parties and leaders: Alliance-Szovetseg [Krisztian FORRO] Direction-Social Democracy or Smer-SD [Robert FICO] For the People or Za Ludi [Veronika REMISOVA] Freedom and Solidarity or SaS [Richard SULIK] Kotleba-People's Party Our Slovakia or LSNS [Marian KOTLEBA] Ordinary People and Independent Personalities - New Majority or OLaNO-NOVA [Igor MATOVIC] Slovak National Party or SNS [Andrej DANKO] Voice or Hlas-SD [Petr PELLIGRINI] We Are Family or Sme-Rodina [Boris KOLLAR] International organization participation: Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Radovan JAVORCIK (since 18 January 2021) chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054 FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438 email address and website: emb.washington@mzv.sk https://www.mzv.sk/web/washington-en consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Nicholas NAMBA (since May 2022) embassy: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava mailing address: 5840 Bratislava Place, Washington DC  20521-5840 telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338 FAX: [421] (2) 5441-8861 email address and website: consulbratislava@state.gov https://sk.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red derive from the Pan-Slav colors; the Slovakian coat of arms (consisting of a red shield bordered in white and bearing a white double-barred cross of St. Cyril and St. Methodius surmounting three blue hills) is centered over the bands but offset slightly to the hoist side note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia National symbol(s): double-barred cross (Cross of St. Cyril and St. Methodius) surmounting three peaks; national colors: white, blue, red National anthem: name: "Nad Tatrou sa blyska" (Lightning Over the Tatras) lyrics/music: Janko MATUSKA/traditional note: adopted 1993, in use since 1844; music based on the Slovak folk song "Kopala studienku" (She was digging a well) National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 8 (6 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Town of Banská Štiavnica (c); Levoča, Spišský Hrad, and the Associated Cultural Monuments (c); Vlkolínec (c); Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst (n); Bardejov Town (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n); Wooden Churches of the Slovak Carpathians (c); Frontiers of the Roman Empire - The Danube Limes (Western Segment) (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Slovakia’s economy suffered from a slow start in the first years after its separation from the Czech Republic in 1993, due to the country’s authoritarian leadership and high levels of corruption, but economic reforms implemented after 1998 have placed Slovakia on a path of strong growth. With a population of 5.4 million, the Slovak Republic has a small, open economy driven mainly by automobile and electronics exports, which account for more than 80% of GDP. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004 and the euro zone in 2009. The country’s banking sector is sound and predominantly foreign owned.   Slovakia has been a regional FDI champion for several years, attractive due to a relatively low-cost yet skilled labor force, and a favorable geographic location in the heart of Central Europe. Exports and investment have been key drivers of Slovakia’s robust growth in recent years. The unemployment rate fell to historical lows in 2017, and rising wages fueled increased consumption, which played a more prominent role in 2017 GDP growth. A favorable outlook for the Eurozone suggests continued strong growth prospects for Slovakia during the next few years, although inflation is also expected to pick up.   Among the most pressing domestic issues potentially threatening the attractiveness of the Slovak market are shortages in the qualified labor force, persistent corruption issues, and an inadequate judiciary, as well as a slow transition to an innovation-based economy. The energy sector in particular is characterized by unpredictable regulatory oversight and high costs, in part driven by government interference in regulated tariffs. Moreover, the government’s attempts to maintain low household energy prices could harm the profitability of domestic energy firms while undercutting energy efficiency initiatives.Slovakia’s economy suffered from a slow start in the first years after its separation from the Czech Republic in 1993, due to the country’s authoritarian leadership and high levels of corruption, but economic reforms implemented after 1998 have placed Slovakia on a path of strong growth. With a population of 5.4 million, the Slovak Republic has a small, open economy driven mainly by automobile and electronics exports, which account for more than 80% of GDP. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004 and the euro zone in 2009. The country’s banking sector is sound and predominantly foreign owned. Slovakia has been a regional FDI champion for several years, attractive due to a relatively low-cost yet skilled labor force, and a favorable geographic location in the heart of Central Europe. Exports and investment have been key drivers of Slovakia’s robust growth in recent years. The unemployment rate fell to historical lows in 2017, and rising wages fueled increased consumption, which played a more prominent role in 2017 GDP growth. A favorable outlook for the Eurozone suggests continued strong growth prospects for Slovakia during the next few years, although inflation is also expected to pick up. Among the most pressing domestic issues potentially threatening the attractiveness of the Slovak market are shortages in the qualified labor force, persistent corruption issues, and an inadequate judiciary, as well as a slow transition to an innovation-based economy. The energy sector in particular is characterized by unpredictable regulatory oversight and high costs, in part driven by government interference in regulated tariffs. Moreover, the government’s attempts to maintain low household energy prices could harm the profitability of domestic energy firms while undercutting energy efficiency initiatives. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $165.57 billion (2020 est.) $173.83 billion (2019 est.) $169.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.4% (2019 est.) 3.9% (2018 est.) 3.04% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $30,300 (2020 est.) $31,900 (2019 est.) $31,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $105.388 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (2019 est.) 2.5% (2018 est.) 1.3% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A (2020) Moody's rating: A2 (2012) Standard & Poors rating: A+ (2015) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.8% (2017 est.) industry: 35% (2017 est.) services: 61.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 54.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 96.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -92.9% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, maize, sugar beet, milk, barley, rapeseed, potatoes, sunflower seed, soybeans, pork Industries: automobiles; metal and metal products; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals, synthetic fibers, wood and paper products; machinery; earthenware and ceramics; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products; food and beverages; pharmaceutical Industrial production growth rate: 2.7% (2017 est.) Labor force: 2.511 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 3.9% industry: 22.7% services: 73.4% (2015) Unemployment rate: 5% (2019 est.) 5.42% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.4% male: 18.3% female: 21.2% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 11.9% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 25.2 (2016 est.) 26.1 (2014) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.3% highest 10%: 19.3% (2015 est.) Budget: revenues: 37.79 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 38.79 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 50.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 51.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general Government Gross Debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by Government entities, including sub-sectors of central, state, local government, and social security funds Taxes and other revenues: 39.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$3.026 billion (2019 est.) -$2.635 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $89.92 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $97.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $100.76 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Germany 22%, Czechia 11%, Poland 7%, France 7%, Hungary 6%, Austria 5%, United Kingdom 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, video displays, broadcasting equipment, tires, refined petroleum (2019) Imports: $87.95 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $96.75 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $99.92 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Germany 18%, Czechia 18%, Poland 8%, Hungary 7%, Russia 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, broadcasting equipment, crude petroleum, natural gas, insulated wiring (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $3.622 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.892 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $115.853 billion (2019 est.) $114.224 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 7.868 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 26.503 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 12.97 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 13.288 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.589 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 19.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 55.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 16.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 5.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 2.148 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 5.371 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 3.111 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 135 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 3,800 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 85,200 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 100 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 109,800 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 9 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 131,300 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 81,100 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 38,340 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 62.495 million cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 4,928,199,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 4,361,410,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 14.158 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 32.506 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 11.521 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 11.747 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 9.238 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 129.665 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 648,462 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 7,399,530 (2019) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 135.6 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Slovakia’s incumbent telco Slovak Telekom retains its dominance of the fixed-line voice and broadband sector, though there is effective competition in the mobile market, where most investment is being channeled; the main operators including O2 Slovakia and Orange Slovakia have expanded into offering bundled fixed and mobile services; the broadband market has shown steady growth in recent years; DSL remains the principal technology though in early 2020 it was eclipsed by the fast-developing fiber sector, which has been supported by sympathetic regulatory measures and considerable investment among operators; the cable sector is a distant third in terms of subscribers, though cable is particularly strong in urban areas; the main telco UPC Slovakia has gained customers steadily in recent years (reaching 144,000 by the end of 2020) on the back of its widely available 1Gb/s service offering; Slovakia’s mobile market is served by four MNOs, two of which are the local units of operators with a pan-European reach (Deutsche Telekom and Orange Group), O2 Slovakia was once the local unit of Telefónica Group before being sold to an investment concern; mobile broadband access and content services are developing rapidly in line with operators having upgraded their networks; the regulator prepared the groundwork for 5G services in line with European Union requirements, with concessions in the 3.5GHz range followed by those in the 700MHz, 900MHz and 1800MHz bands; commercial services by the first quarter of 2021 were limited, licensees have invested in 5G infrastructure and also have considerable coverage obligations. (2021) domestic: four companies have a license to operate cellular networks and provide nationwide cellular services; a few other companies provide services but do not have their own networks; fixed-line roughly 11 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 133 per 100 teledensity (2020) international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in several international telecommunications projects that will increase the availability of external services; connects to DREAM cable (2017) 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: state-owned public broadcaster, Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS), operates 2 national TV stations and multiple national and regional radio networks; roughly 50 privately owned TV stations operating nationally, regionally, and locally; about 40% of households are connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV; 32 privately owned radio stations Internet country code: .sk Internet users: total: 4,912,944 (2020 est.) percent of population: 90% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,701,561 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 4 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 45 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: OM Airports: total: 35 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 19 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 9 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 2,270 km gas transmission pipelines, 6,278 km high-pressure gas distribution pipelines, 27,023 km mid- and low-pressure gas distribution pipelines (2016), 510 km oil (2015) (2016) Railways: total: 3,580 km (2016) standard gauge: 3,435 km (2016) 1.435-m gauge (1,587 km electrified) narrow gauge: 46 km (2016) 1.000-m or 0.750-m gauge broad gauge: 99 km (2016) 1.520-m gauge Roadways: total: 56,926 km (2016) (includes local roads, national roads, and 464 km of highways) Waterways: 172 km (2012) (on Danube River) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Bratislava, Komarno (Danube) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojene Sily Slovenskej Republiky): Land Forces (Slovenské Pozemné Sily), Air Forces (Slovenské Vzdušné Sily), Special Operations Forces (Sily Pre Speciálne Operácie) (2022) Military expenditures: 1.7% of GDP (2021 est.) 2% of GDP (2020) 1.7% of GDP (2019) (approximately $2.34 billion) 1.2% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.72 billion) 1.1% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.51 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 14,000 active duty personnel (8,000 Land Forces; 4,000 Air Forces; 2,000 other, including staff, special operations, and support forces) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Slovakian military consists mostly of Soviet-era platforms; since 2010, it has imported limited quantities of equipment, particularly from Italy and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription in peacetime suspended in 2004; women are eligible to serve (2021) note: as of 2019, women made up around 12% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 240 Cyprus (UNFICYP); up to 150 Latvia (NATO) (2022) note: in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries, including Slovakia, have sent additional troops and equipment to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe Military - note: Slovakia became a member of NATO in 2004 in 2022, Slovakia agreed to host a NATO ground force battlegroup comprised of troops from Czechia, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the US Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Slovakia-Austria: none identified Slovakia-Czechia: none identified Slovakia-Hungary: initiated by the 1977 Budapest Treaty, Hungary and formerly Czechoslovakia agreed to a hydroelectric dam project on the Danube with dams to be constructed at Gabcikovo (Slovakia) and Nagymaros (Hungary) to prevent floods, improve river navigability, and to generate electricity; when Hungary suspended work on the project until its environmental impact could be assessed, Slovakia continued working on it and adopted a pared down strategy to divert the Danube so that all construction was within Czechoslovakian territory; Hungary terminated the project on environmental and economic grounds in 1989, and in 1992 both countries took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ); the ICJ found largely in favor of then Slovakia, finding Hungary had breached their agreement; however, then Czechoslovakia should not have begun the alternative plan before the ICJ ruled on the case; in 2017, Hungary and Slovakia agreed to discontinue the ICJ proceedings Slovakia-Poland: none identified Slovakia-Ukraine: tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Slovakia to escape the Russian invasion in their countrySlovakia-Austria: none identifiedSlovakia-Czechia: none identifiedSlovakia-Hungary: initiated by the 1977 Budapest Treaty, Hungary and formerly Czechoslovakia agreed to a hydroelectric dam project on the Danube with dams to be constructed at Gabcikovo (Slovakia) and Nagymaros (Hungary) to prevent floods, improve river navigability, and to generate electricity; when Hungary suspended work on the project until its environmental impact could be assessed, Slovakia continued working on it and adopted a pared down strategy to divert the Danube so that all construction was within Czechoslovakian territory; Hungary terminated the project on environmental and economic grounds in 1989, and in 1992 both countries took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ); the ICJ found largely in favor of then Slovakia, finding Hungary had breached their agreement; however, then Czechoslovakia should not have begun the alternative plan before the ICJ ruled on the case; in 2017, Hungary and Slovakia agreed to discontinue the ICJ proceedingsSlovakia-Poland: none identifiedSlovakia-Ukraine: tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Slovakia to escape the Russian invasion in their country Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 87,030 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 1,532 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market; consumer of ecstasy

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Topic: Photos of Gambia, The Topic: Introduction Background: In the 10th century, Muslim merchants established some of The Gambia’s earliest large settlements as trans-Saharan trade hubs. These settlements eventually grew into major export centers sending slaves, gold, and ivory across the Sahara. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, European colonial powers began establishing trade with The Gambia. In 1664, the United Kingdom established a colony in The Gambia focused on exporting enslaved people across the Atlantic. During the roughly 300 years of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the UK and other European powers may have exported as many as 3 million people from The Gambia. The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed the short-lived confederation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup overthrowing the president and banning political activity. He subsequently won every presidential election until 2016, when he lost to Adama BARROW, who headed an opposition coalition during free and fair elections. BARROW won reelection in December 2021. The Gambia is the only member of the Economic Community of West African States that does not have presidential term limits. Since the 2016 election, The Gambia and the US have enjoyed improved relations. US assistance to the country has supported military education and training programs, capacity building, and democracy-strengthening activities.    In the 10th century, Muslim merchants established some of The Gambia’s earliest large settlements as trans-Saharan trade hubs. These settlements eventually grew into major export centers sending slaves, gold, and ivory across the Sahara. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, European colonial powers began establishing trade with The Gambia. In 1664, the United Kingdom established a colony in The Gambia focused on exporting enslaved people across the Atlantic. During the roughly 300 years of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the UK and other European powers may have exported as many as 3 million people from The Gambia.The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed the short-lived confederation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup overthrowing the president and banning political activity. He subsequently won every presidential election until 2016, when he lost to Adama BARROW, who headed an opposition coalition during free and fair elections. BARROW won reelection in December 2021. The Gambia is the only member of the Economic Community of West African States that does not have presidential term limits. Since the 2016 election, The Gambia and the US have enjoyed improved relations. US assistance to the country has supported military education and training programs, capacity building, and democracy-strengthening activities.  Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal Geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 16 34 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 11,300 sq km land: 10,120 sq km water: 1,180 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Delaware Land boundaries: total: 749 km border countries (1): Senegal 749 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: extent not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May) Terrain: flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills Elevation: highest point: unnamed elevation 3 km southeast of the town of Sabi 63 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 34 m Natural resources: fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon Land use: agricultural land: 56.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 41% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 14.6% (2018 est.) forest: 43.9% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 50 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Gambia river mouth (shared with Senegal and Guinea [s]) - 1,094 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major aquifers: Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin Population distribution: settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul, and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: droughts Geography - note: almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the African mainland Map description: The Gambia map showing the country surrounded by Senegal except to the west where the Gambia River empties into the North Atlantic Ocean.The Gambia map showing the country surrounded by Senegal except to the west where the Gambia River empties into the North Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 2,413,403 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Gambian(s) adjective: Gambian Ethnic groups: Mandinka/Jahanka 33.3%, Fulani/Tukulur/Lorobo 18.2%, Wolof 12.9%, Jola/Karoninka 11%, Serahuleh 7.2%, Serer 3.5%, other 4%, non-Gambian 9.9% (2019-20 est.) Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars Religions: Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, other or none 0.1% (2019-20 est.) Demographic profile: The Gambia’s youthful age structure – almost 60% of the population is under the age of 25 – is likely to persist because the country’s total fertility rate remains strong at nearly 4 children per woman. The overall literacy rate is around 55%, and is significantly lower for women than for men. At least 70% of the populace are farmers who are reliant on rain-fed agriculture and cannot afford improved seeds and fertilizers. Crop failures caused by droughts between 2011 and 2013 have increased poverty, food shortages, and malnutrition.The Gambia is a source country for migrants and a transit and destination country for migrants and refugees. Since the 1980s, economic deterioration, drought, and high unemployment, especially among youths, have driven both domestic migration (largely urban) and migration abroad (legal and illegal). Emigrants are largely skilled workers, including doctors and nurses, and provide a significant amount of remittances. The top receiving countries for Gambian emigrants are Spain, the US, Nigeria, Senegal, and the UK. While the Gambia and Spain do not share historic, cultural, or trade ties, rural Gambians have migrated to Spain in large numbers because of its proximity and the availability of jobs in its underground economy (this flow slowed following the onset of Spain’s late 2007 economic crisis).The Gambia’s role as a host country to refugees is a result of wars in several of its neighboring West African countries. Since 2006, refugees from the Casamance conflict in Senegal have replaced their pattern of flight and return with permanent settlement in The Gambia, often moving in with relatives along the Senegal-Gambia border. The strain of providing for about 7,400 Casamance refugees has increased poverty among Gambian villagers.The Gambia’s youthful age structure – almost 60% of the population is under the age of 25 – is likely to persist because the country’s total fertility rate remains strong at nearly 4 children per woman. The overall literacy rate is around 55%, and is significantly lower for women than for men. At least 70% of the populace are farmers who are reliant on rain-fed agriculture and cannot afford improved seeds and fertilizers. Crop failures caused by droughts between 2011 and 2013 have increased poverty, food shortages, and malnutrition.The Gambia is a source country for migrants and a transit and destination country for migrants and refugees. Since the 1980s, economic deterioration, drought, and high unemployment, especially among youths, have driven both domestic migration (largely urban) and migration abroad (legal and illegal). Emigrants are largely skilled workers, including doctors and nurses, and provide a significant amount of remittances. The top receiving countries for Gambian emigrants are Spain, the US, Nigeria, Senegal, and the UK. While the Gambia and Spain do not share historic, cultural, or trade ties, rural Gambians have migrated to Spain in large numbers because of its proximity and the availability of jobs in its underground economy (this flow slowed following the onset of Spain’s late 2007 economic crisis).The Gambia’s role as a host country to refugees is a result of wars in several of its neighboring West African countries. Since 2006, refugees from the Casamance conflict in Senegal have replaced their pattern of flight and return with permanent settlement in The Gambia, often moving in with relatives along the Senegal-Gambia border. The strain of providing for about 7,400 Casamance refugees has increased poverty among Gambian villagers. Age structure: 0-14 years: 35.15% (male 391,993/female 388,816) 15-24 years: 20.12% (male 221,519/female 225,414) 25-54 years: 36.39% (male 396,261/female 412,122) 55-64 years: 4.53% (male 48,032/female 52,538) 65 years and over: 3.81% (2021 est.) (male 38,805/female 45,801) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 86.9 youth dependency ratio: 82.1 elderly dependency ratio: 4.7 potential support ratio: 21.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 21.8 years male: 21.5 years female: 22.2 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.29% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 28.78 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.81 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul, and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 63.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 470,000 BANJUL (capital) (2022) note: includes the local government areas of Banjul and Kanifing Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.76 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 20.7 years (2019/20 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 597 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 37.19 deaths/1,000 live births male: 40.75 deaths/1,000 live births female: 33.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.6 years male: 65.83 years female: 69.41 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.79 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 16.8% (2018) note: percent of women aged 15-49 Drinking water source: improved: urban: 91.8% of population rural: 85.7% of population total: 89.5% of population unimproved: urban: 8.2% of population rural: 14.3% of population total: 10.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3.8% (2019) Physicians density: 0.08 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 1.1 beds/1,000 population (2011) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 75.8% of population rural: 33.6% of population total: 60% of population unimproved: urban: 24.2% of population rural: 66.4% of population total: 40% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.8% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 27,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,300 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies respiratory diseases: meningococcal meningitis note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; The Gambia is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 10.3% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 11.1% (2020 est.) male: 21.4% (2020 est.) female: 0.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.6% (2019/20) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 7.5% women married by age 18: 25.7% men married by age 18: 0.2% (2020 est.) Education expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 50.8% male: 61.8% female: 41.6% (2015) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 25.8% male: 21% female: 32.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture; desertification; water pollution; water-borne diseases Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 32.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.53 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.96 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May) Land use: agricultural land: 56.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 41% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 14.6% (2018 est.) forest: 43.9% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 63.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 2.47% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies respiratory diseases: meningococcal meningitis note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; The Gambia is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 193,441 tons (2002 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Gambia river mouth (shared with Senegal and Guinea [s]) - 1,094 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major aquifers: Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 41.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 39.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia conventional short form: The Gambia etymology: named for the Gambia River that flows through the heart of the country Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Banjul geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Banjul is located on Saint Mary's Island at the mouth of the Gambia River; the Mandinka used to gather fibrous plants on the island for the manufacture of ropes; "bang julo" is Mandinka for "rope fiber"; mispronunciation over time caused the term became the word Banjul Administrative divisions: 5 regions, 1 city*, and 1 municipality**; Banjul*, Central River, Kanifing**, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, West Coast Independence: 18 February 1965 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 18 February (1965) Constitution: history: previous 1965 (Independence Act), 1970; latest adopted 8 April 1996, approved by referendum 8 August 1996, effective 16 January 1997; note - in early 2018, the "Constitutional Review Commission," was established to draft  and assist in instituting a new constitution; a second draft completed in March 2020 was rejected by the National Assembly in September; the president announced in January 2022 government plans to draft a new constitution  amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly membership in each of several readings and approval by the president of the republic; a referendum is required for amendments affecting national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, government structures and authorities, taxation, and public funding; passage by referendum requires participation of at least 50% of eligible voters and approval by at least 75% of votes cast; amended 2001, 2004, 2018 Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022); Vice President Isatou TOURAY (since 15 March 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022); Vice President Isatou TOURAY (since 15 March 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 4 December 2021 (next to be held in 2026); vice president appointed by the president election results: Adama BARROW reelected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (National People's Party) 53.2%, Ousainou DARBOE (United Democratic Party) 27.7%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC)12.3%, Halifa SALLAH (PDOIS) 3.8%, Essa M. FAAL (Independent) 2%, Abdoulie Ebrima JAMMEH (NUP) 1% (2021) Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly (58 seats; 53 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 5 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 9 April 2022 (next to be held in 2027) election results: percent of vote by party - NPP 33.9%, UDP 28.3%, independent 22.6%, NRP 7.5%, PDOIS 3.7%, APRL 3.7%; seats by party - NPP 18, UDP 15, independent 12,NRP 4, APRL 2, PDOIS 2; composition - men 52, women 6, percent of women 10.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of The Gambia (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices; court sessions held with 5 justices) judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 75 subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts; cadi courts Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC [Fabakary JATTA] Coalition 2016 [collective leadership] (electoral coalition includes UDP, PDOIS, NRP, GMC, GDC, PPP, and GPDP) Gambia Democratic Congress or GDC [Mama KANDEH] Gambia Moral Congress or GMC [Mai FATTY] Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress or GPDP [Sarja JARJOU] National Convention Party or NCP [Yaya  SANYANG and Majanko SAMUSA (both claiming leadership)] National Democratic Action Movement or NDAM [Lamin Yaa JUARA] National People's Party or NPP [Adama BARROW] National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat BAH] People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Sidia JATTA] People's Progressive Party or PPP [Yaya CEESAY)] United Democratic Party or UDP [Ousainou DARBOE] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Mustapha SOSSEH (16 March 2022) chancery: 5630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399; [1] (202) 785-1428 FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430 email address and website: info@gambiaembassy.us https://www.gambiaembassydc.us/home Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sharon L. CROMER (since 18 March 2022) embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, P.M.B. 19, Banjul mailing address: 2070 Banjul Place, Washington DC  20521-2070 telephone: [220] 439-2856 FAX: [220] 439-2475 email address and website: ConsularBanjul@state.gov https://gm.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace National symbol(s): lion; national colors: red, blue, green, white National anthem: name: "For The Gambia, Our Homeland" lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE note: adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya" National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites; Stone Circles of Senegambia Topic: Economy Economic overview: The government has invested in the agriculture sector because three-quarters of the population depends on the sector for its livelihood and agriculture provides for about one-third of GDP, making The Gambia largely reliant on sufficient rainfall. The agricultural sector has untapped potential - less than half of arable land is cultivated and agricultural productivity is low. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of cashews, groundnuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's reexport trade accounts for almost 80% of goods exports and China has been its largest trade partner for both exports and imports for several years.   The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits. It relies heavily on remittances from workers overseas and tourist receipts. Remittance inflows to The Gambia amount to about one-fifth of the country’s GDP. The Gambia's location on the ocean and proximity to Europe has made it one of the most frequented tourist destinations in West Africa, boosted by private sector investments in eco-tourism and facilities. Tourism normally brings in about 20% of GDP, but it suffered in 2014 from tourists’ fears of Ebola virus in neighboring West African countries. Unemployment and underemployment remain high.   Economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. International donors and lenders were concerned about the quality of fiscal management under the administration of former President Yahya JAMMEH, who reportedly stole hundreds of millions of dollars of the country’s funds during his 22 years in power, but anticipate significant improvements under the new administration of President Adama BARROW, who assumed power in early 2017. As of April 2017, the IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, and the African Development Bank were all negotiating with the new government of The Gambia to provide financial support in the coming months to ease the country’s financial crisis.   The country faces a limited availability of foreign exchange, weak agricultural output, a border closure with Senegal, a slowdown in tourism, high inflation, a large fiscal deficit, and a high domestic debt burden that has crowded out private sector investment and driven interest rates to new highs. The government has committed to taking steps to reduce the deficit, including through expenditure caps, debt consolidation, and reform of state-owned enterprises.The government has invested in the agriculture sector because three-quarters of the population depends on the sector for its livelihood and agriculture provides for about one-third of GDP, making The Gambia largely reliant on sufficient rainfall. The agricultural sector has untapped potential - less than half of arable land is cultivated and agricultural productivity is low. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of cashews, groundnuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's reexport trade accounts for almost 80% of goods exports and China has been its largest trade partner for both exports and imports for several years. The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits. It relies heavily on remittances from workers overseas and tourist receipts. Remittance inflows to The Gambia amount to about one-fifth of the country’s GDP. The Gambia's location on the ocean and proximity to Europe has made it one of the most frequented tourist destinations in West Africa, boosted by private sector investments in eco-tourism and facilities. Tourism normally brings in about 20% of GDP, but it suffered in 2014 from tourists’ fears of Ebola virus in neighboring West African countries. Unemployment and underemployment remain high. Economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. International donors and lenders were concerned about the quality of fiscal management under the administration of former President Yahya JAMMEH, who reportedly stole hundreds of millions of dollars of the country’s funds during his 22 years in power, but anticipate significant improvements under the new administration of President Adama BARROW, who assumed power in early 2017. As of April 2017, the IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, and the African Development Bank were all negotiating with the new government of The Gambia to provide financial support in the coming months to ease the country’s financial crisis. The country faces a limited availability of foreign exchange, weak agricultural output, a border closure with Senegal, a slowdown in tourism, high inflation, a large fiscal deficit, and a high domestic debt burden that has crowded out private sector investment and driven interest rates to new highs. The government has committed to taking steps to reduce the deficit, including through expenditure caps, debt consolidation, and reform of state-owned enterprises. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $5.22 billion (2020 est.) $5.22 billion (2019 est.) $4.92 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.6% (2017 est.) 0.4% (2016 est.) 5.9% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,200 (2020 est.) $2,200 (2019 est.) $2,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1.746 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (2019 est.) 6.5% (2018 est.) 8% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 20.4% (2017 est.) industry: 14.2% (2017 est.) services: 65.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 90.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -2.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 20.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -40% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: groundnuts, milk, oil palm fruit, millet, sorghum, rice, maize, vegetables, cassava, fruit Industries: peanuts, fish, hides, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing Industrial production growth rate: -0.8% (2017 est.) Labor force: 777,100 (2007 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 75% industry: 19% services: 6% (1996 est.) Unemployment rate: NANA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 25.8% male: 21% female: 32.3% (2018 est.) Population below poverty line: 48.6% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35.9 (2015 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 36.9% (2003) Budget: revenues: 300.4 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 339 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 88% of GDP (2017 est.) 82.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$194 million (2017 est.) -$85 million (2016 est.) Exports: $350 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $448 million (2018 est.) $435 million (2017 est.) Exports - partners: China 38%, India 22%, Mali 7%, Chile 5% (2017) Exports - commodities: lumber, cashews, refined petroleum, fish oil, ground nut oil (2019) Imports: $620 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $851 million (2018 est.) $754 million (2017 est.) Imports - partners: China 33%, India 10%, Senegal 5%, Brazil 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: clothing and apparel, refined petroleum, rice, raw sugar, palm oil (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $170 million (31 December 2017 est.) $87.64 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $586.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $571.2 million (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 51.75 (2020 est.) 51.4 (2019 est.) 49.515 (2018 est.) 41.89 (2014 est.) 41.733 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 49% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 69% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 16% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 137,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 235.035 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 69.8 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 98.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 3,900 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 42 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 3,738 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 606,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 606,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 3.547 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 60,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2,677,954 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 111 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Gambia’s telecom market is dominated by the incumbent telco Gamtel, which retains a monopoly on fixed-line telephony services; there are five mobile networks providing effective competition, though Giraffe Telecom was only licensed in January 2022 and has not yet been allocated a frequency; the market leader is Africell, with about 62% of the market, while Comium and QCell compete closely for second and third place; Gamtel’s mobile unit Gamcel is by far the smallest network, having suffered from low investment in recent years; Comium has also suffered from financial difficulties: its failure to pay accumulated fees resulted in the government having sought a temporary suspension of its services in mid-2021; mobile subscriptions are well above the African average, itself a testament to the poor condition of the fixed-line infrastructure and the lack of availability of fixed services in many rural areas of the country; the incumbent has a relatively well-developed national fiber backbone network, low fixed-line subscriptions have hindered internet usage; there are only four licensed ISPs, which are small networks serving local areas, and so competition is minimal; their limited services are complemented by the fixed-wireless offerings of three of the MNOs; the government has embarked on a National Broadband Network program aimed at closing the digital divide affecting many parts of the country; Gamtel launched services based on this network in late 2019, though on a limited scale; despite efforts to improve internet connectivity, the country ranks among the lowest globally in terms of digital readiness. (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions nearly 2 per 100 with one dominant company and mobile-cellular teledensity nearly 111 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 220; landing point for the ACE submarine cable to West Africa and Europe; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 state-run TV-channel; one privately-owned TV-station; 1 Online TV-station; three state-owned radio station and 31 privately owned radio stations; eight community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available, some via shortwave radio; cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable in some parts of the country  (2019)1 state-run TV-channel; one privately-owned TV-station; 1 Online TV-station; three state-owned radio station and 31 privately owned radio stations; eight community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available, some via shortwave radio; cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable in some parts of the country  Internet country code: .gm Internet users: total: 894,166 (2020 est.) percent of population: 37% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 5,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 53,735 (2018) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: C5 Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 2,977 km (2011) paved: 518 km (2011) unpaved: 2,459 km (2011) Waterways: 390 km (2010) (on River Gambia; small oceangoing vessels can reach 190 km) Merchant marine: total: 8 by type: other 8 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Banjul Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Gambia Armed Forces: the Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambia Navy, Gambia Air Force, Republican National Guard (responsible for VIP protection, riot control, and presidential security) (2022) Military expenditures: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2020 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $25 million) 0.7% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $20 million) 0.7% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $20 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 3,000 active troops (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the GNA has a limited equipment inventory; since 2000, it has received only a few secondhand items (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (18-22 for officers); no conscription; service obligation 6 months (2021) Military - note: in 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent security forces to The Gambia to conduct stability operations and provide assistance and training following the 2016 election; as of 2022, the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) was comprised of about 1,000 military and gendarmerie personnel from Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) traces its origins to the Gambia Regiment of the British Army; established in 1901, the Gambia Regiment was part of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF, later Royal West African Frontier Force or RWAFF) and served in both World Wars, including the British 1944-45 military campaign in Burma; the Gambia Regiment was disbanded in 1958 and replaced by the Field Force, a police paramilitary unit; the Field Force was responsible for The Gambia’s security until the establishment of the Gambian Armed Forces in 1985; in addition, a defense agreement signed in 1965 between The Gambia and Senegal provided mutual assistance in the face of an external threat; from 1981-1989, The Gambia and Senegal formed a Confederal Army that was made up of two-thirds Senegalese and one-third Gambian soldiers the military in Gambia, including the Field Force, has a history of heavy involvement in the country’s politics, including multiple coups or coup attempts and mutinies; as of 2022, the Gambia Armed Forces’ principal responsibilities included aiding civil authorities in emergencies and providing natural disaster relief  in 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sent security forces to The Gambia to conduct stability operations and provide assistance and training following the 2016 election; as of 2022, the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) was comprised of about 1,000 military and gendarmerie personnel from Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegalthe Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) traces its origins to the Gambia Regiment of the British Army; established in 1901, the Gambia Regiment was part of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF, later Royal West African Frontier Force or RWAFF) and served in both World Wars, including the British 1944-45 military campaign in Burma; the Gambia Regiment was disbanded in 1958 and replaced by the Field Force, a police paramilitary unit; the Field Force was responsible for The Gambia’s security until the establishment of the Gambian Armed Forces in 1985; in addition, a defense agreement signed in 1965 between The Gambia and Senegal provided mutual assistance in the face of an external threat; from 1981-1989, The Gambia and Senegal formed a Confederal Army that was made up of two-thirds Senegalese and one-third Gambian soldiersthe military in Gambia, including the Field Force, has a history of heavy involvement in the country’s politics, including multiple coups or coup attempts and mutinies; as of 2022, the Gambia Armed Forces’ principal responsibilities included aiding civil authorities in emergencies and providing natural disaster relief  Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African statesattempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African states Trafficking in persons: current situation: The Gambia is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; Gambian women, children, and, to a lesser extent, boys are exploited for prostitution and domestic servitude; women, girls, and boys from West African countries are trafficked to the Gambia for sexual exploitation, particularly catering to European tourists seeking sex with children; some Gambian trafficking victims have been identified in neighboring West African countries and the UK; boys in some Koranic schools are forced into street vending or begging tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — The Gambia does not meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking, but it is making significant efforts to do so; the government has increased investigations, identified more trafficking victims, improved security at a Department of Social Welfare shelter, increased training for officials, and raised public awareness of the problem of trafficking; the government was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List during this rating period; despite these efforts, the government did not convict a trafficker for the third consecutive year; victim services remained inadequate, and some law enforcement officers reportedly requested  bribes to register trafficking complaints (2020)

20220901

countries-anguilla-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 1980, Anguilla became a separate British dependency.Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 1980, Anguilla became a separate British dependency. Topic: Geography Area: total: 91 sq km land: 91 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds Natural resources: salt, fish, lobster Topic: People and Society Population: 18,741 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: African/Black 85.3%, Hispanic 4.9%, mixed 3.8%, White 3.2%, East Indian/Indian 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.) Languages: English (official) Religions: Protestant 73.2% (includes Anglican 22.7%, Methodist 19.4%, Pentecostal 10.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.3%, Baptist 7.1%, Church of God 4.9%, Presbyterian 0.2%, Brethren 0.1%), Roman Catholic 6.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other Christian 10.9%, other 3.2%, unspecified 0.3%, none 4.5% (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 1.8% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary democracy (House of Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Capital: name: The Valley Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Dileeni DANIEL-SELVARATNAM (since 18 January 2021) head of government: Premier Dr. Ellis WEBSTER (since 30 June 2020); note -  starting in 2019, the title of head of government was changed to premier from chief minister of Anguilla Legislative branch: description: unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats; 7 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 2 appointed by the governor, and 2 ex officio members - the attorney general and deputy governor; members serve five-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: small, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinerysmall, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinery Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $175.4 million (2009 est.) Real GDP per capita: $12,200 (2008 est.) Agricultural products: small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising Industries: tourism, boat building, offshore financial services Exports: $7.9 million (2017 est.) Exports - commodities: lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum Imports: $186.2 million (2017 est.) Imports - commodities: fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -Page last updated: Wednesday, Jul 13, 2022

20220901

countries-russia

Topic: Photos of Russia Topic: Introduction Background: Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new ROMANOV Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia. Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament and other reforms. Devastating defeats and food shortages in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the ROMANOV Dynasty. The communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Iosif STALIN (1928-53) strengthened communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. After defeating Germany in World War II as part of an alliance with the US (1939-1945), the USSR expanded its territory and influence in Eastern Europe and emerged as a global power. The USSR was the principal adversary of the US during the Cold War (1947-1991). The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the decades following Stalin's rule, until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize communism, but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991 led to the dissolution of the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent states. Following economic and political turmoil during President Boris YELTSIN's term (1991-99), Russia shifted toward a centralized authoritarian state under President Vladimir PUTIN (2000-2008, 2012-present) in which the regime seeks to legitimize its rule through managed elections, populist appeals, a foreign policy focused on enhancing the country's geopolitical influence, and commodity-based economic growth. Russia faces a largely subdued rebel movement in Chechnya and some other surrounding regions, although violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus.Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new ROMANOV Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia. Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament and other reforms. Devastating defeats and food shortages in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the ROMANOV Dynasty. The communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Iosif STALIN (1928-53) strengthened communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. After defeating Germany in World War II as part of an alliance with the US (1939-1945), the USSR expanded its territory and influence in Eastern Europe and emerged as a global power. The USSR was the principal adversary of the US during the Cold War (1947-1991). The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the decades following Stalin's rule, until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize communism, but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991 led to the dissolution of the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent states.Following economic and political turmoil during President Boris YELTSIN's term (1991-99), Russia shifted toward a centralized authoritarian state under President Vladimir PUTIN (2000-2008, 2012-present) in which the regime seeks to legitimize its rule through managed elections, populist appeals, a foreign policy focused on enhancing the country's geopolitical influence, and commodity-based economic growth. Russia faces a largely subdued rebel movement in Chechnya and some other surrounding regions, although violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: North Asia bordering the Arctic Ocean, extending from Europe (the portion west of the Urals) to the North Pacific Ocean Geographic coordinates: 60 00 N, 100 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 17,098,242 sq km land: 16,377,742 sq km water: 720,500 sq km Area - comparative: approximately 1.8 times the size of the US Land boundaries: total: 22,407 km border countries (14): Azerbaijan 338 km; Belarus 1,312 km; China (southeast) 4,133 km and China (south) 46 km; Estonia 324 km; Finland 1,309 km; Georgia 894 km; Kazakhstan 7,644 km; North Korea 18 km; Latvia 332 km; Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 261 km; Mongolia 3,452 km; Norway 191 km; Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 209 km; Ukraine 1,944 km Coastline: 37,653 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast Terrain: broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions Elevation: highest point: Gora El'brus (highest point in Europe) 5,642 m lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m mean elevation: 600 m Natural resources: wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, bauxite, reserves of rare earth elements, timber, note, formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources Land use: agricultural land: 13.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.7% (2018 est.) forest: 49.4% (2018 est.) other: 37.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 43,000 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Baikal - 31,500 sq km; Lake Ladoga - 18,130 sq km; Lake Onega - 9,720 sq km; Lake Khanka (shared with China) - 5,010 sq km; Lake Peipus - 4,300 sq km; Ozero Vygozero - 1,250 sq km; Ozero Beloye - 1,120 sq km Salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan) - 374,000 sq km; Ozero Malyye Chany - 2,500 sq km; Curonian Lagoon (shared with Lithuania) - 1,620 sq km note - the Caspian Sea is the World's largest lake Major rivers (by length in km): Yenisey-Angara - 5,539 km; Ob-Irtysh - 5,410 km;  Amur river mouth (shared with China [s] and Mongolia) - 4,444 km; Lena - 4,400 km; Volga - 3,645 km; Kolyma - 2,513 km; Ural river source (shared with Kazakhstan [m]) - 2,428 km; Dnieper river source (shared with Belarus and Ukraine [m]) - 2,287 km; Don - 1,870 km; Pechora - 1,809 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Arctic Ocean drainage: Kolyma (679,934 sq km), Lena (2,306,743 sq km), Ob (2,972,493 sq km), Pechora (289,532 sq km), Yenisei (2,554,388 sq km) Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Don (458,694 sq km), Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Amur (1,929,955 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: (Caspian Sea basin) Volga (1,410,951 sq km) Major aquifers: Angara-Lena Basin, Pechora Basin, North Caucasus Basin, East European Aquifer System, West Siberian Basin, Tunguss Basin, Yakut Basin Population distribution: population is heavily concentrated in the westernmost fifth of the country extending from the Baltic Sea, south to the Caspian Sea, and eastward parallel to the Kazakh border; elsewhere, sizeable pockets are isolated and generally found in the south Natural hazards: permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European Russiavolcanism: significant volcanic activity on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands; the peninsula alone is home to some 29 historically active volcanoes, with dozens more in the Kuril Islands; Kliuchevskoi (4,835 m), which erupted in 2007 and 2010, is Kamchatka's most active volcano; Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, which pose a threat to the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, have been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Bezymianny, Chikurachki, Ebeko, Gorely, Grozny, Karymsky, Ketoi, Kronotsky, Ksudach, Medvezhia, Mutnovsky, Sarychev Peak, Shiveluch, Tiatia, Tolbachik, and Zheltovsky; see note 2 under "Geography - note"permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European Russiavolcanism: significant volcanic activity on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands; the peninsula alone is home to some 29 historically active volcanoes, with dozens more in the Kuril Islands; Kliuchevskoi (4,835 m), which erupted in 2007 and 2010, is Kamchatka's most active volcano; Avachinsky and Koryaksky volcanoes, which pose a threat to the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, have been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Bezymianny, Chikurachki, Ebeko, Gorely, Grozny, Karymsky, Ketoi, Kronotsky, Ksudach, Medvezhia, Mutnovsky, Sarychev Peak, Shiveluch, Tiatia, Tolbachik, and Zheltovsky; see note 2 under "Geography - note" Geography - note: note 1: largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture note 2: Russia's far east, particularly the Kamchatka Peninsula, lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 3: Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak; Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, is estimated to hold one fifth of the world's fresh surface water note 4: Kaliningrad oblast is an exclave annexed from Germany following World War II (it was formerly part of East Prussia); its capital city of Kaliningrad - formerly Koenigsberg - is the only Baltic port in Russia that remains ice free in the winternote 1: largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculturenote 2: Russia's far east, particularly the Kamchatka Peninsula, lies along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 3: Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak; Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world, is estimated to hold one fifth of the world's fresh surface water note 4: Kaliningrad oblast is an exclave annexed from Germany following World War II (it was formerly part of East Prussia); its capital city of Kaliningrad - formerly Koenigsberg - is the only Baltic port in Russia that remains ice free in the winter Map description: Russia map showing major cities as well as the many bordering countries and neighboring seas. Topic: People and Society Population: 142,021,981 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Russian(s) adjective: Russian Ethnic groups: Russian 77.7%, Tatar 3.7%, Ukrainian 1.4%, Bashkir 1.1%, Chuvash 1%, Chechen 1%, other 10.2%, unspecified 3.9% (2010 est.) note: nearly 200 national and/or ethnic groups are represented in Russia's 2010 census Languages: Russian (official) 85.7%, Tatar 3.2%, Chechen 1%, other 10.1%; note - data represent native language spoken (2010 est.) major-language sample(s): Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник базовой информации. (Russian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.) note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of official atheism under Soviet rule; Russia officially recognizes Orthodox Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism as the country's traditional religions Age structure: 0-14 years: 17.24% (male 12,551,611/female 11,881,297) 15-24 years: 9.54% (male 6,920,070/female 6,602,776) 25-54 years: 43.38% (male 30,240,260/female 31,245,104) 55-64 years: 14.31% (male 8,808,330/female 11,467,697) 65 years and over: 15.53% (2020 est.) (male 7,033,381/female 14,971,679) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 51.2 youth dependency ratio: 27.8 elderly dependency ratio: 23.5 potential support ratio: 4.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 40.3 years male: 37.5 years female: 43.2 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.22% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 9.45 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 13.36 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population is heavily concentrated in the westernmost fifth of the country extending from the Baltic Sea, south to the Caspian Sea, and eastward parallel to the Kazakh border; elsewhere, sizeable pockets are isolated and generally found in the south Urbanization: urban population: 75.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 12.641 million MOSCOW (capital), 5.536 million Saint Petersburg, 1.686 million Novosibirsk, 1.521 million Yekaterinburg, 1.286 million Kazan, 1.253 million Nizhniy Novgorod (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.78 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.36 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 25.2 years (2013 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 17 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.42 deaths/1,000 live births male: 7.28 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.44 years male: 66.92 years female: 78.3 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 68% (2011) note: percent of women aged 15-44 Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.1% of population rural: 93.1% of population total: 97.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population rural: 6.9% of population total: 2.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.7% (2019) Physicians density: 3.82 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 7.1 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 95.2% of population rural: 72.3% of population total: 89.4% of population unimproved: urban: 4.8% of population rural: 27.7% of population total: 10.6% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.2% (2017 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1 million (2017 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tickborne encephalitis note: widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring throughout the Russia; as of 18 August 2022, Russia has reported a total of 19,000,055 cases of COVID-19 or 13,019.58 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 383,362 cumulative deaths or a rate of 262.69 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 14 August 2022, 57.13% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 23.1% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 26.8% (2020 est.) male: 40.8% (2020 est.) female: 12.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 4.7% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.7% male: 99.7% female: 99.7% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years male: 16 years female: 16 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17% male: 16% female: 18.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; nuclear waste disposal; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management; abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94 Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 13.75 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1,732.03 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 851.52 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast Land use: agricultural land: 13.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.7% (2018 est.) forest: 49.4% (2018 est.) other: 37.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 75.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.29% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.53% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tickborne encephalitis note: widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring throughout the Russia; as of 18 August 2022, Russia has reported a total of 19,000,055 cases of COVID-19 or 13,019.58 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 383,362 cumulative deaths or a rate of 262.69 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 14 August 2022, 57.13% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 60 million tons (2012 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2.7 million tons (2012 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4.5% (2012 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Baikal - 31,500 sq km; Lake Ladoga - 18,130 sq km; Lake Onega - 9,720 sq km; Lake Khanka (shared with China) - 5,010 sq km; Lake Peipus - 4,300 sq km; Ozero Vygozero - 1,250 sq km; Ozero Beloye - 1,120 sq km Salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan) - 374,000 sq km; Ozero Malyye Chany - 2,500 sq km; Curonian Lagoon (shared with Lithuania) - 1,620 sq km note - the Caspian Sea is the World's largest lake Major rivers (by length in km): Yenisey-Angara - 5,539 km; Ob-Irtysh - 5,410 km;  Amur river mouth (shared with China [s] and Mongolia) - 4,444 km; Lena - 4,400 km; Volga - 3,645 km; Kolyma - 2,513 km; Ural river source (shared with Kazakhstan [m]) - 2,428 km; Dnieper river source (shared with Belarus and Ukraine [m]) - 2,287 km; Don - 1,870 km; Pechora - 1,809 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Arctic Ocean drainage: Kolyma (679,934 sq km), Lena (2,306,743 sq km), Ob (2,972,493 sq km), Pechora (289,532 sq km), Yenisei (2,554,388 sq km) Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Don (458,694 sq km), Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Amur (1,929,955 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: (Caspian Sea basin) Volga (1,410,951 sq km) Major aquifers: Angara-Lena Basin, Pechora Basin, North Caucasus Basin, East European Aquifer System, West Siberian Basin, Tunguss Basin, Yakut Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 17.71 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 28.04 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 18.66 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 4,525,445,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Russian Federation conventional short form: Russia local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya local short form: Rossiya former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic etymology: Russian lands were generally referred to as Muscovy until PETER I officially declared the Russian Empire in 1721; the new name sought to invoke the patrimony of the medieval eastern European Rus state centered on Kyiv in present-day Ukraine; the Rus were a Varangian (eastern Viking) elite that imposed their rule and eventually their name on their Slavic subjects Government type: semi-presidential federation Capital: name: Moscow geographic coordinates: 55 45 N, 37 36 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: does not observe daylight savings time time zone note: Russia has 11 time zones, the largest number of contiguous time zones of any country in the world; in 2014, two time zones were added and DST dropped etymology: named after the Moskva River; the origin of the river's name is obscure but may derive from the appellation "Mustajoki" given to the river by the Finno-Ugric people who originally inhabited the area and whose meaning may have been "dark" or "turbid" Administrative divisions: 46 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast), 21 republics (respubliki, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous okrugs (avtonomnyye okrugi, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 9 krays (kraya, singular - kray), 2 federal cities (goroda, singular - gorod), and 1 autonomous oblast (avtonomnaya oblast') oblasts: Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangelsk, Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk, Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orenburg, Orel, Penza, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan, Sakhalin (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver, Tyumen, Ulyanovsk, Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl republics: Adygeya (Maykop), Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Bashkortostan (Ufa), Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashiya (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Ingushetiya (Magas), Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik), Kalmykiya (Elista), Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk), Kareliya (Petrozavodsk), Khakasiya (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola), Mordoviya (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Sakha [Yakutiya] (Yakutsk), Tatarstan (Kazan), Tyva (Kyzyl), Udmurtiya (Izhevsk) autonomous okrugs: Chukotka (Anadyr'), Khanty-Mansi-Yugra (Khanty-Mansiysk), Nenets (Nar'yan-Mar), Yamalo-Nenets (Salekhard) krays: Altay (Barnaul), Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm, Primorskiy [Maritime] (Vladivostok), Stavropol, Zabaykalsk [Transbaikal] (Chita) federal cities: Moscow [Moskva], Saint Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg] autonomous oblast: Yevreyskaya [Jewish] (Birobidzhan) note 1: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) note 2: the United States does not recognize Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the municipality of Sevastopol, nor their redesignation as the "Republic of Crimea" and the "Federal City of Sevastopol"46 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast), 21 republics (respubliki, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous okrugs (avtonomnyye okrugi, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 9 krays (kraya, singular - kray), 2 federal cities (goroda, singular - gorod), and 1 autonomous oblast (avtonomnaya oblast')oblasts: Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangelsk, Astrakhan, Belgorod, Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk, Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orenburg, Orel, Penza, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan, Sakhalin (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver, Tyumen, Ulyanovsk, Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavlrepublics: Adygeya (Maykop), Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Bashkortostan (Ufa), Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashiya (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Ingushetiya (Magas), Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik), Kalmykiya (Elista), Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk), Kareliya (Petrozavodsk), Khakasiya (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola), Mordoviya (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Sakha [Yakutiya] (Yakutsk), Tatarstan (Kazan), Tyva (Kyzyl), Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)autonomous okrugs: Chukotka (Anadyr'), Khanty-Mansi-Yugra (Khanty-Mansiysk), Nenets (Nar'yan-Mar), Yamalo-Nenets (Salekhard)krays: Altay (Barnaul), Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm, Primorskiy [Maritime] (Vladivostok), Stavropol, Zabaykalsk [Transbaikal] (Chita)federal cities: Moscow [Moskva], Saint Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg] Independence: 25 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union; Russian SFSR renamed Russian Federation); notable earlier dates: 1157 (Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal created); 16 January 1547 (Tsardom of Muscovy established); 22 October 1721 (Russian Empire proclaimed); 30 December 1922 (Soviet Union established) National holiday: Russia Day, 12 June (1990); note - commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) Constitution: history: several previous (during Russian Empire and Soviet era); latest drafted 12 July 1993, adopted by referendum 12 December 1993, effective 25 December 1993 amendments: proposed by the president of the Russian Federation, by either house of the Federal Assembly, by the government of the Russian Federation, or by legislative (representative) bodies of the Federation's constituent entities; proposals to amend the government’s constitutional system, human and civil rights and freedoms, and procedures for amending or drafting a new constitution require formation of a Constitutional Assembly; passage of such amendments requires two-thirds majority vote of its total membership; passage in a referendum requires participation of an absolute majority of eligible voters and an absolute majority of valid votes; approval of proposed amendments to the government structure, authorities, and procedures requires approval by the legislative bodies of at least two thirds of the Russian Federation's constituent entities; amended several times, last in 2020 Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts 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 Russia dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 3-5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 7 May 2012) head of government: Premier Mikhail MISHUSTIN (since 16 January 2020); First Deputy Premier Andrey Removich BELOUSOV (since 21 January 2020); Deputy Premiers Yuriy TRUTNEV (since 31 August 2013), Yuriy Ivanovich BORISOV, Tatiana Alekseyevna GOLIKOVA (since 18 May 2018), Dmitriy Yuriyevich GRIGORENKO, Viktoriya Valeriyevna ABRAMCHENKO, Aleksey Logvinovich OVERCHUK, Marat Shakirzyanovich KHUSNULLIN, Dmitriy Nikolayevich CHERNYSHENKO (since 21 January 2020), Aleksandr NOVAK (since 10 November 2020) cabinet: the "Government" is composed of the premier, his deputies, and ministers, all appointed by the president; the premier is also confirmed by the Duma elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term (2020 constitutional amendments allow a second consecutive term); election last held on 18 March 2018 (next to be held in March 2024); note - for the 2024 presidential election, previous presidential terms are discounted; there is no vice president; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the Duma election results: 2018: Vladimir PUTIN reelected president; percent of vote - Vladimir PUTIN (independent) 77.5%, Pavel GRUDININ (CPRF) 11.9%, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKIY (LDPR) 5.7%, other 4.9%; Mikhail MISHUSTIN (independent) approved as premier by Duma; vote - 383 to 0 2012: Vladimir PUTIN elected president; percent of vote - Vladimir PUTIN (United Russia) 63.6%, Gennadiy ZYUGANOV (CPRF) 17.2%, Mikhail PROKHOROV (CP) 8%, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKIY (LDPR) 6.2%, Sergey MIRONOV (A Just Russia) 3.9%, other 1.1%; Dmitriy MEDVEDEV (United Russia) approved as premier by Duma; vote - 299 to 144 note: there is also a Presidential Administration that provides staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a Security Council also reports directly to the president Legislative branch: description: bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists of: Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (170 seats; 2 members in each of the 83 federal administrative units (see note below) - oblasts, krays, republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and federal cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg - appointed by the top executive and legislative officials; members serve 4-year terms) State Duma or Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats (see note below); as of February 2014, the electoral system reverted to a mixed electoral system for the 2016 election, in which one-half of the members are directly elected by simple majority vote and one-half directly elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: State Duma - last held 17 - 19 September 2021 (next to be held in September 2026) election results: Federation Council (members appointed); composition (as of October 2021) - men 132, women 37, percent of women 21.8% State Duma - United Russia 50.9%, CPRF 19.3%, LDPR 7.7%, A Just Russia 7.6%, New People 5.3% other minor parties and Independents 9.2%; seats by party - United Russia 324, CPRF 57, LDPR 21, A Just Russia 27, New People 13; Rodina 1, CP 1, Party of Growth 1, independent 5; composition - men 377, women 73, percent of women 16.2%; note - total Federal Assembly percent of women 17.7% note 1: the State Duma now includes 3 representatives from the "Republic of Crimea," while the Federation Council includes 2 each from the "Republic of Crimea" and the "Federal City of Sevastopol," both regions that Russia occupied and attempted to annex from Ukraine and that the US does not recognize as part of RussiaState Duma - United Russia 50.9%, CPRF 19.3%, LDPR 7.7%, A Just Russia 7.6%, New People 5.3% other minor parties and Independents 9.2%; seats by party - United Russia 324, CPRF 57, LDPR 21, A Just Russia 27, New People 13; Rodina 1, CP 1, Party of Growth 1, independent 5; composition - men 377, women 73, percent of women 16.2%; note - total Federal Assembly percent of women 17.7% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of the Russian Federation (consists of 170 members organized into the Judicial Panel for Civil Affairs, the Judicial Panel for Criminal Affairs, and the Military Panel); Constitutional Court (consists of 11 members, including the chairperson and deputy); note - in February 2014, Russia’s Higher Court of Arbitration was abolished and its former authorities transferred to the Supreme Court, which in addition is the country’s highest judicial authority for appeals, civil, criminal, administrative, and military cases, and the disciplinary judicial board, which has jurisdiction over economic disputes judge selection and term of office: all members of Russia's 3 highest courts nominated by the president and appointed by the Federation Council (the upper house of the legislature); members of all 3 courts appointed for life subordinate courts: regional (kray) and provincial (oblast) courts; Moscow and St. Petersburg city courts; autonomous province and district courts; note - the 21 Russian Republics have court systems specified by their own constitutions Political parties and leaders: A Just Russia [Sergey MIRONOV] Civic Platform or CP [Rifat SHAYKHUTDINOV] Communist Party of the Russian Federation or CPRF [Gennadiy ZYUGANOV] Liberal Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR [Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKIY] New People  [Alexey NECHAYEV] Party of Growth [Irina MIRONOVA] Rodina [Aleksei ZHURAVLYOV] United Russia [Dmitriy MEDVEDEV] note: 31 political parties are registered with Russia's Ministry of Justice (as of September 2021); 14 participated in the 2021 election, but only 8 parties maintain representation in Russia's national legislature International organization participation: APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, BRICS, BSEC, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN (observer), CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAEU, EAPC, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UN Security Council (permanent), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Anatoliy Ivanovich ANTONOV (since 8 September 2017) chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700 FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735 email address and website: rusembusa@mid.ru https://washington.mid.ru/en/ consulate(s) general: Houston, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John J. SULLIVAN (since 5 February 2021) embassy: 55,75566° N, 37,58028° E mailing address: 5430 Moscow Place, Washington DC  20521-5430 telephone: [7] (495) 728-5000 FAX: [7] (495) 728-5090 email address and website: MoscowACS@state.gov https://ru.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Vladivostok (suspended status), Yekaterinburg (suspended status) Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red note: the colors may have been based on those of the Dutch flag; despite many popular interpretations, there is no official meaning assigned to the colors of the Russian flag; this flag inspired several other Slav countries to adopt horizontal tricolors of the same colors but in different arrangements, and so red, blue, and white became the Pan-Slav colors National symbol(s): bear, double-headed eagle; national colors: white, blue, red National anthem: name: "Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii" (National Anthem of the Russian Federation) lyrics/music: Sergey Vladimirovich MIKHALKOV/Aleksandr Vasilyevich ALEKSANDROV note: in 2000, Russia adopted the tune of the anthem of the former Soviet Union (composed in 1939); the lyrics, also adopted in 2000, were written by the same person who authored the Soviet lyrics in 1943 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 30 (19 cultural, 11 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow (c); Historic Saint Petersburg (c); Novodevichy Convent (c); Historic Monuments of Novgorod (c); Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad (c); Volcanoes of Kamchatka (n); Lake Baikal (n); Central Sikhote-Alin (n); Historic Derbent (c); Kazan Kremlin (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a centrally planned economy towards a more market-based system. Both economic growth and reform have stalled in recent years, however, and Russia remains a predominantly statist economy with a high concentration of wealth in officials' hands. Economic reforms in the 1990s privatized most industry, with notable exceptions in the energy, transportation, banking, and defense-related sectors. The protection of property rights is still weak, and the state continues to interfere in the free operation of the private sector.   Russia is one of the world's leading producers of oil and natural gas, and is also a top exporter of metals such as steel and primary aluminum. Russia is heavily dependent on the movement of world commodity prices as reliance on commodity exports makes it vulnerable to boom and bust cycles that follow the volatile swings in global prices. The economy, which had averaged 7% growth during the 1998-2008 period as oil prices rose rapidly, has seen diminishing growth rates since then due to the exhaustion of Russia’s commodity-based growth model.   A combination of falling oil prices, international sanctions, and structural limitations pushed Russia into a deep recession in 2015, with GDP falling by close to 2.8%. The downturn continued through 2016, with GDP contracting another 0.2%, but was reversed in 2017 as world demand picked up. Government support for import substitution has increased recently in an effort to diversify the economy away from extractive industries.Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a centrally planned economy towards a more market-based system. Both economic growth and reform have stalled in recent years, however, and Russia remains a predominantly statist economy with a high concentration of wealth in officials' hands. Economic reforms in the 1990s privatized most industry, with notable exceptions in the energy, transportation, banking, and defense-related sectors. The protection of property rights is still weak, and the state continues to interfere in the free operation of the private sector. Russia is one of the world's leading producers of oil and natural gas, and is also a top exporter of metals such as steel and primary aluminum. Russia is heavily dependent on the movement of world commodity prices as reliance on commodity exports makes it vulnerable to boom and bust cycles that follow the volatile swings in global prices. The economy, which had averaged 7% growth during the 1998-2008 period as oil prices rose rapidly, has seen diminishing growth rates since then due to the exhaustion of Russia’s commodity-based growth model. A combination of falling oil prices, international sanctions, and structural limitations pushed Russia into a deep recession in 2015, with GDP falling by close to 2.8%. The downturn continued through 2016, with GDP contracting another 0.2%, but was reversed in 2017 as world demand picked up. Government support for import substitution has increased recently in an effort to diversify the economy away from extractive industries. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3,875,690,000,000 (2020 est.) $3,993,550,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,913,980,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 1.34% (2019 est.) 2.54% (2018 est.) 1.83% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $26,500 (2020 est.) $27,200 (2019 est.) $26,700 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1,702,361,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.4% (2019 est.) 2.8% (2018 est.) 3.7% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB (2019) Moody's rating: Baa3 (2019) Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2018) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 4.7% (2017 est.) industry: 32.4% (2017 est.) services: 62.3% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 52.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -20.6% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, sugar beet, milk, potatoes, barley, sunflower seed, maize, poultry, oats, soybeans Industries: complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; defense industries (including radar, missile production, advanced electronic components), shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts Industrial production growth rate: -1% (2017 est.) Labor force: 69.923 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 9.4% industry: 27.6% services: 63% (2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.6% (2019 est.) 4.8% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17% male: 16% female: 18.2% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 12.6% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 37.5 (2018 est.) 41.9 (2013) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 32.2% (2012 est.) Budget: revenues: 258.6 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 281.4 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 15.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 16.1% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Taxes and other revenues: 16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $65.311 billion (2019 est.) $115.68 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $379.12 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $481.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $508.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: China 14%, Netherlands 10%, Belarus 5%, Germany 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, coal, wheat, iron (2019) Imports: $304.68 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $353.25 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $343.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 20%, Germany 13%, Belarus 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment, aircraft, computers (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $432.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $377.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $479.844 billion (2019 est.) $484.355 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Russian rubles (RUB) per US dollar - 73.7569 (2020 est.) 63.66754 (2019 est.) 66.2 (2018 est.) 60.938 (2014 est.) 38.378 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 276.463 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 942,895,420,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 12.116 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.377 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 99.077 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 59.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 21% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 19.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 447.332 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 266.038 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 224.324 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 24.027 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 162.166 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 10,749,500 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 3.699 million bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 5.196 million barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 14,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 80 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 6.076 million bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 2.671 million bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 41,920 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 701,544,189,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 460,612,169,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 250,854,510,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 16,112,146,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 47,805,215,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 1,848,070,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 456.033 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 470.289 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 921.748 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 227.898 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 25,892,405 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 238,733,217 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 164 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: telecom market is the largest in Europe, supported by a population approaching 147 million; the overall market is dominated by the western regions, particularly Moscow and St Petersburg which are the main cities and economic centres; all sectors of the market have been liberalised, with competition most prevalent in the two largest regional markets; the incumbent telco Rostelecom, which absorbed most of the regional players, in late 2019 acquired the remaining 55% of Tele2 Russia which it did not already own; Telcos continue to deploy and modernise fixed-line network infrastructure to offer improved broadband services as well as a range of IP-delivered content; tthe fibre broadband sector has shown considerable growth, supported by the government’s program to extend the reach of broadband to outlying regions; MegaFon is thus far the only MNO to provide commercial 5G services. (2021) domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are available in many areas; in rural areas, telephone services are still outdated, inadequate, and low-density; nearly 19 per 100 for fixed-line and mobile-cellular a bit over 164 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 7; landing points for the Far East Submarine Cable System, HSCS, Sakhalin-Kuril Island Cable, RSCN, BCS North-Phase 2, Kerch Strait Cable and the Georgia-Russian submarine cable system connecting Russia, Japan, Finland, Georgia and Ukraine; satellite earth stations provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Orbita systems (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: 13 national TV stations with the federal government owning 1 and holding a controlling interest in a second; state-owned Gazprom maintains a controlling interest in 2 of the national channels; government-affiliated Bank Rossiya owns controlling interest in a fourth and fifth, while a sixth national channel is owned by the Moscow city administration; the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian military, respectively, own 2 additional national channels; roughly 3,300 national, regional, and local TV stations with over two-thirds completely or partially controlled by the federal or local governments; satellite TV services are available; 2 state-run national radio networks with a third majority-owned by Gazprom; roughly 2,400 public and commercial radio stations Internet country code: .ru; note - Russia also has responsibility for a legacy domain ".su" that was allocated to the Soviet Union and is being phased out Internet users: total: 122,488,468 (2020 est.) percent of population: 85% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 33,893,305 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 32 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 958 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 99,327,311 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 6,810,610,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: RA Airports: total: 1,218 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 594 over 3,047 m: 54 2,438 to 3,047 m: 197 1,524 to 2,437 m: 123 914 to 1,523 m: 95 under 914 m: 125 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 624 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 13 1,524 to 2,437 m: 69 914 to 1,523 m: 81 under 914 m: 457 (2021) Heliports: 49 (2021) Pipelines: 177,700 km gas, 54,800 km oil, 19,300 km refined products (2017) Railways: total: 87,157 km (2014) narrow gauge: 957 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island) broad gauge: 86,200 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified) note: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrier lines serve industries Roadways: total: 1,283,387 km (2012) paved: 927,721 km (2012) (includes 39,143 km of expressways) unpaved: 355,666 km (2012) Waterways: 102,000 km (2009) (including 48,000 km with guaranteed depth; the 72,000-km system in European Russia links Baltic Sea, White Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, and Black Sea) Merchant marine: total: 2,873 by type: bulk carrier 13, container ship 17, general cargo 946, oil tanker 406, other 1,491 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Arctic Ocean: Arkhangelsk, Murmansk Baltic Sea: Kaliningrad, Primorsk, Saint Petersburg Black Sea: Novorossiysk Pacific Ocean: Nakhodka, Vladivostok, Vostochnyy oil terminal(s): Kavkaz oil terminal, Primorsk container port(s) (TEUs): Saint Petersburg (2,221,724) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (export): Sabetta, Sakhalin Island river port(s): Astrakhan, Kazan (Volga River); Rostov-on-Don (Don River); Saint Petersburg (Neva River) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of the Russian Federation: Ground Troops (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Aerospace Forces (Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye Sily, VKS); Airborne Troops (Vozdushno-Desantnyye Voyska, VDV), and Missile Troops of Strategic Purpose (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN) referred to commonly as Strategic Rocket Forces, are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches Federal National Guard Troops Service of the Russian Federation (National Guard (FSVNG), Russian Guard, or Rosgvardiya): created in 2016 as an independent agency for internal/regime security, combating terrorism and narcotics trafficking, protecting important state facilities and government personnel, and supporting border security; forces under the National Guard include the Special Purpose Mobile Units (OMON), Special Rapid Response Detachment (SOBR), and Interior Troops (VV); these troops were originally under the command of the Interior Ministry (MVD); also nominally under the National Guard’s command are the forces of Chechen Republic head Ramzan KADYROV Federal Security Services (FSB): Federal Border Guard Service (includes land and maritime forces) (2022) note: the Air Force and Aerospace Defense Forces were merged into the VKS in 2015; VKS responsibilities also include launching military and dual‐use satellites, maintaining military satellites, and monitoring and defending against space threats Military expenditures: 4% of GDP (2021 est.) 4% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.8% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $104 billion) 3.7% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $100 billion) 4.2% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $104 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, approximately 850,000 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 (Feb 2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Russian Federation's military and paramilitary services are equipped with domestically-produced weapons systems, although since 2010 Russia has imported limited amounts of military hardware from several countries, including Czechia, France, Israel, Italy, Turkey, and Ukraine; the Russian defense industry is capable of designing, developing, and producing a full range of advanced air, land, missile, and naval systems; Russia is the world's second largest exporter of military hardware (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for compulsory service (males only); 18-40 for voluntary/contractual service; women and non-Russian citizens (18-30) may volunteer; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; 1-year service obligation (Russia offers the option of serving on a 2-year contract instead of completing a 1-year conscription period); reserve obligation for non-officers to age 50; enrollment in military schools from the age of 16, cadets classified as members of the armed forces (2022) note 1: in May 2022, Russia's parliament approved a law removing the upper age limit for contractual service in the military note 2: in the spring of 2022, Russia drafted 134,500 conscripts into the military; as of 2021, conscripts reportedly comprised about 30% of the Russian military's active duty personnel; in April of 2019, the Russian Government pledged its intent to end conscription as part of a decade-long effort to shift from a large, conscript-based military to a smaller, more professional force; an existing law allows for a 21-month alternative civil service for conscripts in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities for those who view military duty as incompatible with their beliefs, but military conscription offices reportedly often broadly ignore requests for such service note 3: as of 2020, women made up about 5% of the active duty military Military deployments: information varies; approximately 3,000-4,000 Armenia; approximately 2,000 Azerbaijan (peacekeepers for Nagorno-Karabakh); estimated 3,000-5,000 Belarus; approximately 7,000-10,000 Georgia; approximately 500 Kyrgyzstan; approximately 1,500 Moldova (Transnistria); estimated 3,000-5,000 Syria; approximately 5,000-7,000 Tajikistan (February 2022) note 1: in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine with an estimated 150,000 troops; prior to the invasion, it maintained an estimated 30,000 troops in areas of Ukraine occupied since 2014 note 2: prior to the invasion of Ukraine, Russia was assessed to have about 3,000-5,000 private military contractors conducting military and security operations in Africa, including in the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, and Sudan Military - note: as of 2022, Russian military forces continued to conduct active combat operations in Syria; Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war at the request of the ASAD government in September 2015; Russian assistance included air support, special operations forces, military advisors, private military contractors, training, arms, and equipment Russia is the leading member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and contributes approximately 8,000 troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force (2022) Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in Appendix-T Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Russia remains concerned about the smuggling of poppy derivatives from Afghanistan through Central Asian countries Russia-China: Russia and China have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border disputes Russia-Denmark-Norway: Denmark (Greenland) and Norway have made submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), and Russia is collecting additional data to augment its 2001 CLCS submission Russia and Estonia: Russia and Estonia signed a technical border agreement in May 2005, but Russia recalled its signature in June 2005 after the Estonian parliament added to its domestic ratification act a historical preamble referencing the Soviet occupation and Estonia's pre-war borders under the 1920 Treaty of Tartu; Russia contends that the preamble allows Estonia to make territorial claims on Russia in the future, while Estonian officials deny that the preamble has any legal impact on the treaty text; negotiations were reopened in 2012, and a treaty was signed in 2014 without the disputed preamble, but neither country has ratified it as of 2020 Russia-Finland: various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union following World War II but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands Russia-Georgia: Russia's military support and subsequent recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia independence in 2008 continue to sour relations with Georgia; in 2011, Russia began to put up fences and barbed wire to fortify South Ossetia, physically dividing villages in the process; Russia continues to move the South Ossetia border fences further into Georgian territory Russia-Japan: the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities Russia-Kazakhstan: Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005; field demarcation commenced in 2007 and was expected to be completed by 2013 Russia-Lithuania: Russia and Lithuania committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; border demarcation was completed in 2018; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules apply Russia-North Korea: none identified Russia-Norway: Russia and Norway signed a comprehensive maritime boundary agreement in 2010, opening the disputed territory for oil and natural gas exploration; a visa-free travel agreement for persons living near the border went into effect in May 2012 Russia-Ukraine: Russia remains involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine while also occupying Ukraine’s territory of Crimea; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov is suspended due to the occupation of Crimea by Russia Russia-US: Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US; the southwesterly "Western Limit" places about 70% of the Bering Sea under U.S. maritime jurisdiction Russia-various: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia ratified Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on a one-fifth slice of the sea  Russia remains concerned about the smuggling of poppy derivatives from Afghanistan through Central Asian countriesRussia-China: Russia and China have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border disputesRussia-Denmark-Norway: Denmark (Greenland) and Norway have made submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), and Russia is collecting additional data to augment its 2001 CLCS submissionRussia and Estonia: Russia and Estonia signed a technical border agreement in May 2005, but Russia recalled its signature in June 2005 after the Estonian parliament added to its domestic ratification act a historical preamble referencing the Soviet occupation and Estonia's pre-war borders under the 1920 Treaty of Tartu; Russia contends that the preamble allows Estonia to make territorial claims on Russia in the future, while Estonian officials deny that the preamble has any legal impact on the treaty text; negotiations were reopened in 2012, and a treaty was signed in 2014 without the disputed preamble, but neither country has ratified it as of 2020Russia-Finland: various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union following World War II but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demandsRussia-Georgia: Russia's military support and subsequent recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia independence in 2008 continue to sour relations with Georgia; in 2011, Russia began to put up fences and barbed wire to fortify South Ossetia, physically dividing villages in the process; Russia continues to move the South Ossetia border fences further into Georgian territoryRussia-Japan: the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilitiesRussia-Kazakhstan: Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005; field demarcation commenced in 2007 and was expected to be completed by 2013Russia-Lithuania: Russia and Lithuania committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; border demarcation was completed in 2018; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules applyRussia-North Korea: none identifiedRussia-Norway: Russia and Norway signed a comprehensive maritime boundary agreement in 2010, opening the disputed territory for oil and natural gas exploration; a visa-free travel agreement for persons living near the border went into effect in May 2012Russia-Ukraine: Russia remains involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine while also occupying Ukraine’s territory of Crimea; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov is suspended due to the occupation of Crimea by RussiaRussia-US: Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US; the southwesterly "Western Limit" places about 70% of the Bering Sea under U.S. maritime jurisdictionRussia-various: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia ratified Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on a one-fifth slice of the sea  Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 2,197,679 (Ukraine) (as of 16 August 2022) stateless persons: 56,960 (mid-year 2021); note - Russia's stateless population consists of Roma, Meskhetian Turks, and ex-Soviet citizens from the former republics; between 2003 and 2010 more than 600,000 stateless people were naturalized; most Meskhetian Turks, followers of Islam with origins in Georgia, fled or were evacuated from Uzbekistan after a 1989 pogrom and have lived in Russia for more than the required five-year residency period; they continue to be denied registration for citizenship and basic rights by local Krasnodar Krai authorities on the grounds that they are temporary illegal migrants Trafficking in persons: current situation: Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking, although labor trafficking is the predominant problem; people from Russia and other countries in Europe, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and Asia, including Vietnam and North Korea, are subjected to conditions of forced labor in Russia’s construction, manufacturing, agriculture, repair shop, and domestic services industries, as well as forced begging and narcotics cultivation; North Koreans contracted under bilateral government arrangements to work in the timber industry in the Russian Far East reportedly are subjected to forced labor; Russian women and children were reported to be victims of sex trafficking in Russia, Northeast Asia, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, while women from European, African, and Central Asian countries were reportedly forced into prostitution in Russia tier rating: Tier 3 — Russia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, is not making significant efforts to do, and remains in Tier 3; the government took some steps to address trafficking by convicting some traffickers, facilitating the return of Russian children from Iraq and Syria, and identifying some victims, including foreign nationals; however, there was a government policy of forced labor, the number of victims identified was negligible, and authorities penalized potential victims without screening for signs of trafficking; the government offered no funding or programs for trafficking victims’ rehabilitation, prosecutions remained low compared with the scope of Russia’s trafficking problem, no national anti-trafficking strategy has been drafted, and government agencies have not been assigned roles or responsibilities (2020) Illicit drugs: a destination country for Afghan opium and heroin; a transit country for cocaine from South America, especially Ecuador to Europe, Belgium and Netherlands; synthetic drugs are produced in clandestine drug laboratories throughout the country; cannabis cultivated in Russian Far East and the North Caucasus; the majority of hashish is smuggled in from Northern Africaa destination country for Afghan opium and heroin; a transit country for cocaine from South America, especially Ecuador to Europe, Belgium and Netherlands; synthetic drugs are produced in clandestine drug laboratories throughout the country; cannabis cultivated in Russian Far East and the North Caucasus; the majority of hashish is smuggled in from Northern Africa

20220901

oceans-indian-ocean

Topic: Photos of Indian Ocean Topic: Introduction Background: The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger than the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia).The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Indian Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: body of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia, and Australia Geographic coordinates: 20 00 S, 80 00 E Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 70.56 million sq km note: includes Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Mozambique Channel, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Savu Sea, Strait of Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies Area - comparative: almost 7 times the size of the US Coastline: 66,526 km Climate: northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February in the southern Indian Ocean Terrain: surface dominated by a major gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean and a unique reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridge major surface currents: the counterclockwise Indian Ocean Gyre comprised of the southward flowing warm Agulhas and East Madagascar Currents in the west, the eastward flowing South Indian Current in the south, the northward flowing cold West Australian Current in the east, and the westward flowing South Equatorial Current in the north; a distinctive annual reversal of surface currents occurs in the northern Indian Ocean; low atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast winds and clockwise currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and northeast-to-southwest winds and counterclockwise currentssurface dominated by a major gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean and a unique reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean; ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninetyeast Ridgemajor surface currents: the counterclockwise Indian Ocean Gyre comprised of the southward flowing warm Agulhas and East Madagascar Currents in the west, the eastward flowing South Indian Current in the south, the northward flowing cold West Australian Current in the east, and the westward flowing South Equatorial Current in the north; a distinctive annual reversal of surface currents occurs in the northern Indian Ocean; low atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast winds and clockwise currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and northeast-to-southwest winds and counterclockwise currents Volume: ocean volume: 264 million cu km percent of World Ocean total volume: 19.8% Elevation: highest point: sea level lowest point: Java Trench -7,192 m unnamed deep mean depth: -3,741 m ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m. The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth. The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible. The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness. Natural resources: oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules Natural hazards: occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in southern reaches Geography - note: major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait Map description: Indian Ocean map highlights the Ocean in relation to surrounding continents and shows the major chokepoints.Indian Ocean map highlights the Ocean in relation to surrounding continents and shows the major chokepoints. Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: marine pollution caused by ocean dumping, waste disposal, and oil spills; deep sea mining; oil pollution in Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea; coral reefs threatened due climate change, direct human pressures, and inadequate governance, awareness, and political will; loss of biodiversity; endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and whales Marine fisheries: the Indian Ocean fisheries are the third most important in the world accounting for 15.3%, or 12,248,064 mt of the global catch in 2019; tuna, small pelagic fish, and shrimp are important species in these regions; the Food and Agriculture Organization delineated two fishing regions in the Indian Ocean: Eastern Indian Ocean region (Region 57) is the most important region and the fifth largest producing region in the world with 8.5%, or 6,784,778 mt, of the global catch in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 55º South latitude and east of 80º East longitude including the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea with the major producers including India (2,362,481 mt), Indonesia (1,940,558 mt), Burma (1,114,777 mt), Bangladesh (877,837 mt), and Sri Lanka (373,369 mt); the principal catches include shad, Skipjack tuna, mackerel, shrimp, and sardinellas Western Indian Ocean region (Region 51) is the world’s sixth largest producing region with more than 6.8% or 5,463,286 mt of the global catch in 2019; this region encompasses the waters north of 40º South latitude and west of 80º East longitude including the western Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea as well as the waters along the east coast of Africa and Madagascar, the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and the west coast of India with major producers including India (2,207,125 mt), Oman (580,048 mt), Pakistan (341,730 mt), and Mozambique (274,791 mt); the principal catches include Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna, mackerel, sardines, shrimp, and cephalopods Regional fisheries bodies: Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Regional Commission for Fisheries (Persian Gulf/Gulf of Oman), Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center, Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission, South Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreementthe Indian Ocean fisheries are the third most important in the world accounting for 15.3%, or 12,248,064 mt of the global catch in 2019; tuna, small pelagic fish, and shrimp are important species in these regions; the Food and Agriculture Organization delineated two fishing regions in the Indian Ocean:Eastern Indian Ocean region (Region 57) is the most important region and the fifth largest producing region in the world with 8.5%, or 6,784,778 mt, of the global catch in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 55º South latitude and east of 80º East longitude including the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea with the major producers including India (2,362,481 mt), Indonesia (1,940,558 mt), Burma (1,114,777 mt), Bangladesh (877,837 mt), and Sri Lanka (373,369 mt); the principal catches include shad, Skipjack tuna, mackerel, shrimp, and sardinellas Climate: northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February in the southern Indian Ocean Topic: Government Country name: etymology: named for the country of India, which makes up much of its northern border Topic: Economy Economic overview: The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Topic: Transportation Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Chennai (Madras, India); Colombo (Sri Lanka); Durban (South Africa); Jakarta (Indonesia); Kolkata (Calcutta, India); Melbourne (Australia); Mumbai (Bombay, India); Richards Bay (South Africa) Topic: Military and Security Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau continues to report the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Aden, along the east coast of Africa, the Bay of Bengal, and the Strait of Malacca; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators, including the use of on-board armed security teams, have reduced incidents of piracy; 2021 saw one incident in the region of the Horn of Africa; the EU naval mission, Operation ATALANTA, continues its operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean through 2022; naval units from Japan, India, and China also operate in conjunction with EU forces; China has established a logistical base in Djibouti to support its deployed naval units in the Horn of Africa the Maritime Administration of the US Department of Transportation has issued a Maritime Advisory (2022-003 Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea-Threats to US and International Shipping from Iran) effective 28 February 2022, which states in part that "heightened military activities and increased political tensions in this region continue to present risk to commercial shipping...there is a continued possibility that Iran and/or its regional proxies could take actions against US and partner interests in the region;" Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel has been established to provide escorts for commercial shipping transiting the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

20220901

countries-dominica-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Dominica. Consult its website daily via the link below for any travel advisories about visiting this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days. US Embassy/Consulate: US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica; US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the US Embassy in Barbados [1] (246) 227-4000; US Embassy in Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, WI; https://bb.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 1 Local Emergency Phone: 999 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall Currency (Code): Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G Major Languages: English, French patois Major Religions: Roman Catholic 52.7%, Protestant 29.7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 1.1% Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, traveler will need to present their US driver's license & IDP to local police to pay a special registration fee Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Boiling Lake; Morne Trois Pitons National Park; Titou Gorge Major Sports: Cricket, soccer Cultural Practices: Drawing air through the teeth to make a sucking sound is used to express anger or annoyance. Tipping Guidelines: Tips of 10% are expected at restaurants unless service charges are added. It is appropriate to tip a housekeeper $1-2 (USD) per night for good service. Souvenirs: Grass and reed rugs and bags, Carib baskets, herbs and spices, pottery, jewelry, coconut items, rumPlease 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, May 11, 2022

20220901

countries-honduras-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in 1982. Honduras has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast.Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in 1982. Honduras has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast. Topic: Geography Area: total: 112,090 sq km land: 111,890 sq km water: 200 sq km Climate: subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains Natural resources: timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish, hydropower Topic: People and Society Population: 9,459,440 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and European) 90%, Amerindian 7%, African descent 2%, White 1% Languages: Spanish (official), Amerindian dialects Religions: Evangelical/Protestant 48%, Roman Catholic 34%, other 1%, none 17% (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.19% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Tegucigalpa; note - article eight of the Honduran constitution states that the twin cities of Tegucigalpa and Comayaguela, jointly, constitute the capital of the Republic of Honduras; however, virtually all governmental institutions are on the Tegucigalpa side, which in practical terms makes Tegucigalpa the capital Executive branch: chief of state: President Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (since 27 January 2022); Vice Presidents Salvador NASRALLA, Doris GUTIERREZ, and Renato FLORENTINO (since 27 January 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; CASTRO is Honduras' first female president head of government: President Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (since 27 January 2022); Vice Presidents Salvador NASRALLA, Doris GUTIERREZ, and Renato FLORENTINO (since 27 January 2022) Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional (128 seats; members directly elected in 18 multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: second-fastest-growing Central American economy; COVID-19 and two hurricanes crippled activity; high poverty and inequality; declining-but-still-high violent crime disruption; systemic corruption; coffee and banana exporter; enormous remittancessecond-fastest-growing Central American economy; COVID-19 and two hurricanes crippled activity; high poverty and inequality; declining-but-still-high violent crime disruption; systemic corruption; coffee and banana exporter; enormous remittances Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $50.89 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $5,100 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: sugarcane, oil palm fruit, milk, bananas, maize, coffee, melons, oranges, poultry, beans Industries: sugar processing, coffee, woven and knit apparel, wood products, cigars Exports: $7.16 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: United States 53%, El Salvador 8%, Guatemala 5%, Nicaragua 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: clothing and apparel, coffee, insulated wiring, bananas, palm oil (2019) Imports: $11.5 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: United States 42%, China 10%, Guatemala 8%, El Salvador 8%, Mexico 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, clothing and apparel, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment, insulated wiring (2019) Exchange rates: lempiras (HNL) per US dollar -Page last updated: Thursday, May 12, 2022

20220901

countries-cuba-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Cuba due to demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries to members of our diplomatic community resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff. 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 citizen travelers should have at least 6 months of validity remaining on their passports after the date of entry 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 and or visa that will be required. Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. US travelers must obtain a license from the Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) (https: and or and or www.treasury.gov and or about and or … and or offices and or pages and or office-of-foreign-assets-control.aspx). Anyone physically present in the US, regardless of citizenship and nationality, must comply with these regulations. Individuals seeking to travel to Cuba are not required to obtain licenses from OFAC if their travel is covered by a general license. If travel is not covered by a general license, OFAC authorization in the form of a specific license must be sought. One authorized reason for obtaining a license is “Support of the Cuban People.” More information on the licensing process may be found at the OFAC website above. Those contemplating travel to Cuba should also consult the US State Department's consular information page about the country. US Embassy/Consulate: [53] (7) 839-4100; US Embassy Havana, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana, Cuba; https://cu.usembassy.gov/; acshavana@state.gov Telephone Code: 53 Local Emergency Phone: 26811 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) Currency (Code): Cuban pesos (CUP) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 110 V, 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, L Major Languages: Spanish Major Religions: Christian 58.9%, folk religion 17.6%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%, Muslim <1%, note: data is estimative as no authoritative source on religious affiliation in Cuba is available Time Difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March, ends first Sunday November; note: Cuba has been known to alter the schedule of DST on short notice in an attempt to conserve electricity Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Old Havana; Varadero; Trinidad; Guardalavaca; Cayo Largo del Sur; Cayo Coco; Parque Nacional Viñales Major Sports: Baseball, soccer, basketball Cultural Practices: Cubans will point by puckering their lips in the direction of or at the person to whom they are referring. Tipping Guidelines: In spas, restaurants, and barber shops, a 10% tip is appropriate. Tip the bellhop 1 peso per bag if he carries luggage to your room and leave housekeeping 1 peso per day. Souvenirs: Cigars, rum, coffee, sugar, local art and handicraftsPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Monday, April 25, 2022

20220901

countries-japan

Topic: Photos of Japan Topic: Introduction Background: In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decision-making power. Following three decades of unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s, but the country remains an economic power. In March 2011, Japan's strongest-ever earthquake, and an accompanying tsunami, devastated the northeast part of Honshu island, killed thousands, and damaged several nuclear power plants. Prime Minister Shinzo ABE was reelected to office in December 2012, and embarked on ambitious economic and security reforms to improve Japan's economy and bolster the country's international standing. In November 2019, ABE became Japan's longest-serving post-war prime minister; he resigned in September 2020 and was succeeded by Yoshihide SUGA. Fumio KISHIDA became prime minister in October 2021.In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decision-making power. Following three decades of unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s, but the country remains an economic power. In March 2011, Japan's strongest-ever earthquake, and an accompanying tsunami, devastated the northeast part of Honshu island, killed thousands, and damaged several nuclear power plants. Prime Minister Shinzo ABE was reelected to office in December 2012, and embarked on ambitious economic and security reforms to improve Japan's economy and bolster the country's international standing. In November 2019, ABE became Japan's longest-serving post-war prime minister; he resigned in September 2020 and was succeeded by Yoshihide SUGA. Fumio KISHIDA became prime minister in October 2021.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula Geographic coordinates: 36 00 N, 138 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 377,915 sq km land: 364,485 sq km water: 13,430 sq km note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto) Area - comparative: slightly smaller than California Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 29,751 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and the Korea and Tsushima Straits contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous Elevation: highest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m mean elevation: 438 m Natural resources: negligible mineral resources, fish; note - with virtually no natural energy resources, Japan is the world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second largest importer of oil Land use: agricultural land: 12.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 68.5% (2018 est.) other: 19% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 24,690 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Biwa-ko 688 sq km Population distribution: all primary and secondary regions of high population density lie on the coast; one-third of the population resides in and around Tokyo on the central plain (Kanto Plain) Natural hazards: many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors but occasional severe earthquakes) every year; tsunamis; typhoonsvolcanism: both Unzen (1,500 m) and Sakura-jima (1,117 m), which lies near the densely populated city of Kagoshima, have been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano, Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima, Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu; see note 2 under "Geography - note"many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors but occasional severe earthquakes) every year; tsunamis; typhoonsvolcanism: both Unzen (1,500 m) and Sakura-jima (1,117 m), which lies near the densely populated city of Kagoshima, have been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano, Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima, Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu; see note 2 under "Geography - note" Geography - note: note 1: strategic location in northeast Asia; composed of four main islands - from north: Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest and most populous), Shikoku, and Kyushu (the "Home Islands") - and 6,848 smaller islands and islets note 2: Japan annually records the most earthquakes in the world; it is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 1: strategic location in northeast Asia; composed of four main islands - from north: Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest and most populous), Shikoku, and Kyushu (the "Home Islands") - and 6,848 smaller islands and isletsnote 2: Japan annually records the most earthquakes in the world; it is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire Map description: Japan map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic Pacific Ocean country as well as parts of surrounding countries.Japan map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic Pacific Ocean country as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 124,214,766 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Japanese (singular and plural) adjective: Japanese Ethnic groups: Japanese 97.9%, Chinese 0.6%, Korean 0.4%, other 1.1% (includes Vietnamese, Filipino, and Brazilian) (2017 est.) note: data represent population by nationality; up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil Languages: Japanese major-language sample(s): 必要不可欠な基本情報の源、ワールド・ファクトブック(Japanese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Shintoism 70.5%, Buddhism 67.2%, Christianity 1.5%, other 5.9% (2019 est.) note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people practice both Shintoism and Buddhism Age structure: 0-14 years: 12.49% (male 8,047,183/female 7,623,767) 15-24 years: 9.47% (male 6,254,352/female 5,635,377) 25-54 years: 36.8% (male 22,867,385/female 23,317,140) 55-64 years: 12.06% (male 7,564,067/female 7,570,732) 65 years and over: 29.18% (2020 est.) (male 16,034,973/female 20,592,496) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 69 youth dependency ratio: 21 elderly dependency ratio: 48 potential support ratio: 2.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 48.6 years male: 47.2 years female: 50 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.39% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 6.95 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 11.59 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: all primary and secondary regions of high population density lie on the coast; one-third of the population resides in and around Tokyo on the central plain (Kanto Plain) Urbanization: urban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.25% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 37.274 million TOKYO (capital), 19.060 million Osaka, 9.572 million Nagoya, 5.503 million Kitakyushu-Fukuoka, 2.935 million Shizuoka-Hamamatsu, 2.669 million Sapporo (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 30.7 years (2018 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 5 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 1.9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 2 deaths/1,000 live births female: 1.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 84.83 years male: 81.92 years female: 87.9 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.38 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 39.8% (2015) note: percent of women aged 20-49 Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.1% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 10.7% (2019) Physicians density: 2.48 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 13 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 30,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Major infectious diseases: respiratory diseases: Covid-19 (see note) (2020) note: clusters of cases of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Japan has reported a total of 8,945,784 cases of COVID-19 or 7,073 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 30,752 cumulative deaths or a rate of 24.3 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 6 June 2022, 82.2% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 4.3% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 20.1% (2020 est.) male: 30.1% (2020 est.) female: 10% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2017 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 15 years (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 4.6% male: 5% female: 4.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere; following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan originally planned to phase out nuclear power, but it has now implemented a new policy of seeking to restart nuclear power plants that meet strict new safety standards; waste management is an ongoing issue; Japanese municipal facilities used to burn high volumes of trash, but air pollution issues forced the government to adopt an aggressive recycling policy Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 11.45 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1,135.89 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 29.99 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north Land use: agricultural land: 12.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 68.5% (2018 est.) other: 19% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.25% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: respiratory diseases: Covid-19 (see note) (2020) note: clusters of cases of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Japan has reported a total of 8,945,784 cases of COVID-19 or 7,073 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 30,752 cumulative deaths or a rate of 24.3 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 6 June 2022, 82.2% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 43.981 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,155,069 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4.9% (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Biwa-ko 688 sq km Total water withdrawal: municipal: 15.41 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 11.61 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 54.43 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 430 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Japan local long form: Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku local short form: Nihon/Nippon etymology: the English word for Japan comes via the Chinese name for the country "Cipangu"; both Nihon and Nippon mean "where the sun originates" and are frequently translated as "Land of the Rising Sun" Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Tokyo geographic coordinates: 35 41 N, 139 45 E time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: originally known as Edo, meaning "estuary" in Japanese, the name was changed to Tokyo, meaning "eastern capital," in 1868 Administrative divisions: 47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi Independence: 3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji Constitution); notable earlier dates: 11 February 660 B.C. (mythological date of the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU); 29 November 1890 (Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy) National holiday: Birthday of Emperor NARUHITO, 23 February (1960); note - celebrates the birthday of the current emperor Constitution: history: previous 1890; latest approved 6 October 1946, adopted 3 November 1946, effective 3 May 1947 amendments: proposed by the Diet; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of both houses of the Diet and approval by majority in a referendum; note - the constitution has not been amended since its enactment in 1947 Legal system: civil law system based on German model; system also reflects Anglo-American influence and Japanese traditions; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Japan dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019 head of government: Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA (since 4 October 2021 ) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister election results: Fumio KISHIDA relected prime minister on 10 November 2021 by the lower house with 297 votes against 108 for Yukio EDANO and in the upper houese 141 for KISHIDA and 60 for EDANO  Legislative branch: description: bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of: House of Councillors or Sangi-in (245 seats, currently 242; 146 members directly elected in multi-seat districts by simple majority vote and 96 directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms with half the membership renewed every 3 years); note - the number of seats increases to 248 at the July 2022 election for renewal of half the membership House of Representatives or Shugi-in (465 seats; 289 members directly elected in single-seat districts by simple majority vote and 176 directly elected in multi-seat districts by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: House of Councillors - last held on 21 July 2019 (next to be held in July 2022) House of Representatives - last held on 31 October 2021 (next to be held by October 2025) election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDP 55, DP 32, Komeito 14, JCP 6, Osaka Ishin no Kai (Initiatives from Osaka) 7, PLPTYF 1, SDP 1, independent 5; composition - men 186, women 56, percent of women 21.3% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDP 261, CDP 96, Ishin 41, Komeito 32, DPFP 11, JCP 10, Reiwa 3, SDP 1, independent 10; composition - men 420, women 45, percent of women 9.7%; note - total Diet percent of women 14.7% note: the Diet in June 2017 redrew Japan's electoral district boundaries and reduced from 475 to 465 seats in the House of Representatives; the amended electoral law, which cuts 6 seats in single-seat districts and 4 in multi-seat districts, was reportedly intended to reduce voting disparities between densely and sparsely populated voting districts Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Saiko saibansho (consists of the chief justice and 14 associate justices); note - the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in constitutional issues judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice designated by the Cabinet and appointed by the monarch; associate justices appointed by the Cabinet and confirmed by the monarch; all justices are reviewed in a popular referendum at the first general election of the House of Representatives following each judge's appointment and every 10 years afterward subordinate courts: 8 High Courts (Koto-saiban-sho), each with a Family Court (Katei-saiban-sho); 50 District Courts (Chiho saibansho), with 203 additional branches; 438 Summary Courts (Kani saibansho) Political parties and leaders: Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan or CDP [Yukio EDANO] Democratic Party for the People Japan or DPFP [Yuichiro TAMAKI] Group of Reformists [Sakihito OZAWA] Japan Communist Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII] Japan Innovation Party or Nippon Ishin no kai or Ishin [Ichiro MATSUI] Party of Hope or Kibo no To [Yuichiro TAMAKI] Komeito [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI] Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Yoshihide SUGA] Liberal Party [Ichiro OZAWA] (formerly People's Life Party & Taro Yamamoto and Friends or PLPTYF)New Renaissance Party [Hiroyuki ARAI] Party for Japanese Kokoro or PJK [Masashi NAKANO] Reiwa Shinsengumi [Taro YAMAMOTO] Social Democratic Party or SDP [Tadatomo YOSHIDA] The Assembly to Energize Japan and the Independents [Kota MATSUDA] International organization participation: ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE (observer), CERN (observer), CICA (observer), CP, CPLP (associate), EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador TOMITA Koji (since 17 February 2021) chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700 FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187 email address and website: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html consulate(s) general: Anchorage (AK), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver (CO), Detroit (MI), Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville (TN), New York, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), Seattle (WA) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Rahm EMANUEL (since 25 March 2022) embassy: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 mailing address: 9800 Tokyo Place, Washington DC  20521-9800 telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000 FAX: [81] (03) 3224-5856 email address and website: TokyoACS@state.gov https://jp.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya Flag description: white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center National symbol(s): red sun disc, chrysanthemum; national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "Kimigayo" (The Emperor's Reign) lyrics/music: unknown/Hiromori HAYASHI note: adopted 1999; unofficial national anthem since 1883; oldest anthem lyrics in the world, dating to the 10th century or earlier; there is some opposition to the anthem because of its association with militarism and worship of the emperor National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 25 (20 cultural, 5 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area (c); Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (c); Himeji-jo (c); Shiretoko (n); Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan (c); Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape (c); Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (c); Yakushima (n); Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (c); Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Over the past 70 years, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (slightly less than 1% of GDP) have helped Japan develop an advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-World War II economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features have significantly eroded under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change.   Measured on a purchasing power parity basis that adjusts for price differences, Japan in 2017 stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world after first-place China, which surpassed Japan in 2001, and third-place India, which edged out Japan in 2012. For three postwar decades, overall real economic growth was impressive - averaging 10% in the 1960s, 5% in the 1970s, and 4% in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the aftereffects of inefficient investment and the collapse of an asset price bubble in the late 1980s, which resulted in several years of economic stagnation as firms sought to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. Modest economic growth continued after 2000, but the economy has fallen into recession four times since 2008.   Japan enjoyed an uptick in growth since 2013, supported by Prime Minister Shinzo ABE’s "Three Arrows" economic revitalization agenda - dubbed "Abenomics" - of monetary easing, "flexible" fiscal policy, and structural reform. Led by the Bank of Japan’s aggressive monetary easing, Japan is making modest progress in ending deflation, but demographic decline – a low birthrate and an aging, shrinking population – poses a major long-term challenge for the economy. The government currently faces the quandary of balancing its efforts to stimulate growth and institute economic reforms with the need to address its sizable public debt, which stands at 235% of GDP. To help raise government revenue, Japan adopted legislation in 2012 to gradually raise the consumption tax rate. However, the first such increase, in April 2014, led to a sharp contraction, so Prime Minister ABE has twice postponed the next increase, which is now scheduled for October 2019. Structural reforms to unlock productivity are seen as central to strengthening the economy in the long-run.   Scarce in critical natural resources, Japan has long been dependent on imported energy and raw materials. After the complete shutdown of Japan’s nuclear reactors following the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011, Japan's industrial sector has become even more dependent than before on imported fossil fuels. However, ABE’s government is seeking to restart nuclear power plants that meet strict new safety standards and is emphasizing nuclear energy’s importance as a base-load electricity source. In August 2015, Japan successfully restarted one nuclear reactor at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima prefecture, and several other reactors around the country have since resumed operations; however, opposition from local governments has delayed several more restarts that remain pending. Reforms of the electricity and gas sectors, including full liberalization of Japan’s energy market in April 2016 and gas market in April 2017, constitute an important part of Prime Minister Abe’s economic program.   Under the Abe Administration, Japan’s government sought to open the country’s economy to greater foreign competition and create new export opportunities for Japanese businesses, including by joining 11 trading partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Japan became the first country to ratify the TPP in December 2016, but the United States signaled its withdrawal from the agreement in January 2017. In November 2017 the remaining 11 countries agreed on the core elements of a modified agreement, which they renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Japan also reached agreement with the European Union on an Economic Partnership Agreement in July 2017, and is likely seek to ratify both agreements in the Diet this year.Over the past 70 years, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (slightly less than 1% of GDP) have helped Japan develop an advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-World War II economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features have significantly eroded under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change. Measured on a purchasing power parity basis that adjusts for price differences, Japan in 2017 stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world after first-place China, which surpassed Japan in 2001, and third-place India, which edged out Japan in 2012. For three postwar decades, overall real economic growth was impressive - averaging 10% in the 1960s, 5% in the 1970s, and 4% in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the aftereffects of inefficient investment and the collapse of an asset price bubble in the late 1980s, which resulted in several years of economic stagnation as firms sought to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. Modest economic growth continued after 2000, but the economy has fallen into recession four times since 2008. Japan enjoyed an uptick in growth since 2013, supported by Prime Minister Shinzo ABE’s "Three Arrows" economic revitalization agenda - dubbed "Abenomics" - of monetary easing, "flexible" fiscal policy, and structural reform. Led by the Bank of Japan’s aggressive monetary easing, Japan is making modest progress in ending deflation, but demographic decline – a low birthrate and an aging, shrinking population – poses a major long-term challenge for the economy. The government currently faces the quandary of balancing its efforts to stimulate growth and institute economic reforms with the need to address its sizable public debt, which stands at 235% of GDP. To help raise government revenue, Japan adopted legislation in 2012 to gradually raise the consumption tax rate. However, the first such increase, in April 2014, led to a sharp contraction, so Prime Minister ABE has twice postponed the next increase, which is now scheduled for October 2019. Structural reforms to unlock productivity are seen as central to strengthening the economy in the long-run. Scarce in critical natural resources, Japan has long been dependent on imported energy and raw materials. After the complete shutdown of Japan’s nuclear reactors following the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011, Japan's industrial sector has become even more dependent than before on imported fossil fuels. However, ABE’s government is seeking to restart nuclear power plants that meet strict new safety standards and is emphasizing nuclear energy’s importance as a base-load electricity source. In August 2015, Japan successfully restarted one nuclear reactor at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima prefecture, and several other reactors around the country have since resumed operations; however, opposition from local governments has delayed several more restarts that remain pending. Reforms of the electricity and gas sectors, including full liberalization of Japan’s energy market in April 2016 and gas market in April 2017, constitute an important part of Prime Minister Abe’s economic program. Under the Abe Administration, Japan’s government sought to open the country’s economy to greater foreign competition and create new export opportunities for Japanese businesses, including by joining 11 trading partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Japan became the first country to ratify the TPP in December 2016, but the United States signaled its withdrawal from the agreement in January 2017. In November 2017 the remaining 11 countries agreed on the core elements of a modified agreement, which they renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Japan also reached agreement with the European Union on an Economic Partnership Agreement in July 2017, and is likely seek to ratify both agreements in the Diet this year. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $5,224,850,000,000 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $5,210,770,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $5,180,326,000,000 (2017 est.) Real GDP growth rate: 0.7% (2019 est.) 0.29% (2018 est.) 2.19% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $41,400 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $41,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $40,859 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $5,078,679,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.4% (2019 est.) 0.9% (2018 est.) 0.4% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A (2015) Moody's rating: A1 (2014) Standard & Poors rating: A+ (2015) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.1% (2017 est.) industry: 30.1% (2017 est.) services: 68.7% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 55.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 17.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -16.8% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: rice, milk, sugar beet, vegetables, eggs, poultry, potatoes, cabbages, onions, pork Industries: among world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods Industrial production growth rate: 1.4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 66.54 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2.9% industry: 26.2% services: 70.9% (February 2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.36% (2019 est.) 2.44% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 4.6% male: 5% female: 4.2% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 16.1% (2013 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 32.9 (2013 est.) 24.9 (1993) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7% highest 10%: 24.8% (2008) Budget: revenues: 1.714 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.885 trillion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 237.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 235.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 35.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: $185.644 billion (2019 est.) $177.08 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $793.32 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $904.63 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $929.83 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 19%, China 18%, South Korea 6%, Taiwan 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, integrated circuits, personal appliances, ships (2019) Imports: $799.52 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $913.25 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $928.42 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 23%, United States 11%, Australia 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, coal, integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $1.264 trillion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.233 trillion (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $4,254,271,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,944,898,000,000 (2018 est.) Exchange rates: yen (JPY) per US dollar - 104.205 (2020 est.) 108.605 (2019 est.) 112.7 (2018 est.) 121.02 (2014 est.) 97.44 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 348.666 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 903,698,740,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 44.094 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 73.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 4.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 8.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 10% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 29.84 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 210.882 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 3.201 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 174.486 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 350 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 10,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 3,739,300 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 3,012,800 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 44.1 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 3.467 million bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 370,900 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 1.1 million bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 1,928,431,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 102,108,738,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 28,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 105,255,103,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 20.898 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 1,103,234,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 439.243 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 444.271 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 219.72 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 147.107 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 61,978,594 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 195,054,893 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 154 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Japan has one of the best developed telecom markets globally, the fixed-line segment remains stagnant and the focus for growth is in the mobile sector; the MNOs have shifted their investment from LTE to 5G, and growth in 5G showed early promise although there have been recent setbacks; these have partly been attributed to the economic difficulties, the impact of restrictions imposed during the pandemic, and unfavourable investment climate (not helped by the delay of the Tokyo Olympics from 2020 to 2021), and to restrictions in the supply of 5G-enabled devices; the fixed broadband market is dominated by fiber, with a strong cable platform also evident; fiber will continue to increase its share of the fixed broadband market, largely at the expense of DSL; the mobile market is dominated by three MNOs (NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, and SoftBank Mobile), while Rakuten Mobile also has a presence; the company is building out its network, and while it is focused of providing 5G services in the major metro areas it relies on roaming agreements to offer services elsewhere; mobile broadband subscriber growth is expected to be relatively low over the next five years, partly due to the high existing subscriptions though growth has been stimulated by measures which have encouraged people to school and work from home; there has also been a boost in accessing entertainment via mobile devices since 2020; NTT DoCoMo becomes wholly owned by NTT Corp, plans to provide 55% population coverage with 5G by March 2022 and nationwide 5G coverage by 2023 (2021) domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of every kind; 49 per 100 for fixed-line and 152 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables with landing points for HSCS, JIH, RJCN, APCN-2, JUS, EAC-C2C, PC-1, Tata TGN-Pacific, FLAG North Asia Loop/REACH North Asia Loop, APCN-2, FASTER, SJC, SJC2, Unity/EAC-Pacific, JGA-N, APG, ASE, AJC, JUPITER, MOC, Okinawa Cellular Cable, KJCN, GOKI, KJCN, and SeaMeWE-3, submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and US; satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 2 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT (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: a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio stations; 6 national terrestrial TV networks including 1 public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable services provide access to international channels (2019) Internet country code: .jp Internet users: total: 113,252,419 (2020 est.) percent of population: 90% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 44,000,791 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 22 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 673 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 126,387,527 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 9,420,660,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: JA Airports: total: 175 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 142 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 45 1,524 to 2,437 m: 38 914 to 1,523 m: 28 under 914 m: 25 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 33 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 28 (2021) Heliports: 16 (2021) Pipelines: 4,456 km gas, 174 km oil, 104 km oil/gas/water (2013) Railways: total: 27,311 km (2015) standard gauge: 4,800 km (2015) 1.435-m gauge (4,800 km electrified) narrow gauge: 124 km (2015) 1.372-m gauge (124 km electrified) dual gauge: 132 km (2015) 1.435-1.067-m gauge (132 km electrified) 22,207 km 1.067-mm gauge (15,430 km electrified) 48 km 0.762-m gauge (48 km electrified) Roadways: total: 1,218,772 km (2015) paved: 992,835 km (2015) (includes 8,428 km of expressways) unpaved: 225,937 km (2015) Waterways: 1,770 km (2010) (seagoing vessels use inland seas) Merchant marine: total: 5,201 by type: bulk carrier 148, container ship 45, general cargo 1,900, oil tanker 666, other 2,442 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Chiba, Kawasaki, Kobe, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Tomakomai, Yokohama container port(s) (TEUs): Kobe (2,871,642), Nagoya (2,844,004), Osaka (2,456,028), Tokyo (4,510,000), Yokohama (2,990,000) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Chita, Fukwoke, Futtsu, Hachinone, Hakodate, Hatsukaichi, Higashi Ohgishima, Higashi Niigata, Himeiji, Joetsu, Kagoshima, Kawagoe, Kita Kyushu, Mizushima, Nagasaki, Naoetsu, Negishi, Ohgishima, Oita, Sakai, Sakaide, Senboku, Shimizu, Shin Minato, Sodegaura, Tobata, Yanai, Yokkaichi Okinawa - Nakagusuku Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF): Ground Self-Defense Force (Rikujou Jieitai, GSDF; includes aviation), Maritime Self-Defense Force (Kaijou Jieitai, MSDF; includes naval aviation), Air Self-Defense Force (Koukuu Jieitai, ASDF); Japan Coast Guard (Ministry of Land, Transport, Infrastructure and Tourism) (2022) Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1% of GDP (2020) 0.9% of GDP (2019) (approximately $53.4 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2018) (approximately $53.5 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2017) (approximately $52.6 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 244,000 active personnel (150,000 Ground; 45,000 Maritime; 45,000 Air; 4,000 Joint Forces); 14,000 Coast Guard (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the JSDF is equipped with a mix of imported and domestically-produced equipment; Japan has a robust defense industry and is capable of producing a wide range of air, ground, and naval weapons systems; the majority of its weapons imports are from the US and some domestically-produced weapons are US-origin and manufactured under license (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (maximum enlistment age 32); no conscription (2021) note: as of 2020, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: approximately 180 Djibouti (2022) Military - note: Japan was disarmed after its defeat in World War II; shortly after the Korean War began in 1950, US occupation forces in Japan created a 75,000-member lightly armed force called the National Police Reserve; the current Self Defense Force was founded in 1954 in addition to having one of the region’s largest and best equipped militaries, Japan’s alliance with the US (signed in 1951) is one of the cornerstones of the country’s security, as well as a large part of the US security role in Asia; as of 2022, approximately 55,000 US troops and other military assets, including aircraft and naval ships, were stationed in Japan and had exclusive use of more than 80 bases and facilities; in exchange for their use, the US guarantees Japan’s security; the Japanese Government provides about $2 billion per year to offset the cost of stationing US forces in Japan; in addition, it pays compensation to localities hosting US troops, rent for bases, and costs for new facilities to support the US presence Japan has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Japan-China-Taiwan: the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Tai) are also claimed by China and Taiwan; Senkaku-shoto is situated near key shipping lanes, rich fishing grounds, and possibly significant oil and natural gas reserves Japan-Russia: the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities Japan-South Korea: Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) occupied by South Korea since 1954Japan-China-Taiwan: the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Tai) are also claimed by China and Taiwan; Senkaku-shoto is situated near key shipping lanes, rich fishing grounds, and possibly significant oil and natural gas reservesJapan-Russia: the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilitiesJapan-South Korea: Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) occupied by South Korea since 1954 Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 707 (mid-year 2021)

20220901

countries-nauru

Topic: Photos of Nauru Topic: Introduction Background: Nauru was inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian settlers by around 1000 B.C., and the island was divided into 12 clans. Nauru developed in relative isolation because ocean currents made landfall on the island difficult. As a result, the Nauruan language does not clearly resemble any other in the Pacific region. In 1798, British sea captain John FEARN became the first European to spot the island. By 1830, European whalers used Nauru as a supply stop, trading firearms for food. In 1878, a civil war erupted on the island, reducing the population by more than a third. Germany forcibly annexed Nauru in 1888 by holding the 12 chiefs under house arrest until they consented to the annexation. Germany banned alcohol, confiscated weapons, instituted strict dress codes, and brought in Christian missionaries to convert the population. Phosphate was discovered in 1900 and heavily mined, although Nauru and Nauruans earned about one tenth of one percent of the profits from the phosphate deposits. Australian forces captured Nauru from Germany during World War I, and in 1919, it was placed under a joint Australian-British-New Zealand mandate with Australian administration. Japan occupied Nauru during World War II and used its residents as forced labor elsewhere in the Pacific while destroying much of the infrastructure on the island. After the war, Nauru became a UN trust territory under Australian administration. Recognizing the phosphate stocks would eventually be depleted, in 1962, Australian Prime Minister Robert MENZIES offered to resettle all Nauruans on Curtis Island in Queensland, but Nauruans rejected that plan and opted for independence, which was achieved in 1968. In 1970, Nauru purchased the phosphate mining assets, and income from the mines made Nauruans among the richest people in the world. However, Nauru subsequently began a series of unwise investments in buildings, musical theater, and an airline. Nauru sued Australia in 1989 for the damage caused by mining when Australia administered the island. Widespread phosphate mining officially ceased in 2006. Nauru went nearly bankrupt by 2000 and tried to rebrand itself as an offshore banking haven, although it ended that practice in 2005. In 2001, Australia set up the Nauru Regional Processing Center (NRPC), an offshore refugee detention facility, paying Nauru per person at the center. The NRPC was closed in 2008 but reopened in 2012. The number of refugees has steadily declined since 2014, and the remaining people were moved to a hotel in Brisbane, Australia, in 2020, effectively shuttering the NRPC. In a bid for Russian humanitarian aid, in 2008, Nauru recognized the breakaway Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands Geographic coordinates: 0 32 S, 166 55 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 21 sq km land: 21 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 30 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February) Terrain: sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center Elevation: highest point: Command Ridge 70 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: phosphates, fish Land use: agricultural land: 20% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 20% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 80% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: extensive phosphate mining made approximately 90% of the island unsuitable for farming; most people live in the fertile coastal areas, especially along the southwest coast Natural hazards: periodic droughts Geography - note: Nauru is the third-smallest country in the world behind the Holy See (Vatican City) and Monaco; it is the smallest country in the Pacific Ocean, the smallest country outside Europe, the world's smallest island country, and the the world's smallest independent republic; situated just 53 km south of the Equator, Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia Map description: Nauru map shows some features on this island in the South Pacific Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 9,811 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Nauruan(s) adjective: Nauruan Ethnic groups: Nauruan 88.9%, part Nauruan 6.6%, I-Kiribati 2%, other 2.5% (2007 est.) Languages: Nauruan 93% (official, a distinct Pacific Island language), English 2% (widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes), other 5% (includes I-Kiribati 2% and Chinese 2%) (2011 est.) note: data represent main language spoken at home; Nauruan is spoken by 95% of the population, English by 66%, and other languages by 12% Religions: Protestant 60.4% (includes Nauru Congregational 35.7%, Assembly of God 13%, Nauru Independent Church 9.5%, Baptist 1.5%, and Seventh Day Adventist 0.7%), Roman Catholic 33%, other 3.7%, none 1.8%, unspecified 1.1% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 30.87% (male 1,337/female 1,684) 15-24 years: 15.68% (male 732/female 806) 25-54 years: 42.57% (male 2,115/female 2,050) 55-64 years: 6.97% (male 283/female 401) 65 years and over: 3.94% (2022 est.) (male 133/female 254) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 27 years male: 28.2 years female: 25.9 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.42% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 21.1 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.32 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -10.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: extensive phosphate mining made approximately 90% of the island unsuitable for farming; most people live in the fertile coastal areas, especially along the southwest coast Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.18% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.7 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.51 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 7.84 deaths/1,000 live births male: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.93 years male: 64.38 years female: 71.62 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.62 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 9.8% (2019) Physicians density: 1.35 physicians/1,000 population (2015) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 96.3% of population rural: NA total: 96.3% of population unimproved: urban: 3.7% of population rural: NA total: 3.7% of population (2017 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: 61% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 48.5% (2020 est.) male: 47.8% (2020 est.) female: 49.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.6% male: 20.9% female: 37.5% (2013) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: limited natural freshwater resources, roof storage tanks that collect rainwater and desalination plants provide water; a century of intensive phosphate mining beginning in 1906 left the central 90% of Nauru a wasteland; cadmium residue, phosphate dust, and other contaminants have caused air and water pollution with negative impacts on health; climate change has brought on rising sea levels and inland water shortages Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 12.53 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.05 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.01 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical with a monsoonal pattern; rainy season (November to February) Land use: agricultural land: 20% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 20% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 80% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.18% 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: 6,192 tons (2016 est.) Total renewable water resources: 10 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Nauru conventional short form: Nauru local long form: Republic of Nauru local short form: Nauru former: Pleasant Island etymology: the island name may derive from the Nauruan word "anaoero" meaning "I go to the beach" Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: no official capital; government offices in the Yaren District time difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Administrative divisions: 14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baitsi, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren Independence: 31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship) National holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968) Constitution: history: effective 29 January 1968 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament; amendments to constitutional articles, such as the republican form of government, protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the executive and legislative branches, also require two-thirds majority of votes in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018 Legal system: mixed legal system of common law based on the English model and customary law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Lionel AINGIMEA (since 27 August 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Lionel AINGIMEA (since 27 August 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Parliament (eligible for a second term); election last held on 27 August 2019 (next to be held in 2022) election results: Lionel AINGIMEA elected president; Parliament vote - Lionel AINGIMEA (independent) 12, David ADEANG (Nauru First) 6 Legislative branch: description: unicameral parliament (19 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by majority vote using the "Dowdall" counting system by which voters rank candidates on their ballots; members serve 3-year terms) elections: last held on 24 August 2019 (next to be held in September 2022) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 19; composition - men 17, women 2, percent of women 10.5% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and several justices); note - in late 2017, the Nauruan Government revoked the 1976 High Court Appeals Act, which had allowed appeals beyond the Nauruan Supreme Court, and in early 2018, the government formed its own appeals court judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president to serve until age 65 subordinate courts: District Court, Family Court Political parties and leaders: Nauru First (Naoero Amo) Party [David ADEANG] International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICCt, IFAD, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Margo DEIYE (since 1 December 2021) chancery: 800 2nd Avenue, Third Floor, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 937-0074 FAX: [1] (212) 937-0079 email address and website: nauru@onecommonwealth.org https://www.un.int/nauru/ Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru Flag description: blue with a narrow, horizontal, gold stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean, the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator (the gold stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru; the star's white color represents phosphate, the basis of the island's wealth National symbol(s): frigatebird, calophyllum flower; national colors: blue, yellow, white National anthem: name: "Nauru Bwiema" (Song of Nauru) lyrics/music: Margaret HENDRIE/Laurence Henry HICKS note: adopted 1968 Topic: Economy Economic overview: Revenues of this tiny island - a coral atoll with a land area of 21 square kilometers - traditionally have come from exports of phosphates. Few other resources exist, with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia, its former occupier and later major source of support. Primary reserves of phosphates were exhausted and mining ceased in 2006, but mining of a deeper layer of "secondary phosphate" in the interior of the island began the following year. The secondary phosphate deposits may last another 30 years. Earnings from Nauru’s export of phosphate remains an important source of income. Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist; estimates of Nauru's GDP vary widely.   The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future.   Although revenue sources for government are limited, the opening of the Australian Regional Processing Center for asylum seekers since 2012 has sparked growth in the economy. Revenue derived from fishing licenses under the "vessel day scheme" has also boosted government income. Housing, hospitals, and other capital plant are deteriorating. The cost to Australia of keeping the Nauruan government and economy afloat continues to climb.Revenues of this tiny island - a coral atoll with a land area of 21 square kilometers - traditionally have come from exports of phosphates. Few other resources exist, with most necessities being imported, mainly from Australia, its former occupier and later major source of support. Primary reserves of phosphates were exhausted and mining ceased in 2006, but mining of a deeper layer of "secondary phosphate" in the interior of the island began the following year. The secondary phosphate deposits may last another 30 years. Earnings from Nauru’s export of phosphate remains an important source of income. Few comprehensive statistics on the Nauru economy exist; estimates of Nauru's GDP vary widely. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. In anticipation of the exhaustion of Nauru's phosphate deposits, substantial amounts of phosphate income were invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition and provide for Nauru's economic future. Although revenue sources for government are limited, the opening of the Australian Regional Processing Center for asylum seekers since 2012 has sparked growth in the economy. Revenue derived from fishing licenses under the "vessel day scheme" has also boosted government income. Housing, hospitals, and other capital plant are deteriorating. The cost to Australia of keeping the Nauruan government and economy afloat continues to climb. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $150 million (2019 est.) $150 million (2018 est.) $137 million (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4% (2017 est.) 10.4% (2016 est.) 2.8% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $13,500 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $13,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $10,667 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $114 million (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.1% (2017 est.) 8.2% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 6.1% (2009 est.) industry: 33% (2009 est.) services: 60.8% (2009 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 98% (2016 est.) government consumption: 37.6% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 42.2% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 11.2% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -89.1% (2016 est.) Agricultural products: coconuts, tropical fruit, vegetables, pork, eggs, pig offals, pig fat, poultry, papayas, cabbages Industries: phosphate mining, offshore banking, coconut products Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: NA Labor force - by occupation: note: most of the labor force is employed in phosphate mining, public administration, education, and transportationnote: most of the labor force is employed in phosphate mining, public administration, education, and transportation Unemployment rate: 23% (2011 est.) 90% (2004 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.6% male: 20.9% female: 37.5% (2013) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 103 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 113.4 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -9.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 62% of GDP (2017 est.) 65% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 90.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Current account balance: $5 million (2017 est.) $2 million (2016 est.) Exports: $30 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $110.3 million (2012 est.) Exports - partners: Thailand 34%, Australia 16%, United States 13%, South Korea 10%, Philippines 9%, Japan 7%, France 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: fish, calcium phosphates, low-voltage protection equipment, air conditioners, leather apparel (2019) Imports: $90 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $64.9 million (2016 est.) Imports - partners: Taiwan 52%, Australia 28% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, construction vehicles, tug boats, poultry meats, cars (2019) Debt - external: $33.3 million (2004 est.) Exchange rates: Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.311 (2017 est.) 1.3452 (2016 est.) 1.3452 (2015 est.) 1.3291 (2014 est.) 1.1094 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 99.8% (2018) electrification - urban areas: 99.4% (2018) electrification - rural areas: 98.7% (2018) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 15,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 34.216 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 0 kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 400 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 449 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 66,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 66,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,900 (2009 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2009 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 10,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 92 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: adequate local and international radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities; geography is a challenge for the islands; there is a need to service the tourism sector and the South Pacific Islands economy; mobile technology is booming (2018) domestic: fixed-line 0 per 100 and mobile-cellular subscribership approximately 95 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 government-owned TV station broadcasting programs from New Zealand sent via satellite or on videotape; 1 government-owned radio station, broadcasting on AM and FM, utilizes Australian and British programs (2019) Internet country code: .nr Internet users: total: 6,136 (2019 est.) percent of population: 57% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 950 (2010 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2010 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 45,457 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 7.94 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: C2 Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 30 km (2002) paved: 24 km (2002) unpaved: 6 km (2002) Merchant marine: total: 3 by type: oil tanker 1, other 2 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Nauru Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; the police force, under the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, maintains internal security and, as necessary, external security Military - note: Nauru maintains no defense forces; under an informal agreement, defense is the responsibility of Australia Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 133 (mid-year 2021)

20220901

countries-greece-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830 and became a kingdom. In 1974, it became a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981 Greece joined the EU.Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830 and became a kingdom. In 1974, it became a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981 Greece joined the EU. Topic: Geography Area: total: 131,957 sq km land: 130,647 sq km water: 1,310 sq km Climate: temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers Natural resources: lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel, magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential Topic: People and Society Population: 10,533,871 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Greek 91.6%, Albanian 4.4%, other 4% (2011 est.) Languages: Greek (official) 99%, other (includes English and French) 1% Religions: Greek Orthodox 81-90%, Muslim 2%, other 3%, none 4-15%, unspecified 1% (2015 est.) Population growth rate: -0.34% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Athens Executive branch: chief of state: President Ekaterini SAKELLAROPOULOU (since 13 March 2020) head of government: Prime Minister Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS (since 8 July 2019) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Hellenic Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; 280 members in multi-seat constituencies and 12 members in a single nationwide constituency directly elected by open party-list proportional representation vote; 8 members in single-seat constituencies elected by simple majority vote; members serve up to 4 years);  note - only parties surpassing a 3% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold Topic: Economy Economic overview: tourism- and shipping-based EU economy; clientelism economic culture and systemic corruption; new structural reforms for fiscal solvency; high public debts and unemployment; increasing Chinese port control; oil and gas disputes with Turkeytourism- and shipping-based EU economy; clientelism economic culture and systemic corruption; new structural reforms for fiscal solvency; high public debts and unemployment; increasing Chinese port control; oil and gas disputes with Turkey Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $292.4 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $27,300 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: maize, olives, wheat, milk, peaches/nectarines, oranges, tomatoes, grapes, milk, potatoes Industries: tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum Exports: $59.02 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: Italy 10%, Germany 7%, Turkey 5%, Cyprus 5%, Bulgaria 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, packaged medicines, aluminum plating, computers, cotton (2019) Imports: $71.76 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: Germany 11%, China 9%, Italy 8%, Iraq 7%, Russia 6%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cars, ships (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, Jun 15, 2022

20220901

field-revenue-from-forest-resources

This entry refers to the economic profits, expressed as a percentage of a country's GDP, from the harvesting of forests (e.g., lumber and timber industries). These profits equal forest gross revenues minus costs to harvest the forest. Other sources may refer to this field as forest rents. Topic: Afghanistanforest revenues: 0.2% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Albaniaforest revenues: 0.18% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Algeriaforest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: American Samoaforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Andorraforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Angolaforest revenues: 0.36% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudaforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Argentinaforest revenues: 0.09% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Armeniaforest revenues: 0.28% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Arubaforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: Australiaforest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Austriaforest revenues: 0.07% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Azerbaijanforest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Theforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Bahrainforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Bangladeshforest revenues: 0.08% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Barbadosforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Belarusforest revenues: 1.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Belgiumforest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Belizeforest revenues: 0.31% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Beninforest revenues: 2.24% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Bhutanforest revenues: 1.89% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Boliviaforest revenues: 0.33% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaforest revenues: 0.49% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Botswanaforest revenues: 0.23% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Brazilforest revenues: 0.62% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Bruneiforest revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Bulgariaforest revenues: 0.22% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasoforest revenues: 4.54% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Burmaforest revenues: 1.69% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Burundiforest revenues: 10.31% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Cabo Verdeforest revenues: 0.38% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Cambodiaforest revenues: 0.84% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Cameroonforest revenues: 2.5% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Canadaforest revenues: 0.08% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandsforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Central African Republicforest revenues: 8.99% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Chadforest revenues: 3.81% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Chileforest revenues: 0.49% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Chinaforest revenues: 0.08% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Colombiaforest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Comorosforest revenues: 1.39% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theforest revenues: 8.72% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theforest revenues: 3.17% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Costa Ricaforest revenues: 0.82% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoireforest revenues: 2.04% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Croatiaforest revenues: 0.26% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Cubaforest revenues: 0.06% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Curacaoforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Cyprusforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Czechiaforest revenues: 0.17% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: Denmarkforest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Djiboutiforest revenues: 0.26% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Dominicaforest revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Dominican Republicforest revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Ecuadorforest revenues: 0.27% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Egyptforest revenues: 0.15% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: El Salvadorforest revenues: 0.6% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineaforest revenues: 1.52% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Estoniaforest revenues: 0.85% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Eswatiniforest revenues: 2.25% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Ethiopiaforest revenues: 5.81% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: European Unionforest revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Faroe Islandsforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: Fijiforest revenues: 0.59% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Finlandforest revenues: 0.36% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Franceforest revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Gabonforest revenues: 2.6% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Gambia, Theforest revenues: 2.47% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Gaza Stripforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Georgiaforest revenues: 0.07% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Germanyforest revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Ghanaforest revenues: 3.51% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Greeceforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Greenlandforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Grenadaforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Guamforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Guatemalaforest revenues: 0.78% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Guineaforest revenues: 4.81% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissauforest revenues: 9.24% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Guyanaforest revenues: 4.56% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Haitiforest revenues: 0.68% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Hondurasforest revenues: 0.91% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Hong Kongforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Hungaryforest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Icelandforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Indiaforest revenues: 0.14% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Indonesiaforest revenues: 0.39% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Iranforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: Iraqforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Irelandforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Isle of Manforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: Israelforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Italyforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Jamaicaforest revenues: 0.15% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Japanforest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Jordanforest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Kazakhstanforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Kenyaforest revenues: 1.3% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Kiribatiforest revenues: 0.04% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Korea, Southforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Kosovoforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Kuwaitforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstanforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Laosforest revenues: 1.48% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Latviaforest revenues: 0.85% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Lebanonforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Lesothoforest revenues: 3.34% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Liberiaforest revenues: 13.27% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Libyaforest revenues: 0.06% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Liechtensteinforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: Lithuaniaforest revenues: 0.31% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Luxembourgforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Macauforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Madagascarforest revenues: 4.34% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Malawiforest revenues: 6.19% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Malaysiaforest revenues: 1.57% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Maldivesforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Maliforest revenues: 2.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Maltaforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Marshall Islandsforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Mauritaniaforest revenues: 1.3% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Mauritiusforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Mexicoforest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States offorest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Moldovaforest revenues: 0.26% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Monacoforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Mongoliaforest revenues: 0.14% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Montenegroforest revenues: 0.43% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Moroccoforest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Mozambiqueforest revenues: 6.46% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Namibiaforest revenues: 0.47% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Nauruforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Nepalforest revenues: 0.45% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Netherlandsforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: New Zealandforest revenues: 0.5% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Nicaraguaforest revenues: 1.26% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Nigerforest revenues: 4.41% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Nigeriaforest revenues: 1.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: North Macedoniaforest revenues: 0.15% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Norwayforest revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Omanforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Pakistanforest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Palauforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Panamaforest revenues: 0.08% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineaforest revenues: 2.08% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Paraguayforest revenues: 1.21% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Peruforest revenues: 0.12% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Philippinesforest revenues: 0.18% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Polandforest revenues: 0.17% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Portugalforest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricoforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Qatarforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Romaniaforest revenues: 0.16% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Russiaforest revenues: 0.29% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Rwandaforest revenues: 3.75% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Luciaforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesforest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Samoaforest revenues: 0.27% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: San Marinoforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principeforest revenues: 1.9% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiaforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Senegalforest revenues: 1.46% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Serbiaforest revenues: 0.38% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Seychellesforest revenues: 0.09% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Sierra Leoneforest revenues: 6.92% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Singaporeforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Slovakiaforest revenues: 0.22% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Sloveniaforest revenues: 0.2% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandsforest revenues: 20.27% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: South Sudanforest revenues: 2.65% of GDP (2015 est.) Topic: Spainforest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Sri Lankaforest revenues: 0.06% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Sudanforest revenues: 3.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Surinameforest revenues: 2.36% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Swedenforest revenues: 0.21% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Switzerlandforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Tajikistanforest revenues: 1.12% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Tanzaniaforest revenues: 2.19% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Thailandforest revenues: 0.34% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Timor-Lesteforest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Togoforest revenues: 3.96% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Tongaforest revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoforest revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Tunisiaforest revenues: 0.21% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)forest revenues: 0.08% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Turkmenistanforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Tuvaluforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Ugandaforest revenues: 7.32% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Ukraineforest revenues: 0.34% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: United Arab Emiratesforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: United Kingdomforest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: United Statesforest revenues: 0.04% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Uruguayforest revenues: 1.56% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Uzbekistanforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Vanuatuforest revenues: 0.54% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Vietnamforest revenues: 1.49% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandsforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: West Bankforest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Yemenforest revenues: 0.04% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Zambiaforest revenues: 4.45% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Zimbabweforest revenues: 1.61% of GDP (2018 est.)

20220901

field-telephones-fixed-lines

This entry gives the total number of fixed telephone lines in use, as well as the number of subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Topic: Afghanistantotal subscriptions: 145,787 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Albaniatotal subscriptions: 223,469 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2020 est.) Topic: Algeriatotal subscriptions: 4,784,306 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: American Samoatotal subscriptions: 10,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2020 est.) Topic: Andorratotal subscriptions: 40,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 52 (2020 est.) Topic: Angolatotal subscriptions: 119,164 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Anguillatotal subscriptions: 6,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 42 (2018 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal subscriptions: 27,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2020 est.) Topic: Argentinatotal subscriptions: 7,356,165 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Armeniatotal subscriptions: 427,539 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Arubatotal subscriptions: 35,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2020 est.) Topic: Australiatotal subscriptions: 6.2 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2020 est.) Topic: Austriatotal subscriptions: 3,786,725 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 42 (2020 est.) Topic: Azerbaijantotal subscriptions: 1,652,688 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal subscriptions: 91,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Topic: Bahraintotal subscriptions: 274,106 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Bangladeshtotal subscriptions: 1,390,048 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Barbadostotal subscriptions: 128,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2020 est.) Topic: Belarustotal subscriptions: 4,406,560 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2020 est.) Topic: Belgiumtotal subscriptions: 3,634,639 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Belizetotal subscriptions: 19,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Benintotal subscriptions: 32,386 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Bermudatotal subscriptions: 25,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 40 (2020 est.) Topic: Bhutantotal subscriptions: 22,987 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Boliviatotal subscriptions: 598,082 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal subscriptions: 706,135 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 22 (2020 est.) Topic: Botswanatotal subscriptions: 140,003 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Topic: Braziltotal subscriptions: 30,653,813 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal subscriptions: 7,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Topic: Bruneitotal subscriptions: 103,885 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2020 est.) Topic: Bulgariatotal subscriptions: 872,757 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasototal subscriptions: 75,039 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Burmatotal subscriptions: 523,951 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Burunditotal subscriptions: 18,300 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Cabo Verdetotal subscriptions: 57,668 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2020 est.) Topic: Cambodiatotal subscriptions: 55,603 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Cameroontotal subscriptions: 964,378 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Canadatotal subscriptions: 13.34 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandstotal subscriptions: 36,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 55 (2020 est.) Topic: Central African Republictotal subscriptions: 2,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Chadtotal subscriptions: 5,340 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Chiletotal subscriptions: 2,567,938 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Chinatotal subscriptions: 181.908 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Colombiatotal subscriptions: 7,248,026 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Comorostotal subscriptions: 7,573 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal subscriptions: 0 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal subscriptions: 17,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Cook Islandstotal subscriptions: 6,576 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 38 (2018 est.) Topic: Costa Ricatotal subscriptions: 559,882 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal subscriptions: 264,073 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Croatiatotal subscriptions: 1,299,329 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2020 est.) Topic: Cubatotal subscriptions: 1,502,230 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Curacaototal subscriptions: 54,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2020 est.) Topic: Cyprustotal subscriptions: 311,439 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Czechiatotal subscriptions: 1,335,224 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Topic: Denmarktotal subscriptions: 734,436 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Djiboutitotal subscriptions: 38,866 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Dominicatotal subscriptions: 1,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Dominican Republictotal subscriptions: 1,155,493 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: Ecuadortotal subscriptions: 2,063,044 (2020) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Topic: Egypttotal subscriptions: 9,858,331 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2020 est.) Topic: El Salvadortotal subscriptions: 894,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal subscriptions: 11,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Eritreatotal subscriptions: 66,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Topic: Estoniatotal subscriptions: 304,728 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Topic: Eswatinitotal subscriptions: 39,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Ethiopiatotal subscriptions: 1.252 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: European Uniontotal subscriptions: 160,149,025 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (2020 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total subscriptions: 2,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 65 (2018 est.) Topic: Faroe Islandstotal subscriptions: 15,341 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Fijitotal subscriptions: 48,510 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Finlandtotal subscriptions: 225,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Francetotal subscriptions: 37.759 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 58 (2020 est.) Topic: French Polynesiatotal subscriptions: 94,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2020 est.) Topic: Gabontotal subscriptions: 25,428 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Gambia, Thetotal subscriptions: 60,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Topic: Gaza Striptotal subscriptions: 466,283 (2020 est.) includes the West Bank subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2020 est.) includes the West Bank Topic: Georgiatotal subscriptions: 387,698 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2020 est.) Topic: Germanytotal subscriptions: 38.3 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2020 est.) Topic: Ghanatotal subscriptions: 307,668 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Gibraltartotal subscriptions: 17,041 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 51 (2020 est.) Topic: Greecetotal subscriptions: 5,028,332 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2020 est.) Topic: Greenlandtotal subscriptions: 6,352 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: Grenadatotal subscriptions: 16,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Guamtotal subscriptions: 70,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 41 (2020 est.) Topic: Guatemalatotal subscriptions: 2,272,467 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Guernseytotal subscriptions: 33,940 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 54 (2020 est.) Topic: Guineatotal subscriptions: 0 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2018 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal subscriptions: 0 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2018 est.) Topic: Guyanatotal subscriptions: 125,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Haititotal subscriptions: 6,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Hondurastotal subscriptions: 531,763 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Hong Kongtotal subscriptions: 3,900,599 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 52 (2020 est.) Topic: Hungarytotal subscriptions: 2,970,347 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Icelandtotal subscriptions: 107,032 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Indiatotal subscriptions: 20,052,162 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Indonesiatotal subscriptions: 9,662,135 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Irantotal subscriptions: 29,093,587 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Iraqtotal subscriptions: 2,699,758 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2020 est.) Topic: Irelandtotal subscriptions: 1,678,651 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (2020 est.) Topic: Israeltotal subscriptions: 3.37 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 39 (2020 est.) Topic: Italytotal subscriptions: 19,607,341 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2020 est.) Topic: Jamaicatotal subscriptions: 436,249 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Japantotal subscriptions: 61,978,594 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2020 est.) Topic: Jerseytotal subscriptions: 48,310 (2019 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2019 est.) Topic: Jordantotal subscriptions: 391,486 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Kazakhstantotal subscriptions: 3.091 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Kenyatotal subscriptions: 66,646 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Kiribatitotal subscriptions: 33 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Korea, Northtotal subscriptions: 1.18 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Southtotal subscriptions: 23,858,239 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2020 est.) Topic: Kosovototal subscriptions: 383,763 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2019 est.) Topic: Kuwaittotal subscriptions: 583,463 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal subscriptions: 299,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Laostotal subscriptions: 1.491 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2020 est.) Topic: Latviatotal subscriptions: 211,849 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: Lebanontotal subscriptions: 875,480 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Lesothototal subscriptions: 11,574 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Liberiatotal subscriptions: 6,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Libyatotal subscriptions: 1.576 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Topic: Liechtensteintotal subscriptions: 12,607 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2020 est.) Topic: Lithuaniatotal subscriptions: 322,108 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Topic: Luxembourgtotal subscriptions: 268,090 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2020 est.) Topic: Macautotal subscriptions: 110,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2020 est.) Topic: Madagascartotal subscriptions: 69,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Malawitotal subscriptions: 12,465 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Malaysiatotal subscriptions: 7,467,900 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Topic: Maldivestotal subscriptions: 14,508 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Malitotal subscriptions: 281,638 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Maltatotal subscriptions: 259,456 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 59 (2020 est.) Topic: Marshall Islandstotal subscriptions: 2,361 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2018 est.) Topic: Mauritaniatotal subscriptions: 62,099 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Mauritiustotal subscriptions: 478,700 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 38 (2020 est.) Topic: Mexicototal subscriptions: 24,500,456 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2020 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal subscriptions: 7,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Topic: Moldovatotal subscriptions: 1,027,689 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2020 est.) Topic: Monacototal subscriptions: 43,706 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 111 (2020 est.) Topic: Mongoliatotal subscriptions: 160,153 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Montenegrototal subscriptions: 191,768 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Montserrattotal subscriptions: 3,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 60 (2018 est.) Topic: Moroccototal subscriptions: 2,357,286 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Topic: Mozambiquetotal subscriptions: 89,016 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Namibiatotal subscriptions: 140,370 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Topic: Naurutotal subscriptions: 1,900 (2009 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2009 est.) Topic: Nepaltotal subscriptions: 726,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Topic: Netherlandstotal subscriptions: 4.937 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2020 est.) Topic: New Caledoniatotal subscriptions: 46,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: New Zealandtotal subscriptions: 858,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2020 est.) Topic: Nicaraguatotal subscriptions: 210,981 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Nigertotal subscriptions: 58,000 (2020) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Nigeriatotal subscriptions: 107,031 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Niuetotal subscriptions: 1,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2018 est.) Topic: North Macedoniatotal subscriptions: 415,390 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2020 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal subscriptions: 20,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Norwaytotal subscriptions: 348,808 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Topic: Omantotal subscriptions: 594,550 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Pakistantotal subscriptions: 2,876,794 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Palautotal subscriptions: 8,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2020 est.) Topic: Panamatotal subscriptions: 649,156 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineatotal subscriptions: 166,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Topic: Paraguaytotal subscriptions: 249,231 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Perutotal subscriptions: 2.47 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2020 est.) Topic: Philippinestotal subscriptions: 4,731,196 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Polandtotal subscriptions: 5,777,428 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Portugaltotal subscriptions: 5,212,507 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 51 (2020 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricototal subscriptions: 711,512 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2020 est.) Topic: Qatartotal subscriptions: 454,701 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Romaniatotal subscriptions: 3.025 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Russiatotal subscriptions: 25,892,405 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2020 est.) Topic: Rwandatotal subscriptions: 11,671 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal subscriptions: 3,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49.93 (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal subscriptions: 15,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Luciatotal subscriptions: 38,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal subscriptions: 4,800 (2015 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 76 (2015 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal subscriptions: 12,483 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: Samoatotal subscriptions: 6,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: San Marinototal subscriptions: 16,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2020 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal subscriptions: 2,790 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal subscriptions: 5,749,058 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2020 est.) Topic: Senegaltotal subscriptions: 228,774 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Serbiatotal subscriptions: 2,572,254 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (2020 est.) Topic: Seychellestotal subscriptions: 18,882 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2020 est.) Topic: Sierra Leonetotal subscriptions: 189 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Singaporetotal subscriptions: 1.891 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2020 est.) Topic: Slovakiatotal subscriptions: 648,462 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Topic: Sloveniatotal subscriptions: 704,909 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (2020 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandstotal subscriptions: 7,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Somaliatotal subscriptions: 91,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: South Africatotal subscriptions: 2,098,802 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: South Sudantotal subscriptions: (2018 est.) less than 1 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2018 est.) less than 1 Topic: Spaintotal subscriptions: 19,455,658 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 42 (2020 est.) Topic: Sri Lankatotal subscriptions: 2,607,868 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Topic: Sudantotal subscriptions: 129,408 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Surinametotal subscriptions: 103,240 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2020 est.) Topic: Swedentotal subscriptions: 1,478,610 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Switzerlandtotal subscriptions: 3,071,296 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Syriatotal subscriptions: 2,857,193 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Topic: Taiwantotal subscriptions: 12,971,900 (2019 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 55 (2019 est.) Topic: Tajikistantotal subscriptions: 502,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Topic: Tanzaniatotal subscriptions: 72,469 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) Topic: Thailandtotal subscriptions: 5.003 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2020 est.) Topic: Timor-Lestetotal subscriptions: 2,012 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Togototal subscriptions: 46,499 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Tokelautotal subscriptions: 0 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2018 est.) Topic: Tongatotal subscriptions: 7,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2020 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal subscriptions: 323,905 (2020) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Topic: Tunisiatotal subscriptions: 1,533,273 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total subscriptions: 12,448,604 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2020 est.) Topic: Turkmenistantotal subscriptions: 717,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal subscriptions: 4,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2020 est.) Topic: Tuvalutotal subscriptions: 2,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2020 est.) Topic: Ugandatotal subscriptions: 90,774 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Ukrainetotal subscriptions: 3,314,263 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2020 est.) Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal subscriptions: 2,380,866 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2020 est.) Topic: United Kingdomtotal subscriptions: 32.037 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2020 est.) Topic: United Statestotal subscriptions: 101.526 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Topic: Uruguaytotal subscriptions: 1,224,600 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Uzbekistantotal subscriptions: 3,550,069 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Topic: Vanuatutotal subscriptions: 3,472 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Venezuelatotal subscriptions: 5,251,182 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2020 est.) Topic: Vietnamtotal subscriptions: 3,205,775 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandstotal subscriptions: 76,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 73 (2020 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal subscriptions: 3,132 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2018 est.) Topic: West Banktotal subscriptions: 466,283 (2020 est.) includes Gaza Strip subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2020 est.) includes Gaza Strip note: includes Gaza Strip Topic: Worldtotal subscriptions: 901,317,598 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2021 est.) Topic: Yementotal subscriptions: 1.24 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Zambiatotal subscriptions: 71,844 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2020 est.) less than 1 Topic: Zimbabwetotal subscriptions: 252,067 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.)

20220901

countries-sint-maarten

Topic: Photos of Sint Maarten Topic: Introduction Background: Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and began exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but the Dutch continued to assert their claims. The Spanish finally relinquished the island of Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it between themselves in 1648. The establishment of cotton, tobacco, and sugar plantations dramatically expanded African slavery on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries; the practice was not abolished in the Dutch half until 1863. The island's economy declined until 1939 when it became a free port; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded beginning in the 1950s. In 1954, Sint Maarten and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Netherlands Antilles. In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, effective October 2010. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, causing extensive damage to roads, communications, electrical power, and housing. The UN estimated the storm destroyed or damaged 90% of the buildings, and Princess Juliana International Airport was heavily damaged and closed to commercial air traffic for five weeks.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin IslandsCaribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands Geographic coordinates: 18 4 N, 63 4 W18 4 N, 63 4 W Map references: Central America and the CaribbeanCentral America and the Caribbean Area: total: 34 sq km land: 34 sq km water: 0 sq km note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin Area - comparative: one-fifth the size of Washington, DCone-fifth the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 16 km border countries (1): Saint Martin (France) 16 km Coastline: 58.9 km (for entire island) Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to Novembertropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November Terrain: low, hilly terrain, volcanic originlow, hilly terrain, volcanic origin Elevation: highest point: Mount Flagstaff 383 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Natural resources: fish, saltfish, salt Population distribution: most populous areas are Lower Prince's Quarter (north of Philipsburg), followed closely by Cul de Sac Natural hazards: subject to hurricanes from July to Novembersubject to hurricanes from July to November Geography - note: note 1: the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka as Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entitiesnote 1: the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world shared by two self-governing states note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka as Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entities Map description: Sint Maarten map showing some of the major features of this part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea.  Sint Maarten map showing some of the major features of this part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea.  Topic: People and Society Population: 45,126 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Saint Maarten 29.9%, Dominican Republic 10.2%, Haiti 7.8%, Jamaica 6.6%, Saint Martin 5.9%, Guyana 5%, Dominica 4.4%, Curacao 4.1%, Aruba 3.4%, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.8%, India 2.6%, Netherlands 2.2%, US 1.6%, Suriname 1.4%, Saint Lucia 1.3%, Anguilla 1.1%, other 8%, unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.) note:  data represent population by country of birth Languages: English (official) 67.5%, Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%, Dutch (official) 4.2%, Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 2.2%, French 1.5%, other 3.5% (2001 est.) Religions: Protestant 41.9% (Pentecostal 14.7%, Methodist 10.0%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.6%, Baptist 4.7%, Anglican 3.1%, other Protestant 2.8%), Roman Catholic 33.1%, Hindu 5.2%, Christian 4.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, Evangelical 1.4%, Muslim/Jewish 1.1%, other 1.3% (includes Buddhist, Sikh, Rastafarian), none 7.9%, no response 2.4% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.64% (male 4,242/female 3,932) 15-24 years: 13.26% (male 2,967/female 2,849) 25-54 years: 39.08% (male 8,417/female 8,717) 55-64 years: 17.47% (male 3,638/female 4,020) 65 years and over: 11.55% (2020 est.) (male 2,385/female 2,680) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 41.1 years male: 39.6 years female: 42.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.23% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 12.56 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.07 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 5.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most populous areas are Lower Prince's Quarter (north of Philipsburg), followed closely by Cul de Sac Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. est.) Major urban areas - population: 1,327 PHILIPSBURG (capital) (2011) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 7.98 deaths/1,000 live births male: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.26 years male: 76.91 years female: 81.73 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.99 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: total: 95.1% of population unimproved: total: 4.9% of population (2017) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 98.8% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1.2% of population (2017) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 12 years male: 12 years female: 12 years (2014) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: scarcity of potable water (increasing percentage provided by desalination); inadequate solid waste management; pollution from construction, chemical runoff, and sewage harms reefsscarcity of potable water (increasing percentage provided by desalination); inadequate solid waste management; pollution from construction, chemical runoff, and sewage harms reefs Climate: tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to Novembertropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Country of Sint Maarten conventional short form: Sint Maarten local long form: Land Sint Maarten (Dutch)/ Country of Sint Maarten (English) local short form: Sint Maarten (Dutch and English) former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island after Saint MARTIN of Tours because the 11 November 1493 day of discovery was the saint's feast day Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchyparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy Dependency status: constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairsconstituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs Capital: name: Philipsburg geographic coordinates: 18 1 N, 63 2 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: founded and named in 1763 by John PHILIPS, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy Administrative divisions: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) note: Sint Maarten is one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the other three are the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curacaonone (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) National holiday: King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967); note - King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday; local holiday Sint Maarten's Day, 11 November (1985), commemorates the discovery of the island by COLUMBUS on Saint Martin's Day, 11 November 1493; celebrated on both halves of the islandKing's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967); note - King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday; local holiday Sint Maarten's Day, 11 November (1985), commemorates the discovery of the island by COLUMBUS on Saint Martin's Day, 11 November 1493; celebrated on both halves of the island Constitution: history: previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 21 July 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Sint Maarten but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands) amendments: proposals initiated by the Government or by Parliament; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority of the Parliament membership; passage of amendments relating to fundamental rights, authorities of the governor and of Parliament must include the "views" of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Government prior to ratification by Parliament Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influencebased on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence Citizenship: see the Netherlands Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Eugene HOLIDAY (since 10 October 2010) head of government: Interim Prime Minister Silveria JACOBS (since 16 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the governor-general elections/appointments: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party usually elected prime minister by Parliament note - on 16 January 2020, Governor Eugene HOLIDAY appoints Silveria JACOBS as formateur of a new government Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament of Sint Maarten (15 seats; members directly elected by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) elections: last held 9 January 2020 (next to be held in 2024) election results: percent of vote by party - NA 35.2%, UP 24.2%, US Party 13.2%, PFP 10.6%, UD 8.7%, other 8.1%; seats by party - NA 6, UP 4, PFP 2, US Party 2, UD 1 Judicial branch: highest courts: Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (consists of the presiding judge, other members, and their substitutes); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court (in The Hague, Netherlands); note - prior to 2010, the Joint Court of Justice was the Common Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed by the monarch serve for life subordinate courts: Courts in First Instance Political parties and leaders: National Alliance or NA [Silveria JACOBS] Party for Progress or PFP [Melissa GUMBS] Sint Maarten Christian Party or SMCP [Garica ARRINDELL] United Democrats Party or UD [Sarah WESCOT-WILLIAMS] United Peoples Party or UP [Theodore HEYLIGER] United Sint Maarten Party or US Party [Frans RICHARDSON] International organization participation: Caricom (observer), ILO, Interpol, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMOCaricom (observer), ILO, Interpol, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMO Diplomatic representation in the US: none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Sint Maarten; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Sint Maarten Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays the Sint Maarten coat of arms; the arms consist of an orange-bordered  blue shield prominently displaying the white court house in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left,  and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; the shield is surmounted by a yellow rising sun in front of which is a brown pelican in flight; a yellow scroll below the shield bears the motto: SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing); the three main colors are identical to those on the Dutch flag note: the flag somewhat resembles that of the Philippines but with the main red and blue bands reversed; the banner more closely evokes the wartime Philippine flag National symbol(s): brown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, bluebrown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, blue National anthem: name: O Sweet Saint Martin's Land lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS note: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides); as a collectivity of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" is official on the French side (see France); as a constituent part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in addition to the local anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" is official on the Dutch side (see Netherlands) Topic: Economy Economic overview: The economy of Sint Maarten centers around tourism with nearly four-fifths of the labor force engaged in this sector. Nearly 1.8 million visitors came to the island by cruise ship and roughly 500,000 visitors arrived through Princess Juliana International Airport in 2013. Cruise ships and yachts also call on Sint Maarten's numerous ports and harbors. Limited agriculture and local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported. Sint Maarten had the highest per capita income among the five islands that formerly comprised the Netherlands Antilles. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.44 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $1.436 billion (2018 est.) $1.538 billion (2017 est.) Real GDP growth rate: 3.6% (2014 est.) 4.1% (2013 est.) 1.9% (2012 est.) Real GDP per capita: $35,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $35,342 (2018 est.) $37,914 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $304.1 million (2014 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (2012 est.) 0.7% (2009 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.4% (2008 est.) industry: 18.3% (2008 est.) services: 81.3% (2008 est.) Agricultural products: sugar Industries: tourism, light industry Labor force: 23,200 (2008 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.1% industry: 15.2% services: 83.7% (2008 est.) Unemployment rate: 12% (2012 est.) 10.6% (2008 est.) Exports: $1.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $800 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - commodities: sugar Imports: $1.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - 1.79 (2017 est.) 1.79 (2016 est.) 1.79 (2015 est.) 1.79 (2014 est.) 1.79 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 10,440 bbl/day (2015 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 68,840 (2017) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 195.94 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: generally adequate facilities; growth sectors include mobile telephone and data segments; effective competition; LTE expansion; tourism and telecom sector contribute greatly to the GDP (2018) domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links; 196 per 100 mobile-cellular teledensity (2019) international: country code - 1-721; landing points for SMPR-1 and the ECFS submarine cables providing connectivity to the Caribbean; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Internet country code: .sx; note - IANA has designated .sx for Sint Maarten, but has not yet assigned it to a sponsoring organization.sx; note - IANA has designated .sx for Sint Maarten, but has not yet assigned it to a sponsoring organization Internet users: total: 39,100 (March 2022) percent of population: 89.5% (March 2022) Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) note: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) was severely damaged on 6 September 2017 by hurricane Irma, but resumed commercial operations on 10 October 2017 Roadways: total: 53 km Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Philipsburg oil terminal(s): Coles Bay oil terminal Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Police Department for local law enforcement, supported by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Gendarmerie), the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, KPCN), and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG or Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied (KWCARIB)) (2022) Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: non identified

20220901

countries-cayman-islands-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to the Cayman Islands due to COVID-19-related restrictions. 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. 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. US Embassy/Consulate: None (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica; US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the Embassy in Jamaica [1] (876) 702-6000; US Embassy in Kingston, 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica, WI Telephone Code: 345 Local Emergency Phone: 911 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool , relatively dry winters (November to April) Currency (Code): Caymanian dollars (KYD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B Major Languages: English, Spanish, Filipino Major Religions: Protestant 67.8%, Roman Catholic 14.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1% Time Difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Seven Mile Beach; Stingray City; George Town; Atlantis Submarines; Cayman Turtle Centre; Bloody Bay Marine Park Major Sports: Soccer, rugby, netball Cultural Practices: Handshakes between men and women are the most common form of greeting. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is usually expected everywhere you go to eat or drink. Even though many eating establishments may include a service charge; service staff in restaurants and bars rely on tips for a large portion of their salary.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

20220901

field-real-gdp-purchasing-power-parity-country-comparison

20220901

countries-trinidad-and-tobago-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.  Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website daily via the link below for any travel advisories about visiting this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [1] (868) 622-6371 through 6376; US Embassy in Port of Spain, 15 Queen’s Park West, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; acspos@state.gov; https://tt.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 868 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 990; Fire: 990; Police: 999 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; rainy season (June to December) Currency (Code): Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 115 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B Major Languages: English, Trinidadian Creole English, Tobagonian Creole English, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Trinidadian Creole French, Spanish, Chinese Major Religions: Protestant 32.1%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Hindu 18.2%, Muslim 5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5% Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Trinidad and Tobago, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Port of Spain; Maracas Bay; Pigeon Point; Caroni Bird Sanctuary; Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge; Little Tobago Island; Mount Saint Benedict Monastery Major Sports: Soccer, sailing, track and field, rugby Cultural Practices: Avoid cursing or using foul language as it is considered a criminal offense. Tipping Guidelines: In general, Trinidadians do not tip. A 10% service charge is often included at restaurants. If you really want to tip a particular waiter for exceptional service, make sure to physically give them the cash or leave it on the table where they can see it. Do not add it into the bill or credit card slip. Tipping private taxi drivers is at your discretion. Do not tip if you share a taxi. Tip a few dollars each round for the bartender. Souvenirs: Sarongs and other hand-painted clothing; shell necklaces and beaded, gold, and silver jewelry; leather sandals, spices, woodcarvings, steel pan drums, handmade ceramic statuesPlease 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, May 10, 2022