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Topic: Photos of Morocco Topic: Introduction Background: In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half-century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of king. Since Spain's 1976 withdrawal from Western Sahara, Morocco has extended its de facto administrative control to roughly 75% of this territory; however, the UN does not recognize Morocco as the administering power for Western Sahara. The UN since 1991 has monitored a cease-fire between Morocco and the Polisario Front - an organization advocating the territory’s independence - and restarted negotiations over the status of the territory in December 2018. On 10 December 2020, the US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over all of Western Sahara. King MOHAMMED VI in early 2011 responded to the spread of pro-democracy protests in the North Africa region by implementing a reform program that included a new constitution, passed by popular referendum in July 2011, under which some new powers were extended to parliament and the prime minister, but ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. In November 2011, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) - a moderate Islamist party - won the largest number of seats in parliamentary elections, becoming the first Islamist party to lead the Moroccan Government. In September 2015, Morocco held its first direct elections for regional councils, one of the reforms included in the 2011 constitution. The PJD again won the largest number of seats in nationwide parliamentary elections in October 2016, but it lost its plurality to the probusiness National Rally of Independents (RNI) in September 2021. In December 2020, Morocco signed a normalization agreement with Israel, similar to those that Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan had concluded with Israel earlier in 2020.In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half-century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of king. Since Spain's 1976 withdrawal from Western Sahara, Morocco has extended its de facto administrative control to roughly 75% of this territory; however, the UN does not recognize Morocco as the administering power for Western Sahara. The UN since 1991 has monitored a cease-fire between Morocco and the Polisario Front - an organization advocating the territory’s independence - and restarted negotiations over the status of the territory in December 2018. On 10 December 2020, the US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over all of Western Sahara.King MOHAMMED VI in early 2011 responded to the spread of pro-democracy protests in the North Africa region by implementing a reform program that included a new constitution, passed by popular referendum in July 2011, under which some new powers were extended to parliament and the prime minister, but ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. In November 2011, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) - a moderate Islamist party - won the largest number of seats in parliamentary elections, becoming the first Islamist party to lead the Moroccan Government. In September 2015, Morocco held its first direct elections for regional councils, one of the reforms included in the 2011 constitution. The PJD again won the largest number of seats in nationwide parliamentary elections in October 2016, but it lost its plurality to the probusiness National Rally of Independents (RNI) in September 2021. In December 2020, Morocco signed a normalization agreement with Israel, similar to those that Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan had concluded with Israel earlier in 2020.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Mauritania Geographic coordinates: 28 30 N, 10 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 716,550 sq km land: 716,300 sq km water: 250 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than twice the size of California Land boundaries: total: 3,523.5 km border countries (3): Algeria 1,941 km; Mauritania 1,564 km; Spain (Ceuta) 8 km and Spain (Melilla) 10.5 km note: an additional 75-meter border segment exists between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Penon de Velez de la Gomera Coastline: 2,945 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: Mediterranean 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 Terrain: mountainous northern coast (Rif Mountains) and interior (Atlas Mountains) bordered by large plateaus with intermontane valleys, and fertile coastal plains; the south is mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces  Elevation: highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m lowest point: Sebkha Tah -59 m mean elevation: 909 m Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt Land use: agricultural land: 67.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 17.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 47.1% (2018 est.) forest: 11.5% (2018 est.) other: 21% (2018 est.) note: does not include the area of the former Western Sahara, which is almost exclusively desert Irrigated land: 14,850 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Draa - 1,100 km Population distribution: the highest population density is found along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts; a number of densely populated agglomerations are found scattered through the Atlas Mountains as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: in the north, the mountains are geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts; windstorms; flash floods; landslides; in the south, a hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility Geography - note: strategic 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 Map description: Morocco map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean. Note that in 2020 the US recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco.Morocco map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean. Note that in 2020 the US recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco. Topic: People and Society Population: 36,738,229 (2022 est.) note: includes Western Sahara Nationality: noun: Moroccan(s) adjective: Moroccan Ethnic groups: Arab-Berber 99%, other 1% note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Languages: Arabic (official), Berber languages (Tamazight (official), Tachelhit, Tarifit), French (often the language of business, government, and diplomacy); note - the proportion of Berber speakers is disputed; does not include data from the former Western Sahara major-language sample(s): كتاب ديال لحقائق متاع العالم، احسن مصدر متاع المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Muslim 99% (official; virtually all Sunni, <0.1% Shia), other 1% (includes Christian, Jewish, and Baha'i); note - Jewish about 3,000-3,500 (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Demographic profile: Morocco is undergoing a demographic transition. Its population is growing but at a declining rate, as people live longer and women have fewer children. Infant, child, and maternal mortality rates have been reduced through better health care, nutrition, hygiene, and vaccination coverage, although disparities between urban and rural and rich and poor households persist. Morocco’s shrinking child cohort reflects the decline of its total fertility rate from 5 in mid-1980s to 2.2 in 2010, which is a result of increased female educational attainment, higher contraceptive use, delayed marriage, and the desire for smaller families. Young adults (persons aged 15-29) make up almost 26% of the total population and represent a potential economic asset if they can be gainfully employed. Currently, however, many youths are unemployed because Morocco’s job creation rate has not kept pace with the growth of its working-age population. Most youths who have jobs work in the informal sector with little security or benefits.During the second half of the 20th century, Morocco became one of the world’s top emigration countries, creating large, widely dispersed migrant communities in Western Europe. The Moroccan Government has encouraged emigration since its independence in 1956, both to secure remittances for funding national development and as an outlet to prevent unrest in rebellious (often Berber) areas. Although Moroccan labor migrants earlier targeted Algeria and France, the flood of Moroccan "guest workers" from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s spread widely across northwestern Europe to fill unskilled jobs in the booming manufacturing, mining, construction, and agriculture industries. Host societies and most Moroccan migrants expected this migration to be temporary, but deteriorating economic conditions in Morocco related to the 1973 oil crisis and tighter European immigration policies resulted in these stays becoming permanent.A wave of family migration followed in the 1970s and 1980s, with a growing number of second generation Moroccans opting to become naturalized citizens of their host countries. Spain and Italy emerged as new destination countries in the mid-1980s, but their introduction of visa restrictions in the early 1990s pushed Moroccans increasingly to migrate either legally by marrying Moroccans already in Europe or illegally to work in the underground economy. Women began to make up a growing share of these labor migrants. At the same time, some higher-skilled Moroccans went to the US and Quebec, Canada.In the mid-1990s, Morocco developed into a transit country for asylum seekers from Sub-Saharan Africa and illegal labor migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia trying to reach Europe via southern Spain, Spain’s Canary Islands, or Spain’s North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. Forcible expulsions by Moroccan and Spanish security forces have not deterred these illegal migrants or calmed Europe’s security concerns. Rabat remains unlikely to adopt an EU agreement to take back third-country nationals who have entered the EU illegally via Morocco. Thousands of other illegal migrants have chosen to stay in Morocco until they earn enough money for further travel or permanently as a "second-best" option. The launching of a regularization program in 2014 legalized the status of some migrants and granted them equal access to education, health care, and work, but xenophobia and racism remain obstacles.Morocco is undergoing a demographic transition. Its population is growing but at a declining rate, as people live longer and women have fewer children. Infant, child, and maternal mortality rates have been reduced through better health care, nutrition, hygiene, and vaccination coverage, although disparities between urban and rural and rich and poor households persist. Morocco’s shrinking child cohort reflects the decline of its total fertility rate from 5 in mid-1980s to 2.2 in 2010, which is a result of increased female educational attainment, higher contraceptive use, delayed marriage, and the desire for smaller families. Young adults (persons aged 15-29) make up almost 26% of the total population and represent a potential economic asset if they can be gainfully employed. Currently, however, many youths are unemployed because Morocco’s job creation rate has not kept pace with the growth of its working-age population. Most youths who have jobs work in the informal sector with little security or benefits.During the second half of the 20th century, Morocco became one of the world’s top emigration countries, creating large, widely dispersed migrant communities in Western Europe. The Moroccan Government has encouraged emigration since its independence in 1956, both to secure remittances for funding national development and as an outlet to prevent unrest in rebellious (often Berber) areas. Although Moroccan labor migrants earlier targeted Algeria and France, the flood of Moroccan "guest workers" from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s spread widely across northwestern Europe to fill unskilled jobs in the booming manufacturing, mining, construction, and agriculture industries. Host societies and most Moroccan migrants expected this migration to be temporary, but deteriorating economic conditions in Morocco related to the 1973 oil crisis and tighter European immigration policies resulted in these stays becoming permanent.A wave of family migration followed in the 1970s and 1980s, with a growing number of second generation Moroccans opting to become naturalized citizens of their host countries. Spain and Italy emerged as new destination countries in the mid-1980s, but their introduction of visa restrictions in the early 1990s pushed Moroccans increasingly to migrate either legally by marrying Moroccans already in Europe or illegally to work in the underground economy. Women began to make up a growing share of these labor migrants. At the same time, some higher-skilled Moroccans went to the US and Quebec, Canada.In the mid-1990s, Morocco developed into a transit country for asylum seekers from Sub-Saharan Africa and illegal labor migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia trying to reach Europe via southern Spain, Spain’s Canary Islands, or Spain’s North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. Forcible expulsions by Moroccan and Spanish security forces have not deterred these illegal migrants or calmed Europe’s security concerns. Rabat remains unlikely to adopt an EU agreement to take back third-country nationals who have entered the EU illegally via Morocco. Thousands of other illegal migrants have chosen to stay in Morocco until they earn enough money for further travel or permanently as a "second-best" option. The launching of a regularization program in 2014 legalized the status of some migrants and granted them equal access to education, health care, and work, but xenophobia and racism remain obstacles. Age structure: 0-14 years: 27.04% (male 4,905,626/female 4,709,333) 15-24 years: 16.55% (male 2,953,523/female 2,930,708) 25-54 years: 40.64% (male 7,126,781/female 7,325,709) 55-64 years: 8.67% (male 1,533,771/female 1,548,315) 65 years and over: 7.11% (2020 est.) (male 1,225,307/female 1,302,581) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Dependency ratios: total 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 Median age: total: 29.1 years male: 28.7 years female: 29.6 years (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Population growth rate: 0.91% (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Birth rate: 17.42 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Death rate: 6.6 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Net migration rate: -1.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Population distribution: the highest population density is found along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts; a number of densely populated agglomerations are found scattered through the Atlas Mountains as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 64.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Major urban areas - population: 3.840 million Casablanca, 1.932 million RABAT (capital), 1.267 million Fes, 1.238 million Tangier, 1.277 million Marrakech, 960,000 Agadir (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Maternal mortality ratio: 70 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Infant mortality rate: total: 19.2 deaths/1,000 live births male: 21.47 deaths/1,000 live births female: 16.81 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.68 years male: 71.98 years female: 75.46 years (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Total fertility rate: 2.29 children born/woman (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Contraceptive prevalence rate: 70.8% (2018) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.3% of population rural: 79.1% of population total: 91% of population unimproved: urban: 1.7% of population rural: 20.9% of population total: 9% of population (2017 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Current Health Expenditure: 5.3% (2019) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Physicians density: 0.73 physicians/1,000 population (2017) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Hospital bed density: 1 beds/1,000 population (2017) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 98.2% of population rural: 72.4% of population total: 88.8% of population unimproved: urban: 1.8% of population rural: 27.6% of population total: 11.2% of population (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1% note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 22,000 (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 26.1% (2016) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Tobacco use: total: 14.5% (2020 est.) male: 28.2% (2020 est.) female: 0.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 2.6% (2017/18) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.5% women married by age 18: 13.7% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: NA note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 73.8% male: 83.3% female: 64.6% (2018) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 14 years female: 14 years (2020) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 22.2% male: 22% female: 22.8% (2016 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: in the north, land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water and soil pollution due to dumping of industrial wastes into the ocean and inland water sources, and onto the land; in the south, desertification; overgrazing; sparse water and lack of arable land note:  data does not include former Western Sahara 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 30.99 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 61.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 17.16 megatons (2020 est.) note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Climate: Mediterranean 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 Land use: agricultural land: 67.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 17.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 47.1% (2018 est.) forest: 11.5% (2018 est.) other: 21% (2018 est.) note: does not include the area of the former Western Sahara, which is almost exclusively desert Urbanization: urban population: 64.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 6.852 million tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 548,160 tons (2014 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 8% (2014 est.) note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Major rivers (by length in km): Draa - 1,100 km Total water withdrawal: municipal: 1.063 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 212 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 9.156 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Total renewable water resources: 29 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco conventional short form: Morocco local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah local short form: Al Maghrib former: French Protectorate in Morocco, Spanish Protectorate in Morocco, Ifni, Spanish Sahara, Western Sahara etymology: the English name "Morocco" derives from, respectively, the Spanish and Portuguese names "Marruecos" and "Marrocos," which stem from "Marrakesh" the Latin name for the former capital of ancient Morocco; the Arabic name "Al Maghrib" translates as "The West" Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Rabat geographic coordinates: 34 01 N, 6 49 W time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: name derives from the Arabic title "Ribat el-Fath," meaning "stronghold of victory," applied to the newly constructed citadel in 1170 Administrative divisions: 12 regions; Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Casablanca-Settat, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, Draa-Tafilalet, Fes-Meknes, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, Marrakech-Safi, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Souss-Massa, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima note: effective 10 December 2020, the US Government recognizes the sovereignty of Morocco over all of the territory of former Western Sahara Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France) National holiday: Throne Day (accession of King MOHAMMED VI to the throne), 30 July (1999) Constitution: history: several previous; latest drafted 17 June 2011, approved by referendum 1 July 2011; note - sources disagree on whether the 2011 referendum was for a new constitution or for reforms to the previous constitution amendments: proposed by the king, by the prime minister, or by members in either chamber of Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum; the king can opt to submit self-initiated proposals directly to a referendum Legal system: mixed legal system of civil law based on French civil law and Islamic (sharia) law; judicial review of legislative acts by Constitutional Court 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 Morocco; if the father is unknown or stateless, the mother must be a citizen dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: House of Councillors or Majlis al-Mustacharine (120 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college of local councils, professional organizations, and labor unions; members serve 6-year terms) House of Representatives or Majlis al-Nuwab (395 seats; 305 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and 90 directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms); note - 60 seats reserved for women and 30 seats for those under age 40 in regional multi-seat constituencies, with the seats divided proportionally among the 12 regions by population size of the region elections: House of Councillors - last held on 5 October 2021 (next to be held by 31 October 2027) House of Representatives - last held on 8 September 2021 (next to be held by 30 September 2026) election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RNI 27, PAM 19, PI 17, MP 12, USFP 8, UGIM 6, CDT 3, PJD 3, UC 2, UMT 2, Amal 1, FDT 1, MDS 1, PRD 1, independent 1; composition as of October 2021) men 105, women 15, percent of women 12.5% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party NA; seats by party - RNI 102, PAM 87, PI 81, USFP 34, MP 28, PPS 22, UC 18, PJD 13, MDS 5, other 5; composition as of July 2022 - men 305, women 90, percent of women 24.1%; note - overall percent of women in Parliament 21.4% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Court of Cassation (consists of 5-judge panels organized into civil, family matters, commercial, administrative, social, and criminal sections); Constitutional Court (consists of 12 members) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the Superior Council of Judicial Power, a 20-member body presided over by the monarch, which includes the Supreme Court president, the prosecutor general, representatives of the appeals and first instance courts  (among them 1 woman magistrate), the president of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH), and 5 "notable persons" appointed by the monarch; judges appointed for life; Constitutional Court members - 6 designated by the monarch and 6 elected by Parliament; court president appointed by the monarch from among the court members; members serve 9-year nonrenewable terms subordinate courts: courts of appeal; High Court of Justice; administrative and commercial courts; regional and Sadad courts (for religious, civil and administrative, and penal adjudication); first instance courts Political parties and leaders: Action Party or PA [Mohammed EL IDRISSI] Amal (hope) Party [Mohamed BANI] An-Nahj Ad-Dimocrati or An-Nahj or Democratic Way [Mustapha BRAHMA] Authenticity and Modernity Party or PAM [Abdellatif OUAHBI] Constitutional Union Party or UC [Mohamed SAJID] Democratic and Social Movement or MDS [Mahmoud ARCHANE] Democratic Forces Front or FFD [Mustapha BENALI] Democratic Society Party or PSD [Zhour CHAKKAFI] Green Left Party or PGV [Mohamed FARES] Istiqlal (Independence) Party or PI [Nizar BARAKA] National Ittihadi Congress or CNI [Abdesalam EL AZIZ] Moroccan Liberal Party or PML [Isaac CHARIA] Moroccan Union for Democracy or UMD [Jamal MANDRI] National Democratic Party [Abdellah KADIRI] National Rally of Independents or RNI [Aziz AKHANNOUCH] Neo-Democrats Party [Mohamed DARIF] Party of Development Reform or PRD [Abderrahmane EL KOHEN] Party of Justice and Development or PJD [Abdelilah BENKIRANE] Party of Liberty and Social Justice [Miloud MOUSSAOUI] Popular Movement or MP [Mohand LAENSER] Party of Progress and Socialism or PPS [Nabil BENABDELLAH] Renaissance and Virtue Party [Mohamed KHALIDI] Renaissance Party [Said EL GHENNIOUI] Renewal and Equity Party or PRE [Chakir ACHEHABAR] Shoura (consultation) and Istiqlal Party [Ahmed BELGHAZI] Socialist Union of Popular Forces or USFP [Driss LACHGAR] Unified Socialist Party or GSU [Nabila MOUNIB] Unity and Democracy Party [Ahmed FITRI] International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNSC (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lalla Joumala ALAOUI (since 24 April 2017) chancery: 3508 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979 FAX: [1] (202) 462-7643 email address and website: Washingtonembbmorocco@maec.gov.ma https://www.embassyofmorocco.us/ consulate(s) general: New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Lawrence M. RANDOLPH (since 4 January 2021) embassy: Km 5.7 Avenue Mohammed VI, Souissi, Rabat 10170 mailing address: 9400 Rabat Place, Washington DC  20521-9400 telephone: [212] 0537-637-200 FAX: [212] 0537-637-201 email address and website: ACSCasablanca@state.gov (US Consulate General Casablanca) https://ma.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Casablanca Flag description: red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian Gulf; the pentacle represents the five pillars of Islam and signifies the association between God and the nation; design dates to 1912 National symbol(s): pentacle symbol, lion; national colors: red, green National anthem: name: "Hymne Cherifien" (Hymn of the Sharif) lyrics/music: Ali Squalli HOUSSAINI/Leo MORGAN note: music adopted 1956, lyrics adopted 1970 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 9 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Medina of Fez; Medina of Marrakesh; Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou; Historic City of Meknes; Archaeological Site of Volubilis; Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin); Medina of Essaouira (formerly Mogador); Portuguese City of Mazagan (El Jadida); Historic and Modern Rabat Topic: Economy Economic overview: Morocco has capitalized on its proximity to Europe and relatively low labor costs to work towards building a diverse, open, market-oriented economy. Key sectors of the economy include agriculture, tourism, aerospace, automotive, phosphates, textiles, apparel, and subcomponents. Morocco has increased investment in its port, transportation, and industrial infrastructure to position itself as a center and broker for business throughout Africa. Industrial development strategies and infrastructure improvements - most visibly illustrated by a new port and free trade zone near Tangier - are improving Morocco's competitiveness.   In the 1980s, Morocco was a heavily indebted country before pursuing austerity measures and pro-market reforms, overseen by the IMF. Since taking the throne in 1999, King MOHAMMED VI has presided over a stable economy marked by steady growth, low inflation, and gradually falling unemployment, although poor harvests and economic difficulties in Europe contributed to an economic slowdown. To boost exports, Morocco entered into a bilateral Free Trade Agreement with the US in 2006 and an Advanced Status agreement with the EU in 2008. In late 2014, Morocco eliminated subsidies for gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil, dramatically reducing outlays that weighed on the country’s budget and current account. Subsidies on butane gas and certain food products remain in place. Morocco also seeks to expand its renewable energy capacity with a goal of making renewable more than 50% of installed electricity generation capacity by 2030.   Despite Morocco's economic progress, the country suffers from high unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy, particularly in rural areas. Key economic challenges for Morocco include reforming the education system and the judiciary.Morocco has capitalized on its proximity to Europe and relatively low labor costs to work towards building a diverse, open, market-oriented economy. Key sectors of the economy include agriculture, tourism, aerospace, automotive, phosphates, textiles, apparel, and subcomponents. Morocco has increased investment in its port, transportation, and industrial infrastructure to position itself as a center and broker for business throughout Africa. Industrial development strategies and infrastructure improvements - most visibly illustrated by a new port and free trade zone near Tangier - are improving Morocco's competitiveness. In the 1980s, Morocco was a heavily indebted country before pursuing austerity measures and pro-market reforms, overseen by the IMF. Since taking the throne in 1999, King MOHAMMED VI has presided over a stable economy marked by steady growth, low inflation, and gradually falling unemployment, although poor harvests and economic difficulties in Europe contributed to an economic slowdown. To boost exports, Morocco entered into a bilateral Free Trade Agreement with the US in 2006 and an Advanced Status agreement with the EU in 2008. In late 2014, Morocco eliminated subsidies for gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil, dramatically reducing outlays that weighed on the country’s budget and current account. Subsidies on butane gas and certain food products remain in place. Morocco also seeks to expand its renewable energy capacity with a goal of making renewable more than 50% of installed electricity generation capacity by 2030. Despite Morocco's economic progress, the country suffers from high unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy, particularly in rural areas. Key economic challenges for Morocco include reforming the education system and the judiciary. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $259.42 billion (2020 est.) $279.3 billion (2019 est.) $272.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.5% (2019 est.) 2.96% (2018 est.) 3.98% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $6,900 (2020 est.) $7,500 (2019 est.) $7,400 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $118.858 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.2% (2019 est.) 2% (2018 est.) 0.7% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB+ (2020) Moody's rating: Ba1 (1999) Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2010) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 14% (2017 est.) industry: 29.5% (2017 est.) services: 56.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 58% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 28.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 37.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.6% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, sugar beet, milk, potatoes, olives, tangerines/mandarins, tomatoes, oranges, barley, onions Industries: automotive parts, phosphate mining and processing, aerospace, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, energy, tourism Industrial production growth rate: 2.8% (2017 est.) Labor force: 10.399 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 39.1% industry: 20.3% services: 40.5% (2014 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.23% (2019 est.) 9.65% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 22.2% male: 22% female: 22.8% (2016 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Population below poverty line: 4.8% (2013 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 39.5 (2013 est.) 39.5 (1999 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7% highest 10%: 33.2% (2007) Budget: revenues: 22.81 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 26.75 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 65.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 64.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 20.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$5.075 billion (2019 est.) -$6.758 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Spain 23%, France 19% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars, insulated wiring, fertilizers, phosphoric acid, clothing and apparel (2019) Imports: $46.26 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $54.1 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $55.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Spain 19%, France 11%, China 9%, United States 7%, Germany 5%, Turkey 5%, Italy 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, natural gas, coal, low-voltage protection equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $26.27 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $25.37 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $52.957 billion (2019 est.) $51.851 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (MAD) per US dollar - 9.0065 (2020 est.) 9.657 (2019 est.) 9.48825 (2018 est.) 9.7351 (2014 est.) 8.3798 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 9.321 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 9.321 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 14 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 307,500 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: 700,000 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 66,230 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 9,504 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 229,300 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 105.678 million cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 1,051,658,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 950.765 million cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 1.444 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 60.2 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 24.59 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 2,357,286 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 49,421,023 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 134 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: despite Morocco's economic progress, the country suffers from high unemployment and illiteracy affecting telecom market, particularly in rural areas; national network nearly 100% digital using fiber-optic links; improved rural service employs microwave radio relay; one of the most state-of-the-art markets in Africa; high mobile penetration rates in the region with low cost for broadband Internet access; improvement in LTE reach and capabilities; service providers have all successfully completed 5G proofs of concept and are currently lining up 5G equipment providers for both radio and core technology; regulatory agency expects to conduct the 5G spectrum auction in 2023; mobile Internet accounts for 93% of all Internet connections; World Bank provided funds for Morocco’s digital transformation; government supported digital education during pandemic; submarine cables and satellite provide connectivity to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia; importer of broadcasting equipment, surveillance equipment, scanning equipment, and video displays from China (2022) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is just over 6 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular subscribership is nearly 134 per 100 persons; good system composed of open-wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal switching centers are Casablanca and Rabat (2020) international: country code - 212; landing point for the Atlas Offshore, Estepona-Tetouan, Canalink and SEA-ME-WE-3 fiber-optic telecommunications undersea cables that provide connectivity to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara (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 TV broadcast networks with state-run Radio-Television Marocaine (RTM) operating one network and the state partially owning the other; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite dish; 3 radio broadcast networks with RTM operating one; the government-owned network includes 10 regional radio channels in addition to its national service (2019) Internet country code: .ma Internet users: total: 31,004,869 (2020 est.) percent of population: 84% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,102,434 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Communications - note: the University of al-Quarawiyyin Library in Fez is recognized as the oldest existing, continually operating library in the world, dating back to A.D. 859; among its holdings are approximately 4,000 ancient Islamic manuscripts Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: CN Airports: total: 62 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 36 over 3,047 m: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 26 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 6 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 944 km gas, 270 km oil, 175 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 2,067 km (2014) standard gauge: 2,067 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (1,022 km electrified) Roadways: total: 57,300 km (2018) Merchant marine: total: 93 by type: container ship 6, general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 80 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Ad Dakhla, Agadir, Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar, Laayoune (El Aaiun), Mohammedia, Safi, Tangier container port(s) (TEUs): Tangier (4,801,713) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Jorf Lasfar (planned) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Royal Armed Forces: Royal Moroccan Army (includes the Moroccan Royal Guard), Royal Moroccan Navy (includes Coast Guard, marines), Royal Moroccan Air Force; Ministry of Defense (aka Administration of National Defense): Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie; Ministry of Interior: National Police, Auxiliary Forces (provides support to the Gendarmerie and National Police; includes a Mobile Intervention Corps, a motorized paramilitary security force that supplements the military and the police as needed) (2022) note: the National Police manages internal law enforcement in cities; the Royal Gendarmerie is responsible for law enforcement in rural regions and on national highways   Military expenditures: 4.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 4.5% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.4% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $7.46 billion) 3.3% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $7.12 billion) 3.4% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $7.08 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 200,000 active personnel (175,000 Army; 10,000 Navy; 15,000 Air Force); estimated 20,000 Gendarmerie; estimated 5,000 Mobile Intervention Corps (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 19-25 years of age for 12-month compulsory military service (reintroduced in 2019); both sexes (age 20-27 for women) are obligated to national service (2021) Military deployments: 775 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 925 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (May 2022) Military - note: Moroccan 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: 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: Morocco-Algeria: Algeria's border with Morocco remains an irritant to bilateral relations, each nation accusing the other of harboring militants and arms smuggling Morocco-Mauritania: tensions arose in 2016 when Mauritanian soldiers were deployed to Lagouira, a city in the southernmost part of Morocco, and raised their flag Morocco-Spain: Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); discussions have not progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits on resource exploration and refugee interdiction, since Morocco's 2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North AfricaMorocco-Algeria: Algeria's border with Morocco remains an irritant to bilateral relations, each nation accusing the other of harboring militants and arms smugglingMorocco-Mauritania: tensions arose in 2016 when Mauritanian soldiers were deployed to Lagouira, a city in the southernmost part of Morocco, and raised their flagMorocco-Spain: Morocco protests Spain's control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta, Melilla, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, the islands of Penon de Alhucemas and Islas Chafarinas, and surrounding waters; both countries claim Isla Perejil (Leila Island); discussions have not progressed on a comprehensive maritime delimitation, setting limits on resource exploration and refugee interdiction, since Morocco's 2002 rejection of Spain's unilateral designation of a median line from the Canary Islands; Morocco serves as one of the primary launching areas of illegal migration into Spain from North Africa Illicit drugs: one of the world’s largest cannabis-producing country with Europe as the main  market; hashish is also smuggled to South America and the Caribbean where it is exchanged for cocaine which is distributed in Europe; MDMA (ecstasy), originating in Belgium and the Netherlands is smuggled into northern Morocco for sale on the domestic marketone of the world’s largest cannabis-producing country with Europe as the main  market; hashish is also smuggled to South America and the Caribbean where it is exchanged for cocaine which is distributed in Europe; MDMA (ecstasy), originating in Belgium and the Netherlands is smuggled into northern Morocco for sale on the domestic market

20220901

field-budget-surplus-or-deficit

This entry records the difference between national government revenues and expenditures, expressed as a percent of GDP. A positive (+) number indicates that revenues exceeded expenditures (a budget surplus), while a negative (-) number indicates the reverse (a budget deficit). Normalizing the data, by dividing the budget balance by GDP, enables easy comparisons across countries and indicates whether a national government saves or borrows money. Countries with high budget deficits (relative to their GDPs) generally have more difficulty raising funds to finance expenditures, than those with lower deficits. Topic: Afghanistan-15.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Albania-2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Algeria-9.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: American Samoa-2.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Andorra-6.9% (of GDP) (2016) Topic: Angola-6.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Anguilla0.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda-2.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Argentina-6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Armenia-4.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Aruba-2.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Australia-0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Austria-0.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan-1.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The-2.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bahrain-10.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bangladesh-3.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Barbados-4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Belarus2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Belgium-1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Belize-1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Benin-6.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bermuda-2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bhutan-3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bolivia-7.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina2.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Botswana-1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Brazil-1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islands0% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Brunei-17.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bulgaria1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso-7.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Burma-3.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Burundi-5.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde-3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cambodia-1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cameroon-3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Canada-1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cayman Islands4.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Central African Republic-0.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Chad-1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Chile-2.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: China-3.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Colombia-2.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Comoros-6.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the-0.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the-7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cook Islands3% (of GDP) (2010 est.) Topic: Costa Rica-6.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire-4.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Croatia0.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cuba-10.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Curacao-0.4% (of GDP) (2012 est.) Topic: Cyprus1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Czechia1.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Denmark1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Djibouti-9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Dominica-5.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic-3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ecuador-4.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Egypt-8.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: El Salvador-2.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea-3.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Eritrea-9.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Estonia-0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Eswatini-8.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ethiopia-3.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: European Union-3% (of GDP) (2014) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)-4% (of GDP) (FY09/10) Topic: Faroe Islands-1.7% (of GDP) (2014 est.) Topic: Fiji-4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Finland-0.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: France-2.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: French Polynesia1.2% (of GDP) (2012) Topic: Gabon-1.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, The-2.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Georgia-3.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Germany1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ghana-6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Gibraltar1.1% (of GDP) (2008 est.) Topic: Greece0.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Greenland5.6% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Grenada3.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guam-1% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Guatemala-1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guernsey1.2% (of GDP) (2005) Topic: Guinea-0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau-1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guyana-4.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Haiti-1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)NA Topic: Honduras-2.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Hong Kong5.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Hungary-2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) note: Hungary has been under the EU Excessive Deficit Procedure since it joined the EU in 2004; in March 2012, the EU elevated its Excessive Deficit Procedure against Hungary and proposed freezing 30% of the country's Cohesion Funds because 2011 deficit reductions were not achieved in a sustainable manner; in June 2012, the EU lifted the freeze, recognizing that steps had been taken to reduce the deficit; the Hungarian deficit increased above 3% both in 2013 and in 2014 due to sluggish growth and the government's fiscal tightening Topic: Iceland1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: India-3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Indonesia-2.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Iran-2.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Iraq-4.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ireland-0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Isle of Man0.3% (of GDP) (FY05/06 est.) Topic: Israel-2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Italy-2.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Jamaica0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Japan-3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Jersey-0.4% (of GDP) (2005) Topic: Jordan-5.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan-1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kenya-6.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kiribati-64.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Korea, North-0.4% (of GDP) (2007 est.) Topic: Korea, South1.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kosovo-2.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kuwait-10% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstan-3.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Laos-5.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Latvia-0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Lebanon-6.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Lesotho-6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Liberia-4.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Libya-25.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Liechtenstein1.6% (of GDP) (2012 est.) Topic: Lithuania0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Luxembourg1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Macau10% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Madagascar-2.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Malawi-3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Malaysia-3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Maldives-10.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Mali-2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Malta3.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Marshall Islands1.3% (of GDP) (2013 est.) Topic: Mauritania-0.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritius-0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Mexico-1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of6.6% (of GDP) (FY12/13 est.) Topic: Moldova-0.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Monaco-1% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Topic: Mongolia-6.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Montenegro-5.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Morocco-3.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Mozambique-5.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Namibia-5.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nauru-9.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nepal-0.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Netherlands1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: New Caledonia0% (of GDP) (2015 est.) Topic: New Zealand1.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nicaragua-2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Niger-5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nigeria-1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Niue-12.6% (of GDP) (FY04/05) Topic: North Macedonia-2.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands3.7% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Norway4.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Oman-13.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Pakistan-5.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Palau8.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Panama-1.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea-4.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Paraguay-1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Peru-3.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Philippines-2.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Poland-1.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Portugal-3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico-0.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Qatar-5.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Romania-2.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Russia-1.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Rwanda-4.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis1.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon3.8% (of GDP) (1996 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines-0.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Samoa-4.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: San Marino-2.9% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe-2.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia-8.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Senegal-3.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Serbia0.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Seychelles-0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone-7.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Singapore-0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Slovakia-1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Slovenia0% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands-2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Somalia-0.1% (of GDP) (2014 est.) Topic: South Africa-4.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: South Sudan-1.3% (of GDP) (FY2017/18 est.) Topic: Spain-3.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka-5.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Sudan-10.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Suriname-7.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: SvalbardNA Topic: Sweden1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Switzerland1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Syria-8.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Taiwan-0.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tajikistan-1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tanzania-1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Thailand-3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste-75.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Togo-3.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tonga0% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago-8.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tunisia-5.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)-1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan-2.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tuvalu25.6% (of GDP) (2013 est.) Topic: Uganda-4.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ukraine-1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates-0.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: United Kingdom-1.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: United States-3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Uruguay-3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan0.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Vanuatu-0.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Venezuela-46.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Vietnam-6.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands-0.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futuna-0.8% (of GDP) (2015 est.) NA Topic: West Bank0.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: World-3% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Yemen-5.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Zambia-7.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe-9.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

20220901

countries-benin-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Exercise increased caution in Benin due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime 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 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: [229] 21-30-06-50; US Embassy Cotonou, Marina Avenue, 01 BP 2012, Cotonou, Benin; https://bj.usembassy.gov/; ACSCotonou@state.gov Telephone Code: 229 Local Emergency Phone: Local numbers only 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. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Benin is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; 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. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Currency (Code): Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (Western African CFA francs, XOF) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E Major Languages: French, Fon, Yoruba Major Religions: Muslim 27.7%, Roman Catholic 25.5%, Protestant 13.5%, Vodoun 11.6%, other Christian 9.5%, other traditional religions 2.6%, other 2.6%, none 5.8 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: Cotonou; Ouidah; Porto Novo; Royal Palaces at Abomey Major Sports: Soccer, tennis, track and field Cultural Practices: Many people in Benin eat using the fingers of the right hand; eating or offering food to others with the left hand is considered rude. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping in restaurants is appreciated; round up the bill in smaller establishments or tip up to 10%. Tipping at bars is unexpected. When taking a taxi, round up the fare. Tipping in hotels is not required, but if you enjoyed your stay you could tip the bellboy 200 francs per bag and the maid 200 francs per night.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, April 05, 2022

20220901

references-abbreviations

Topic: ABEDA Topic: ACP Group Topic: ADB Topic: AfDB Topic: AFESD Topic: AG Topic: Air Pollution 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

20220901

field-population

This entry gives an estimate from the US Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past and on assumptions about future trends. The total population presents one overall measure of the potential impact of the country on the world and within its region. Note: Starting with the 1993 Factbook, demographic estimates for some countries (mostly African) have explicitly taken into account the effects of the growing impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These countries are currently: The Bahamas, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Topic: Afghanistan38,346,720 (2022 est.) Topic: Akrotiri(2020) approximately 18,195 on the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 11,000 Cypriots and 7,195 Service and UK-based contract personnel and dependents Topic: Albania3,095,344 (2022 est.) Topic: Algeria44,178,884 (2022 est.) Topic: American Samoa45,443 (2022 est.) Topic: Andorra85,560 (2022 est.) Topic: Angola34,795,287 (2022 est.) Topic: Anguilla18,741 (2022 est.) Topic: Antarcticano indigenous inhabitants, but there are both year-round and summer-only staffed research stations note: 54 countries have signed the 1959 Antarctic Treaty; 30 of those operate through their National Antarctic Program a number of seasonal-only (summer) and year-round research stations on the continent and its nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the region covered by the Antarctic Treaty); the population engaging in and supporting science or managing and protecting the Antarctic region varies from approximately 5,000 in summer to 1,100 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000 personnel, including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard research, are present in the waters of the treaty region as of 2017, peak summer (December-February) maximum capacity in scientific stations - 4,877 total; Argentina 601, Australia 243, Belarus 12, Belgium 40, Brazil 66, Bulgaria 22, Chile 433, China 166, Czechia 20, Ecuador 34, Finland 17, France 90, France and Italy jointly 80, Germany 104, India 113, Italy 120, Japan 130, South Korea 130, Netherlands 10, NZ 86, Norway 70, Peru 30, Poland 40, Russia 335, South Africa 80, Spain 98, Sweden 20, Ukraine 24, UK 196, US 1,399, Uruguay 68 (2017) winter (June-August) maximum capacity in scientific station - 1,036 total; Argentina 221, Australia 52, Brazil 15, Chile 114, China 32, France 24, France and Italy jointly 13, Germany 9, India 48, Japan 40, Netherlands 10, South Korea 25, NZ 11, Norway 7, Poland 16, Russia 125, South Africa 15, Ukraine 12, UK 44, US 215, Uruguay 8 (2017) research stations operated within the Antarctic Treaty area (south of 60 degrees south latitude) by National Antarctic Programs year-round stations - approximately 40 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 6, China 2, France 1, France and Italy jointly 1, Germany 1, India 2, Japan 1, Netherlands 1, South Korea 2, NZ 1, Norway 1, Poland 1, Russia 5, South Africa 1, Ukraine 1, UK 2, US 3, Uruguay 2 (2017) a range of seasonal-only (summer) stations, camps, and refuges - Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czechia, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, US, and Uruguay (2017) in addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research Topic: Antigua and Barbuda100,335 (2022 est.) Topic: Argentina46,245,668 (2022 est.) Topic: Armenia3,000,756 (2022 est.) Topic: Aruba122,320 (2022 est.) Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islands(July 2021 est.) no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only Topic: Australia26,141,369 (2022 est.) Topic: Austria8,913,088 (2022 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan10,353,296 (2022 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The355,608 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Bahrain1,540,558 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up approximately 45% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Topic: Bangladesh165,650,475 (2022 est.) Topic: Barbados302,674 (2022 est.) Topic: Belarus9,413,505 (2022 est.) Topic: Belgium11,847,338 (2022 est.) Topic: Belize412,387 (2022 est.) Topic: Benin13,754,688 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Bermuda72,337 (2022 est.) Topic: Bhutan867,775 (2022 est.) Topic: Bolivia12,054,379 (2022 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina3,816,459 (2022 est.) Topic: Botswana2,384,246 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Bouvet Islanduninhabited Topic: Brazil217,240,060 (2022 est.) Topic: British Indian Ocean Territoryno indigenous inhabitants note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois, were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960s and 1970s; approximately 3,000 UK and US military personnel and civilian contractors living on the island of Diego Garcia (2018) Topic: British Virgin Islands38,632 (2022 est.) Topic: Brunei478,054 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up approximately 26% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Topic: Bulgaria6,873,253 (2022 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso21,935,389 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Burma57,526,449 (2022 est.) Topic: Burundi12,696,478 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Cabo Verde596,707 (2022 est.) Topic: Cambodia16,713,015 (2022 est.) Topic: Cameroon29,321,637 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Canada38,232,593 (2022 est.) Topic: Cayman Islands64,309 (2022 est.) note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman Topic: Central African Republic5,454,533 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Chad17,963,211 (2022 est.) Topic: Chile18,430,408 (2022 est.) Topic: China1,410,539,758 (2022 est.) Topic: Christmas Island2,205 (2016 est.) Topic: Clipperton Islanduninhabited Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands596 (July 2014 est.) Topic: Colombia49,059,221 (2022 est.) Topic: Comoros876,437 (2022 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the108,407,721 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Congo, Republic of the5,546,307 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Cook Islands8,128 (2022 est.) note: the Cook Islands' Ministry of Finance & Economic Management estimated the resident population to have been 11,700 in September 2016 Topic: Coral Sea Islands(July 2021 est.) no indigenous inhabitants note: there is a staff of four at the meteorological station on Willis Island Topic: Costa Rica5,204,411 (2022 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire28,713,423 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Croatia4,188,853 (2022 est.) Topic: Cuba11,008,112 (2022 est.) Topic: Curacao152,379 (2022 est.) Topic: Cyprus1,295,102 (2022 est.) Topic: Czechia10,705,384 (2022 est.) Topic: Denmark5,920,767 (2022 est.) Topic: Dhekeliaapproximately 15,500 on the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 9,700 Cypriots and 5,800 Service and UK-based contract personnel and dependents Topic: Djibouti957,273 (2022 est.) Topic: Dominica74,629 (2022 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic10,694,700 (2022 est.) Topic: Ecuador17,289,554 (2022 est.) Topic: Egypt107,770,524 (2022 est.) Topic: El Salvador6,568,745 (2022 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea1,679,172 (2022 est.) Topic: Eritrea6,209,262 (2022 est.) Topic: Estonia1,211,524 (2022 est.) Topic: Eswatini1,121,761 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Ethiopia113,656,596 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: European Union(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.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)3,198 (2016 est.) note: data include all persons usually resident in the islands at the time of the 2016 census Topic: Faroe Islands52,269 (2022 est.) Topic: Fiji943,737 (2022 est.) Topic: Finland5,601,547 (2022 est.) Topic: France68,305,148 (2022 est.) note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and five overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233 Topic: French Polynesia299,356 (2022 est.) Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landsno indigenous inhabitants Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): uninhabited but has a meteorological station Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): uninhabited but is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research cabin for short stays Iles Crozet: uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession Iles Kerguelen: 50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): uninhabitable Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each possession; visited by scientists Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): uninhabited, except for visits by scientists Topic: Gabon2,340,613 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Gambia, The2,413,403 (2022 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip1,997,328 (2022 est.) Topic: Georgia4,935,518 (2022 est.) Topic: Germany84,316,622 (2022 est.) Topic: Ghana33,107,275 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Gibraltar29,573 (2022 est.) Topic: Greece10,533,871 (2022 est.) Topic: Greenland57,792 (2022 est.) Topic: Grenada113,949 (2022 est.) Topic: Guam169,086 (2022 est.) Topic: Guatemala17,703,190 (2022 est.) Topic: Guernsey67,491 (2022 est.) Topic: Guinea13,237,832 (2022 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau2,026,778 (2022 est.) Topic: Guyana789,683 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Haiti11,334,637 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandsuninhabited Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)1,000 (2022 est.) Topic: Honduras9,459,440 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Hong Kong7,276,588 (2022 est.) Topic: Hungary9,699,577 (2022 est.) Topic: Iceland357,603 (2022 est.) Topic: India1,389,637,446 (2022 est.) Topic: Indonesia277,329,163 (2022 est.) Topic: Iran86,758,304 (2022 est.) Topic: Iraq40,462,701 (2022 est.) Topic: Ireland5,275,004 (2022 est.) Topic: Isle of Man91,382 (2022 est.) Topic: Israel8,914,885 (2022 est.) (includes populations of the Golan Heights or Golan Sub-District and also East Jerusalem, which was annexed by Israel after 1967) note: approximately 227,100 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2019); following the March 2019 US recognition of the Golan Heights as being part of Israel, The World Factbook no longer includes Israeli settler population of the Golan Heights (estimated at 23,400 in 2019) in its overall Israeli settler total Topic: Italy61,095,551 (2022 est.) Topic: Jamaica2,818,596 (2022 est.) Topic: Jan Mayenno indigenous inhabitants note: military personnel operate the the weather and coastal services radio station Topic: Japan124,214,766 (2022 est.) Topic: Jersey102,146 (2022 est.) Topic: Jordan10,998,531 (2022 est.) note: increased estimate reflects revised assumptions about the net migration rate due to the increased flow of Syrian refugees Topic: Kazakhstan19,398,331 (2022 est.) Topic: Kenya55,864,655 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Kiribati114,189 (2022 est.) Topic: Korea, North25,955,138 (2022 est.) Topic: Korea, South51,844,834 (2022 est.) Topic: Kosovo1,952,701 (2022 est.) Topic: Kuwait3,068,155 (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 Topic: Kyrgyzstan6,071,750 (2022 est.) Topic: Laos7,749,595 (2022 est.) Topic: Latvia1,842,226 (2022 est.) Topic: Lebanon5,296,814 (2022 est.) Topic: Lesotho2,193,970 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Liberia5,358,483 (2022 est.) Topic: Libya7,137,931 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up just over 12% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Topic: Liechtenstein39,711 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up 67% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Topic: Lithuania2,683,546 (2022 est.) Topic: Luxembourg650,364 (2022 est.) Topic: Macau635,293 (2022 est.) Topic: Madagascar28,172,462 (2022 est.) Topic: Malawi20,794,353 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Malaysia33,871,431 (2022 est.) Topic: Maldives390,164 (2022 est.) Topic: Mali20,741,769 (2022 est.) Topic: Malta464,186 (2022 est.) Topic: Marshall Islands79,906 (2022 est.) Topic: Mauritania4,161,925 (2022 est.) Topic: Mauritius1,308,222 (2022 est.) Topic: Mexico129,150,971 (2022 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of101,009 (2022 est.) Topic: Moldova3,287,326 (2022 est.) Topic: Monaco31,400 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up almost 68% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Topic: Mongolia3,227,863 (2022 est.) note: Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world (2 people per sq km); twice as many ethnic Mongols (some 6 million) live in Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol) in neighboring China Topic: Montenegro604,966 (2022 est.) Topic: Montserrat5,414 (2022 est.) note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned Topic: Morocco36,738,229 (2022 est.) note: includes Western Sahara Topic: Mozambique31,693,239 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Namibia2,727,409 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Nauru9,811 (2022 est.) Topic: Navassa Islanduninhabited; transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island Topic: Nepal30,666,598 (2022 est.) Topic: Netherlands17,400,824 (2022 est.) Topic: New Caledonia297,160 (2022 est.) Topic: New Zealand5,053,004 (2022 est.) Topic: Nicaragua6,301,880 (2022 est.) Topic: Niger24,484,587 (2022 est.) Topic: Nigeria225,082,083 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Niue2,000 (July 2022 est.) note: because of the island's limited economic and educational opportunities, Niueans have emigrated for decades - primarily to New Zealand, but also to Australia and other Pacific island states; Niue's population peaked in 1966 at 5,194, but by 2005 had fallen to 1,508; since then it has rebounded slightly; as of 2013, 23,883 people of Niuean ancestry lived in New Zealand - with more than 20% Niue-born; this means that there are about 15 times as many persons of Niuean ancestry living in New Zealand as in Niue, possibly the most eccentric population distribution in the world Topic: Norfolk Island1,748 (2016 est.) Topic: North Macedonia2,130,936 (2022 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands51,475 (2022 est.) Topic: Norway5,553,840 (2022 est.) Topic: Oman3,764,348 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up approximately 46% of the total population (2019) Topic: Pakistan242,923,845 (2022 est.) note: results of Pakistan's 2017 national census estimate the country's total population to be 207,684,626 Topic: Palau21,695 (2022 est.) Topic: Panama4,337,768 (2022 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea9,593,498 (2022 est.) Topic: Paracel Islands1,440 (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 Topic: Paraguay7,356,409 (2022 est.) Topic: Peru32,275,736 (2022 est.) Topic: Philippines114,597,229 (2022 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islands50 (2021 est.) Topic: Poland38,093,101 (2022 est.) Topic: Portugal10,242,081 (2022 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico3,098,423 (2022 est.) Topic: Qatar2,508,182 (2022 est.) Topic: Romania18,519,899 (2022 est.) Topic: Russia142,021,981 (2022 est.) Topic: Rwanda13,173,730 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Saint Barthelemy7,103 (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha7,925 (2022 est.) note: Saint Helena's Statistical Office estimated the resident population to be 4,439 in 2021; only Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha islands are inhabited, none of the other nearby islands/islets are Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis54,488 (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia167,122 (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Martin32,792 (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon5,257 (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines100,969 (2022 est.) Topic: Samoa206,179 (2022 est.) Topic: San Marino34,682 (2022 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe217,164 (2022 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia35,354,380 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up 38.3% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Topic: Senegal17,923,036 (2022 est.) Topic: Serbia6,739,471 (2022 est.) note: does not include the population of Kosovo Topic: Seychelles97,017 (2022 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone8,692,606 (2022 est.) Topic: Singapore5,921,231 (2022 est.) Topic: Sint Maarten45,126 (2022 est.) Topic: Slovakia5,431,252 (2022 est.) Topic: Slovenia2,101,208 (2022 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands702,694 (2022 est.) Topic: Somalia12,386,248 (2022 est.) note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in 1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements in response to famine and clan warfare Topic: South Africa57,516,665 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands(July 2021 est.) no indigenous inhabitants note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March 2001, replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited Topic: South Sudan11,544,905 (2022 est.) Topic: Spain47,163,418 (2022 est.) Topic: Spratly Islands(July 2021 est.) no indigenous inhabitants note: there are scattered garrisons occupied by military personnel of several claimant states Topic: Sri Lanka23,187,516 (2022 est.) Topic: Sudan47,958,856 (2022 est.) Topic: Suriname632,638 (2022 est.) Topic: Svalbard2,926 (January 2021 est.) Topic: Sweden10,483,647 (2022 est.) Topic: Switzerland8,508,698 (2022 est.) Topic: Syria21,563,800 (2022 est.) note: approximately 22,900 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2018) Topic: Taiwan23,580,712 (2022 est.) Topic: Tajikistan9,119,347 (2022 est.) Topic: Tanzania63,852,892 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Thailand69,648,117 (2022 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste1,445,006 (2022 est.) Topic: Togo8,492,333 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Tokelau1,647 (2019 est.) Topic: Tonga105,517 (2022 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago1,405,646 (2022 est.) Topic: Tunisia11,896,972 (2022 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)83,047,706 (2022 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan5,636,011 (2022 est.) note: some sources suggest Turkmenistan's population could be as much as 1 to 2 million people lower than available estimates because of large-scale emigration during the last 10 years Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands58,286 (2022 est.) Topic: Tuvalu11,544 (2022 est.) Topic: Uganda46,205,893 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Ukraine43,528,136 (2022 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates9,915,803 (2022 est.) note: the UN estimated the country's total population was 10,082,000 as of 2022; immigrants make up 88.1% of the total population, according to UN data (2020) Topic: United Kingdom67,791,400 (2022 est.) United Kingdom constituent countries by percentage of total population: England 84.3% Scotland 8.1% Wales 4.7% Northern Ireland 2.8% Topic: United States337,341,954 (2022 est.) note: the US Census Bureau's 2020 census results show the US population as 331,449,281 as of 1 April 2020 Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugesno indigenous inhabitants note: public entry is only by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service Jarvis Island: Millersville settlement on western side of island occasionally used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it was abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during the International Geophysical Year by scientists who left in 1958; currently unoccupied Johnston Atoll: in previous years, an average of 1,100 US military and civilian contractor personnel were present; as of May 2005, all US Government personnel had left the island Midway Islands: approximately 40 people make up the staff of US Fish and Wildlife Service and their services contractor living at the atoll Palmyra Atoll: four to 20 Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife staff, and researchers Topic: Uruguay3,407,213 (2022 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan31,104,937 (2022 est.) Topic: Vanuatu308,043 (2022 est.) Topic: Venezuela29,789,730 (2022 est.) Topic: Vietnam103,808,319 (2022 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands105,413 (2022 est.) Topic: Wake Island(2018 est.) no indigenous inhabitants note: approximately 100 military personnel and civilian contractors maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities Topic: Wallis and Futuna15,891 (2022 est.) Topic: West Bank3,000,021 (2022 est.) note: approximately 432,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank (2019); approximately 227,100 Israeli settlers live in East Jerusalem (2019) Topic: World7,905,336,896 (July 2022 est.) top ten most populous countries (in millions): China 1410.54; India 1389.37; United States 337.34; Indonesia 277.33; Pakistan 242.92; Nigeria 225.08; Brazil 217.24; Bangladesh 165.65; Russia 142.02; Mexico 129.15 ten least populous countries: Holy See (Vatican City) 1,000; Saint Pierre and Miquelon 5,257; Montserrat 5,414; Saint Barthelemy 7,103; Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan de Cunha 7,925; Cook Islands 8,128; Nauru 9,811; Tuvalu 11,544; Wallis and Futuna 15,891; Anguilla 18,741 ten most densely populated countries (population per sq km): Macau 22,689; Monaco 15,700; Singapore 8,351.5; Hong Kong 6,781.5; Gaza Strip 5,548.1; Gibraltar 4,224.7; Bahrain 2,027; Malta 1,468.9; Bermuda 1,339.6; Maldives 1,327.2 ten least densely populated countries (population per sq km): Greenland .026; Falkland Islands .26; Mongolia 2.1; Namibia 3.3; Australia 3.4; Iceland 3.6; Guyana 4; Mauritania 4; Suriname 4.1; Libya 4.1 Topic: Yemen30,984,689 (2022 est.) Topic: Zambia19,642,123 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Topic: Zimbabwe15,121,004 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic

20220901

countries-malaysia

Topic: Photos of Malaysia Topic: Introduction Background: Malaysia’s location has long made it an important cultural, economic, historical, social, and trade link between the islands of Southeast Asia and the mainland. Through the Strait of Malacca, which separates the Malay Peninsula from the archipelago, flowed maritime trade and with it influences from China, India, the Middle East, and the east coast of Africa. Prior to the 14th century, several powerful maritime empires existed in what is modern-day Malaysia, including the Srivijayan, which controlled much of the southern part of the peninsula between the 7th and 13th centuries, and the Majapahit Empire, which took control over most of the peninsula and the Malay Archipelago between the 13th and 14th centuries. The adoption of Islam between the 13th and 17th centuries also saw the rise of a number of powerful maritime states and sultanates on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, such as the port city of Malacca (Melaka), which at its height in the 15th century had a navy and hosted thousands of Chinese, Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants. The Portuguese in the 16th century and the Dutch in the 17th century were the first European colonial powers to establish themselves on the Malay Peninsula and Southeast Asia. However, it was the British who ultimately secured their hegemony across the territory and during the late 18th and 19th centuries established colonies and protectorates in the area that is now Malaysia. These holdings were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's independence were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's expulsion in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to the development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister MAHATHIR and a newly-formed coalition of opposition parties defeated Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak's United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in May 2018, ending over 60 years of uninterrupted rule by UMNO. MAHATHIR resigned in February 2020 amid a political dispute. King ABDULLAH then selected Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin as the new prime minister. MUHYIDDIN resigned in August 2021 after losing a majority of support in parliament. King ABDULLAH next selected ISMAIL SABRI Yakoob as the successor prime minister.Malaysia’s location has long made it an important cultural, economic, historical, social, and trade link between the islands of Southeast Asia and the mainland. Through the Strait of Malacca, which separates the Malay Peninsula from the archipelago, flowed maritime trade and with it influences from China, India, the Middle East, and the east coast of Africa. Prior to the 14th century, several powerful maritime empires existed in what is modern-day Malaysia, including the Srivijayan, which controlled much of the southern part of the peninsula between the 7th and 13th centuries, and the Majapahit Empire, which took control over most of the peninsula and the Malay Archipelago between the 13th and 14th centuries. The adoption of Islam between the 13th and 17th centuries also saw the rise of a number of powerful maritime states and sultanates on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, such as the port city of Malacca (Melaka), which at its height in the 15th century had a navy and hosted thousands of Chinese, Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants. The Portuguese in the 16th century and the Dutch in the 17th century were the first European colonial powers to establish themselves on the Malay Peninsula and Southeast Asia. However, it was the British who ultimately secured their hegemony across the territory and during the late 18th and 19th centuries established colonies and protectorates in the area that is now Malaysia. These holdings were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's independence were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's expulsion in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to the development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister MAHATHIR and a newly-formed coalition of opposition parties defeated Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak's United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in May 2018, ending over 60 years of uninterrupted rule by UMNO. MAHATHIR resigned in February 2020 amid a political dispute. King ABDULLAH then selected Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin as the new prime minister. MUHYIDDIN resigned in August 2021 after losing a majority of support in parliament. King ABDULLAH next selected ISMAIL SABRI Yakoob as the successor prime minister.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam Geographic coordinates: 2 30 N, 112 30 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 329,847 sq km land: 328,657 sq km water: 1,190 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: total: 2,742 km border countries (3): Brunei 266 km; Indonesia 1,881 km; Thailand 595 km Coastline: 4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km) Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains Elevation: highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,095 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 419 m Natural resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite Land use: agricultural land: 23.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 19.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.9% (2018 est.) forest: 62% (2018 est.) other: 14.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 3,800 sq km (2012) Population distribution: a highly uneven distribution with over 80% of the population residing on the Malay Peninsula Natural hazards: flooding; landslides; forest fires Geography - note: strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea Map description: Malaysia map showing the major cities of the two main parts of the country along the South China Sea.Malaysia map showing the major cities of the two main parts of the country along the South China Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 33,871,431 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Malaysian(s) adjective: Malaysian Ethnic groups: Bumiputera 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.) Languages: Bahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; note - Malaysia has 134 living languages - 112 indigenous languages and 22 non-indigenous languages; in East Malaysia, there are several indigenous languages; the most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan major-language sample(s): Buku Fakta Dunia, sumber yang diperlukan untuk maklumat asas. (Bahasa Malaysia) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Muslim (official) 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%, other 0.4%, none 0.8%, unspecified 1% (2010 est.) Demographic profile: Malaysia’s multi-ethnic population consists of the bumiputera – Malays and other indigenous peoples – (62%), ethnic Chinese (21%), ethnic Indians (6%), and foreigners (10%).  The majority of Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese and Indians trace their roots to the British colonialists’ recruitment of hundreds of thousands of Chinese and Indians as mine and plantation workers between the early-19th century and the 1930s.  Most Malays have maintained their rural lifestyle, while the entrepreneurial Chinese have achieved greater wealth and economic dominance.  In order to eradicate Malay poverty, the Malaysian Government in 1971 adopted policies that gave preference to the bumiputera in public university admissions, government jobs and contracts, and property ownership.  Affirmative action continues to benefit well-off urban bumiputera but has done little to alleviate poverty for their more numerous rural counterparts.  The policies have pushed ethnic Chinese and Indians to study at private or foreign universities (many do not return) and have created and sustained one of the world’s largest civil services, which is 85-90% Malay.  The country’s age structure has changed significantly since the 1960s, as fertility and mortality rates have declined.  Malaysia’s total fertility rate (TFR) has dropped from 5 children per woman in 1970, to 3 in 1998, to 2.1 in 2015 as a result of increased educational attainment and labor participation among women, later marriages, increased use of contraception, and changes in family size preference related to urbanization.  The TFR is higher among Malays, rural residents (who are mainly Malay), the poor, and the less-educated.  Despite the reduced fertility rate, Malaysia’s population will continue to grow, albeit at a decreasing rate, for the next few decades because of its large number of reproductive-age women.  The youth population has been shrinking, and the working-age population (15-64 year olds) has been growing steadily.  Malaysia’s labor market has successfully absorbed the increasing number of job seekers, leading to sustained economic growth.  However, the favorable age structure is changing, and around 2020, Malaysia will start to become a rapidly aging society.  As the population ages, Malaysia will need to better educate and train its labor force, raise productivity, and continue to increase the number of women workers in order to further develop its economy. More than 1.8 million Malaysians lived abroad as of 2015, including anywhere from 350,000 to 785,000 workers, more than half of whom have an advanced level of education.  The vast majority of emigrants are ethnic Chinese, seeking better educational and job opportunities abroad because of institutionalized ethnic discrimination favoring the Malays.  The primary destination country is nearby Singapore, followed by Bangladesh and Australia.  Hundreds of thousands of Malaysians also commute across the causeway to Singapore daily for work. Brain drain is an impediment to Malaysia’s goal of becoming a high-income country.  The situation is compounded by a migrant inflow that is composed almost entirely of low-skilled laborers who work mainly in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.  Officially, Malaysia had about 1.8 million legal foreign workers as of mid-year 2017 – largely from Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Bangladesh – but as many as 3 to 4 million are estimated to be in the country illegally.  Immigrants outnumber ethnic Indians and could supplant the ethnic Chinese as Malaysia’s second largest population group around 2035.Malaysia’s multi-ethnic population consists of the bumiputera – Malays and other indigenous peoples – (62%), ethnic Chinese (21%), ethnic Indians (6%), and foreigners (10%).  The majority of Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese and Indians trace their roots to the British colonialists’ recruitment of hundreds of thousands of Chinese and Indians as mine and plantation workers between the early-19th century and the 1930s.  Most Malays have maintained their rural lifestyle, while the entrepreneurial Chinese have achieved greater wealth and economic dominance.  In order to eradicate Malay poverty, the Malaysian Government in 1971 adopted policies that gave preference to the bumiputera in public university admissions, government jobs and contracts, and property ownership.  Affirmative action continues to benefit well-off urban bumiputera but has done little to alleviate poverty for their more numerous rural counterparts.  The policies have pushed ethnic Chinese and Indians to study at private or foreign universities (many do not return) and have created and sustained one of the world’s largest civil services, which is 85-90% Malay. The country’s age structure has changed significantly since the 1960s, as fertility and mortality rates have declined.  Malaysia’s total fertility rate (TFR) has dropped from 5 children per woman in 1970, to 3 in 1998, to 2.1 in 2015 as a result of increased educational attainment and labor participation among women, later marriages, increased use of contraception, and changes in family size preference related to urbanization.  The TFR is higher among Malays, rural residents (who are mainly Malay), the poor, and the less-educated.  Despite the reduced fertility rate, Malaysia’s population will continue to grow, albeit at a decreasing rate, for the next few decades because of its large number of reproductive-age women.  The youth population has been shrinking, and the working-age population (15-64 year olds) has been growing steadily.  Malaysia’s labor market has successfully absorbed the increasing number of job seekers, leading to sustained economic growth.  However, the favorable age structure is changing, and around 2020, Malaysia will start to become a rapidly aging society.  As the population ages, Malaysia will need to better educate and train its labor force, raise productivity, and continue to increase the number of women workers in order to further develop its economy.More than 1.8 million Malaysians lived abroad as of 2015, including anywhere from 350,000 to 785,000 workers, more than half of whom have an advanced level of education.  The vast majority of emigrants are ethnic Chinese, seeking better educational and job opportunities abroad because of institutionalized ethnic discrimination favoring the Malays.  The primary destination country is nearby Singapore, followed by Bangladesh and Australia.  Hundreds of thousands of Malaysians also commute across the causeway to Singapore daily for work.Brain drain is an impediment to Malaysia’s goal of becoming a high-income country.  The situation is compounded by a migrant inflow that is composed almost entirely of low-skilled laborers who work mainly in manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.  Officially, Malaysia had about 1.8 million legal foreign workers as of mid-year 2017 – largely from Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Bangladesh – but as many as 3 to 4 million are estimated to be in the country illegally.  Immigrants outnumber ethnic Indians and could supplant the ethnic Chinese as Malaysia’s second largest population group around 2035. Age structure: 0-14 years: 26.8% (male 4,504,562/female 4,246,681) 15-24 years: 16.63% (male 2,760,244/female 2,670,186) 25-54 years: 40.86% (male 6,737,826/female 6,604,776) 55-64 years: 8.81% (male 1,458,038/female 1,418,280) 65 years and over: 6.9% (2020 est.) (male 1,066,627/female 1,184,863) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 44.2 youth dependency ratio: 33.8 elderly dependency ratio: 10.4 potential support ratio: 9.7 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 29.2 years male: 28.9 years female: 29.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.03% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 14.55 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.69 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: a highly uneven distribution with over 80% of the population residing on the Malay Peninsula Urbanization: urban population: 78.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 8.420 million KUALA LUMPUR (capital), 1.065 million Johor Bahru, 842,000 Ipoh (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: 1.07 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.14 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 29 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.59 deaths/1,000 live births male: 6.97 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.13 years male: 74.5 years female: 77.87 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.75 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 52.2% (2014) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.4% of population rural: 90.7% of population total: 97.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0.6% of population rural: 9.3% of population total: 2.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3.8% (2019) Physicians density: 1.54 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 1.9 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99% of population rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: NA total: (2020 est.) NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.4% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 92,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 2,000 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: dengue fever water contact diseases: leptospirosis Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 15.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 22.5% (2020 est.) male: 43.8% (2020 est.) female: 1.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 14.1% (2019) Education expenditures: 4.2% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 95% male: 96.2% female: 93.6% (2019) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years male: 13 years female: 14 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12% male: 11.4% female: 13% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation; smoke/haze from Indonesian forest fires; endangered species; coastal reclamation damaging mangroves and turtle nesting sites Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, 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: 16.04 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 248.29 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 51.51 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons Land use: agricultural land: 23.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 19.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.9% (2018 est.) forest: 62% (2018 est.) other: 14.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 78.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.57% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: dengue fever water contact diseases: leptospirosis Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 12,982,685 tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,271,970 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 17.5% (2016 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 1.342 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1.641 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 2.505 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 580 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Malaysia local long form: none local short form: Malaysia former: British Malaya, Malayan Union, Federation of Malaya etymology: the name means "Land of the Malays" Government type: federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy note: all Peninsular Malaysian states have hereditary rulers (commonly referred to as sultans) except Melaka (Malacca) and Pulau Pinang (Penang); those two states along with Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia have governors appointed by government; powers of state governments are limited by the federal constitution; under terms of federation, Sabah and Sarawak retain certain constitutional prerogatives (e.g., right to maintain their own immigration controls) Capital: name: Kuala Lumpur; note - nearby Putrajaya is referred to as a federal government administrative center but not the capital; Parliament meets in Kuala Lumpur geographic coordinates: 3 10 N, 101 42 E time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the Malay word for "river junction or estuary" is "kuala" and "lumpur" means "mud"; together the words render the meaning of "muddy confluence" Administrative divisions: 13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu; and 1 federal territory (Wilayah Persekutuan) with 3 components, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya Independence: 31 August 1957 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day (or Merdeka Day), 31 August (1957) (independence of Malaya); Malaysia Day, 16 September (1963) (formation of Malaysia) Constitution: history: previous 1948; latest drafted 21 February 1957, effective 27 August 1957 amendments: proposed as a bill by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Parliament membership in the bill’s second and third readings; a number of constitutional sections are excluded from amendment or repeal; amended many times, last in 2019 Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic (sharia) law, and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Court at request of supreme head of the federation 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 Malaysia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 out 12 years preceding application Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal (2019) Executive branch: chief 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) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister from among members of Parliament with the consent of the king 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 Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament of Malaysia or Parlimen Malaysia consists of: Senate or Dewan Negara (70 seats; 44 members appointed by the king and 26 indirectly elected by 13 state legislatures; members serve 3-year terms) House of Representatives or Dewan Rakyat (222 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) (2019) elections: Senate - appointed House of Representatives - last held on 9 May 2018 (next national elections are not scheduled until 2023 but are widely expected to be called in 2022) election results: Senate - appointed; composition - men 54, women 14, percent of women 20.6% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - PH 45.6%, BN 33.8%, PAS 16.9%, WARISAN 2.3%, other 1.4%; seats by party/coalition - PH 113, BN 79, PAS 18, WARISAN 8, USA 1, independent 3; composition - men 199, women 23, percent of women 10.4%; note - total Parliament percent of women 12.8% note: as of May 2022, seats by party/coalition - PH 90, PN 50, BN 42, GPS 18, WARISAN 7, PEJUANG 4, PBM 3, PSB 1, MUDA 1, independent 4, vacant 2 Judicial branch: highest courts: Federal Court (consists of the chief justice, president of the Court of Appeal, chief justice of the High Court of Malaya, chief judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, 8 judges, and 1 "additional" judge); note - Malaysia has a dual judicial hierarchy of civil and religious (sharia) courts judge selection and term of office: Federal Court justices appointed by the monarch on advice of the prime minister; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 66 with the possibility of a single 6-month extension subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Sessions Court; Magistrates' Court Political parties and leaders: National Front (Barisan Nasional) or BN: United Malays National Organization (Pertubuhan Kebansaan Melayu Bersatu) or UNMO [Ahmad Zahid HAMIDI] Malaysian Chinese Association (Persatuan Cina Malaysia) or MCA [Wee Ka SIONG] Malaysian Indian Congress (Kongres India Malaysia) or MIC [Vigneswaran SANASEE] United Sabah People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah) or PBRS [Joseph KURUP] United Malays National Organization or UMNO [Zahid HAMID] Coalition of Hope (Pakatan Harapan) or PH: Democratic Action Party (Parti Tindakan Demokratik) or DAP [LIM Guan Eng] National Trust Party (Parti Amanah Negara) or AMANAH [Mohamad SABU] People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [ANWAR Ibrahim] United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization (Pertubuhan Pasko Momogun Kadazan Dusun Bersatu) or UPKO [Wilfred Madius TANGAU] Coalition Perikatan Nasional (National Alliance) or PN Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) or PPBM/BERSATU [Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin] People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) or PKR [ANWAR Ibrahim] Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (Parti Islam se Malaysia) or PAS [Abdul HADI Awang] United Sabah Party (Parti Bersatu Sabah) or PBS [Maximus ONGKILI] Malaysian People's Movement Party (Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia) or GARAKAN/PGRM [Dominic Lau Hoe CHAI] Homeland Solidarity Party (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku) or STAR [Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan] Sabah Progressive Party [Yong Teck LEE] Sarawak Parties Alliance (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) or GPS [ABANG JOHARI Openg] United Traditional Bumiputera Party (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersata) or PBB Sarawak People's Party (Parti Rakyat Sarawak) or PRS [James MASING] Progressive Democratic Party or PDP [TIONG King Sing] Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [Dr. SIM Kui Hian] Other: Sabah Heritage Party (Parti Warisan Sabah) or WARISAN [SHAFIE Apdal] Fighters of the Nation Party (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air) or PEJUANG [Mukhris MAHATIR] Sarawak Workers Party or PBM [Larry Sng Wei SHIEN] Malaysian United Democratic Alliance or MUDA [Syed SADDIQ bin Syed Abdul Rahman] United Sarawak Party (Parti Sarawak Bersatu) or PSB [WONG Soon Koh] United Sabah Alliance or USA (Gabungan Sabah) Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) or PPBM [Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin]Sarawak Parties Alliance (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) or GPS [ABANG JOHARI Openg] United Traditional Bumiputera Party (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersata) or PBB Sarawak People's Party (Parti Rakyat Sarawak) or PRS [James MASING] Progressive Democratic Party or PDP [TIONG King Sing] Sarawak United People's Party (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak) or SUPP [Dr. SIM Kui Hian] Other: Sabah Heritage Party (Parti Warisan Sabah) or WARISAN [SHAFIE Apdal] Fighters of the Nation Party (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air) or PEJUANG [Mukhris MAHATIR] Sarawak Workers Party or PBM [Larry Sng Wei SHIEN] Malaysian United Democratic Alliance or MUDA [Syed SADDIQ bin Syed Abdul Rahman] United Sarawak Party (Parti Sarawak Bersatu) or PSB [WONG Soon Koh] United Sabah Alliance or USA (Gabungan Sabah) Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) or PPBM [Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin] International organization participation: ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, 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), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Fairuz Adli Mohd ROZALI (since 28 August 2021) chancery: 3516 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 572-9700 FAX: [1] (202) 572-9882 email address and website: mwwashington@kln.gov.my https://www.kln.gov.my/web/usa_washington/home consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Brian D. McFEETERS (since 26 February 2021) embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur mailing address: 4210 Kuala Lumpur, Washington DC  20521-4210 telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000 FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207 email address and website: KLACS@state.gov https://my.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: 14 equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow 14-pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (Stripes of Glory); the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers note: the design is based on the flag of the US National symbol(s): tiger, hibiscus; national colors: gold, black National anthem: name: "Negaraku" (My Country) lyrics/music: collective, led by Tunku ABDUL RAHMAN/Pierre Jean DE BERANGER note: adopted 1957; full version only performed in the presence of the king; the tune, which was adopted from a popular French melody titled "La Rosalie," was originally the anthem of Perak, one of Malaysia's 13 states National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 4 (2 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Gunung Mulu National Park (n); Kinabalu Park (n); Malacca and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca (c); Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into a multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move further up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in high technology, knowledge-based industries and services. NAJIB's Economic Transformation Program is a series of projects and policy measures intended to accelerate the country's economic growth. The government has also taken steps to liberalize some services sub-sectors. Malaysia is vulnerable to a fall in world commodity prices or a general slowdown in global economic activity.   The NAJIB administration is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and reduce the economy's dependence on exports. Domestic demand continues to anchor economic growth, supported mainly by private consumption, which accounts for 53% of GDP. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics, oil and gas, and palm oil - remain a significant driver of the economy. In 2015, gross exports of goods and services were equivalent to 73% of GDP. The oil and gas sector supplied about 22% of government revenue in 2015, down significantly from prior years amid a decline in commodity prices and diversification of government revenues. Malaysia has embarked on a fiscal reform program aimed at achieving a balanced budget by 2020, including rationalization of subsidies and the 2015 introduction of a 6% value added tax. Sustained low commodity prices throughout the period not only strained government finances, but also shrunk Malaysia’s current account surplus and weighed heavily on the Malaysian ringgit, which was among the region’s worst performing currencies during 2013-17. The ringgit hit new lows following the US presidential election amid a broader selloff of emerging market assets.   Bank Negara Malaysia (the central bank) maintains adequate foreign exchange reserves; a well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments, although it remains vulnerable to volatile global capital flows. In order to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness, Prime Minister NAJIB raised possible revisions to the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but retreated in 2013 after he encountered significant opposition from Malay nationalists and other vested interests. In September 2013 NAJIB launched the new Bumiputra Economic Empowerment Program, policies that favor and advance the economic condition of ethnic Malays.   Malaysia signed the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement in February 2016, although the future of the TPP remains unclear following the US withdrawal from the agreement. Along with nine other ASEAN members, Malaysia established the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, which aims to advance regional economic integration.Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, has transformed itself since the 1970s from a producer of raw materials into a multi-sector economy. Under current Prime Minister NAJIB, Malaysia is attempting to achieve high-income status by 2020 and to move further up the value-added production chain by attracting investments in high technology, knowledge-based industries and services. NAJIB's Economic Transformation Program is a series of projects and policy measures intended to accelerate the country's economic growth. The government has also taken steps to liberalize some services sub-sectors. Malaysia is vulnerable to a fall in world commodity prices or a general slowdown in global economic activity. The NAJIB administration is continuing efforts to boost domestic demand and reduce the economy's dependence on exports. Domestic demand continues to anchor economic growth, supported mainly by private consumption, which accounts for 53% of GDP. Nevertheless, exports - particularly of electronics, oil and gas, and palm oil - remain a significant driver of the economy. In 2015, gross exports of goods and services were equivalent to 73% of GDP. The oil and gas sector supplied about 22% of government revenue in 2015, down significantly from prior years amid a decline in commodity prices and diversification of government revenues. Malaysia has embarked on a fiscal reform program aimed at achieving a balanced budget by 2020, including rationalization of subsidies and the 2015 introduction of a 6% value added tax. Sustained low commodity prices throughout the period not only strained government finances, but also shrunk Malaysia’s current account surplus and weighed heavily on the Malaysian ringgit, which was among the region’s worst performing currencies during 2013-17. The ringgit hit new lows following the US presidential election amid a broader selloff of emerging market assets. Bank Negara Malaysia (the central bank) maintains adequate foreign exchange reserves; a well-developed regulatory regime has limited Malaysia's exposure to riskier financial instruments, although it remains vulnerable to volatile global capital flows. In order to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness, Prime Minister NAJIB raised possible revisions to the special economic and social preferences accorded to ethnic Malays under the New Economic Policy of 1970, but retreated in 2013 after he encountered significant opposition from Malay nationalists and other vested interests. In September 2013 NAJIB launched the new Bumiputra Economic Empowerment Program, policies that favor and advance the economic condition of ethnic Malays. Malaysia signed the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement in February 2016, although the future of the TPP remains unclear following the US withdrawal from the agreement. Along with nine other ASEAN members, Malaysia established the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, which aims to advance regional economic integration. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $855.6 billion (2020 est.) $906.24 billion (2019 est.) $868.85 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.31% (2019 est.) 4.77% (2018 est.) 5.81% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $26,400 (2020 est.) $28,400 (2019 est.) $27,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $364.631 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.6% (2019 est.) 0.9% (2018 est.) 3.8% (2017 est.) note: approximately 30% of goods are price-controlled Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB+ (2020) Moody's rating: A3 (2004) Standard & Poors rating: A- (2003) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 8.8% (2017 est.) industry: 37.6% (2017 est.) services: 53.6% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 55.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 71.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -64.4% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: oil palm fruit, rice, poultry, eggs, vegetables, rubber, coconuts, bananas, pineapples, pork Industries: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics and semiconductors, timber processing; Sabah - logging, petroleum and natural gas production;Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum and natural gas production, logging Industrial production growth rate: 5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 15.139 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 11% industry: 36% services: 53% (2012 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.3% (2019 est.) 3.33% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12% male: 11.4% female: 13% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 5.6% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 41 (2015 est.) 49.2 (1997) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.8% highest 10%: 34.7% (2009 est.) Budget: revenues: 51.25 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 60.63 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 54.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 56.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: this figure is based on the amount of federal government debt, RM501.6 billion ($167.2 billion) in 2012; this includes Malaysian Treasury bills and other government securities, as well as loans raised externally and bonds and notes issued overseas; this figure excludes debt issued by non-financial public enterprises and guaranteed by the federal government, which was an additional $47.7 billion in 2012 Taxes and other revenues: 16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $12.295 billion (2019 est.) $8.027 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Singapore 13%, China 13%, United States 11%, Hong Kong 6%, Japan 6%, Thailand 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: integrated circuits, refined petroleum, natural gas, semiconductors, palm oil (2019) Imports: $185.59 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $210.68 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $221.83 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 24%, Singapore 14%, Japan 6%, United States 6%, Taiwan 5%, Thailand 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: integrated circuits, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, broadcasting equipment, coal (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $102.4 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $94.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $224.596 billion (2019 est.) $226.901 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: ringgits (MYR) per US dollar - 4.064 (2020 est.) 4.161 (2019 est.) 4.166 (2018 est.) 3.91 (2014 est.) 3.27 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 2.977 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 35.268 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 17,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 37.295 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 226 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 593,800 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 718,600 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 303,600 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 182,300 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 3.6 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 528,300 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 208,400 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 304,600 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 74,985,350,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 39,586,915,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 34,197,548,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 4,008,073,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1,189,306,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 254.764 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 123.755 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 7,467,900 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 43,723,600 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 135 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: As part of a diverse range of initiatives designed to move the country from developing to developed status by 2025, Malaysia has enabled and encouraged open competition in its telecommunications market; the result is very high penetration levels in both the mobile (147%) and mobile broadband (127%) segments, and near-universal coverage of 4G LTE networks; the incumbent landline operator Telekom Malaysia retains an almost monopolistic hold on the fixed-line market as well as a significant lead in fixed broadband; steady growth is occurring as more fiber optic cable networks are being deployed around the country on top of Telekom Malaysia’s national backbone; consumers are the main beneficiaries of the highly competitive market; they enjoy widespread access to high-speed mobile services as well as attractive offers on bundles to keep data use up but prices low; the downside is that most of Malaysia’s MNOs and MVNOs have struggled to increase revenue in line with growth in subscriber numbers as well as demand for broadband data; while the operators have been very successful in moving a significant proportion (now over 30%) of customers from prepaid over to higher-value postpaid accounts, ARPU continues to fall year after year as a result of competitive pricing pressures; the mobile market, in particular, has become overcrowded and the government is keen to see further rationalization and consolidation with the operators; two of the country’s four MNOs – Digi and Celcom – announced plans in November 2021 to merge their Malaysian operations; while customers will no doubt continue to enjoy high quality services at competitive rates, the new entity (to be called Celcom Digi) will be hopeful of squeezing better margins through improved economies of scale; the government’s next move is to encourage the private mobile operators to sign up to the country’s wholesale 5G network being built by Ericsson for the government-owned and operated Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB); this special-purpose vehicle company was established by the Ministry of Finance to undertake the development and deployment of Malaysia’s 5G infrastructure across the country; the government’s stated intent was to avoid duplication of networks and infrastructure, and thus reduce investment costs for the operators; but with DNB being Malaysia’s single wholesale 5G network provider, the MNOs have been reluctant to commit due to having limited opportunity to differentiate their 5G services and being somewhat at the mercy of the wholesaler’s pricing; to date, no MNO has agreed to the deal and are instead demanding the development of a dual wholesale network model (one that no doubt offers more flexible terms, at least in the eyes of the MNOs); Malaysia’s 5G rollout has, in effect, come to a standstill while the government tries to find a way to restart negotiations. (2022) domestic: fixed-line roughly 23 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 135 per 100 persons; domestic satellite system with 2 earth stations (2020) international: country code - 60; landing points for BBG, FEA, SAFE, SeaMeWe-3 & 4 & 5, AAE-1, JASUKA, BDM, Dumai-Melaka Cable System, BRCS, ACE, AAG, East-West Submarine Cable System, SEAX-1, SKR1M, APCN-2, APG, BtoBe,  BaSICS, and Labuan-Brunei Submarine and MCT submarine cables providing connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean); launch of Kacific-1 satellite in 2019 (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 2 TV networks with relays throughout the country, and the leading private commercial media group operates 4 TV stations with numerous relays throughout the country; satellite TV subscription service is available; state-owned radio broadcaster operates multiple national networks, as well as regional and local stations; many private commercial radio broadcasters and some subscription satellite radio services are available; about 55 radio stations overall (2019) Internet country code: .my Internet users: total: 29,129,398 (2020 est.) percent of population: 90% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 3,358,800 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9M Airports: total: 114 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 39 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 75 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 69 (2021) Heliports: 4 (2021) Pipelines: 354 km condensate, 6,439 km gas, 155 km liquid petroleum gas, 1,937 km oil, 43 km oil/gas/water, 114 km refined products, 26 km water (2013) Railways: total: 1,851 km (2014) standard gauge: 59 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (59 km electrified) narrow gauge: 1,792 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (339 km electrified) Roadways: total: 144,403 km (2010) (excludes local roads) paved: 116,169 km (2010) (includes 1,821 km of expressways) unpaved: 28,234 km (2010) Waterways: 7,200 km (2011) (Peninsular Malaysia 3,200 km; Sabah 1,500 km; Sarawak 2,500 km) Merchant marine: total: 1,769 by type: bulk carrier 16, container ship 28, general cargo 174, oil tanker 153, other 1,398 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Bintulu, Johor Bahru, George Town (Penang), Pelabuhan Klang (Port Klang), Tanjung Pelepas container port(s) (TEUs): Port Kelang (Port Klang) (13,580,717), Tanjung Pelepas (9,100,000) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (export): Bintulu (Sarawak) LNG terminal(s) (import): Sungei Udang Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, ATM): Malaysian Army (Tentera Darat Malaysia), Royal Malaysian Navy (Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia, TLDM), Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia, TUDM); Ministry of Home Affairs:  Royal Malaysian Police (PRMD, includes the General Operations Force, a paramilitary force with a variety of roles, including patrolling borders, counter-terrorism, maritime security, and counterinsurgency) (2022) note: Malaysia created a National Special Operations Force in 2016 for combating terrorism threats; the force is comprised of personnel from the Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Malaysian Coast Guard) Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2020) 1% of GDP (2019) (approximately $7.84 billion) 1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $7.63 billion) 1.1% of GDP (2017) (approximately $7.75 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 115,000 active duty troops (80,000 Army; 18,000 Navy; 17,000 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent and proof of age); mandatory retirement age 60; women serve in the Malaysian Armed Forces; no conscription (2021) note - in 2020, the Malaysian Armed Forces announced a goal of having 10% of the active military comprised of women Military deployments: 830 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (May 2022) Military - note: maritime 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) Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; the Singapore Straits saw 35 attacks against commercial vessels in 2021, a 50% increase over 2020 and the highest number of incidents reported since 1992; vessels were boarded in 33 of the 35 incidents, one crew was injured, another assaulted and two threatened during these incidentsthe International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; the Singapore Straits saw 35 attacks against commercial vessels in 2021, a 50% increase over 2020 and the highest number of incidents reported since 1992; vessels were boarded in 33 of the 35 incidents, one crew was injured, another assaulted and two threatened during these incidents Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Jemaah Islamiyah (JI); Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) 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: piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait Malaysia-Brunei: per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei; in 2009, the media reported that Brunei had dropped its claims to the Limbang corridor, but Brunei responded that the subject had never been discussed during recent talks between the two countries Malaysia-China-Philippines-Vietnam: while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties, which is currently being negotiated between China and ASEAN; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands Malaysia-Indonesia: land and maritime negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea Malaysia-Philippines: Philippines retains a dormant claim to the eastern part of Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo Malaysia-Singapore: disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South Ledge Malaysia-Thailand: in 2008, separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts Malaysia to take measures to close and to monitor the border with Thailand to stem terrorist activities    piracy remains a problem in the Malacca StraitMalaysia-Brunei: per Letters of Exchange signed in 2009, Malaysia in 2010 ceded two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei; in 2009, the media reported that Brunei had dropped its claims to the Limbang corridor, but Brunei responded that the subject had never been discussed during recent talks between the two countriesMalaysia-China-Philippines-Vietnam: while the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions over the Spratly Islands, it is not the legally binding "code of conduct" sought by some parties, which is currently being negotiated between China and ASEAN; Malaysia was not party to the March 2005 joint accord among the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam on conducting marine seismic activities in the Spratly IslandsMalaysia-Indonesia: land and maritime negotiations with Indonesia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes SeaMalaysia-Philippines: Philippines retains a dormant claim to the eastern part of Malaysia's Sabah State in northern BorneoMalaysia-Singapore: disputes continue over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's land reclamation, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in 2008, the International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty of Pedra Branca (Pulau Batu Puteh/Horsburgh Island) to Singapore, and Middle Rocks to Malaysia but did not rule on maritime regimes, boundaries, or disposition of South LedgeMalaysia-Thailand: in 2008, separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Muslim southern provinces prompts Malaysia to take measures to close and to monitor the border with Thailand to stem terrorist activities   Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 120,126 (Burma) (mid-year 2021) stateless persons: 112,003 (mid-year 2021); note - Malaysia's stateless population consists of Rohingya refugees from Burma, ethnic Indians, and the children of Filipino and Indonesian illegal migrants; Burma stripped the Rohingya of their nationality in 1982; Filipino and Indonesian children who have not been registered for birth certificates by their parents or who received birth certificates stamped "foreigner" are not eligible to attend government schools; these children are vulnerable to statelessness should they not be able to apply to their parents' country of origin for passports Trafficking in persons: current 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) Illicit drugs: methamphetamine is the most used and trafficked drug controlled by criminal organizations that produce it; crystal methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), cannabis products, heroin, ketamine, and Erimin 5 (nimetazepam) are smuggled into the country; a transit point for trafficking cocaine and other drugs to the Australian market  methamphetamine is the most used and trafficked drug controlled by criminal organizations that produce it; crystal methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), cannabis products, heroin, ketamine, and Erimin 5 (nimetazepam) are smuggled into the country; a transit point for trafficking cocaine and other drugs to the Australian market 

20220901

countries-brunei-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Brunei. Consult the State Department website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [673] 238-4616; US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan; Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Duta, Bandar Seri Begawan, BC4115 Brunei Darussalam; https://bn.usembassy.gov/; ConsularBrunei@state.gov Telephone Code: 673 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 991; Fire: 995; Police: 993 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; hot, humid, rainy Currency (Code): Brunei dollars (BND) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G Major Languages: Malay, English, Chinese Major Religions: Muslim 78.8%, Christian 8.7%, Buddhist 7.8% Time Difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Muara Beach; Jerudong Park Playground; Gadong Night Market; Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque; Ulu Temburong National Park; Royal Regalia Museum; Tasek Merimbun Major Sports: Soccer, basketball Cultural Practices: In Brunei, it is impolite to point with one's index finger; instead use the right thumb. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not customary. Large hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. Souvenirs: Kris ceremonial daggers, native costumes and textiles, silver work, brass items, spices Traditional Cuisine: Ambuyat — a starchy substance derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm, which is dipped into a variety of saucesPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Monday, June 20, 2022

20220901

field-languages

This entry provides a listing of languages spoken in each country and specifies any that are official national or regional languages. When data is available, the languages spoken in each country are broken down according to the percent of the total population speaking each language as a first language, unless otherwise noted. For those countries without available data, languages are listed in rank order based on prevalence, starting with the most-spoken language. Topic: AfghanistanAfghan 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) Topic: AkrotiriEnglish, Greek major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: AlbaniaAlbanian 98.8% (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek 0.5%, other 0.6% (including Macedonian, Romani, Vlach, Turkish, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian), unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Libri i fakteve boterore, burim i pa zevendesueshem  per informacione elementare. (Albanian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: AlgeriaArabic (official), French (lingua franca), Berber or Tamazight (official); dialects include Kabyle Berber (Taqbaylit), Shawiya Berber (Tacawit), Mzab Berber, Tuareg Berber (Tamahaq) 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. Topic: American SamoaSamoan 88.6% (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English 3.9%, Tongan 2.7%, other Pacific islander 3%, other 1.8% (2010 est.) note: most people are bilingual Topic: AndorraCatalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese Topic: AngolaPortuguese 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.) Topic: AnguillaEnglish (official) Topic: Antigua and BarbudaEnglish (official), Antiguan creole Topic: ArgentinaSpanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous (Mapudungun, Quechua) 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. Topic: ArmeniaArmenian (official) 97.9%, Kurdish (spoken by Yezidi minority) 1%, other 1%; note - Russian is widely spoken (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Աշխարհի Փաստագիրք, Անփոխարինելի Աղբյւր Հիմնական Տեղեկատվւթյան. (Armenian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: ArubaPapiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 69.4%, Spanish 13.7%, English (widely spoken) 7.1%, Dutch (official) 6.1%, Chinese 1.5%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) Topic: AustraliaEnglish 72.7%, Mandarin 2.5%, Arabic 1.4%, Cantonese 1.2%, Vietnamese 1.2%, Italian 1.2%, Greek 1%, other 14.8%, unspecified 6.5% (2016 est.) note: data represent language spoken at home Topic: AustriaGerman (official nationwide) 88.6%, Turkish 2.3%, Serbian 2.2%, Croatian (official in Burgenland) 1.6%, other (includes Slovene, official in southern Carinthia, and Hungarian, official in Burgenland) 5.3% (2001 est.) major-language sample(s): Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: AzerbaijanAzerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 92.5%, Russian 1.4%, Armenian 1.4%, other 4.7% (2009 est.) major-language sample(s): Dünya fakt kitabı, əsas məlumatlar üçün əvəz olunmaz mənbədir (Azerbaijani) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: Russian is widely spoken Topic: Bahamas, TheEnglish (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants) Topic: BahrainArabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu 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. Topic: BangladeshBangla 98.8% (official, also known as Bengali), other 1.2% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): বিশ্ব ফ্যাক্টবুক, মৌলিক তথ্যের অপরিহার্য উৎস (Bangla) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. বিশ্ব ফ্যাক্টবুক, মৌলিক তথ্যের অপরিহার্য উৎস (Bangla) Topic: BarbadosEnglish (official), Bajan (English-based creole language, widely spoken in informal settings) Topic: BelarusRussian (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. Topic: BelgiumDutch (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. Topic: BelizeEnglish 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%, other 1.8%, unknown 0.5%; note - shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2010 est.) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) Topic: Benin55 languages; French (official); Fon (a Gbe language) and Yoruba are the most important indigenous languages in the south; half a dozen regionally important languages in the north, including Bariba (once counted as a Gur language) and Fulfulde Topic: BermudaEnglish (official), Portuguese Topic: BhutanSharchopkha 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.) Topic: BoliviaSpanish (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. Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnian (official) 52.9%, Serbian (official) 30.8%, Croatian (official) 14.6%, other 1.6%, no answer 0.2% (2013 est.) major-language sample(s): Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Bosnian/Montenegrin) Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian) Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, nužan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Croatian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: BotswanaSetswana 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.) Topic: BrazilPortuguese (official and most widely spoken language); note - less common languages include Spanish (border areas and schools), German, Italian, Japanese, English, and a large number of minor Amerindian languages major-language sample(s): O Livro de Fatos Mundiais, a fonte indispensável para informação básica. (Brazilian Portuguese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: British Virgin IslandsEnglish (official) Topic: BruneiMalay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects major-language sample(s): Buku Fakta Dunia, sumber yang diperlukan untuk maklumat asas. (Malay) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: BulgariaBulgarian (official) 76.8%, Turkish 8.2%, Romani 3.8%, other 0.7%, unspecified 10.5% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Светoвен Алманах, незаменимият източник за основна информация. (Bulgarian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Burkina FasoFrench (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population Topic: BurmaBurmese (official) major-language sample(s): ကမ္ဘာ့အချက်အလက်စာအုပ်- အခြေခံအချက်အလက်တွေအတွက် မရှိမဖြစ်တဲ့ အရင်းအမြစ် (Burmese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: minority ethnic groups use their own languages Topic: BurundiKirundi 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 Topic: Cabo VerdePortuguese (official), Krioulo (a Portuguese-based Creole language with two main dialects spoken in Cabo Verde and in the Cabo Verdean diaspora worldwide) Topic: CambodiaKhmer (official) 95.8%, minority languages 2.9%, Chinese 0.6%, Vietnamese 0.5%, other 0.2% (2019 est.) major-language sample(s): សៀវភៅហេតុការណនៅលើពិភពលោក។ ទីតាំងពត៏មានមូលដានគ្រឹះយាងសំខាន់។. (Khmer) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Cameroon24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) Topic: CanadaEnglish (official) 58.7%, French (official) 22%, Punjabi 1.4%, Italian 1.3%, Spanish 1.3%, German 1.3%, Cantonese 1.2%, Tagalog 1.2%, Arabic 1.1%, other 10.5% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) Topic: Cayman IslandsEnglish (official) 90.9%, Spanish 4%, Filipino 3.3%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.) Topic: Central African RepublicFrench (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages Topic: ChadFrench (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: ChileSpanish 99.5% (official), English 10.2%, Indigenous 1% (includes Mapudungun, Aymara, Quechua, Rapa Nui), other 2.3%, unspecified 0.2%; note - shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (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. Topic: ChinaStandard Chinese or Mandarin (official; Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry); note - Zhuang is official in Guangxi Zhuang, Yue is official in Guangdong, Mongolian is official in Nei Mongol, Uighur is official in Xinjiang Uygur, Kyrgyz is official in Xinjiang Uygur, and Tibetan is official in Xizang (Tibet) major-language sample(s): 世界概況  –  不可缺少的基本消息來源 (Standard Chinese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Christmas IslandEnglish (official) 27.6%, Mandarin 17.2%, Malay 17.1%, Cantonese 3.9%, Min Nan 1.6%, Tagalog 1%, other 4.5%, unspecified 27.1% (2016 est.) note: data represent language spoken at home Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsMalay (Cocos dialect) 68.8%, English 22.3%, unspecified 8.9%; note - data represent language spoken at home (2016 est.) major-language sample(s): Buku Fakta Dunia, sumber yang diperlukan untuk maklumat asas. (Malay) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: ColombiaSpanish (official) and 65 Amerindian languages 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. Topic: ComorosArabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (official; similar to Swahili) (Comorian) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theFrench (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba major-language sample(s): Buku oyo ya bosembo ya Mokili Mobimba Ezali na Makanisi ya Liboso Mpenza. (Lingala) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Congo, Republic of theFrench (official), French Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread) major-language sample(s): Buku oyo ya bosembo ya Mokili Mobimba Ezali na Makanisi ya Liboso Mpenza. (Lingala) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Cook IslandsEnglish (official) 86.4%, Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) (official) 76.2%, other 8.3% (2011 est.) note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census Topic: Costa RicaSpanish (official), English major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Cote d'IvoireFrench (official), 60 native dialects of which Dioula is the most widely spoken major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: CroatiaCroatian (official) 95.6%, Serbian 1.2%, other 3% (including Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and Albanian), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, nužan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Croatian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: CubaSpanish (official) 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. Topic: CuracaoPapiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 80%, Dutch (official) 8.8%, Spanish 5.6%, English (official) 3.1%, other 2.3%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.) note: data represent most spoken language in household Topic: CyprusGreek (official) 80.9%, Turkish (official) 0.2%, English 4.1%, Romanian 2.9%, Russian 2.5%, Bulgarian 2.2%, Arabic 1.2%, Filipino 1.1%, other 4.3%, unspecified 0.6%; note - data represent only the Republic of Cyprus (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: CzechiaCzech (official) 88.4%, Slovak 1.5%, other 2.6%, unspecified 7.2% (2021 est.) major-language sample(s): World Fackbook, nepostradatelný zdroj základních informací. (Czech) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: includes only persons with one mother tongue Topic: DenmarkDanish, 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. Topic: DhekeliaEnglish, Greek major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: DjiboutiFrench (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar Topic: DominicaEnglish (official), French patois Topic: Dominican RepublicSpanish (official) 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. Topic: EcuadorSpanish (Castilian) 93% (official), Quechua 4.1%, other indigenous 0.7%, foreign 2.2%; note - (Quechua and Shuar are official languages of intercultural relations; other indigenous languages are in official use by indigenous peoples in the areas they inhabit) (2010 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. Topic: EgyptArabic (official), English, and French widely understood by educated classes major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، أفضل مصدر للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: El SalvadorSpanish (official), Nawat (among some Amerindians) 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. Topic: Equatorial GuineaSpanish (official) 67.6%, other (includes Fang, Bubi, Portuguese (official), French (official), Portuguese-based Creoles spoken in Ano Bom) 32.4% (1994 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. Topic: EritreaTigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official), Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages Topic: EstoniaEstonian (official) 68.5%, Russian 29.6%, Ukrainian 0.6%, other 1.2%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) Topic: EswatiniEnglish (official, used for government business), siSwati (official) Topic: EthiopiaOromo (official working language in the State of Oromiya) 33.8%, Amharic (official national language) 29.3%, Somali (official working language of the State of Sumale) 6.2%, Tigrigna (Tigrinya) (official working language of the State of Tigray) 5.9%, Sidamo 4%, Wolaytta 2.2%, Gurage 2%, Afar (official working language of the State of Afar) 1.7%, Hadiyya 1.7%, Gamo 1.5%, Gedeo 1.3%, Opuuo 1.2%, Kafa 1.1%, other 8.1%, English (major foreign language taught in schools), Arabic (2007 est.) major-language sample(s): Kitaaba Addunyaa Waan Qabataamaatiif - Kan Madda Odeeffannoo bu’uraawaatiif baay’ee barbaachisaa ta’e. (Oromo) የአለም እውነታ መጽሐፍ፣ ለመሠረታዊ መረጃ እጅግ አስፈላጊ የሆነ ምንጭ። (Amharic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: European UnionBulgarian, 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) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)English 89%, Spanish 7.7%, other 3.3% (2006 est.) Topic: Faroe IslandsFaroese 93.8% (derived from Old Norse), Danish 3.2%, other 3% (2011 est.) note:  data represent population by primary language Topic: FijiEnglish (official), iTaukei (official), Fiji Hindi (official) Topic: FinlandFinnish (official) 86.5%, Swedish (official) 5.2%, Russian 1.6%, other 6.7% (2021 est.) major-language sample(s): World Factbook, korvaamaton perustietolähde. (Finnish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: FranceFrench (official) 100%, declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish, Occitan, Picard); note - overseas departments: French, Creole patois, Mahorian (a Swahili dialect) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: French PolynesiaFrench (official) 73.5%, Tahitian 20.1%, Marquesan 2.6%, Austral languages 1.2%, Paumotu 1%, other 1.6% (2017 est.) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: GabonFrench (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi Topic: Gambia, TheEnglish (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars Topic: Gaza StripArabic, Hebrew (spoken by many Palestinians), English (widely understood) 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. Topic: GeorgiaGeorgian (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. Topic: GermanyGerman (official); note - Danish, Frisian, Sorbian, and Romani are official minority languages; Low German, Danish, North Frisian, Sater Frisian, Lower Sorbian, Upper Sorbian, and Romani are recognized as regional languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages major-language sample(s): Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: GhanaAsante 16%, Ewe 14%, Fante 11.6%, Boron (Brong) 4.9%, Dagomba 4.4%, Dangme 4.2%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.9%, Kokomba 3.5%, Akyem 3.2%, Ga 3.1%, other 31.2% (2010 est.) note: English is the official language Topic: GibraltarEnglish (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese Topic: GreeceGreek (official) 99%, other (includes English and French) 1% major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: GreenlandGreenlandic (West Greenlandic or Kalaallisut is the official language), Danish, English Topic: GrenadaEnglish (official), French patois Topic: GuamEnglish 43.6%, Filipino 21.2%, Chamorro 17.8%, other Pacific island languages 10%, Asian languages 6.3%, other 1.1% (2010 est.) Topic: GuatemalaSpanish (official) 69.9%, Maya languages 29.7% (Q'eqchi' 8.3%, K'iche 7.8%, Mam 4.4%, Kaqchikel 3%, Q'anjob'al 1.2%, Poqomchi' 1%, other 4%), other 0.4% (includes Xinca and Garifuna); note - the 2003 Law of National Languages officially recognized 23 indigenous languages, including 21 Maya languages, Xinca, and Garifuna (2018 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. Topic: GuernseyEnglish, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts Topic: GuineaFrench (official), Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages note: about 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language Topic: Guinea-BissauPortuguese-based Creole, Portuguese (official; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo Topic: GuyanaEnglish (official), Guyanese Creole, Amerindian languages (including Caribbean and Arawak languages), Indian languages (including Caribbean Hindustani, a dialect of Hindi), Chinese (2014 est.) Topic: HaitiFrench (official), Creole (official) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)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. Topic: HondurasSpanish (official), Amerindian dialects 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. Topic: Hong KongCantonese (official) 88.9%, English (official) 4.3%, Mandarin (official) 1.9%, other Chinese dialects 3.1%, other 1.9% (2016 est.) major-language sample(s): 世界概况, 必須擁有的基本資料参考书 (Cantonese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.世界概况, 必須擁有的基本資料参考书 (Cantonese) Topic: HungaryHungarian (official) 99.6%, English 16%, German 11.2%, Russian 1.6%, Romanian 1.3%, French 1.2%, other 4.2%; note - shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; Hungarian is the mother tongue of 98.9% of Hungarian speakers (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): A World Factbook nélkülözhetetlen forrása az alapvető információnak.  (Hungarian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: IcelandIcelandic, English, Nordic languages, German Topic: IndiaHindi 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.) major-language sample(s): विश्व फ़ैक्टबुक, आधारभूत जानकारी का एक अपरिहार्य स्त्रोत  (Hindi) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: IndonesiaBahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects (of which the most widely spoken is Javanese); note - more than 700 languages are used in Indonesia major-language sample(s): Fakta Dunia, sumber informasi dasar yang sangat diperlukan. (Indonesian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: IranPersian Farsi (official), Azeri and other Turkic dialects, Kurdish, Gilaki and Mazandarani, Luri, Balochi, Arabic major-language sample(s): چکیده نامه جهان، منبعی ضروری برای کسب اطلاعات کلی جهان (Persian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: IraqArabic (official), Kurdish (official), Turkmen (a Turkish dialect), Syriac (Neo-Aramaic), and Armenian are official in areas where native speakers of these languages constitute a majority of the population major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، أحسن مصدر للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: IrelandEnglish (official, the language generally used), Irish (Gaelic or Gaeilge) (official, spoken by approximately 39.8% of the population as of 2016; mainly spoken in areas along Ireland's western coast known as gaeltachtai, which are officially recognized regions where Irish is the predominant language) Topic: Isle of ManEnglish, Manx Gaelic (about 2% of the population has some knowledge) Topic: IsraelHebrew (official), Arabic (special status under Israeli law), English (most commonly used foreign language) major-language sample(s): ספר עובדות העולם, המקור החיוני למידע בסיסי (Hebrew) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: ItalyItalian (official), German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly German-speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area) 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. Topic: JamaicaEnglish, English patois Topic: JapanJapanese 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. Topic: JerseyEnglish (official) 94.5%, Portuguese 4.6%, other .9% (includes French (official) and Jerriais) (2001 est.) note: data represent main spoken language; the traditional language of Jersey is Jerriais or Jersey French (a Norman language), which was spoken by fewer than 3,000 people as of 2001;  two thirds of Jerriais speakers are aged 60 and overEnglish (official) 94.5%, Portuguese 4.6%, other .9% (includes French (official) and Jerriais) Topic: JordanArabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes) 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. Topic: KazakhstanKazakh (official, Qazaq) 83.1% (understand spoken language) and trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English) 22.3% (2017 est.); Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 94.4% (understand spoken language) (2009 est.) major-language sample(s): Әлемдік деректер кітабы, негізгі ақпараттың таптырмайтын көзі. (Kazakh) Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник  базовой информации. (Russian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: KenyaEnglish (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) Topic: KiribatiI-Kiribati, English (official) Topic: Korea, NorthKorean major-language sample(s): 월드 팩트북, 필수적인 기본 정보 제공처 (Korean) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Korea, SouthKorean, English (widely taught in elementary, junior high, and high school) major-language sample(s): 월드 팩트북, 필수적인 기본 정보 제공처 (Korean) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: KosovoAlbanian (official) 94.5%, Bosnian 1.7%, Serbian (official) 1.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 0.9% (includes Romani), unspecified 0.1%; note - in municipalities where a community's mother tongue is not one of Kosovo's official languages, the language of that community may be given official status according to the 2006 Law on the Use of Languages (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Libri i Fakteve Boterore, burimi vital per informacione elementare. (Albanian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: KuwaitArabic (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. Topic: KyrgyzstanKyrgyz (official) 71.4%, Uzbek 14.4%, Russian (official) 9%, other 5.2% (2009 est.) major-language sample(s): Дүйнөлүк фактылар китеби, негизги маалыматтын маанилүү булагы. (Kyrgyz) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: LaosLao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages major-language sample(s): ແຫລ່ງທີ່ຂາດບໍ່ໄດ້ສຳລັບຂໍ້ມູນຕົ້ນຕໍ່” (Lao) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: LatviaLatvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4%; note - data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): World Factbook, neaizstājams avots pamata informāciju. (Latvian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: LebanonArabic (official), French, English, Armenian 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. Topic: LesothoSesotho (official) (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa Topic: LiberiaEnglish 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages few of which can be written or used in correspondence Topic: LibyaArabic (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. Topic: LiechtensteinGerman 91.5% (official) (Alemannic is the main dialect), Italian 1.5%, Turkish 1.3%, Portuguese 1.1%, other 4.6% (2015 est.) major-language sample(s): Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: LithuaniaLithuanian (official) 85.3%, Russian 6.8%, Polish 5.1%, other 1.1%, two mother tongues 1.7%% (2021 est.) major-language sample(s): Pasaulio enciklopedija – naudingas bendrosios informacijos šaltinis. (Lithuanian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: LuxembourgLuxembourgish (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.) Topic: MacauCantonese 80.1%, Mandarin 5.5%, other Chinese dialects 5.3%, Tagalog 3%, English 2.8%, Portuguese 0.6%, other 2.8%; note - Chinese and Portuguese are official languages; Macanese, a Portuguese-based Creole, is also spoken (2016 est.) major-language sample(s): 世界概况, 必須擁有的基本資料参考书 (Cantonese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.世界概况, 必須擁有的基本資料参考书 (Cantonese) Topic: MadagascarMalagasy (official) 99.9%, French (official) 23.6%, English 8.2%, other 0.6% (2018 est.) note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census Topic: MalawiEnglish (official), Chewa (common), Lambya, Lomwe, Ngoni, Nkhonde, Nyakyusa, Nyanja, Sena, Tonga, Tumbuka, Yao note: Chewa and Nyanja are mutually intelligible dialects; Nkhonde and Nyakyusa are mutually intelligible dialects Topic: MalaysiaBahasa Malaysia (official), English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai; note - Malaysia has 134 living languages - 112 indigenous languages and 22 non-indigenous languages; in East Malaysia, there are several indigenous languages; the most widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan major-language sample(s): Buku Fakta Dunia, sumber yang diperlukan untuk maklumat asas. (Bahasa Malaysia) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: MaldivesDhivehi (official, dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English (spoken by most government officials) Topic: MaliFrench (official), Bambara 46.3%, Peuhl/Foulfoulbe 9.4%, Dogon 7.2%, Maraka/Soninke 6.4%, Malinke 5.6%, Sonrhai/Djerma 5.6%, Minianka 4.3%, Tamacheq 3.5%, Senoufo 2.6%, Bobo 2.1%, other 6.3%, unspecified 0.7% (2009 est.) note: Mali has 13 national languages in addition to its official language Topic: MaltaMaltese (official) 90.1%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9% (2005 est.) Topic: Marshall IslandsMarshallese (official) 98.2%, other languages 1.8% (1999 est.) major-language sample(s): Bok eo an Lalin kin Melele ko Rejimwe ej jikin ebōk melele ko raurōk. (Marshallese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: English (official), widely spoken as a second language Bok eo an Lalin kin Melele ko Rejimwe ej jikin ebōk melele ko raurōk. (Marshallese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: MauritaniaArabic (official and national), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French; note - the spoken Arabic in Mauritania differs considerably from the Modern Standard Arabic used for official written purposes or in the media; the Mauritanian dialect, which incorporates many Berber words, is referred to as Hassaniya 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. Topic: MauritiusCreole 86.5%, Bhojpuri 5.3%, French 4.1%, two languages 1.4%, other 2.6% (includes English, one of the two official languages of the National Assembly, which is spoken by less than 1% of the population), unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) Topic: MexicoSpanish 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. Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofEnglish (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi Topic: MoldovaMoldovan/Romanian 80.2% (official) (56.7% identify their mother tongue as Moldovan, which is virtually the same as Romanian; 23.5% identify Romanian as their mother tongue), Russian 9.7%, Gagauz 4.2% (a Turkish language), Ukrainian 3.9%, Bulgarian 1.5%, Romani 0.3%, other 0.2% (2014 est.); note - data represent mother tongue major-language sample(s): Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Moldovan/Romanian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: MonacoFrench (official), English, Italian, Monegasque major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: MongoliaMongolian 90% (official) (Khalkha dialect is predominant), Turkic, Russian (1999) major-language sample(s): Дэлхийн баримтат ном, үндсэн мэдээллийн зайлшгүй эх сурвалж. (Mongolian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: MontenegroSerbian 42.9%, Montenegrin (official) 37%, Bosnian 5.3%, Albanian 5.3%, Serbo-Croat 2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 4% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian)  Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Montenegrin/Bosnian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: MontserratEnglish Topic: MoroccoArabic (official), Berber languages (Tamazight (official), Tachelhit, Tarifit), French (often the language of business, government, and diplomacy); note - the proportion of Berber speakers is disputed; does not include data from the former Western Sahara major-language sample(s): كتاب ديال لحقائق متاع العالم، احسن مصدر متاع المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: MozambiqueMakhuwa 26.1%, Portuguese (official) 16.6%, Tsonga 8.6%, Nyanja 8.1, Sena 7.1%, Lomwe 7.1%, Chuwabo 4.7%, Ndau 3.8%, Tswa 3.8%, other Mozambican languages 11.8%, other 0.5%, unspecified 1.8% (2017 est.) Topic: NamibiaOshiwambo languages 49.7%, Nama/Damara 11%, Kavango languages 10.4%, Afrikaans 9.4% (also a common language), Herero languages 9.2%, Zambezi languages 4.9%, English (official) 2.3%, other African languages 1.5%, other European languages 0.7%, other 1% (2016 est.) note: Namibia has 13 recognized national languages, including 10 indigenous African languages and 3 European languages Topic: NauruNauruan 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% Topic: NepalNepali (official) 44.6%, Maithali 11.7%, Bhojpuri 6%, Tharu 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.2%, Bajjika 3%, Magar 3%, Doteli 3%, Urdu 2.6%, Avadhi 1.9%, Limbu 1.3%, Gurung 1.2%, Baitadeli 1%, other 6.4%, unspecified 0.2%; note - 123 languages reported as mother tongue in 2011 national census; many in government and business also speak English (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): विश्व तथ्य पुस्तक,आधारभूत जानकारीको लागि अपरिहार्य स्रोत (Nepali) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: NetherlandsDutch (official); note - Frisian is an official language in Fryslan province; Frisian, Low Saxon, Limburgish, Romani, and Yiddish have protected status under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; Dutch is the official language of the three special municipalities of the Caribbean Netherlands; English is a recognized regional language on Sint Eustatius and Saba; Papiamento is a recognized regional language on Bonaire major-language sample(s): Het Wereld Feitenboek, een onmisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: New CaledoniaFrench (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: New ZealandEnglish (de facto official) 95.4%, Maori (de jure official) 4%, Samoan 2.2%, Northern Chinese 2%, Hindi 1.5%, French 1.2%, Yue 1.1%, New Zealand Sign Language (de jure official) 0.5%, other or not stated 17.2% (2018 est.) note: shares sum to 124.1% due to multiple responses on the 2018 census Topic: NicaraguaSpanish (official) 95.3%, Miskito 2.2%, Mestizo of the Caribbean coast 2%, other 0.5%; note - English and indigenous languages found on the Caribbean coast (2005 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. Topic: NigerFrench (official), Hausa, Djerma Topic: NigeriaEnglish (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages Topic: NiueNiuean (official) 46% (a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan), Niuean and English 32%, English (official) 11%, Niuean and others 5%, other 6% (2011 est.) Topic: Norfolk IslandEnglish (official) 44.9%, Norfolk (also known as Norfuk or Norf'k, which is a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian) 40.3%, Fijian 1.8%, other 6.8%, unspecified 6.2% (2016 est.) note: data represent language spoken at home Topic: North MacedoniaMacedonian (official) 61.4%, Albanian (official) 24.3%, Turkish 3.4%, Romani 1.7%, other (includes Aromanian (Vlach) and Bosnian) 2%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no language data was available 7.2% (2021 est.); note - data represent mother tongue; minority languages are co-official with Macedonian in municipalities where they are spoken by at least 20% of the population; Albanian is co-official in Tetovo, Brvenica, Vrapciste, and other municipalities; Turkish is co-official in Centar Zupa and Plasnica; Romani is co-official in Suto Orizari; Aromanian is co-official in Krusevo; Serbian is co-official in Cucer Sandevo major-language sample(s): Книга на Светски Факти, неопходен извор на основни информации. (Macedonian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsPhilippine 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.) Topic: NorwayBokmal 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 major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabok, den essensielle kilden for grunnleggende informasjon. (Norwegian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: OmanArabic (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. Topic: PakistanPunjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Saraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashto (alternate name, Pashtu) 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8% major-language sample(s): ਸੰਸਾਰ ਦੀ ਤੱਥ ਕਿਤਾਬ, ਆਧਾਰੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ ਜ਼ਰੂਰੀ ਸਰੋਤ ਹੈ (Punjabi) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: PalauPalauan (official on most islands) 65.2%, other Micronesian 1.9%, English (official) 19.1%, Filipino 9.9%, Chinese 1.2%, other 2.8% (2015 est.) note: Sonsoralese is official in Sonsoral; Tobian is official in Tobi; Angaur and Japanese are official in Angaur Topic: PanamaSpanish (official), indigenous languages (including Ngabere (or Guaymi), Buglere, Kuna, Embera, Wounaan, Naso (or Teribe), and Bri Bri), Panamanian English Creole (similar to Jamaican English Creole; a mixture of English and Spanish with elements of Ngabere; also known as Guari Guari and Colon Creole), English, Chinese (Yue and Hakka), Arabic, French Creole, other (Yiddish, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese); note - many Panamanians are bilingual 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. Topic: Papua New GuineaTok Pisin (official), English (official), Hiri Motu (official), some 839 indigenous languages spoken (about 12% of the world's total); many languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2% Topic: ParaguaySpanish (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. Topic: PeruSpanish (official) 82.9%, Quechua (official) 13.6%, Aymara (official) 1.6%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages) 0.8%, other (includes foreign languages and sign language) 0.2%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.7% (2017 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. Topic: Philippinesunspecified Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan major-language sample(s): Ang World Factbook, ang mapagkukunan ng kailangang impormasyon. (Tagalog) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Pitcairn IslandsEnglish (official), Pitkern (mixture of an 18th century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect) Topic: PolandPolish (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. Topic: PortugalPortuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but locally used) Topic: Puerto RicoSpanish, English major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: QatarArabic (official), English commonly used as a second language 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. Topic: RomaniaRomanian (official) 85.4%, Hungarian 6.3%, Romani 1.2%, other 1%, unspecified 6.1% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Romanian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: RussiaRussian (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. Topic: RwandaKinyarwanda (official, universal Bantu vernacular) 93.2%, French (official) <0.1, English (official) <0.1, Swahili/Kiswahili (official, used in commercial centers) <0.1, more than one language, other 6.3%, unspecified 0.3% (2002 est.) major-language sample(s): Inkoranya nzimbuzi y'isi, isoko fatizo y'amakuru y'ibanze. (Kinyarwanda) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Saint BarthelemyFrench (primary), English major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaEnglish Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisEnglish (official) Topic: Saint LuciaEnglish (official), Saint Lucian Creole Topic: Saint MartinFrench (official), Dutch, English, Guadeloupian Creole, Haitian Creole, Italian, Martiniquan Creole, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles), Spanish major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonFrench (official) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesEnglish, Vincentian Creole English, French patois Topic: SamoaSamoan (Polynesian) (official) 91.1%, Samoan/English 6.7%, English (official) 0.5%, other 0.2%, unspecified 1.6% (2006 est.) Topic: San MarinoItalian 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. Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipePortuguese 98.4% (official), Forro 36.2%, Cabo Verdian 8.5%, French 6.8%, Angolar 6.6%, English 4.9%, Lunguie 1%, other (including sign language) 2.4%; note - shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; other Portuguese-based Creoles are also spoken (2012 est.) Topic: Saudi ArabiaArabic (official) 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. Topic: SenegalFrench (official), Wolof, Pular, Jola, Mandinka, Serer, Soninke Topic: SerbiaSerbian (official) 88.1%, Hungarian 3.4%, Bosnian 1.9%, Romani 1.4%, other 3.4%, undeclared or unknown 1.8%; note - Serbian, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, Croatian, and Ruthenian (Rusyn) are official in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina; most ethnic Albanians boycotted the 2011 census (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: SeychellesSeychellois Creole (official) 89.1%, English (official) 5.1%, French (official) 0.7%, other 3.8%, unspecified 1.4% (2010 est.) Topic: Sierra LeoneEnglish (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%) Topic: SingaporeEnglish (official) 48.3%, Mandarin (official) 29.9%, other Chinese dialects (includes Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka) 8.7%, Malay (official) 9.2%, Tamil (official) 2.5%, other 1.4%; note - data represent language most frequently spoken at home (2020 est.) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) 世界概況  –  不可缺少的基本消息來源 (Mandarin) Topic: Sint MaartenEnglish (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.) Topic: SlovakiaSlovak (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. Topic: SloveniaSlovene (official) 87.7%, Croatian 2.8%, Serbo-Croatian 1.8%, Bosnian 1.6%, Serbian 1.6%, Hungarian 0.4% (official, only in municipalities where Hungarian national communities reside), Italian 0.2% (official, only in municipalities where Italian national communities reside), other or unspecified 3.9% (2002 est.) major-language sample(s): Svetovni informativni zvezek - neobhoden vir osnovnih informacij. (Slovene) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Solomon IslandsMelanesian pidgin (in much of the country is lingua franca), English (official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population), 120 indigenous languages Topic: SomaliaSomali (official, according to the 2012 Transitional Federal Charter), Arabic (official, according to the 2012 Transitional Federal Charter), Italian, English major-language sample(s): Buugga Xaqiiqda Aduunka, waa laga maarmaanka macluumaadka assasiga. (Somali) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: South AfricaisiZulu (official) 25.3%, isiXhosa (official) 14.8%, Afrikaans (official) 12.2%, Sepedi (official) 10.1%, Setswana (official) 9.1%, English (official) 8.1%, Sesotho (official) 7.9%, Xitsonga (official) 3.6%, siSwati (official) 2.8%, Tshivenda (official) 2.5%, isiNdebele (official) 1.6%, other (includes Khoi, Nama, and San languages) 2%; note - data represent language spoken most often at home (2018 est.) major-language sample(s): Die Wereld Feite Boek, n’ onontbeerlike bron vir basiese informasie. (Afrikaans) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) Topic: South SudanEnglish (official), Arabic (includes Juba and Sudanese variants), ethnic languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Shilluk major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) Topic: SpainCastilian Spanish (official nationwide) 74%, Catalan (official in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community (where it is known as Valencian)) 17%, Galician (official in Galicia) 7%, Basque (official in the Basque Country and in the Basque-speaking area of Navarre) 2%, Aranese (official in the northwest corner of Catalonia (Vall d'Aran) along with Catalan, <5,000 speakers); note - Aragonese, Aranese Asturian, Basque, Calo, Catalan, Galician, and Valencian are recognized as regional languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages 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. Topic: Sri LankaSinhala (official and national language) 87%, Tamil (official and national language) 28.5%, English 23.8% (2012 est.) note: data represent main languages spoken by the population aged 10 years and older; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; English is commonly used in government and is referred to as the "link language" in the constitution Topic: SudanArabic (official), English (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, Fur 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. (English) Topic: SurinameDutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is the native language of Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca among others), Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Javanese major-language sample(s): Het Wereld Feitenboek, een omnisbare bron van informatie. (Dutch) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) Topic: SvalbardNorwegian, Russian major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabok, den essensielle kilden for grunnleggende informasjon. (Norwegian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: SwedenSwedish (official) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, den obestridliga källan för grundläggande information. (Swedish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: Finnish, Sami, Romani, Yiddish, and Meankieli are official minority languages Topic: SwitzerlandGerman (or Swiss German) (official) 62.1%, French (official) 22.8%, Italian (official) 8%, English 5.7%, Portuguese 3.5%, Albanian 3.3%, Serbo-Croatian 2.3%, Spanish 2.3%, Romansh (official) 0.5%, other 7.9%; note - German, French, Italian, and Romansh are all national and official languages; shares sum to more than 100% because respondents could indicate more than one main language (2019 est.) major-language sample(s): Das World Factbook, die unverzichtbare Quelle für grundlegende Informationen. (German) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) L'Almanacco dei fatti del mondo, l'indispensabile fonte per le informazioni di base. (Italian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: SyriaArabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French, English 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. Topic: TaiwanMandarin (official), Taiwanese (Min Nan), Hakka dialects, approximately 16 indigenous languages major-language sample(s): 世界概況  –  不可缺少的基本消息來源 (Mandarin) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: TajikistanTajik (official) 84.4%, Uzbek 11.9%, Kyrgyz 0.8%, Russian 0.5%, other 2.4% (2010 est.) major-language sample(s): Китоби Фактҳои Ҷаҳонӣ, манбаи бебадали маълумоти асосӣ (Tajik) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: Russian widely used in government and business Topic: TanzaniaKiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja (name for Swahili in Zanzibar), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar), many local languages; note - Kiswahili (Swahili) is the mother tongue of the Bantu people living in Zanzibar and nearby coastal Tanzania; although Kiswahili is Bantu in structure and origin, its vocabulary draws on a variety of sources including Arabic and English; it has become the lingua franca of central and eastern Africa; the first language of most people is one of the local languages major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, Chanzo cha Lazima Kuhusu Habari ya Msingi. (Kiswahili) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: ThailandThai (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. Topic: Timor-LesteTetun 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 Topic: TogoFrench (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) Topic: TokelauTokelauan 88.1% (a Polynesian language), English 48.6%, Samoan 26.7%, Tuvaluan 11.2%, Kiribati 1.5%, other 2.8%, none 2.8%, unspecified 0.8% (2016 ests.) note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census Topic: TongaTongan and English 76.8%, Tongan, English, and other language 10.6%, Tongan only (official) 8.7%, English only (official) 0.7%, other 1.7%, none 2.2% (2016 est.) note: data represent persons aged 5 and older who can read and write a simple sentence in Tongan, English, or another language Topic: Trinidad and TobagoEnglish (official), Trinidadian Creole English, Tobagonian Creole English, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Trinidadian Creole French, Spanish, Chinese Topic: TunisiaArabic (official, one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce), Berber (Tamazight); note - despite having no official status, French plays a major role in the country and is spoken by about two thirds of the population major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، أحسن كتاب تتعلم به المعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)Turkish (official), Kurdish, other minority languages major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, temel bilgi edinmek için vazgeçilmez bir kaynak. (Turkish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: TurkmenistanTurkmen (official) 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7% major-language sample(s): Dünýä Facebooky, esasy maglumat üçin aýrylmaz bir çeşme dir. (Turkmen) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsEnglish (official) Topic: TuvaluTuvaluan (official), English (official), Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui) Topic: UgandaEnglish (official language, taught in schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages and the language used most often in the capital), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili (official), Arabic Topic: UkraineUkrainian (official) 67.5%, Russian (regional language) 29.6%, other (includes small Crimean Tatar-, Moldovan/Romanian-, and Hungarian-speaking minorities) 2.9% (2001 est.); note - in February 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled that 2012 language legislation entitling a language spoken by at least 10% of an oblast's population to be given the status of "regional language" - allowing for its use in courts, schools, and other government institutions - was unconstitutional, thus making the law invalid; Ukrainian remains the country's only official nationwide language major-language sample(s): Свiтова Книга Фактiв – найкраще джерело базової інформації. (Ukrainian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: United Arab EmiratesArabic (official), English, Hindi, Malayam, Urdu, Pashto, Tagalog, Persian 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. Topic: United KingdomEnglish note: the following are recognized regional languages: Scots (about 30% of the population of Scotland), Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 speakers in Scotland), Welsh (about 20% of the population of Wales), Irish (about 10% of the population of Northern Ireland), Cornish (some 2,000 to 3,000 people in Cornwall) (2012 est.) Topic: United StatesEnglish only 78.2%, Spanish 13.4%, Chinese 1.1%, other 7.3% (2017 est.) note: data represent the language spoken at home; the US has no official national language, but English has acquired official status in 32 of the 50 states; Hawaiian is an official language in the state of Hawaii, and 20 indigenous languages are official in Alaska Topic: UruguaySpanish (official) 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. Topic: UzbekistanUzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1% major-language sample(s): Jahon faktlari kitobi, asosiy ma'lumotlar uchun zaruriy manba. (Uzbek) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: in the autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic, both the Karakalpak language and Uzbek have official status Topic: Vanuatulocal languages (more than 100) 63.2%, Bislama (official; creole) 33.7%, English (official) 2%, French (official) 0.6%, other 0.5% (2009 est.) Topic: VenezuelaSpanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects 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. Topic: VietnamVietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer, mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian) major-language sample(s): Dữ kiện thế giới, là nguồn thông tin cơ bản không thể thiếu. (Vietnamese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Topic: Virgin IslandsEnglish 71.6%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 17.2%, French or French Creole 8.6%, other 2.5% (2010 est.) Topic: Wallis and FutunaWallisian (indigenous Polynesian language) 58.9%, Futunian 30.1%, French (official) 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 est.) Topic: West BankArabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers and many Palestinians), English (widely understood) 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. Topic: Worldmost-spoken language: English 16.5%, Mandarin Chinese 14.6%, Hindi 8.3%, Spanish 7%, French 3.6%, Arabic 3.6%, Bengali 3.4%, Russian 3.4%, Portuguese 3.3%, Indonesian 2.6% (2020 est.) most-spoken first language: Mandarin Chinese 12.3%, Spanish 6%, English 5.1%, Arabic 5.1%, Hindi 3.5%, Bengali 3.3%, Portuguese 3%, Russian 2.1%, Japanese 1.7%, Punjabi, Western 1.3%, Javanese 1.1% (2018 est.) note 1: the six UN languages - Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, Russian, and Spanish (Castilian) - are the mother tongue or second language of about 45% of the world's population, and are the official languages in more than half the states in the world; some 400 languages have more than a million first-language speakers (2018) note 2: all told, there are estimated to be just over 7,151 languages spoken in the world (2022); approximately 80% of these languages are spoken by less than 100,000 people; about 150 languages are spoken by fewer than 10 people; communities that are isolated from each other in mountainous regions often develop multiple languages; Papua New Guinea, for example, boasts about 840 separate languages (2018) note 3: approximately 2,300 languages are spoken in Asia, 2,140, in Africa, 1,310 in the Pacific, 1,060 in the Americas, and 290 in Europe (2020)most-spoken language: English 16.5%, Mandarin Chinese 14.6%, Hindi 8.3%, Spanish 7%, French 3.6%, Arabic 3.6%, Bengali 3.4%, Russian 3.4%, Portuguese 3.3%, Indonesian 2.6% (2020 est.) most-spoken first language: Mandarin Chinese 12.3%, Spanish 6%, English 5.1%, Arabic 5.1%, Hindi 3.5%, Bengali 3.3%, Portuguese 3%, Russian 2.1%, Japanese 1.7%, Punjabi, Western 1.3%, Javanese 1.1% (2018 est.)note 1: the six UN languages - Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, Russian, and Spanish (Castilian) - are the mother tongue or second language of about 45% of the world's population, and are the official languages in more than half the states in the world; some 400 languages have more than a million first-language speakers (2018)note 2: all told, there are estimated to be just over 7,151 languages spoken in the world (2022); approximately 80% of these languages are spoken by less than 100,000 people; about 150 languages are spoken by fewer than 10 people; communities that are isolated from each other in mountainous regions often develop multiple languages; Papua New Guinea, for example, boasts about 840 separate languages (2018)note 3: approximately 2,300 languages are spoken in Asia, 2,140, in Africa, 1,310 in the Pacific, 1,060 in the Americas, and 290 in Europe (2020) Topic: YemenArabic (official); note - a distinct Socotri language is widely used on Socotra Island and Archipelago; Mahri is still fairly widely spoken in eastern Yemen 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. Topic: ZambiaBemba 33.4%, Nyanja 14.7%, Tonga 11.4%, Lozi 5.5%, Chewa 4.5%, Nsenga 2.9%, Tumbuka 2.5%, Lunda (North Western) 1.9%, Kaonde 1.8%, Lala 1.8%, Lamba 1.8%, English (official) 1.7%, Luvale 1.5%, Mambwe 1.3%, Namwanga 1.2%, Lenje 1.1%, Bisa 1%, other 9.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2010 est.) note: Zambia is said to have over 70 languages, although many of these may be considered dialects; all of Zambia's major languages are members of the Bantu family; Chewa and Nyanja are mutually intelligible dialects Topic: ZimbabweShona (official; most widely spoken), Ndebele (official, second most widely spoken), English (official; traditionally used for official business), 13 minority languages (official; includes Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Shangani, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa)

20220901

countries-andorra-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: The landlocked Principality of Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements; it uses the euro as its national currency.The landlocked Principality of Andorra is one of the smallest states in Europe. Although not a member of the EU, Andorra enjoys a special relationship with the bloc that is governed by various customs and cooperation agreements; it uses the euro as its national currency. Topic: Geography Area: total: 468 sq km land: 468 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead Topic: People and Society Population: 85,560 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Andorran 48.3%, Spanish 24.8%, Portuguese 11.2%, French 4.5%, Argentine 1.4%, other 9.8% (2021 est.) Languages: Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese Religions: Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 89.5, other 8.8%, unaffiliated 1.7% (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.1% (2022 est.) Topic: Government 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 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: Xaviar Espot ZAMORA (since 16 May 2019) 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 Topic: Economy Economic overview: high GDP; low unemployment; non-EU Euro user; co-principality duty-free area between Spain and France; tourist hub but hit hard by COVID-19; modern, non-tax haven financial sector; looking for big tech investments; new member of SEPA and IMFhigh GDP; low unemployment; non-EU Euro user; co-principality duty-free area between Spain and France; tourist hub but hit hard by COVID-19; modern, non-tax haven financial sector; looking for big tech investments; new member of SEPA and IMF Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.327 billion (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $49,900 (2015 est.) Agricultural products: small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables, tobacco; sheep, cattle Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), banking, timber, furniture Exports: $78.71 million (2015 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.) Imports - partners: Spain 71%, France 17% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, perfumes, shaving products, liquors (2019) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar -Page last updated: Tuesday, Aug 23, 2022

20220901

countries-netherlands-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Netherlands 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 that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is not more than 89 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [31] (70) 310-2209; US Embassy The Hague, John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar The Hague; AmsterdamUSC@state.gov; https://nl.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 31 Local Emergency Phone: 112 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters Currency (Code): Euros (EUR) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: Dutch Major Religions: Roman Catholic 23.6%, Protestant 14.9%, Muslim 5.1%, other 5.6% (includes Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish), none 50.7% 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: time descriptions apply to the continental Netherlands only, for the constituent countries of the Caribbean, the time difference is UTC -4 Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Amsterdam (includes Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Westerkerk, Anne Frank House, Floating Tulip Museum, Sloten Windmill); Windmills of Kinderdijk; Hoge Veluwe National Park; Towns of the Ijsselmeer (Zuiderzee); Zeeland's Delta Works Major Sports: Soccer, field hockey, speed skating, cycling Cultural Practices: It is polite to introduce yourself in a group; the lack of an introduction can be seen as standoffish or rude. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is expected in restaurants for good or exceptional service. Tip 10% of the bill. At hotels, tipping is not expected since service charges are generally factored into the bill, but you may leave a few euros for good service. Round up taxi fares.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

field-imports

This entry provides the total US dollar amount of merchandise imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or 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$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 Topic: Albania$5.67 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.93 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.85 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Algeria$54.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $60.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: American Samoa$615 million (2016 est.) $657 million (2015 est.) Topic: Andorra$1.257 billion (2015 est.) $1.264 billion (2014 est.) Topic: Angola$15.12 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.3 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $25.89 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Anguilla$186.2 million (2017 est.) $170.1 million (2016 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda$1.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $503.4 million (2016 est.) Topic: Argentina$52.14 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $66.28 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $86.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Armenia$5 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.47 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.61 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Aruba$1.67 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.24 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.27 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Australia$249.07 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $295.46 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $310.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Austria$211.85 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $232.8 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $238.79 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Azerbaijan$15.54 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.71 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bahamas, The$3.64 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.91 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bahrain$27.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.132 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bangladesh$57.26 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $64.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $65.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Barbados$1.52 billion (2017 est.) $1.541 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Belarus$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 Topic: Belgium$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 Topic: Belize$900 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.2 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.16 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Benin$4.31 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.67 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.035 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bermuda$2.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bhutan$1.19 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bolivia$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 Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina$9.71 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.15 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.55 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Botswana$7.44 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.31 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Brazil$227.44 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $269.02 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $267.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: British Virgin Islands$300 million (2017 est.) NA $210 million (2016 est.) Topic: Brunei$6.81 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.68 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Bulgaria$38.07 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.84 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.91 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Burkina Faso$5.02 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.17 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.3 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Burma$17.36 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $18.66 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: import figures are grossly underestimated due to the value of consumer goods, diesel fuel, and other products smuggled in from Thailand, China, Malaysia, and India Topic: Burundi$910 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $927 million (2018 est.) $1.295 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde$1.02 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.29 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.34 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cambodia$23.12 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $25.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cameroon$9.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.42 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Canada$510.29 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $583.6 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $589.55 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cayman Islands$2.7 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Central African Republic$393.1 million (2017 est.) $342.2 million (2016 est.) Topic: Chad$2.16 billion (2017 est.) $1.997 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Chile$66.43 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $80.17 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $85.11 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: China$2,362,690,000,000 (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2,499,150,000,000 (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2,563,100,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Christmas IslandNANA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsNANA Topic: Colombia$51.56 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $65.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $64.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Comoros$350 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $360 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the$14.56 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $16.89 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.77 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Congo, Republic of the$2.501 billion (2017 est.) $5.639 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Cook Islands$109.3 million (2011 est.) $90.62 million (2010 est.) Topic: Costa Rica$19.39 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $19.64 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cote d'Ivoire$12.88 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.18 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Croatia$27.59 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.39 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cuba$11.06 billion (2017 est.) $10.28 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Curacao$2.33 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.75 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Cyprus$17.58 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $18.2 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $18.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Czechia$157.95 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $171.43 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $176.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Denmark$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 Topic: Djibouti$4.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Dominica$430 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $188.4 million (2016 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic$20.19 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $24.53 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $24.11 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ecuador$19.89 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $25.89 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.29 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Egypt$72.48 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $78.95 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $76.33 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: El Salvador$10.82 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $12.45 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $12.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Equatorial Guinea$6.245 billion (2019 est.) $6.129 billion (2018 est.) $5.708 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Eritrea$1.127 billion (2017 est.) $1.048 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Estonia$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 Topic: Eswatini$1.7 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.93 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ethiopia$19.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $14.69 billion (2016 est.) Topic: European Union$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 Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)$90 million (2004 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands$978.4 million (2016 est.) $906.1 million (2015 est.) Topic: Fiji$1.97 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.21 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Finland$107.39 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $109.45 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $110.701 billion (2017 est.) Topic: France$803.66 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $919.63 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $947.31 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: French Polynesia$2.235 billion (2014 est.) $2.271 billion (2013 est.) Topic: Gabon$5.02 billion (2019 est.) $4.722 billion (2018 est.) $4.749 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, The$620 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $851 million (2018 est.) $754 million (2017 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip$8.59 billion (2018 est.) $7.852 billion (2017 est.) see entry for the West Bank Topic: Georgia$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 Topic: Germany$1,452,560,000,000 (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1,593,720,000,000 (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1,635,580,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ghana$26.91 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $23.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Gibraltar$2.967 billion (2004 est.) Topic: Greece$71.76 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $83.19 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $85.8 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Greenland$783.5 million (2015 est.) $866.1 million (2014 est.) Topic: Grenada$640 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $314.7 million (2016 est.) Topic: Guam$2.964 billion (2016 est.) $3.054 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Guatemala$19.3 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.17 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: GuernseyNANA Topic: Guinea$4.32 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.18 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.317 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau$500 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $460 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Guyana$4 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Haiti$5.21 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.67 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Honduras$11.5 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Hong Kong$609.13 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $642.8 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $682.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Hungary$120.25 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $129.9 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $127.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Iceland$7.55 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.76 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.34 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: India$493.18 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $619.48 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $642.96 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Indonesia$159.64 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $204.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $218.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Iran$76.39 billion (2017 est.) $63.14 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Iraq$54.72 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $72.28 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $56.88 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Ireland$452.98 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $361.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $359.725 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Isle of ManNANA Topic: Israel$96.53 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $108.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $107.74 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Italy$486.35 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $569.7 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $605.44 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Jamaica$8.25 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.89 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Japan$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 Topic: JerseyNANA Topic: Jordan$22.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $22.92 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kazakhstan$44.3 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $51.5 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $46.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kenya$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.) Topic: Kiribati$180 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $170 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Korea, North$2.32 billion (2018 est.) $3.86 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Korea, South$540.96 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $607.54 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $649.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kosovo$4.19 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.45 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.5 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kuwait$59.65 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $68.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Kyrgyzstan$5.67 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.953 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Laos$7.52 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Latvia$19.84 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Lebanon$31.34 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $32.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Lesotho$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 Topic: Liberia$1.24 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.118 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Libya$18.85 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.667 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Liechtenstein$2.23 billion (2014 est.) note: trade data exclude trade with Switzerland Topic: Lithuania$36.06 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $39.46 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $39.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Luxembourg$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 Topic: Macau$17.35 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $18.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Madagascar$4.7 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.82 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.796 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Malawi$3.2 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.92 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.631 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Malaysia$185.59 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $210.68 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $221.83 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Maldives$4.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Mali$6.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.403 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Malta$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 Topic: Marshall Islands$170 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $103.8 million (2016 est.) Topic: Mauritania$3.68 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $319 million (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritius$7.41 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Mexico$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 Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of$167.8 million (2015 est.) $258.5 million (2013 est.) Topic: Moldova$5.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.62 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Monaco$1.371 billion (2017 est.) $1.162 billion (2011 est.) 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$7.34 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.25 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Montenegro$2.9 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.59 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.67 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Montserrat$39.44 million (2017 est.) $36.1 million (2016 est.) Topic: Morocco$46.26 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $54.1 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $55.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Mozambique$8.38 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.57 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Namibia$4.54 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.33 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Nauru$90 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $64.9 million (2016 est.) Topic: Nepal$10.68 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.83 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $14.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Netherlands$622.66 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $661.18 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $677.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: New Caledonia$2.715 billion (2015 est.) $4.4 billion (2014 est.) Topic: New Zealand$47.86 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $57.75 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $58.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Nicaragua$5.94 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.25 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.75 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Niger$3.4 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.37 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Nigeria$72.18 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $100.82 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $71.64 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Niue$9.038 million (2004 est.) Topic: Norfolk Island$NA$NA Topic: North Macedonia$8.76 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.6 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Northern Mariana Islands$893 million (2016 est.) $638 million (2015 est.) Topic: Norway$119.08 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $140.14 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $140.3 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Oman$32.55 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $35.37 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Pakistan$51.07 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $57.98 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $68.42 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Palau$4.715 billion (2018 est.) $4.079 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Panama$17.41 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $27.38 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $28.9 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars note: includes the Colon Free Zone Topic: Papua New Guinea$4.84 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.077 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Paraguay$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 Topic: Peru$51.38 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $51.41 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $46.15 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Philippines$97.58 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $131.01 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $129.74 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Pitcairn IslandsNANA Topic: Poland$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 Topic: Portugal$89.31 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $103.05 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $103.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Puerto Rico$49.01 billion (2017 est.) $48.86 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Qatar$59.06 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $66.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $65.81 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Romania$104.16 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $111.18 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $109.26 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Russia$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 Topic: Rwanda$3.74 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.34 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$20.53 million (2010 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis$590 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $307.9 million (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia$1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $575.9 million (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon$95.35 million (2010 est.) $68.2 million (2005 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines$450 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $294.6 million (2016 est.) Topic: Samoa$430 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $312.6 million (2016 est.) Topic: San Marino$2.551 billion (2011 est.) $2.132 billion (2010 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe$160 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $190 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $200 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Saudi Arabia$179.8 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $218.94 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $209.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Senegal$8.96 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.966 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Serbia$30.15 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.29 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $29.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Seychelles$1.35 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Sierra Leone$1.82 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.072 billion (2018 est.) $1.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Singapore$490.68 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $552.71 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $557.49 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Sint Maarten$1.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Slovakia$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 Topic: Slovenia$36.6 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $40.8 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Solomon Islands$560 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $750 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $750 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Somalia$94.43 billion (2018 est.) $80.07 billion (2017 est.) Topic: South Africa$77.86 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $103.12 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $108.91 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: South Sudan$3.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Spain$373.67 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $444.31 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $460.98 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Sri Lanka$24.56 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.84 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.063 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Sudan$9.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.24 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Suriname$2.41 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Svalbard$NA$NA Topic: Sweden$217.68 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $232.81 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $241.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Switzerland$401.91 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $394 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $395.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Syria$6.279 billion (2017 est.) $5.496 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Taiwan$308.744 billion (2019 est.) $305.428 billion (2018 est.) $303.067 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Tajikistan$3.13 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.41 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.22 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tanzania$10.36 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Thailand$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 Topic: Timor-Leste$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 Topic: Togo$2.26 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.33 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tokelau$15,792,720 (2015 est.) Topic: Tonga$300 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $330 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $320 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Trinidad and Tobago$7.93 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.16 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tunisia$23.42 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $24.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Turkey$232.01 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $227.06 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $248.09 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Turkmenistan$4.571 billion (2017 est.) $5.215 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands$540 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Tuvalu$70 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $60 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Uganda$9.54 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.44 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Ukraine$62.46 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $76.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $70.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: United Arab Emirates$229.2 billion (2017 est.) $226.5 billion (2016 est.) Topic: United Kingdom$752.77 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $914.96 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $916.4 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: United States$2,808,960,000,000 (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3,105,130,000,000 (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3,119,320,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Uruguay$11.29 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.31 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.82 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Uzbekistan$22.56 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.55 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $23.44 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Vanuatu$460 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $460 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Venezuela$18.432 billion (2018 est.) $18.376 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Vietnam$261.68 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $245.63 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $217.684 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands$2.489 billion (2016 est.) $1.549 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futuna$61.17 million (2004 est.) Topic: West Bank$9.15 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip $9.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars and includes Gaza Strip note: data include the Gaza Strip Topic: World$20.01 trillion (2018 est.) $16.02 trillion (2017 est.) Topic: Yemen$4.079 billion (2017 est.) $3.117 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Zambia$5.92 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $10.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Topic: Zimbabwe$7.215 billion (2018 est.) $9.658 billion (2017 est.)

20220901

field-location

This entry identifies the country's regional location, neighboring countries, and adjacent bodies of water. Topic: AfghanistanSouthern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran Topic: AkrotiriEastern Mediterranean, peninsula on the southwest coast of Cyprus Topic: AlbaniaSoutheastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece to the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the north Topic: AlgeriaNorthern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia Topic: American SamoaOceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand Topic: AndorraSouthwestern Europe, Pyrenees mountains, on the border between France and Spain Topic: AngolaSouthern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo Topic: AnguillaCaribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Topic: Antarcticacontinent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle Topic: Antigua and BarbudaCaribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico Topic: Arctic Oceanbody of water between Europe, Asia, and North America, mostly north of the Arctic Circle Topic: ArgentinaSouthern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay Topic: ArmeniaSouthwestern Asia, between Turkey (to the west) and Azerbaijan; note - Armenia views itself as part of Europe; geopolitically, it can be classified as falling within Europe, the Middle East, or both Topic: ArubaCaribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela Topic: Ashmore and Cartier IslandsSoutheastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island; Ashmore Reef is 840 km west of Darwin and 610 km north of Broome; Cartier Islet is 70 km east of Ashmore Reef Topic: Atlantic Oceanbody of water between Africa, Europe, the Arctic Ocean, the Americas, and the Southern Ocean Topic: AustraliaOceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean Topic: AustriaCentral Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia Topic: AzerbaijanSouthwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range Topic: Bahamas, Thechain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba Topic: BahrainMiddle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia Topic: BangladeshSouthern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India Topic: BarbadosCaribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Topic: BelarusEastern Europe, east of Poland Topic: BelgiumWestern Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands Topic: BelizeCentral America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico Topic: BeninWestern Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo Topic: BermudaNorth America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US) Topic: BhutanSouthern Asia, between China and India Topic: BoliviaCentral South America, southwest of Brazil Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaSoutheastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia Topic: BotswanaSouthern Africa, north of South Africa Topic: Bouvet Islandisland in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) Topic: BrazilEastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean Topic: British Indian Ocean Territoryarchipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia Topic: British Virgin IslandsCaribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Topic: BruneiSoutheastern Asia, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia Topic: BulgariaSoutheastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey Topic: Burkina FasoWestern Africa, north of Ghana Topic: BurmaSoutheastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand Topic: BurundiCentral Africa, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, west of Tanzania Topic: Cabo VerdeWestern Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal Topic: CambodiaSoutheastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos Topic: CameroonCentral Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria Topic: CanadaNorthern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US Topic: Cayman IslandsCaribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica Topic: Central African RepublicCentral Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo Topic: ChadCentral Africa, south of Libya Topic: ChileSouthern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru Topic: ChinaEastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam Topic: Christmas IslandSoutheastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia Topic: Clipperton IslandMiddle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsSoutheastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka Topic: ColombiaNorthern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama Topic: ComorosSouthern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theCentral Africa, northeast of Angola Topic: Congo, Republic of theCentral Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon Topic: Cook IslandsOceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand Topic: Coral Sea IslandsOceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia Topic: Costa RicaCentral America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama Topic: Cote d'IvoireWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia Topic: CroatiaSoutheastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia Topic: CubaCaribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida Topic: CuracaoCaribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea, 55 km off the coast of Venezuela Topic: CyprusMiddle East, island in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey; note - Cyprus views itself as part of Europe; geopolitically, it can be classified as falling within Europe, the Middle East, or both Topic: CzechiaCentral Europe, between Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria Topic: DenmarkNorthern 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) Topic: DhekeliaEastern Mediterranean, on the southeast coast of Cyprus near Famagusta Topic: DjiboutiEastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia Topic: DominicaCaribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago Topic: Dominican RepublicCaribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti Topic: EcuadorWestern South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru Topic: EgyptNorthern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula Topic: El SalvadorCentral America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras Topic: Equatorial GuineaCentral Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Cameroon and Gabon Topic: EritreaEastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan Topic: EstoniaEastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia Topic: EswatiniSouthern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa Topic: EthiopiaEastern Africa, west of Somalia Topic: European UnionEurope between the North Atlantic Ocean in the west and Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the east Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 500 km east of southern Argentina Topic: Faroe IslandsNorthern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway Topic: FijiOceania, island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Topic: FinlandNorthern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia Topic: Francemetropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain; French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname; Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico; Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago; Mayotte: Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about halfway between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique; Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascarmetropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain; French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname; Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico; Martinique: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago; Mayotte: Southern Indian Ocean, island in the Mozambique Channel, about halfway between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique; Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar Topic: French PolynesiaOceania, five archipelagoes (Archipel des Tuamotu, Iles Gambier, Iles Marquises, Iles Tubuai, Society Islands) in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between South America and Australia Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landssoutheast and east of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, some near Madagascar and others about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land" Topic: GabonCentral Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea Topic: Gambia, TheWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal Topic: Gaza StripMiddle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Israel Topic: GeorgiaSouthwestern 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 Topic: GermanyCentral Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark Topic: GhanaWestern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo Topic: GibraltarSouthwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain Topic: GreeceSouthern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey Topic: GreenlandNorthern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada Topic: GrenadaCaribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago Topic: GuamOceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines Topic: GuatemalaCentral America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize Topic: GuernseyWestern Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France Topic: GuineaWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone Topic: Guinea-BissauWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal Topic: GuyanaNorthern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela Topic: HaitiCaribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandsislands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy) Topic: HondurasCentral America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua Topic: Hong KongEastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China Topic: HungaryCentral Europe, northwest of Romania Topic: IcelandNorthern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom Topic: IndiaSouthern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan Topic: Indian Oceanbody of water between Africa, the Southern Ocean, Asia, and Australia Topic: IndonesiaSoutheastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean Topic: IranMiddle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Caspian Sea, between Iraq and Pakistan Topic: IraqMiddle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait Topic: IrelandWestern Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain Topic: Isle of ManWestern Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland Topic: IsraelMiddle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Lebanon Topic: ItalySouthern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia Topic: JamaicaCaribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba Topic: Jan MayenNorthern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea, northeast of Iceland Topic: JapanEastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula Topic: JerseyWestern Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of France Topic: JordanMiddle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia, between Israel (to the west) and Iraq Topic: KazakhstanCentral Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of the Ural (Oral) River in easternmost Europe Topic: KenyaEastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania Topic: KiribatiOceania, group of 32 coral atolls and one raised coral island in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the Equator; the capital Tarawa is about halfway between Hawaii and Australia Topic: Korea, NorthEastern Asia, northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and South Korea Topic: Korea, SouthEastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea Topic: KosovoSoutheast Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia Topic: KuwaitMiddle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia Topic: KyrgyzstanCentral Asia, west of China, south of Kazakhstan Topic: LaosSoutheastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam Topic: LatviaEastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania Topic: LebanonMiddle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria Topic: LesothoSouthern Africa, an enclave of South Africa Topic: LiberiaWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone Topic: LibyaNorthern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria Topic: LiechtensteinCentral Europe, between Austria and Switzerland Topic: LithuaniaEastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and Russia, west of Belarus Topic: LuxembourgWestern Europe, between France and Germany Topic: MacauEastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China Topic: MadagascarSouthern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique Topic: MalawiSouthern Africa, east of Zambia, west and north of Mozambique Topic: MalaysiaSoutheastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam Topic: MaldivesSouthern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India Topic: Maliinterior Western Africa, southwest of Algeria, north of Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, west of Niger Topic: MaltaSouthern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy) Topic: Marshall IslandsOceania, consists of 29 atolls and five isolated islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; the atolls and islands are situated in two, almost-parallel island chains - the Ratak (Sunrise) group and the Ralik (Sunset) group; the total number of islands and islets is about 1,225; 22 of the atolls and four of the islands are uninhabited Topic: MauritaniaWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara Topic: MauritiusSouthern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, about 800 km (500 mi) east of Madagascar Topic: MexicoNorth 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 Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofOceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia Topic: MoldovaEastern Europe, northeast of Romania Topic: MonacoWestern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy Topic: MongoliaNorthern Asia, between China and Russia Topic: MontenegroSoutheastern Europe, between the Adriatic Sea and Serbia Topic: MontserratCaribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico Topic: MoroccoNorthern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Mauritania Topic: MozambiqueSoutheastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania Topic: NamibiaSouthern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa Topic: NauruOceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall Islands Topic: Navassa IslandCaribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, 30 nm west of Tiburon Peninsula of Haiti Topic: NepalSouthern Asia, between China and India Topic: NetherlandsWestern Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany Topic: New CaledoniaOceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia Topic: New ZealandOceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia Topic: NicaraguaCentral America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras Topic: NigerWestern Africa, southeast of Algeria Topic: NigeriaWestern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon Topic: NiueOceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga Topic: Norfolk IslandOceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia Topic: North MacedoniaSoutheastern Europe, north of Greece Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsOceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines Topic: NorwayNorthern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden Topic: OmanMiddle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the UAE Topic: Pacific Oceanbody of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere Topic: PakistanSouthern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north Topic: PalauOceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines Topic: PanamaCentral America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica Topic: Papua New GuineaOceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia Topic: Paracel IslandsSoutheastern 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 Topic: ParaguayCentral South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil Topic: PeruWestern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador Topic: PhilippinesSoutheastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam Topic: Pitcairn IslandsOceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about midway between Peru and New Zealand Topic: PolandCentral Europe, east of Germany Topic: PortugalSouthwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain Topic: Puerto RicoCaribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic Topic: QatarMiddle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia Topic: RomaniaSoutheastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine Topic: RussiaNorth Asia bordering the Arctic Ocean, extending from Europe (the portion west of the Urals) to the North Pacific Ocean Topic: RwandaCentral Africa, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, north of Burundi Topic: Saint BarthelemyCaribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean; located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Saint Barthelemy lies east of the US Virgin Islands Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhaislands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa; Ascension Island lies 1,300 km (800 mi) northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da Cunha lies 4,300 km (2,700 mi) southwest of Saint Helena Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisCaribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago Topic: Saint LuciaCaribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago Topic: Saint MartinCaribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; French part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Saint Martin lies east of the US Virgin Islands Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonNorthern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada) Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesCaribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago Topic: SamoaOceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand Topic: San MarinoSouthern Europe, an enclave in central Italy Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipeCentral Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, just north of the Equator, west of Gabon Topic: Saudi ArabiaMiddle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen Topic: SenegalWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania Topic: SerbiaSoutheastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary Topic: Seychellesarchipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar Topic: Sierra LeoneWestern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia Topic: SingaporeSoutheastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia Topic: Sint MaartenCaribbean, 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 Topic: SlovakiaCentral Europe, south of Poland Topic: Sloveniasouth Central Europe, Julian Alps between Austria and Croatia Topic: Solomon IslandsOceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea Topic: SomaliaEastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of Ethiopia Topic: South AfricaSouthern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich IslandsSouthern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America Topic: South SudanEast-Central Africa; south of Sudan, north of Uganda and Kenya, west of Ethiopia Topic: Southern Oceanbody of water between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica Topic: SpainSouthwestern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, and Pyrenees Mountains; southwest of France Topic: Spratly IslandsSoutheastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines Topic: Sri LankaSouthern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India Topic: Sudannorth-eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and Eritrea Topic: SurinameNorthern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana Topic: SvalbardNorthern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of Norway Topic: SwedenNorthern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway Topic: SwitzerlandCentral Europe, east of France, north of Italy Topic: SyriaMiddle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and Turkey Topic: TaiwanEastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of China Topic: TajikistanCentral Asia, west of China, south of Kyrgyzstan Topic: TanzaniaEastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique Topic: ThailandSoutheastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burma Topic: Timor-LesteSoutheastern 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 Topic: TogoWestern Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and Ghana Topic: TokelauOceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Topic: TongaOceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Topic: Trinidad and TobagoCaribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Topic: TunisiaNorthern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya Topic: TurkeySoutheastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria Topic: TurkmenistanCentral Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Kazakhstan Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstwo island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti Topic: TuvaluOceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way from Hawaii to Australia Topic: UgandaEast-Central Africa, west of Kenya, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Topic: UkraineEastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland, Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east Topic: United Arab EmiratesMiddle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia Topic: United KingdomWestern Europe, islands - including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland - between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea; northwest of France Topic: United StatesNorth America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesOceaniaBaker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 3,390 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 3,360 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 2,415 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Cook Islands; Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,330 km southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands; Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 1,720 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa; Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 2,335 km northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo; Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,780 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American SamoaOceaniaBaker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 3,390 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 3,360 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 2,415 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Cook Islands; Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,330 km southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands; Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 1,720 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa; Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 2,335 km northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo; Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,780 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa Topic: UruguaySouthern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil Topic: UzbekistanCentral Asia, north of Turkmenistan, south of Kazakhstan Topic: VanuatuOceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia Topic: VenezuelaNorthern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana Topic: VietnamSoutheastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, as well as China, Laos, and Cambodia Topic: Virgin IslandsCaribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Topic: Wake IslandOceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands Topic: Wallis and FutunaOceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Topic: West BankMiddle East, west of Jordan, east of Israel Topic: YemenMiddle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, between Oman and Saudi Arabia Topic: ZambiaSouthern Africa, east of Angola, south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Topic: ZimbabweSouthern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

20220901

countries-british-virgin-islands-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in the British Virgin Islands. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days. US Embassy/Consulate: None (overseas territory of the UK); 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 Telephone Code: 284 Local Emergency Phone: 999 (British) Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November Currency (Code): Dollar (USD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B Major Languages: English Major Religions: Protestant 70.2%, Roman Catholic 8.9%, Jehovah's Witness 2.5%, Hindu 1.9% Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: The Baths; Dolphin Discovery; Cane Garden Bay; Jost Van Dyke; Rhone National Marine Park Major Sports: Soccer, cricket, sailing Cultural Practices: Swimwear off the beach is frowned upon. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 15-20% is customary in bars and restaurants. Tip the bellhop $1-2 per bag and housekeeping $2 per day. Souvenirs: Carved wooden and straw woven items, batik fabric, luxury items, rum, pottery, spices, handmade jewelry Traditional Cuisine: Fish and Fungi — cornmeal and okra cooked into a thick mash served with fried whole fish seasoned Creole-style and topped with a sweet onion gravyPlease 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-land-boundaries

This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. When available, official lengths published by national statistical agencies are used. Because surveying methods may differ, country border lengths reported by contiguous countries may differ. Topic: Afghanistantotal: 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 Topic: Akrotiritotal: 48 km border countries (1): Cyprus 48 km Topic: Albaniatotal: 691 km border countries (4): Greece 212 km; Kosovo 112 km; Macedonia 181 km; Montenegro 186 km Topic: Algeriatotal: 6,734 km border countries (6): Libya 989 km; Mali 1,359 km; Mauritania 460 km; Morocco 1,941 km; Niger 951 km; Tunisia 1,034 km Topic: American Samoatotal: 0 km Topic: Andorratotal: 118 km border countries (2): France 55 km; Spain 63 km Topic: Angolatotal: 5,369 km border countries (4): Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,646 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province); Republic of the Congo 231 km; Namibia 1,427 km; Zambia 1,065 km Topic: Anguillatotal: 0 km Topic: Antarctica0 note: see entry on Disputes - internationalnote: see entry on Disputes - international Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal: 0 km Topic: Argentinatotal: 11,968 km border countries (5): Bolivia 942 km; Brazil 1,263 km; Chile 6,691 km; Paraguay 2,531 km; Uruguay 541 km Topic: Armeniatotal: 1,570 km border countries (4): Azerbaijan 996 km; Georgia 219 km; Iran 44 km; Turkey 311 km Topic: Arubatotal: 0 km Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Australiatotal: 0 km Topic: Austriatotal: 2,524 km border countries (8): Czech Republic 402 km; Germany 801 km; Hungary 321 km; Italy 404 km; Liechtenstein 34 km; Slovakia 105 km; Slovenia 299 km; Switzerland 158 km Topic: Azerbaijantotal: 2,468 km border countries (5): Armenia 996 km; Georgia 428 km; Iran 689 km; Russia 338 km; Turkey 17 km Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal: 0 km Topic: Bahraintotal: 0 km Topic: Bangladeshtotal: 4,413 km border countries (2): Burma 271 km; India 4,142 km Topic: Barbadostotal: 0 km Topic: Belarustotal: 3,599 km border countries (5): Latvia 161 km; Lithuania 640 km; Poland 375 km; Russia 1,312 km; Ukraine 1,111 km Topic: Belgiumtotal: 1,297 km border countries (4): France 556 km; Germany 133 km; Luxembourg 130 km; Netherlands 478 km Topic: Belizetotal: 542 km border countries (2): Guatemala 266 km; Mexico 276 km Topic: Benintotal: 2,123 km border countries (4): Burkina Faso 386 km; Niger 277 km; Nigeria 809 km; Togo 651 km Topic: Bermudatotal: 0 km Topic: Bhutantotal: 1,136 km border countries (2): China 477 km; India 659 km Topic: Boliviatotal: 7,252 km border countries (5): Argentina 942 km; Brazil 3,403 km; Chile 942 km; Paraguay 753 km; Peru 1,212 km Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal: 1,543 km border countries (3): Croatia 956 km; Montenegro 242 km; Serbia 345 km Topic: Botswanatotal: 4,347.15 km border countries (4): Namibia 1,544 km; South Africa 1,969 km; Zambia 0.15 km; Zimbabwe 834 km Topic: Bouvet Islandtotal: 0 km Topic: Braziltotal: 16,145 km border countries (10): Argentina 1,263 km; Bolivia 3,403 km; Colombia 1,790 km; French Guiana 649 km; Guyana 1,308 km; Paraguay 1,371 km; Peru 2,659 km; Suriname 515 km; Uruguay 1,050 km; Venezuela 2,137 km Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorytotal: 0 km Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Bruneitotal: 266 km border countries (1): Malaysia 266 km Topic: Bulgariatotal: 1,806 km border countries (5): Greece 472 km; Macedonia 162 km; Romania 605 km; Serbia 344 km; Turkey 223 km Topic: Burkina Fasototal: 3,611 km border countries (6): Benin 386 km; Cote d'Ivoire 545 km; Ghana 602 km; Mali 1325 km; Niger 622 km; Togo 131 km Topic: Burmatotal: 6,522 km border countries (5): Bangladesh 271 km; China 2,129 km; India 1,468 km; Laos 238 km; Thailand 2,416 km Topic: Burunditotal: 1,140 km border countries (3): Democratic Republic of the Congo 236 km; Rwanda 315 km; Tanzania 589 km Topic: Cabo Verdetotal: 0 km Topic: Cambodiatotal: 2,530 km border countries (3): Laos 555 km; Thailand 817 km; Vietnam 1158 km Topic: Cameroontotal: 5,018 km border countries (6): Central African Republic 901 km; Chad 1,116 km; Republic of the Congo 494 km; Equatorial Guinea 183 km; Gabon 349 km; Nigeria 1975 km Topic: Canadatotal: 8,891 km border countries (1): US 8,891 km (includes 2,475 km with Alaska) note: Canada is the world's largest country that borders only one country Topic: Cayman Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Central African Republictotal: 5,920 km border countries (5): Cameroon 901 km; Chad 1556 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,747 km, Republic of the Congo 487 km; South Sudan 1055 km; Sudan 174 km Topic: Chadtotal: 6,406 km border countries (6): Cameroon 1,116 km; Central African Republic 1,556 km; Libya 1,050 km; Niger 1,196 km; Nigeria 85 km; Sudan 1,403 km Topic: Chiletotal: 7,801 km border countries (3): Argentina 6,691 km; Bolivia 942 km; Peru 168 km Topic: Chinatotal: 22,457 km border countries (14): Afghanistan 91 km; Bhutan 477 km; Burma 2,129 km; India 2,659 km; Kazakhstan 1,765 km; North Korea 1,352 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,063 km; Laos 475 km; Mongolia 4,630 km; Nepal 1,389 km; Pakistan 438 km; Russia (northeast) 4,133 km and Russia (northwest) 46 km; Tajikistan 477 km; Vietnam 1,297 km Topic: Christmas Islandtotal: 0 km Topic: Clipperton Islandtotal: 0 km Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Colombiatotal: 6,672 km border countries (5): Brazil 1,790 km; Ecuador 708 km; Panama 339 km; Peru 1,494 km; Venezuela 2,341 km Topic: Comorostotal: 0 km Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal: 11,027 km border countries (9): Angola 2,646 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province); Burundi 236 km; Central African Republic 1,747 km; Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Rwanda 221 km; South Sudan 714 km; Tanzania 479 km; Uganda 877 km; Zambia 2,332 km Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal: 5,554 km border countries (5): Angola 231 km; Cameroon 494 km; Central African Republic 487 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Gabon 2,567 km Topic: Cook Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Coral Sea Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Costa Ricatotal: 661 km border countries (2): Nicaragua 313 km; Panama 348 km Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal: 3,458 km border countries (5): Burkina Faso 545 km; Ghana 720 km; Guinea 816 km; Liberia 778 km; Mali 599 km Topic: Croatiatotal: 2,237 km border countries (5): Bosnia and Herzegovina 956 km; Hungary 348 km; Montenegro 19 km; Serbia 314 km; Slovenia 600 km Topic: Cubatotal: 28.5 km border countries (1): US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 28.5 km note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and remains part of Cuba Topic: Curacao0 Topic: Cyprustotal: 156 km border sovereign base areas: Akrotiri 48 km; Dhekelia 108 km Topic: Czechiatotal: 2,046 km border countries (4): Austria 402 km; Germany 704 km; Poland 699 km; Slovakia 241 km Topic: Denmarktotal: 140 km border countries (1): Germany 140 km Topic: Dhekeliatotal: 108 km border countries (1): Cyprus 108 km Topic: Djiboutitotal: 528 km border countries (3): Eritrea 125 km; Ethiopia 342 km; Somalia 61 km Topic: Dominicatotal: 0 km Topic: Dominican Republictotal: 376 km border countries (1): Haiti 376 km Topic: Ecuadortotal: 2,237 km border countries (2): Colombia 708 km; Peru 1529 km Topic: Egypttotal: 2,612 km border countries (4): Gaza Strip 13 km; Israel 208 km; Libya 1,115 km; Sudan 1,276 km Topic: El Salvadortotal: 590 km border countries (2): Guatemala 199 km; Honduras 391 km Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal: 528 km border countries (2): Cameroon 183 km; Gabon 345 km Topic: Eritreatotal: 1,840 km border countries (3): Djibouti 125 km; Ethiopia 1,033 km; Sudan 682 km Topic: Estoniatotal: 657 km border countries (2): Latvia 333 km; Russia 324 km Topic: Eswatinitotal: 546 km border countries (2): Mozambique 108 km; South Africa 438 km Topic: Ethiopiatotal: 5,925 km border countries (6): Djibouti 342 km; Eritrea 1,033 km; Kenya 867 km; Somalia 1,640 km; South Sudan 1,299 km; Sudan 744 km Topic: European Uniontotal: 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 Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total: 0 km Topic: Faroe Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Fijitotal: 0 km Topic: Finlandtotal: 2,563 km border countries (3): Norway 709 km; Sweden 545 km; Russia 1,309 km Topic: Francetotal: 3,956 km border countries (8): Andorra 55 km; Belgium 556 km; Germany 418 k; Italy 476 km; Luxembourg 69 km; Monaco 6 km; Spain 646 km; Switzerland 525 km metropolitan France - total: 2751 French Guiana - total: 1205 Topic: French Polynesiatotal: 0 km Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landstotal: 0 km Topic: Gabontotal: 3,261 km border countries (3): Cameroon 349 km; Republic of the Congo 2,567 km; Equatorial Guinea 345 km Topic: Gambia, Thetotal: 749 km border countries (1): Senegal 749 km Topic: Gaza Striptotal: 72 km border countries (2): Egypt 13 km; Israel 59 km Topic: Georgiatotal: 1,814 km border countries (4): Armenia 219 km; Azerbaijan 428 km; Russia 894 km; Turkey 273 km Topic: Germanytotal: 3,694 km border countries (9): Austria 801 km; Belgium 133 km; Czechia 704 km; Denmark 140 km; France 418 km; Luxembourg 128 km; Netherlands 575 km; Poland 447 km; Switzerland 348 km Topic: Ghanatotal: 2,420 km border countries (3): Burkina Faso 602 km; Cote d'Ivoire 720 km; Togo 1098 km Topic: Gibraltartotal: 1.2 km border countries (1): Spain 1.2 km Topic: Greecetotal: 1,110 km border countries (4): Albania 212 km; Bulgaria 472 km; North Macedonia 234 km; Turkey 192 km Topic: Greenlandtotal: 0 km Topic: Grenadatotal: 0 km Topic: Guamtotal: 0 km Topic: Guatemalatotal: 1,667 km border countries (4): Belize 266 km; El Salvador 199 km; Honduras 244 km; Mexico 958 km Topic: Guernseytotal: 0 km Topic: Guineatotal: 4,046 km border countries (6): Cote d'Ivoire 816 km; Guinea-Bissau 421 km; Liberia 590 km; Mali 1062 km; Senegal 363 km; Sierra Leone 794 km Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal: 762 km border countries (2): Guinea 421 km; Senegal 341 km Topic: Guyanatotal: 2,933 km border countries (3): Brazil 1,308 km; Suriname 836 km; Venezuela 789 km Topic: Haititotal: 376 km border countries (1): Dominican Republic 376 km Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)total: 3.4 km border countries (1): Italy 3.4 km Topic: Hondurastotal: 1,575 km border countries (3): Guatemala 244 km; El Salvador 391 km; Nicaragua 940 km Topic: Hong Kongtotal: 33 km regional borders (1): China 33 km Topic: Hungarytotal: 2,106 km border countries (7): Austria 321 km; Croatia 348 km; Romania 424 km; Serbia 164 km; Slovakia 627 km; Slovenia 94 km; Ukraine 128 km Topic: Icelandtotal: 0 km Topic: Indiatotal: 13,888 km border countries (6): Bangladesh 4,142 km; Bhutan 659 km; Burma 1,468 km; China 2,659 km; Nepal 1,770 km; Pakistan 3,190 km Topic: Indonesiatotal: 2,958 km border countries (3): Malaysia 1,881 km; Papua New Guinea 824 km; Timor-Leste 253 km Topic: Irantotal: 5,894 km border countries (7): Afghanistan 921 km; Armenia 44 km; Azerbaijan 689 km; Iraq 1,599 km; Pakistan 959 km; Turkey 534 km; Turkmenistan 1,148 km Topic: Iraqtotal: 3,809 km border countries (6): Iran 1,599 km; Jordan 179 km; Kuwait 254 km; Saudi Arabia 811 km; Syria 599 km; Turkey 367 km Topic: Irelandtotal: 490 km border countries (1): UK 490 km Topic: Isle of Mantotal: 0 km Topic: Israeltotal: 1,068 km border countries (6): Egypt 208 km; Gaza Strip 59 km; Jordan 327 km (20 km are within the Dead Sea); Lebanon 81 km; Syria 83 km; West Bank 330 km Topic: Italytotal: 1,836.4 km border countries (6): Austria 404 km; France 476 km; Holy See (Vatican City) 3.4 km; San Marino 37 km; Slovenia 218 km; Switzerland 698 km Topic: Jamaicatotal: 0 km Topic: Jan Mayentotal: 0 km Topic: Japantotal: 0 km Topic: Jerseytotal: 0 km Topic: Jordantotal: 1,744 km border countries (5): Iraq 179 km; Israel 307 km; Saudi Arabia 731 km; Syria 379 km; West Bank 148 km Topic: Kazakhstantotal: 13,364 km border countries (5): China 1,765 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,212 km; Russia 7,644 km; Turkmenistan 413 km; Uzbekistan 2,330 km Topic: Kenyatotal: 3,457 km border countries (5): Ethiopia 867 km; Somalia 684 km; South Sudan 317 km; Tanzania 775 km; Uganda 814 km Topic: Kiribatitotal: 0 km Topic: Korea, Northtotal: 1,607 km border countries (3): China 1,352 km; South Korea 237 km; Russia 18 km Topic: Korea, Southtotal: 237 km border countries (1): North Korea 237 km Topic: Kosovototal: 714 km border countries (4): Albania 112 km; North Macedonia 160 km; Montenegro 76 km; Serbia 366 km Topic: Kuwaittotal: 475 km border countries (2): Iraq 254 km; Saudi Arabia 221 km Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal: 4,573 km border countries (4): China 1,063 km; Kazakhstan 1,212 km; Tajikistan 984 km; Uzbekistan 1,314 km Topic: Laostotal: 5,274 km border countries (5): Burma 238 km; Cambodia 555 km; China 475 km; Thailand 1,845 km; Vietnam 2,161 km Topic: Latviatotal: 1,370 km border countries (4): Belarus 161 km; Estonia 333 km; Lithuania 544 km; Russia 332 km Topic: Lebanontotal: 484 km border countries (2): Israel 81 km; Syria 403 km Topic: Lesothototal: 1,106 km border countries (1): South Africa 1,106 km Topic: Liberiatotal: 1,667 km border countries (3): Guinea 590 km; Cote d'Ivoire 778 km; Sierra Leone 299 km Topic: Libyatotal: 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 Topic: Liechtensteintotal: 75 km border countries (2): Austria 34 km; Switzerland 41 km Topic: Lithuaniatotal: 1,545 km border countries (4): Belarus 640 km; Latvia 544 km; Poland 100 km; Russia (Kaliningrad) 261 km Topic: Luxembourgtotal: 327 km border countries (3): Belgium 130 km; France 69 km; Germany 128 km Topic: Macautotal: 3 km regional borders (1): China 3 km Topic: Madagascartotal: 0 km Topic: Malawitotal: 2,857 km border countries (3): Mozambique 1,498 km; Tanzania 512 km; Zambia 847 km Topic: Malaysiatotal: 2,742 km border countries (3): Brunei 266 km; Indonesia 1,881 km; Thailand 595 km Topic: Maldivestotal: 0 km Topic: Malitotal: 7,908 km border countries (6): Algeria 1,359 km; Burkina Faso 1,325 km; Cote d'Ivoire 599 km; Guinea 1,062 km; Mauritania 2,236 km; Niger 838 km, Senegal 489 km Topic: Maltatotal: 0 km Topic: Marshall Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Mauritaniatotal: 5,002 km border countries (4): Algeria 460 km; Mali 2,236 km; Morocco 1,564 km; Senegal 742 km Topic: Mauritiustotal: 0 km Topic: Mexicototal: 4,389 km border countries (3): Belize 276 km; Guatemala 958 km; US 3,155 km Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal: 0 km Topic: Moldovatotal: 1,885 km border countries (2): Romania 683 km; Ukraine 1202 km Topic: Monacototal: 6 km border countries (1): France 6 km Topic: Mongoliatotal: 8,082 km border countries (2): China 4,630 km; Russia 3,452 km Topic: Montenegrototal: 680 km border countries (5): Albania 186 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 242 km; Croatia 19 km; Kosovo 76 km; Serbia 157 km Topic: Montserrattotal: 0 km Topic: Moroccototal: 3,523.5 km border countries (3): Algeria 1,941 km; Mauritania 1,564 km; Spain (Ceuta) 8 km and Spain (Melilla) 10.5 km note: an additional 75-meter border segment exists between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Penon de Velez de la Gomera Topic: Mozambiquetotal: 4,783 km border countries (6): Malawi 1498 km; South Africa 496 km; Eswatini 108 km; Tanzania 840 km; Zambia 439 km; Zimbabwe 1,402 km Topic: Namibiatotal: 4,220 km border countries (4): Angola 1,427 km; Botswana 1,544 km; South Africa 1,005 km; Zambia 244 km Topic: Naurutotal: 0 km Topic: Navassa Islandtotal: 0 km Topic: Nepaltotal: 3,159 km border countries (2): China 1,389 km; India 1,770 km Topic: Netherlandstotal: 1,053 km border countries (2): Belgium 478 km; Germany 575 km Topic: New Caledoniatotal: 0 km Topic: New Zealandtotal: 0 km Topic: Nicaraguatotal: 1,253 km border countries (2): Costa Rica 313 km; Honduras 940 km Topic: Nigertotal: 5,834 km border countries (7): Algeria 951 km; Benin 277 km; Burkina Faso 622 km; Chad 1,196 km; Libya 342 km; Mali 838 km; Nigeria 1,608 km Topic: Nigeriatotal: 4,477 km border countries (4): Benin 809 km; Cameroon 1,975 km; Chad 85 km; Niger 1,608 km Topic: Niuetotal: 0 km Topic: Norfolk Islandtotal: 0 km Topic: North Macedoniatotal: 838 km border countries (5): Albania 181 km; Bulgaria 162 km; Greece 234 km; Kosovo 160 km; Serbia 101 km Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Norwaytotal: 2,566 km border countries (3): Finland 709 km; Sweden 1,666 km; Russia 191 km Topic: Omantotal: 1,561 km border countries (3): Saudi Arabia 658 km; UAE 609 km; Yemen 294 km Topic: Pakistantotal: 7,257 km border countries (4): Afghanistan 2,670 km; China 438 km; India 3,190 km; Iran 959 km Topic: Palautotal: 0 km Topic: Panamatotal: 687 km border countries (2): Colombia 339 km; Costa Rica 348 km Topic: Papua New Guineatotal: 824 km border countries (1): Indonesia 824 km Topic: Paracel Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Paraguaytotal: 4,655 km border countries (3): Argentina 2,531 km; Bolivia 753 km; Brazil 1,371 km Topic: Perutotal: 7,062 km border countries (5): Bolivia 1,212 km; Brazil 2,659 km; Chile 168 km; Colombia 1,494 km; Ecuador 1,529 km Topic: Philippinestotal: 0 km Topic: Pitcairn Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Polandtotal: 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 Topic: Portugaltotal: 1,224 km border countries (1): Spain 1,224 km Topic: Puerto Ricototal: 0 km Topic: Qatartotal: 87 km border countries (1): Saudi Arabia 87 km Topic: Romaniatotal: 2,844 km border countries (5): Bulgaria 605 km; Hungary 424 km; Moldova 683 km; Serbia 531 km; Ukraine 601 km Topic: Russiatotal: 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 Topic: Rwandatotal: 930 km border countries (4): Burundi 315 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 221 km; Tanzania 222 km; Uganda 172 km Topic: Saint Barthelemytotal: 0 km Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal: 0 km Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal: 0 km Topic: Saint Luciatotal: 0 km Topic: Saint Martintotal: 16 km border countries (1): Sint Maarten 16 km Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal: 0 km Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal: 0 km Topic: Samoatotal: 0 km Topic: San Marinototal: 37 km border countries (1): Italy 37 km Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal: 0 km Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal: 4,272 km border countries (7): Iraq 811 km; Jordan 731 km; Kuwait 221 km; Oman 658 km; Qatar 87 km; UAE 457 km; Yemen 1,307 km Topic: Senegaltotal: 2,684 km border countries (5): The Gambia 749 km; Guinea 363 km; Guinea-Bissau 341 km; Mali 489 km; Mauritania 742 km Topic: Serbiatotal: 2,322 km border countries (8): Bosnia and Herzegovina 345 km; Bulgaria 344 km; Croatia 314 km; Hungary 164 km; Kosovo 366 km; North Macedonia 101 km; Montenegro 157 km; Romania 531 km Topic: Seychellestotal: 0 km Topic: Sierra Leonetotal: 1,093 km border countries (2): Guinea 794 km; Liberia 299 km Topic: Singaporetotal: 0 km Topic: Sint Maartentotal: 16 km border countries (1): Saint Martin (France) 16 km Topic: Slovakiatotal: 1,587 km border countries (5): Austria 105 km; Czechia 241 km; Hungary 627 km; Poland 517 km; Ukraine 97 km Topic: Sloveniatotal: 1,211 km border countries (4): Austria 299 km; Croatia 600 km; Hungary 94 km; Italy 218 km Topic: Solomon Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Somaliatotal: 2,385 km border countries (3): Djibouti 61 km; Ethiopia 1,640 km; Kenya 684 km Topic: South Africatotal: 5,244 km border countries (6): Botswana 1,969 km; Lesotho 1,106 km; Mozambique 496 km; Namibia 1,005 km; Eswatini 438 km; Zimbabwe 230 km Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: South Sudantotal: 6,018 km border countries (6): Central African Republic 1,055 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 714 km; Ethiopia 1,299 km; Kenya 317 km; Sudan 2,158 km; Uganda 475 km note: South Sudan-Sudan boundary represents 1 January 1956 alignment; final alignment pending negotiations and demarcation; final sovereignty status of Abyei Area pending negotiations between South Sudan and Sudan Topic: Spaintotal: 1,952.7 km border countries (5): Andorra 63 km; France 646 km; Gibraltar 1.2 km; Portugal 1,224 km; Morocco (Ceuta) 8 km and Morocco (Melilla) 10.5 km note: an additional 75-meter border segment exists between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Penon de Velez de la Gomera Topic: Spratly Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Sri Lankatotal: 0 km Topic: Sudantotal: 6,819 km border countries (7): Central African Republic 174 km; Chad 1,403 km; Egypt 1,276 km; Eritrea 682 km; Ethiopia 744 km; Libya 382 km; South Sudan 2,158 km note: Sudan-South Sudan boundary represents 1 January 1956 alignment; final alignment pending negotiations and demarcation; final sovereignty status of Abyei region pending negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan Topic: Surinametotal: 1,907 km border countries (3): Brazil 515 km; French Guiana 556 km; Guyana 836 km Topic: Svalbardtotal: 0 km Topic: Swedentotal: 2,211 km border countries (2): Finland 545 km; Norway 1,666 km Topic: Switzerlandtotal: 1,770 km border countries (5): Austria 158 km; France 525 km; Italy 698 km; Liechtenstein 41 km; Germany 348 km Topic: Syriatotal: 2,363 km border countries (5): Iraq 599 km; Israel 83 km; Jordan 379 km; Lebanon 403 km; Turkey 899 km Topic: Taiwantotal: 0 km Topic: Tajikistantotal: 4,130 km border countries (4): Afghanistan 1,357 km; China 477 km; Kyrgyzstan 984 km; Uzbekistan 1,312 km Topic: Tanzaniatotal: 4,161 km border countries (8): Burundi 589 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 479 km; Kenya 775 km; Malawi 512 km; Mozambique 840 km; Rwanda 222 km; Uganda 391 km; Zambia 353 km Topic: Thailandtotal: 5,673 km border countries (4): Burma 2,416 km; Cambodia 817 km; Laos 1,845 km; Malaysia 595 km Topic: Timor-Lestetotal: 253 km border countries (1): Indonesia 253 km Topic: Togototal: 1,880 km border countries (3): Benin 651 km; Burkina Faso 131 km; Ghana 1,098 km Topic: Tokelautotal: 0 km Topic: Tongatotal: 0 km Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal: 0 km Topic: Tunisiatotal: 1,495 km border countries (2): Algeria 1,034 km; Libya 461 km Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total: 2,816 km border countries (8): Armenia 311 km; Azerbaijan 17 km; Bulgaria 223 km; Georgia 273 km; Greece 192 km; Iran 534 km; Iraq 367 km; Syria 899 km Topic: Turkmenistantotal: 4,158 km border countries (4): Afghanistan 804 km; Iran 1,148 km; Kazakhstan 413 km; Uzbekistan 1,793 km Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Tuvalutotal: 0 km Topic: Ugandatotal: 2,729 km border countries (5): Democratic Republic of the Congo 877 km; Kenya 814 km; Rwanda 172 km; South Sudan 475 km; Tanzania 391 km Topic: Ukrainetotal: 5,581 km border countries (6): Belarus 1,111 km; Hungary 128 km; Moldova 1,202 km; Poland 498 km; Romania 601 km; Russia 1,944 km, Slovakia 97 km Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal: 1,066 km border countries (2): Oman 609 km; Saudi Arabia 457 km Topic: United Kingdomtotal: 499 km border countries (1): Ireland 499 km Topic: United Statestotal: 12,002 km border countries (2): Canada 8,891 km (including 2,475 km with Alaska); Mexico 3,111 km note: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is leased by the US and is part of Cuba; the base boundary is 28.5 km Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugestotal: 0 km Topic: Uruguaytotal: 1,591 km border countries (2): Argentina 541 km; Brazil 1,050 km Topic: Uzbekistantotal: 6,893 km border countries (5): Afghanistan 144 km; Kazakhstan 2,330 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,314 km; Tajikistan 1,312 km; Turkmenistan 1,793 km Topic: Vanuatutotal: 0 km Topic: Venezuelatotal: 5,267 km border countries (3): Brazil 2,137 km; Colombia 2,341 km; Guyana 789 km Topic: Vietnamtotal: 4,616 km border countries (3): Cambodia 1,158 km; China 1,297 km; Laos 2,161 km Topic: Virgin Islandstotal: 0 km Topic: Wake Islandtotal: 0 km Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal: 0 km Topic: West Banktotal: 478 km border countries (2): Israel 330 km; Jordan 148 km Topic: Worldthe land boundaries in The World Factbook total 279,035.5 km (not counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia, each border 14 other countries note 1: the total is actually misleading in terms of accuracy, since one cannot accurately measure every river meander along a boundary; a number rounded slightly higher - to 280,000 km - makes more sense and has been coordinated with and approved by the US State Department note 2: 46 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include: Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan, are doubly landlocked note 3: worldwide, some one-quarter of interior (non-coastal) borders are rivers; South America with 43% leads the continents, followed by North America with 32%, Africa with 30%, Europe with 23%, and Asia with 18%; Australia has no interior national river bordersthe land boundaries in The World Factbook total 279,035.5 km (not counting shared boundaries twice); two nations, China and Russia, each border 14 other countries note 1: the total is actually misleading in terms of accuracy, since one cannot accurately measure every river meander along a boundary; a number rounded slightly higher - to 280,000 km - makes more sense and has been coordinated with and approved by the US State Departmentnote 2: 46 nations and other areas are landlocked, these include: Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czechia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe; two of these, Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan, are doubly landlocked note 3: worldwide, some one-quarter of interior (non-coastal) borders are rivers; South America with 43% leads the continents, followed by North America with 32%, Africa with 30%, Europe with 23%, and Asia with 18%; Australia has no interior national river borders Topic: Yementotal: 1,601 km border countries (2): Oman 294 km; Saudi Arabia 1,307 km Topic: Zambiatotal: 6,043.15 km border countries (8): Angola 1,065 km; Botswana 0.15 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,332 km; Malawi 847 km; Mozambique 439 km; Namibia 244 km; Tanzania 353 km; Zimbabwe 763 km Topic: Zimbabwetotal: 3,229 km border countries (4): Botswana 834 km; Mozambique 1,402 km; South Africa 230 km; Zambia 763 km

20220901

field-background

This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends. Topic: AfghanistanAhmad 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 United States and the Taliban signed the “US-Taliban Agreement,” which contained commitments by the United States related to the withdrawal from Afghanistan of military forces of the United States, 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 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 United States and the Taliban signed the “US-Taliban Agreement,” which contained commitments by the United States related to the withdrawal from Afghanistan of military forces of the United States, 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 its troops, a summer 2021 Taliban offensive quickly overran the country and the Taliban took over Kabul in August of 2021.  Topic: AkrotiriBy terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers - Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smallest of these is the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Western Sovereign Base Area. Topic: AlbaniaAlbania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939 and occupied by Germany in 1943. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of isolated communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its democratic development since it first held multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain. Most of Albania's post-communist elections were marred by claims of electoral fraud; however, international observers judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997. Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and in June 2014 became an EU candidate. Albania in April 2017 received a European Commission recommendation to open EU accession negotiations following the passage of historic EU-mandated justice reforms in 2016. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, it has slowed, and the country is still one of the poorest in Europe. A large informal economy and a weak energy and transportation infrastructure remain obstacles.Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939 and occupied by Germany in 1943. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978). In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of isolated communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents.Albania has made progress in its democratic development since it first held multiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain. Most of Albania's post-communist elections were marred by claims of electoral fraud; however, international observers judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997. Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and in June 2014 became an EU candidate. Albania in April 2017 received a European Commission recommendation to open EU accession negotiations following the passage of historic EU-mandated justice reforms in 2016. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, it has slowed, and the country is still one of the poorest in Europe. A large informal economy and a weak energy and transportation infrastructure remain obstacles. Topic: AlgeriaAlgeria has known many empires and dynasties starting with the ancient Numidians (3rd century B.C.), Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, over a dozen different Arab and Berber dynasties, Spaniards, and Ottoman Turks. It was under the latter that the Barbary pirates operated from North Africa and preyed on shipping beginning in roughly 1500, peaking in the early to mid-17th century, until finally subdued by the French capture of Algiers in 1830. The French southward conquest of the entirety of Algeria proceeded throughout the 19th century and was marked by many atrocities. The country was heavily colonized by the French in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A bloody eight-year struggle culminated in Algerian independence in 1962. Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), was established in 1954 as part of the struggle for independence and has since largely dominated politics, though is falling out of favor with the youth. The Government of Algeria in 1988 instituted a multi-party system in response to public unrest, but the surprising first round success of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 legislative elections led the Algerian army to intervene and postpone the second round of elections to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a crackdown on the FIS that spurred FIS supporters to begin attacking government targets. Fighting escalated into an insurgency, which saw intense violence from 1992-98, resulting in over 100,000 deaths – many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late-1990s, and FIS’s armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in January 2000. FIS membership is illegal. Former president Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA, with the backing of the military, won the presidency in 1999 in an election that was boycotted by several candidates protesting alleged fraud, and won subsequent elections in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Protests broke out across the country in late February 2019 against President BOUTEFLIKA’s decision to seek a fifth term. BOUTEFLIKA resigned in April 2019, and in December 2019, Algerians elected former Prime Minister Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE as the country's new president. A longtime FLN member, TEBBOUNE ran for president as an independent. In 2020, Algeria held a constitutional referendum, which President TEBBOUNE enacted in January 2021. Subsequent reforms to the national electoral law introduced open list voting to curb corruption. The new law also eliminated gender quotas in Parliament, and the June 2021 legislative elections saw female representation plummet. Local elections took place in November 2021. The referendum, parliamentary elections, and local elections saw record low voter turnout. Since 2014, Algeria’s reliance on hydrocarbon revenues to fund the government and finance the large subsidies for the population has fallen under stress because of declining oil prices.Algeria has known many empires and dynasties starting with the ancient Numidians (3rd century B.C.), Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, over a dozen different Arab and Berber dynasties, Spaniards, and Ottoman Turks. It was under the latter that the Barbary pirates operated from North Africa and preyed on shipping beginning in roughly 1500, peaking in the early to mid-17th century, until finally subdued by the French capture of Algiers in 1830. The French southward conquest of the entirety of Algeria proceeded throughout the 19th century and was marked by many atrocities. The country was heavily colonized by the French in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A bloody eight-year struggle culminated in Algerian independence in 1962. Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), was established in 1954 as part of the struggle for independence and has since largely dominated politics, though is falling out of favor with the youth. The Government of Algeria in 1988 instituted a multi-party system in response to public unrest, but the surprising first round success of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 legislative elections led the Algerian army to intervene and postpone the second round of elections to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a crackdown on the FIS that spurred FIS supporters to begin attacking government targets. Fighting escalated into an insurgency, which saw intense violence from 1992-98, resulting in over 100,000 deaths – many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late-1990s, and FIS’s armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in January 2000. FIS membership is illegal.Former president Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA, with the backing of the military, won the presidency in 1999 in an election that was boycotted by several candidates protesting alleged fraud, and won subsequent elections in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Protests broke out across the country in late February 2019 against President BOUTEFLIKA’s decision to seek a fifth term. BOUTEFLIKA resigned in April 2019, and in December 2019, Algerians elected former Prime Minister Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE as the country's new president. A longtime FLN member, TEBBOUNE ran for president as an independent. In 2020, Algeria held a constitutional referendum, which President TEBBOUNE enacted in January 2021. Subsequent reforms to the national electoral law introduced open list voting to curb corruption. The new law also eliminated gender quotas in Parliament, and the June 2021 legislative elections saw female representation plummet. Local elections took place in November 2021. The referendum, parliamentary elections, and local elections saw record low voter turnout. Since 2014, Algeria’s reliance on hydrocarbon revenues to fund the government and finance the large subsidies for the population has fallen under stress because of declining oil prices. Topic: American SamoaTutuila was settled by 1000 B.C. and the island served as a refuge for exiled chiefs and defeated warriors from the other Samoan islands. The Manu’a Islands developed its own traditional chiefdom that maintained its autonomy by controlling oceanic trade. In 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob ROGGEVEEN was the first European to sail through the Manu’a Islands, and he was followed by French explorer Louis Antoine DE BOUGAINVILLE in 1768. Whalers and missionaries arrived in American Samoa in the 1830s, but American and European traders tended to favor the port in Apia - now in independent Samoa - over the smaller and less-developed Pago Pago on Tutuila. In the mid-1800s, a dispute arose in Samoa over control of the Samoan archipelago, with different chiefs gaining support from Germany, the UK, and the US. In 1872, the high chief of Tutuila offered the US exclusive rights to Pago Pago in return for US protection, but the US rejected this offer. As fighting resumed, the US agreed to the chief’s request in 1878 and set up a coaling station at Pago Pago. In 1899, with continued disputes over succession, Germany and the US agreed to divide the Samoan islands, while the UK withdrew its claims in exchange for parts of the Solomon Islands. Local chiefs on Tutuila formally ceded their land to the US in 1900, followed by the chief of Manu’a in 1904. The territory was officially named “American Samoa” in 1911. The US administered the territory through the Department of the Navy, and in 1918, the naval governor instituted strict quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the Spanish flu, allowing American Samoa to avoid the deadly infection that ravaged the then-New Zealand administered territory of Samoa. In 1949, there was an attempt to organize the territory, granting it formal self-government, but local chiefs helped defeat the measure in the US Congress. Administration was transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1951, and in 1967, American Samoa adopted a constitution that provides significant protections for traditional Samoan land tenure rules, language, and culture. In 1977, after four attempts, voters approved a measure to directly elect their governor. Nevertheless, American Samoa officially remains an unorganized territory and people born in American Samoa are US nationals instead of US citizens, a status many American Samoans prefer.  Tutuila was settled by 1000 B.C. and the island served as a refuge for exiled chiefs and defeated warriors from the other Samoan islands. The Manu’a Islands developed its own traditional chiefdom that maintained its autonomy by controlling oceanic trade. In 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob ROGGEVEEN was the first European to sail through the Manu’a Islands, and he was followed by French explorer Louis Antoine DE BOUGAINVILLE in 1768. Whalers and missionaries arrived in American Samoa in the 1830s, but American and European traders tended to favor the port in Apia - now in independent Samoa - over the smaller and less-developed Pago Pago on Tutuila. In the mid-1800s, a dispute arose in Samoa over control of the Samoan archipelago, with different chiefs gaining support from Germany, the UK, and the US. In 1872, the high chief of Tutuila offered the US exclusive rights to Pago Pago in return for US protection, but the US rejected this offer. As fighting resumed, the US agreed to the chief’s request in 1878 and set up a coaling station at Pago Pago. In 1899, with continued disputes over succession, Germany and the US agreed to divide the Samoan islands, while the UK withdrew its claims in exchange for parts of the Solomon Islands. Local chiefs on Tutuila formally ceded their land to the US in 1900, followed by the chief of Manu’a in 1904. The territory was officially named “American Samoa” in 1911. The US administered the territory through the Department of the Navy, and in 1918, the naval governor instituted strict quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the Spanish flu, allowing American Samoa to avoid the deadly infection that ravaged the then-New Zealand administered territory of Samoa. In 1949, there was an attempt to organize the territory, granting it formal self-government, but local chiefs helped defeat the measure in the US Congress. Administration was transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1951, and in 1967, American Samoa adopted a constitution that provides significant protections for traditional Samoan land tenure rules, language, and culture. In 1977, after four attempts, voters approved a measure to directly elect their governor. Nevertheless, American Samoa officially remains an unorganized territory and people born in American Samoa are US nationals instead of US citizens, a status many American Samoans prefer.  Topic: AndorraThe 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. Topic: AngolaFrom the late 14th to the mid 19th century a Kingdom of Kongo stretched across central Africa from present-day northern Angola into the current Congo republics. It traded heavily with the Portuguese who, beginning in the 16th century, established coastal colonies and trading posts and introduced Christianity. By the 19th century, Portuguese settlement had spread to the interior; in 1914, Portugal abolished the last vestiges of the Kongo Kingdom and Angola became a Portuguese colony. Angola scores low on human development indexes despite using its large oil reserves to rebuild since the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but fighting picked up again in 1993. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost - and 4 million people displaced - during the more than a quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and cemented the MPLA's hold on power. DOS SANTOS stepped down from the presidency in 2017, having led the country since 1979. He pushed through a new constitution in 2010. Joao LOURENCO was elected president in August 2017 and became president of the MPLA in September 2018. Topic: AnguillaColonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency. On 7 September 2017, the island suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Irma, particularly to communications and residential and business infrastructure. Topic: AntarcticaSpeculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not merely a group of islands or an area of ocean. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century, but generally the area saw little human activity. Following World War II, however, the continent experienced an upsurge in scientific research. A number of countries have set up a range of year-round and seasonal stations, camps, and refuges to support scientific research in Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims and two maintain the basis for a claim, but most countries do not recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.  Also relevant to Antarctic governance are the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Topic: Antigua and BarbudaThe Siboney were the first people to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early Spanish and French settlements were succeeded by an English colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the island of Barbuda devastating the island and forcing the evacuation of the population to Antigua. Almost all the structures on Barbuda were destroyed and the vegetation stripped, but Antigua was spared the worst. Topic: Arctic OceanThe Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two important seasonal waterways. In recent years the polar ice pack has receded in the summer allowing for increased navigation and raising the possibility of future sovereignty and shipping disputes among the six countries bordering the Arctic Ocean (Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Iceland, Norway, Russia, US). Topic: ArgentinaIn 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, with Italy and Spain providing the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's history was dominated by periods of internal political unrest and conflict between civilian and military factions. After World War II, an era of populism under former President Juan Domingo PERON - the founder of the Peronist political movement - and direct and indirect military interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983 after a failed bid to seize the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) by force, and has persisted despite numerous challenges, the most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to violent public protests and the successive resignations of several presidents. The years 2003-15 saw Peronist rule by Nestor KIRCHNER (2003-07) and his spouse Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (2007-15), who oversaw several years of strong economic growth (2003-11) followed by a gradual deterioration in the government’s fiscal situation and eventual economic stagnation and isolation. Argentina underwent a brief period of economic reform and international reintegration under Mauricio MACRI (2015-19), but a recession in 2018-19 and frustration with Macri’s economic policies ushered in a new Peronist government in 2019 led by President Alberto FERNANDEZ and Vice President FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER. Presidential elections will take place next in 2023.In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay went their separate ways, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe, with Italy and Spain providing the largest percentage of newcomers from 1860 to 1930. Up until about the mid-20th century, much of Argentina's history was dominated by periods of internal political unrest and conflict between civilian and military factions.After World War II, an era of populism under former President Juan Domingo PERON - the founder of the Peronist political movement - and direct and indirect military interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983 after a failed bid to seize the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) by force, and has persisted despite numerous challenges, the most formidable of which was a severe economic crisis in 2001-02 that led to violent public protests and the successive resignations of several presidents. The years 2003-15 saw Peronist rule by Nestor KIRCHNER (2003-07) and his spouse Cristina FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER (2007-15), who oversaw several years of strong economic growth (2003-11) followed by a gradual deterioration in the government’s fiscal situation and eventual economic stagnation and isolation. Argentina underwent a brief period of economic reform and international reintegration under Mauricio MACRI (2015-19), but a recession in 2018-19 and frustration with Macri’s economic policies ushered in a new Peronist government in 2019 led by President Alberto FERNANDEZ and Vice President FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER. Presidential elections will take place next in 2023. Topic: ArmeniaArmenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, the Ottoman Empire instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in at least 1 million Armenian deaths - actions widely recognized as constituting genocide. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920. Armenia remains involved in the protracted struggle with Azerbaijan over control of Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily ethnic Armenian region that Moscow recognized in 1923 as an autonomous oblast within Soviet Azerbaijan. In the late Soviet period, a separatist movement developed that sought to end Azerbaijani control over the region. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 and escalated after Armenia and Azerbaijan attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the time a cease-fire took effect in May 1994, separatists, with Armenian support, controlled Nagorno‑Karabakh and seven surrounding Azerbaijani territories. Following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War that took place in September-November 2020, Armenia lost control over much of the territory it had captured a quarter century earlier. Under the terms of a cease-fire agreement signed in November 2020, Armenia returned to Azerbaijan the remaining territories it occupied and some parts of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including the key city that Armenians call Shushi and Azerbaijanis call Shusha. Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over control of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In 2009, Armenia and Turkey signed Protocols normalizing relations between the two countries, but neither country ratified the Protocols, and Armenia officially withdrew from the Protocols in March 2018. In 2015, Armenia joined the Eurasian Economic Union alongside Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. In November 2017, Armenia signed a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU. In spring 2018, former President of Armenia (2008-18) Serzh SARGSIAN of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) tried to extend his time in power by becoming prime minister, prompting popular protests that became known as the “Velvet Revolution” after SARGSIAN was forced to resign. The leader of the protests, Civil Contract party chief Nikol PASHINYAN, was elected by the National Assembly as the new prime minister on 8 May 2018. Pashinyan’s party prevailed in an early legislative election in December 2018, and he was reelected as prime minister. Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. During World War I in the western portion of Armenia, the Ottoman Empire instituted a policy of forced resettlement coupled with other harsh practices that resulted in at least 1 million Armenian deaths - actions widely recognized as constituting genocide. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion declared its independence in 1918, but was conquered by the Soviet Red Army in 1920.Armenia remains involved in the protracted struggle with Azerbaijan over control of Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily ethnic Armenian region that Moscow recognized in 1923 as an autonomous oblast within Soviet Azerbaijan. In the late Soviet period, a separatist movement developed that sought to end Azerbaijani control over the region. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 and escalated after Armenia and Azerbaijan attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the time a cease-fire took effect in May 1994, separatists, with Armenian support, controlled Nagorno‑Karabakh and seven surrounding Azerbaijani territories. Following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War that took place in September-November 2020, Armenia lost control over much of the territory it had captured a quarter century earlier. Under the terms of a cease-fire agreement signed in November 2020, Armenia returned to Azerbaijan the remaining territories it occupied and some parts of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, including the key city that Armenians call Shushi and Azerbaijanis call Shusha.Turkey closed the common border with Armenia in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia over control of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, further hampering Armenian economic growth. In 2009, Armenia and Turkey signed Protocols normalizing relations between the two countries, but neither country ratified the Protocols, and Armenia officially withdrew from the Protocols in March 2018. In 2015, Armenia joined the Eurasian Economic Union alongside Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. In November 2017, Armenia signed a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU.In spring 2018, former President of Armenia (2008-18) Serzh SARGSIAN of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) tried to extend his time in power by becoming prime minister, prompting popular protests that became known as the “Velvet Revolution” after SARGSIAN was forced to resign. The leader of the protests, Civil Contract party chief Nikol PASHINYAN, was elected by the National Assembly as the new prime minister on 8 May 2018. Pashinyan’s party prevailed in an early legislative election in December 2018, and he was reelected as prime minister.  Topic: ArubaDiscovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, semi-autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990. Topic: Ashmore and Cartier IslandsIndonesian fishermen have long fished in the area around Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island. British explorers were the first Europeans to see Cartier Island and Ashmore Reef in 1800 and 1811, respectively. American whalers frequently sailed by the islands in the 1850s and later settled to mine the phosphate deposits on Ashmore Reef, which were exhausted by 1891. The UK disputed US access to Ashmore Reef and formally annexed it in 1878. Cartier Island was annexed in 1909. In 1931, the UK transferred the islands to Australia, which accepted them in 1934 as part of Western Australia. In 1938, Australia transferred governance to the Northern Territory. During World War II, the islands saw several Allied ship visits and post-war, Cartier Island became a bombing range. In 1978, governance of Ashmore and Cartier Islands was moved to the federal government. Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island became marine reserves in 1983 and 2000 respectively. In 1974, Australia and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to allow Indonesian fishermen to continue fishing around the islands. The MOU also allows Indonesian fishermen to visit the graves of past fishermen, replenish their fresh water, and shelter in the West Island Lagoon of Ashmore Reef. In the 1990s, Indonesia challenged Australia’s claims to the islands, which was settled in a maritime boundary treaty in 1997. The islands were a popular first point of contact for migrants and refugees seeking to enter Australia, so in 2001, Australia declared the islands outside the Australian migration zone.Indonesian fishermen have long fished in the area around Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island. British explorers were the first Europeans to see Cartier Island and Ashmore Reef in 1800 and 1811, respectively. American whalers frequently sailed by the islands in the 1850s and later settled to mine the phosphate deposits on Ashmore Reef, which were exhausted by 1891. The UK disputed US access to Ashmore Reef and formally annexed it in 1878. Cartier Island was annexed in 1909. In 1931, the UK transferred the islands to Australia, which accepted them in 1934 as part of Western Australia. In 1938, Australia transferred governance to the Northern Territory. During World War II, the islands saw several Allied ship visits and post-war, Cartier Island became a bombing range. In 1978, governance of Ashmore and Cartier Islands was moved to the federal government. Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island became marine reserves in 1983 and 2000 respectively. In 1974, Australia and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to allow Indonesian fishermen to continue fishing around the islands. The MOU also allows Indonesian fishermen to visit the graves of past fishermen, replenish their fresh water, and shelter in the West Island Lagoon of Ashmore Reef. In the 1990s, Indonesia challenged Australia’s claims to the islands, which was settled in a maritime boundary treaty in 1997. The islands were a popular first point of contact for migrants and refugees seeking to enter Australia, so in 2001, Australia declared the islands outside the Australian migration zone. Topic: Atlantic OceanThe Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal (Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US) are important strategic access waterways.The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south latitude. Topic: AustraliaAboriginal Australians arrived on the continent at least 60,000 years ago and developed complex hunter-gatherer societies and oral histories. Dutch navigators led by Abel TASMAN were the first Europeans to land in Australia in 1606, and they mapped the western and northern coasts. They named the continent New Holland but made no attempts to permanently settle it. In 1770, English captain James COOK sailed to the east coast of Australia, named it New South Wales, and claimed it for Great Britain. In 1788 and 1825, Great Britain established New South Wales and then Tasmania as penal colonies respectively. Great Britain and Ireland sent more than 150,000 convicts to Australia before ending the practice in 1868. As Europeans began settling areas away from the coasts, they came into more direct contact with Aboriginal Australians. Europeans also cleared land for agriculture, impacting Aboriginal Australians’ ways of life. These issues, along with disease and a policy in the 1900s that forcefully removed Aboriginal children from their parents, reduced the Aboriginal Australian population from more than 700,000 pre-European contact to a low of 74,000 in 1933. Four additional colonies were established in Australia in the mid-1800s: Western Australia (1829), South Australia (1836), Victoria (1851), and Queensland (1859). Gold rushes beginning in the 1850s brought thousands of new immigrants to New South Wales and Victoria, helping to reorient Australia away from its penal colony roots. In the second half of the 1800s, the colonies were all gradually granted self-government, and in 1901, they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia contributed more than 400,000 troops to allied efforts during World War I, and Australian troops played a large role in the defeat of Japanese troops in the Pacific in World War II. Australia severed most constitutional links with the UK in 1942, and in 1951 signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty, cementing its military alliance with the United States.  In 2021, Australia, the UK, and the United States announced the AUKUS enhanced trilateral security partnership to maintain and expand the three countries’ edge in military capabilities and critical technologies. Australia’s post-war economy boomed and by the 1970s, racial policies that prevented most non-whites from immigrating to Australia were removed, greatly increasing Asian immigration to the country. In recent decades, Australia has become an internationally competitive, advanced market economy due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s and its proximity to East and Southeast Asia.  In the early 2000s, Australian politics became unstable with frequent attempts to oust party leaders, including five changes of prime minister between 2010 and 2018. As a result, both major parties instituted rules to make it harder to remove a party leader.Aboriginal Australians arrived on the continent at least 60,000 years ago and developed complex hunter-gatherer societies and oral histories. Dutch navigators led by Abel TASMAN were the first Europeans to land in Australia in 1606, and they mapped the western and northern coasts. They named the continent New Holland but made no attempts to permanently settle it. In 1770, English captain James COOK sailed to the east coast of Australia, named it New South Wales, and claimed it for Great Britain. In 1788 and 1825, Great Britain established New South Wales and then Tasmania as penal colonies respectively. Great Britain and Ireland sent more than 150,000 convicts to Australia before ending the practice in 1868. As Europeans began settling areas away from the coasts, they came into more direct contact with Aboriginal Australians. Europeans also cleared land for agriculture, impacting Aboriginal Australians’ ways of life. These issues, along with disease and a policy in the 1900s that forcefully removed Aboriginal children from their parents, reduced the Aboriginal Australian population from more than 700,000 pre-European contact to a low of 74,000 in 1933. Four additional colonies were established in Australia in the mid-1800s: Western Australia (1829), South Australia (1836), Victoria (1851), and Queensland (1859). Gold rushes beginning in the 1850s brought thousands of new immigrants to New South Wales and Victoria, helping to reorient Australia away from its penal colony roots. In the second half of the 1800s, the colonies were all gradually granted self-government, and in 1901, they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia contributed more than 400,000 troops to allied efforts during World War I, and Australian troops played a large role in the defeat of Japanese troops in the Pacific in World War II. Australia severed most constitutional links with the UK in 1942, and in 1951 signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty, cementing its military alliance with the United States.  In 2021, Australia, the UK, and the United States announced the AUKUS enhanced trilateral security partnership to maintain and expand the three countries’ edge in military capabilities and critical technologies. Australia’s post-war economy boomed and by the 1970s, racial policies that prevented most non-whites from immigrating to Australia were removed, greatly increasing Asian immigration to the country. In recent decades, Australia has become an internationally competitive, advanced market economy due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s and its proximity to East and Southeast Asia. In the early 2000s, Australian politics became unstable with frequent attempts to oust party leaders, including five changes of prime minister between 2010 and 2018. As a result, both major parties instituted rules to make it harder to remove a party leader. Topic: AustriaOnce the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the EU in 1995 have altered the meaning of this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the EU Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Topic: AzerbaijanAzerbaijan - a secular nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Shia Muslim population - was briefly independent (from 1918 to 1920) following the collapse of the Russian Empire; it was subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union for seven decades. Azerbaijan remains involved in the protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh was a primarily ethnic Armenian region that Moscow recognized in 1923 as an autonomous oblast within Soviet Azerbaijan. In the late Soviet period, a separatist movement developed which sought to end Azerbaijani control over the region. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 and escalated after Armenia and Azerbaijan attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the time a ceasefire took effect in May 1994, separatists, with Armenian support, controlled Nagorno‑Karabakh and seven surrounding Azerbaijani territories. Under the terms of a cease-fire agreement following Azerbaijan’s victory in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War that took place from September-November 2020, Armenia returned to Azerbaijan the remaining territories it had occupied and also the southern part of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the culturally and historically important city that Azerbaijanis call Shusha and Armenians call Shushi. Despite Azerbaijan’s territorial gains, peace in the region remains elusive because of unsettled issues concerning the delimitation of borders, the opening of regional transportation and communication links, the status of ethnic enclaves near border regions, and the final status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Russian peacekeepers deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh to supervise the cease-fire for a minimum five-year term have not prevented the outbreak of sporadic, low-level military clashes along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in 2021. In the three decades following its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has succeeded in significantly reducing the poverty rate and has directed revenues from its oil and gas production to develop the country’s infrastructure. However, corruption remains a burden on the economy, and Western observers and members of the country’s political opposition have accused the government of authoritarianism, pointing to elections that are neither free nor fair, state control of the media, and the systematic abuse of human rights targeting individuals and groups who are perceived as threats to the administration. The country’s leadership has remained in the Aliyev family since Heydar ALIYEV, formerly the most highly ranked Azerbaijani member of the Communist Party during the Soviet period, became president in the midst of the first Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1993. Heydar ALIYEV groomed his son to succeed him, and Ilham ALIYEV subsequently became president in 2003. As a result of two national referendums that eliminated presidential term limits and extended the presidential term from 5 to 7 years, President ALIYEV secured a fourth term in April 2018 in an election that international observers noted had serious shortcomings. Reforms are underway to diversify the country’s economy away from its dependence on oil and gas; additional reforms are needed to address weaknesses in government institutions, particularly in the education and health sectors, and the court system.Azerbaijan - a secular nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Shia Muslim population - was briefly independent (from 1918 to 1920) following the collapse of the Russian Empire; it was subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union for seven decades. Azerbaijan remains involved in the protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh was a primarily ethnic Armenian region that Moscow recognized in 1923 as an autonomous oblast within Soviet Azerbaijan. In the late Soviet period, a separatist movement developed which sought to end Azerbaijani control over the region. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 and escalated after Armenia and Azerbaijan attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the time a ceasefire took effect in May 1994, separatists, with Armenian support, controlled Nagorno‑Karabakh and seven surrounding Azerbaijani territories.Under the terms of a cease-fire agreement following Azerbaijan’s victory in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War that took place from September-November 2020, Armenia returned to Azerbaijan the remaining territories it had occupied and also the southern part of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the culturally and historically important city that Azerbaijanis call Shusha and Armenians call Shushi. Despite Azerbaijan’s territorial gains, peace in the region remains elusive because of unsettled issues concerning the delimitation of borders, the opening of regional transportation and communication links, the status of ethnic enclaves near border regions, and the final status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Russian peacekeepers deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh to supervise the cease-fire for a minimum five-year term have not prevented the outbreak of sporadic, low-level military clashes along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in 2021. In the three decades following its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has succeeded in significantly reducing the poverty rate and has directed revenues from its oil and gas production to develop the country’s infrastructure. However, corruption remains a burden on the economy, and Western observers and members of the country’s political opposition have accused the government of authoritarianism, pointing to elections that are neither free nor fair, state control of the media, and the systematic abuse of human rights targeting individuals and groups who are perceived as threats to the administration. The country’s leadership has remained in the Aliyev family since Heydar ALIYEV, formerly the most highly ranked Azerbaijani member of the Communist Party during the Soviet period, became president in the midst of the first Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1993. Heydar ALIYEV groomed his son to succeed him, and Ilham ALIYEV subsequently became president in 2003. As a result of two national referendums that eliminated presidential term limits and extended the presidential term from 5 to 7 years, President ALIYEV secured a fourth term in April 2018 in an election that international observers noted had serious shortcomings. Reforms are underway to diversify the country’s economy away from its dependence on oil and gas; additional reforms are needed to address weaknesses in government institutions, particularly in the education and health sectors, and the court system. Topic: Bahamas, TheLucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Piracy thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries because of The Bahamas close proximity to shipping lanes. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism, international banking, and investment management, which comprise up to 85% of GDP. Because of its proximity to the US - the nearest Bahamian landmass being only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida - the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking, particularly to the US mainland, as well as Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas, and the US Coast Guard assists Bahamian authorities in maritime security and law enforcement through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT. Topic: BahrainIn 1783, the Sunni Al-Khalifa family took power in Bahrain. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. A steady decline in oil production and reserves since 1970 prompted Bahrain to take steps to diversify its economy, in the process developing petroleum processing and refining, aluminum production, and hospitality and retail sectors. It has also endeavored to become a leading regional banking center, especially with respect to Islamic finance. Bahrain's small size, central location among Gulf countries, economic dependence on Saudi Arabia, and proximity to Iran require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Its foreign policy activities usually fall in line with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Sunni royal family has long struggled to manage relations with its large Shia-majority population. In early 2011, amid Arab uprisings elsewhere in the region, the Bahraini Government confronted similar pro-democracy and reform protests at home with police and military action, including deploying Gulf Cooperation Council security forces to Bahrain. Failed political talks prompted opposition political societies to boycott 2014 legislative and municipal council elections. In 2018, a law preventing members of political societies dissolved by the courts from participating in elections effectively sidelined the majority of opposition figures from taking part in national elections. As a result, most members of parliament are independents. Ongoing dissatisfaction with the political status quo continues to factor into sporadic clashes between demonstrators and security forces. On 15 September 2020, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates signed peace agreements (the Abraham Accords) with Israel – brokered by the US – in Washington DC. Bahrain and the UAE thus became the third and fourth Middle Eastern countries, along with Egypt and Jordan, to recognize Israel.In 1783, the Sunni Al-Khalifa family took power in Bahrain. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. A steady decline in oil production and reserves since 1970 prompted Bahrain to take steps to diversify its economy, in the process developing petroleum processing and refining, aluminum production, and hospitality and retail sectors. It has also endeavored to become a leading regional banking center, especially with respect to Islamic finance. Bahrain's small size, central location among Gulf countries, economic dependence on Saudi Arabia, and proximity to Iran require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Its foreign policy activities usually fall in line with Saudi Arabia and the UAE.The Sunni royal family has long struggled to manage relations with its large Shia-majority population. In early 2011, amid Arab uprisings elsewhere in the region, the Bahraini Government confronted similar pro-democracy and reform protests at home with police and military action, including deploying Gulf Cooperation Council security forces to Bahrain. Failed political talks prompted opposition political societies to boycott 2014 legislative and municipal council elections. In 2018, a law preventing members of political societies dissolved by the courts from participating in elections effectively sidelined the majority of opposition figures from taking part in national elections. As a result, most members of parliament are independents. Ongoing dissatisfaction with the political status quo continues to factor into sporadic clashes between demonstrators and security forces. On 15 September 2020, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates signed peace agreements (the Abraham Accords) with Israel – brokered by the US – in Washington DC. Bahrain and the UAE thus became the third and fourth Middle Eastern countries, along with Egypt and Jordan, to recognize Israel. Topic: BangladeshThe huge delta region formed at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra River systems - now referred to as Bangladesh - was a loosely incorporated outpost of various empires centered on the Gangetic plain for much of the first millennium A.D. Muslim conversions and settlement in the region began in the 10th century, primarily from Arab and Persian traders and preachers. Europeans established trading posts in the area in the 16th century. Eventually the area known as Bengal, primarily Hindu in the western section and mostly Muslim in the eastern half, became part of British India. Partition in 1947 resulted in an eastern wing of Pakistan in the Muslim-majority area, which became East Pakistan. Calls for greater autonomy and animosity between the eastern and western wings of Pakistan led to a Bengali independence movement. That movement, led by the Awami League (AL) and supported by India, won the independence war for Bangladesh in 1971. The post-independence AL government faced daunting challenges and in 1975 it was overthrown by the military, triggering a series of military coups that resulted in a military-backed government and subsequent creation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978. That government also ended in a coup in 1981, followed by military-backed rule until democratic elections occurred in 1991. The BNP and AL have alternated in power since 1991, with the exception of a military-backed, emergency caretaker regime that suspended parliamentary elections planned for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption. That government returned the country to fully democratic rule in December 2008 with the election of the AL and Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA. In January 2014, the incumbent AL won the national election by an overwhelming majority after the BNP boycotted the election, which extended HASINA's term as prime minister. In December 2018, HASINA secured a third consecutive term (fourth overall) with the AL coalition securing 96% of available seats, amid widespread claims of election irregularities. With the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh has reduced the poverty rate from over half of the population to less than a third, achieved Millennium Development Goals for maternal and child health, and made great progress in food security since independence. The economy has grown at an annual average of about 6% for the last two decades. In 2021 the UN approved a resolution to allow Bangladesh to officially graduate from least-developed-country (LDC) status in 2026, based on World Bank criteria.The huge delta region formed at the confluence of the Ganges and Brahmaputra River systems - now referred to as Bangladesh - was a loosely incorporated outpost of various empires centered on the Gangetic plain for much of the first millennium A.D. Muslim conversions and settlement in the region began in the 10th century, primarily from Arab and Persian traders and preachers. Europeans established trading posts in the area in the 16th century. Eventually the area known as Bengal, primarily Hindu in the western section and mostly Muslim in the eastern half, became part of British India. Partition in 1947 resulted in an eastern wing of Pakistan in the Muslim-majority area, which became East Pakistan. Calls for greater autonomy and animosity between the eastern and western wings of Pakistan led to a Bengali independence movement. That movement, led by the Awami League (AL) and supported by India, won the independence war for Bangladesh in 1971.The post-independence AL government faced daunting challenges and in 1975 it was overthrown by the military, triggering a series of military coups that resulted in a military-backed government and subsequent creation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1978. That government also ended in a coup in 1981, followed by military-backed rule until democratic elections occurred in 1991. The BNP and AL have alternated in power since 1991, with the exception of a military-backed, emergency caretaker regime that suspended parliamentary elections planned for January 2007 in an effort to reform the political system and root out corruption. That government returned the country to fully democratic rule in December 2008 with the election of the AL and Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA. In January 2014, the incumbent AL won the national election by an overwhelming majority after the BNP boycotted the election, which extended HASINA's term as prime minister. In December 2018, HASINA secured a third consecutive term (fourth overall) with the AL coalition securing 96% of available seats, amid widespread claims of election irregularities. With the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh has reduced the poverty rate from over half of the population to less than a third, achieved Millennium Development Goals for maternal and child health, and made great progress in food security since independence. The economy has grown at an annual average of about 6% for the last two decades. In 2021 the UN approved a resolution to allow Bangladesh to officially graduate from least-developed-country (LDC) status in 2026, based on World Bank criteria. Topic: BarbadosThe island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. African slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island, which initially dominated the Caribbean sugar industry. By 1720 Barbados was no longer a dominant force within the sugar industry, having been surpassed by the Leeward Islands and Jamaica. Slavery was abolished in 1834. The Barbadian economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance. Barbados became a republic on 30 November 2021, with the former Governor-General Sandra MASON elected as the first president. Barbados plans to create a new constitution in 2022. Topic: BelarusAfter 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.             Topic: BelgiumBelgium 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. Topic: BelizeBelize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1862. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Both nations have voted to send the dispute for final resolution to the International Court of Justice. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high crime rates, high unemployment combined with a majority youth population, growing involvement in the Mexican and South American drug trade, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Central America. Topic: BeninPresent day Benin is comprised of about 42 ethnic groups, including the Yoruba in the southeast, who migrated from what is now Nigeria in the 12th century; the Dendi in the north-central area, who came from Mali in the 16th century; the Bariba and the Fula in the northeast; the Ottamari in the Atakora mountains; the Fon in the area around Abomey in the south-central area; and the Mina, Xueda, and Aja, who came from Togo, on the coast. The Kingdom of Dahomey emerged on the Abomey plateau in the 17th century and was a regional power for much of the 18th and 19th centuries. Dahomey had an organized domestic economy, international trade with Europeans, and a highly organized military. The growth of Dahomey coincided with the growth of the Atlantic slave trade, and it became known as a major source of enslaved people. France began to control the coastal areas of Dahomey in the second half of the 19th century; the entire kingdom was conquered by 1894. French Dahomey achieved independence in 1960; it changed its name to the Republic of Benin in 1975. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent, who won a second five-year term in March 2011. Patrice TALON, a wealthy businessman, took office in 2016; the space for pluralism, dissent, and free expression has narrowed under his administration. Talon won a second term in April 2021. Topic: BermudaBermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists heading for Virginia. Self-governing since 1620, Bermuda is the oldest and most populous of the British overseas territories. Vacationing to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has also developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence from the UK was soundly defeated in 1995. Topic: BhutanFollowing Britain’s victory in the 1865 Duar War, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding land to British India. Ugyen WANGCHUCK - who had served as the de facto ruler of an increasingly unified Bhutan and had improved relations with the British toward the end of the 19th century - was named king in 1907. Three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Bhutan negotiated a similar arrangement with independent India in 1949. The Indo-Bhutanese Treaty of Friendship returned to Bhutan a small piece of the territory annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Under a succession of modernizing monarchs beginning in the 1950s, Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and slowly continued its engagement beyond its borders. In 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the draft of Bhutan's first constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and held a national referendum for its approval. The King abdicated the throne in 2006 in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK. In 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty, eliminating the clause that stated that Bhutan would be "guided by" India in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate closely with New Delhi. In 2008, Bhutan held its first parliamentary election in accordance with the constitution. Bhutan experienced a peaceful turnover of power following a parliamentary election in 2013, which resulted in the defeat of the incumbent party. In 2018, the incumbent party again lost the parliamentary election. Of the more than 100,000 ethnic Nepali - predominantly Lhotshampa - refugees who fled or were forced out of Bhutan in the 1990s, about 6,500 remain displaced in Nepal.Following Britain’s victory in the 1865 Duar War, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding land to British India. Ugyen WANGCHUCK - who had served as the de facto ruler of an increasingly unified Bhutan and had improved relations with the British toward the end of the 19th century - was named king in 1907. Three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Bhutan negotiated a similar arrangement with independent India in 1949. The Indo-Bhutanese Treaty of Friendship returned to Bhutan a small piece of the territory annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Under a succession of modernizing monarchs beginning in the 1950s, Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and slowly continued its engagement beyond its borders.In 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the draft of Bhutan's first constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and held a national referendum for its approval. The King abdicated the throne in 2006 in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK. In 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty, eliminating the clause that stated that Bhutan would be "guided by" India in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate closely with New Delhi. In 2008, Bhutan held its first parliamentary election in accordance with the constitution. Bhutan experienced a peaceful turnover of power following a parliamentary election in 2013, which resulted in the defeat of the incumbent party. In 2018, the incumbent party again lost the parliamentary election. Of the more than 100,000 ethnic Nepali - predominantly Lhotshampa - refugees who fled or were forced out of Bhutan in the 1990s, about 6,500 remain displaced in Nepal. Topic: BoliviaBolivia, 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. Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina declared sovereignty in October 1991 and independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that ended three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Peace Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a multiethnic and democratic government charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government composed of two entities roughly equal in size: the predominantly Bosniak-Bosnian Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the predominantly Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments are responsible for overseeing most government functions. Additionally, the Dayton Accords established the Office of the High Representative to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. The Peace Implementation Council at its conference in Bonn in 1997 also gave the High Representative the authority to impose legislation and remove officials, the so-called "Bonn Powers." An original NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops assembled in 1995 was succeeded over time by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR). In 2004, European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR. Currently, EUFOR deploys around 600 troops in theater in a security assistance and training capacity.Bosnia and Herzegovina declared sovereignty in October 1991 and independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that ended three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995).The Dayton Peace Accords retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a multiethnic and democratic government charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government composed of two entities roughly equal in size: the predominantly Bosniak-Bosnian Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the predominantly Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments are responsible for overseeing most government functions. Additionally, the Dayton Accords established the Office of the High Representative to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. The Peace Implementation Council at its conference in Bonn in 1997 also gave the High Representative the authority to impose legislation and remove officials, the so-called "Bonn Powers." An original NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops assembled in 1995 was succeeded over time by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR). In 2004, European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR. Currently, EUFOR deploys around 600 troops in theater in a security assistance and training capacity. Topic: BotswanaSeeking to stop the incorporation of their land into Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) or the Union of South Africa, in 1885, three tribal chiefs traveled to Great Britain and successfully lobbied the British Government to put "Bechuanaland" under UK protection. Upon independence in 1966, the British protectorate of Bechuanaland adopted the new name of Botswana. 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. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party has won every national election since independence; President Mokgweetsi Eric MASISI assumed the presidency in April 2018 following the retirement of former President Ian KHAMA due to constitutional term limits. MASISI won his first election as president in October 2019, and he is Botswana’s fifth president since independence. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease. Topic: Bouvet IslandThis uninhabited, volcanic, Antarctic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers making it difficult to approach; it is recognized as the most remote island on Earth. (It is furthest in distance from any other point of land, 1,639 km from Antarctica.) Bouvet Island was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom it is named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. A few expeditions visited the island in the late 19th century. In 1929, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island two years previously. In 1971, Norway designated Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station and studied foraging strategies and distribution of fur seals and penguins on the island. In February 2006, an earthquake weakened the station's foundation causing it to be blown out to sea in a winter storm. Norway erected a new research station in 2014 that can hold six people for periods of two to four months. Topic: BrazilFollowing more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. VARGAS governed over various versions of democratic and authoritarian regimes from 1930 to 1945. Democratic rule returned (including a democratically elected VARGAS administration from 1951-55) and lasted until 1964, when the military overthrew President Joao GOULART. The military regime censored journalists and repressed and tortured dissidents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dictatorship lasted until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers, and the Brazilian Congress passed its current constitution in 1989.  By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Having successfully weathered a period of global financial difficulty in the late 20th century, under President Luiz Inacio LULA da Silva (2003-2010) Brazil was seen as one of the world's strongest emerging markets and a contributor to global growth. The awarding of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the first ever to be held in South America, was symbolic of the country's rise. However, from about 2013 to 2016, Brazil was plagued by a sagging economy, high unemployment, and high inflation, only emerging from recession in 2017. Former President Dilma ROUSSEFF (2011-2016) was removed from office in 2016 by Congress for having committed impeachable acts against Brazil's budgetary laws, and her vice president, Michel TEMER, served the remainder of her second term. A money-laundering investigation, Operation Lava Jato, uncovered a vast corruption scheme and prosecutors charged several high-profile Brazilian politicians with crimes. Former-President LULA was convicted of accepting bribes and served jail time from 2018-19, although his conviction was overturned in early 2021. In October 2018, Jair BOLSONARO won the presidency with 55% of the second-round vote and assumed office on 1 January 2019. The next national elections are scheduled for October 2022.Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. VARGAS governed over various versions of democratic and authoritarian regimes from 1930 to 1945. Democratic rule returned (including a democratically elected VARGAS administration from 1951-55) and lasted until 1964, when the military overthrew President Joao GOULART. The military regime censored journalists and repressed and tortured dissidents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dictatorship lasted until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers, and the Brazilian Congress passed its current constitution in 1989.  By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Having successfully weathered a period of global financial difficulty in the late 20th century, under President Luiz Inacio LULA da Silva (2003-2010) Brazil was seen as one of the world's strongest emerging markets and a contributor to global growth. The awarding of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the first ever to be held in South America, was symbolic of the country's rise. However, from about 2013 to 2016, Brazil was plagued by a sagging economy, high unemployment, and high inflation, only emerging from recession in 2017. Former President Dilma ROUSSEFF (2011-2016) was removed from office in 2016 by Congress for having committed impeachable acts against Brazil's budgetary laws, and her vice president, Michel TEMER, served the remainder of her second term. A money-laundering investigation, Operation Lava Jato, uncovered a vast corruption scheme and prosecutors charged several high-profile Brazilian politicians with crimes. Former-President LULA was convicted of accepting bribes and served jail time from 2018-19, although his conviction was overturned in early 2021. In October 2018, Jair BOLSONARO won the presidency with 55% of the second-round vote and assumed office on 1 January 2019. The next national elections are scheduled for October 2022. Topic: British Indian Ocean TerritoryFormerly administered as part of the British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. Only Diego Garcia, the largest and most southerly of the islands, is inhabited. It contains a joint UK-US naval support facility and hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are on Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US), and on Ascension Island (Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha)). The US Air Force also operates a telescope array on Diego Garcia as part of the Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance System (GEODSS) for tracking orbital debris, which can be a hazard to spacecraft and astronauts. Between 1967 and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians. Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits against the British Government seeking further compensation and the right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK, ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians. In March 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration unanimously held that the marine protected area (MPA) that the UK declared around the Chagos Archipelago in April 2010 was in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In February 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled in an advisory opinion that Britain’s decolonization of Mauritius was not completed lawfully because of continued Chagossian claims. A non-binding May 2019 UN General Assembly vote demanded that Britain end its “colonial administration” of the Chagos Archipelago and that it be returned to Mauritius. UK officials defend Britain's sovereignty over the islands and argue that the issue is a bilateral dispute between Mauritius and the UK that does not warrant international intervention.  Formerly administered as part of the British Crown Colony of Mauritius, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) was established as an overseas territory of the UK in 1965. A number of the islands of the territory were later transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. Only Diego Garcia, the largest and most southerly of the islands, is inhabited. It contains a joint UK-US naval support facility and hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are on Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US), and on Ascension Island (Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha)). The US Air Force also operates a telescope array on Diego Garcia as part of the Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance System (GEODSS) for tracking orbital debris, which can be a hazard to spacecraft and astronauts.Between 1967 and 1973, former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius, but also to the Seychelles. Negotiations between 1971 and 1982 resulted in the establishment of a trust fund by the British Government as compensation for the displaced islanders, known as Chagossians. Beginning in 1998, the islanders pursued a series of lawsuits against the British Government seeking further compensation and the right to return to the territory. In 2006 and 2007, British court rulings invalidated the immigration policies contained in the 2004 BIOT Constitution Order that had excluded the islanders from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. In 2008, the House of Lords, as the final court of appeal in the UK, ruled in favor of the British Government by overturning the lower court rulings and finding no right of return for the Chagossians. In March 2015, the Permanent Court of Arbitration unanimously held that the marine protected area (MPA) that the UK declared around the Chagos Archipelago in April 2010 was in violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In February 2019, the International Court of Justice ruled in an advisory opinion that Britain’s decolonization of Mauritius was not completed lawfully because of continued Chagossian claims. A non-binding May 2019 UN General Assembly vote demanded that Britain end its “colonial administration” of the Chagos Archipelago and that it be returned to Mauritius. UK officials defend Britain's sovereignty over the islands and argue that the issue is a bilateral dispute between Mauritius and the UK that does not warrant international intervention.  Topic: British Virgin IslandsFirst inhabited by Arawak and later by Carib Indians, the Virgin Islands were settled by the Dutch in 1648 and then annexed by the English in 1672. The islands were part of the British colony of the Leeward Islands from 1872-1960; they were granted autonomy in 1967. The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the legal currency. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island of Tortola. An estimated 80% of residential and business structures were destroyed or damaged, communications disrupted, and local roads rendered impassable. Topic: BruneiThe Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world. In 2017, Brunei celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sultan Hassanal BOLKIAH’s accession to the throne. Topic: BulgariaThe Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007. Topic: Burkina FasoMany of Burkina Faso’s ethnic groups arrived in the region between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Gurma and Mossi peoples established several of the largest kingdoms in the area and used horse-mounted warriors in military campaigns. Of the various Mossi kingdoms, the most powerful were Ouagadougou and Yatenga. In the late 19th century, European states competed for control of the region. France eventually conquered the area and established it as a French protectorate. The area achieved independence from France in 1960 and changed its name to Burkina Faso in 1984. Repeated military coups were common in the country’s first few decades. The last successful coup occurred in 1987 when Blaise COMPAORE deposed the former president, established a government, and ruled for 27 years. In October 2014, COMPAORE resigned following protests against his repeated efforts to amend the constitution's two-term presidential limit. An interim administration led a year-long transition period organizing presidential and legislative elections. In November 2015, Roch Marc Christian KABORE was elected president; he was reelected in November 2020. Terrorist groups - including groups affiliated with Al-Qa’ida and the Islamic State - began attacks in the country in 2016 and conducted attacks in the capital in 2016, 2017, and 2018. By late 2021, insecurity in Burkina Faso had displaced 1.4 million people and led to significant jumps in humanitarian needs and food insecurity. In addition to terrorism, the country faces a myriad of problems including high population growth, recurring drought, pervasive and perennial food insecurity, and limited natural resources. It is one of the world’s poorest countries.  Many of Burkina Faso’s ethnic groups arrived in the region between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Gurma and Mossi peoples established several of the largest kingdoms in the area and used horse-mounted warriors in military campaigns. Of the various Mossi kingdoms, the most powerful were Ouagadougou and Yatenga. In the late 19th century, European states competed for control of the region. France eventually conquered the area and established it as a French protectorate.  Topic: BurmaBurma, colonized by Britain in the 19th century and granted independence post-World War II, contains ethnic Burman and scores of other ethnic and religious minority groups that have all resisted external efforts to consolidate control of the country throughout its history, extending to the several minority groups today that possess independent fighting forces and control pockets of territory. Burman and armed ethnic minorities fought off-and-on until military Gen. NE WIN seized power in 1962. He ruled Burma until 1988 when a military junta took control. In 1990, the junta permitted an election but then rejected the results when the main opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) and its leader AUNG SAN SUU KYI (ASSK) won in a landslide. The junta placed ASSK under house arrest for much of the next 20 years, until November 2010. In 2007, rising fuel prices in Burma led pro-democracy activists and Buddhist monks to launch a "Saffron Revolution" consisting of large protests against the ruling junta, which violently suppressed the movement by killing an unknown number of participants and arresting thousands. The regime prevented new elections until it had drafted a constitution designed to preserve its control; it passed the new constitution in its 2008 referendum, days after Cyclone Nargis killed at least 138,000. The junta conducted an election in 2010, but the NLD boycotted the vote, and the military’s Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) easily won; international observers denounced the election as flawed. With former or current military officers installed in its most senior positions, Burma began a halting process of political and economic reforms. Officials freed prisoners, brokered ceasefires with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), amended courts, expanded civil liberties, brought ASSK into government in 2012, and permitted the NLD in 2015 to take power after a sweeping electoral win.  However, Burma’s first credibly elected civilian government, with ASSK as the de facto head of state, faced strong headwinds after five decades of military dictatorship. The NLD government drew international criticism for blocking investigations of Burma’s military for operations, which the U.S. Department of State determined constituted genocide, on its Rohingya population that killed thousands and forced more than 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighboring Bangladesh. The military did not support an NLD pledge in 2019 to examine reforming the military’s 2008 constitution. When the 2020 elections resulted in further NLD gains, the military denounced them as fraudulent. This challenge led Commander-in-Chief Sr. General MIN AUNG HLAING (MAH) to launch a coup in February 2021 that has left Burma reeling with the return to authoritarian rule, the detention of ASSK and thousands of pro-democracy actors, and renewed brutal repression against protestors, widespread violence, and economic decline.Burma, colonized by Britain in the 19th century and granted independence post-World War II, contains ethnic Burman and scores of other ethnic and religious minority groups that have all resisted external efforts to consolidate control of the country throughout its history, extending to the several minority groups today that possess independent fighting forces and control pockets of territory. Burman and armed ethnic minorities fought off-and-on until military Gen. NE WIN seized power in 1962. He ruled Burma until 1988 when a military junta took control. In 1990, the junta permitted an election but then rejected the results when the main opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) and its leader AUNG SAN SUU KYI (ASSK) won in a landslide. The junta placed ASSK under house arrest for much of the next 20 years, until November 2010. In 2007, rising fuel prices in Burma led pro-democracy activists and Buddhist monks to launch a "Saffron Revolution" consisting of large protests against the ruling junta, which violently suppressed the movement by killing an unknown number of participants and arresting thousands. The regime prevented new elections until it had drafted a constitution designed to preserve its control; it passed the new constitution in its 2008 referendum, days after Cyclone Nargis killed at least 138,000. The junta conducted an election in 2010, but the NLD boycotted the vote, and the military’s Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) easily won; international observers denounced the election as flawed. With former or current military officers installed in its most senior positions, Burma began a halting process of political and economic reforms. Officials freed prisoners, brokered ceasefires with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), amended courts, expanded civil liberties, brought ASSK into government in 2012, and permitted the NLD in 2015 to take power after a sweeping electoral win.  However, Burma’s first credibly elected civilian government, with ASSK as the de facto head of state, faced strong headwinds after five decades of military dictatorship. The NLD government drew international criticism for blocking investigations of Burma’s military for operations, which the U.S. Department of State determined constituted genocide, on its Rohingya population that killed thousands and forced more than 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighboring Bangladesh. The military did not support an NLD pledge in 2019 to examine reforming the military’s 2008 constitution. When the 2020 elections resulted in further NLD gains, the military denounced them as fraudulent. This challenge led Commander-in-Chief Sr. General MIN AUNG HLAING (MAH) to launch a coup in February 2021 that has left Burma reeling with the return to authoritarian rule, the detention of ASSK and thousands of pro-democracy actors, and renewed brutal repression against protestors, widespread violence, and economic decline. Topic: BurundiEstablished 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 ceasefire 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 ceasefire 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. Topic: Cabo VerdeThe uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cabo Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. The fusing of European and various African cultural traditions is reflected in Cabo Verde’s Krioulo language, music, and pano textiles. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cabo Verde continues to sustain one of Africa's most stable democratic governments and one of its most stable economies, maintaining a currency formerly pegged to the Portuguese escudo and then the euro since 1998. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cabo Verde's expatriate population - concentrated in Boston and Western Europe - is greater than its domestic one. Most Cabo Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents. Cabo Verde’s population descends from its first permanent inhabitants in the late 15th-century – a preponderance of West African slaves, a small share of Portuguese colonists, and even fewer Italians and Spaniards. Among the nine inhabited islands, population distribution is variable. Islands in the east are very dry and are home to the country's growing tourism industry. The more western islands receive more precipitation and support larger populations, but agriculture and livestock grazing have damaged their soil fertility and vegetation. For centuries, the country’s overall population size has fluctuated significantly, as recurring periods of famine and epidemics have caused high death tolls and emigration. In November 2021, Jose Maria NEVES was sworn in as Cabo Verde's latest president. Topic: CambodiaMost Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863, and it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a seven-year struggle, communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off 20 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a cease-fire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition government. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders were tried for crimes against humanity by a hybrid UN-Cambodian tribunal supported by international assistance. In 2018, the tribunal heard its final cases, but it remains in operation to hear appeals. Elections in July 2003 were relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed. In October 2004, King Norodom SIHANOUK abdicated the throne and his son, Prince Norodom SIHAMONI, was selected to succeed him. Local (Commune Council) elections were held in Cambodia in 2012, with little of the violence that preceded prior elections. National elections in July 2013 were disputed, with the opposition - the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) - boycotting the National Assembly. The political impasse was ended nearly a year later, with the CNRP agreeing to enter parliament in exchange for commitments by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to undertake electoral and legislative reforms. The CNRP made further gains in local commune elections in June 2017, accelerating sitting Prime Minister HUN SEN’s efforts to marginalize the CNRP before national elections in 2018. HUN SEN arrested CNRP President KEM SOKHA in September 2017. The Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP in November 2017 and banned its leaders from participating in politics for at least five years. The CNRP’s seats in the National Assembly were redistributed to smaller, less influential opposition parties, while all of the CNRP’s 5,007 seats in the commune councils throughout the country were reallocated to the CPP. With the CNRP banned, the CPP swept the 2018 national elections, winning all 125 National Assembly seats and effectively turning the country into a one-party state. Cambodia has strong and growing economic and political ties with its large neighbor to the north, China. More than 53% of foreign investment in the country in 2021 came from China, and Beijing has provided over $15 billion in financial assistance since the 1990s. China accounted for 443 percent of Cambodia’s foreign debt in 2021. The CPP also partly sees Chinese support as a counterbalance to Thailand and Vietnam and to international criticism of the CPP’s human rights and antidemocratic record.Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863, and it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a seven-year struggle, communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off 20 years of civil war. Topic: CameroonMuch of the area of present-day Cameroon was ruled by powerful chiefdoms before becoming a German colony in 1884 known as Kamerun. After World War I, the territory was divided between France and the UK as League of Nations mandates. French Cameroon became independent in 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon. The following year the southern portion of neighboring British Cameroon voted to merge with the new country to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. In 1972, a new constitution replaced the federation with a unitary state, the United Republic of Cameroon. The country has generally enjoyed stability, which has enabled the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA. Topic: CanadaA land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, while retaining ties to the British crown. Canada gained legislative independence from Britain in 1931 and formalized its constitutional independence from the UK when it passed the Canada Act in 1982. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the world's longest international border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care, education, social services, and economic competitiveness, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment.A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867, while retaining ties to the British crown. Canada gained legislative independence from Britain in 1931 and formalized its constitutional independence from the UK when it passed the Canada Act in 1982. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the world's longest international border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care, education, social services, and economic competitiveness, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment. Topic: Cayman IslandsThe Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency. The territory has transformed itself into a significant offshore financial center. Topic: Central African RepublicThe Central African Republic (CAR) is a perennially weak state that sits at the crossroads of ethnic and linguistic groups in the center of the African continent. Among the last areas of sub-Saharan Africa to be drawn into the world economy, its introduction into trade networks around the early 1700s fostered significant competition among its population. The local population sought to benefit from the lucrative Atlantic, trans-Saharan, and Indian Ocean trade in enslaved people and ivory. Slave raids aided by representatives from the local populations fostered animosity between ethnic groups that remains today. The territory was established as a French colony named Ubangui-Shari in 1903, and France modeled its administration of the colony after the Belgian Congo, subcontracting control of the territory to private companies that collected rubber and ivory. Although France banned the domestic slave trade in CAR in the 1910s, the private companies continued to exploit the population through forced labor. The colony of Ubangi-Shari gained independence from France as the Central African Republic in August 1960, but the death of independence leader Barthelemy BOGANDA six months prior led to an immediate struggle for power. CAR’s political history has since been marred by a series of coups, the first of which brought Jean-Bedel BOKASSA to power in 1966. BOKASSA’s regime was characterized by widespread corruption and an intolerance of opposition, which manifested in the disappearances of many who challenged BOKASSA’s rule. In an effort to prolong his mandate, he named himself emperor in 1976 and changed the country’s name to the Central African Empire. His regime’s economic mismanagement culminated in widespread student protests in early 1979 that were violently suppressed by security forces. BOKASSA, rumored to have participated in the killing of some young students after the protests, fell out of favor with the international community and was overthrown in a French-backed coup in 1979. After BOKASSA’s departure, the country’s name once again became the Central African Republic. CAR’s fifth coup in March 2013 unseated President Francois BOZIZE after a mainly Muslim rebel coalition named the Seleka seized the capital and forced BOZIZE, who himself had taken power in a coup in 2003, to flee the country. Widespread abuses by the Seleka spurred the formation of mainly Christian self-defense groups that called themselves the anti-Balaka, which have also committed human rights abuses against Muslim populations in retaliation. Since the rise of the self-defense groups, conflict in CAR has become increasingly ethnoreligious-based, although focused on identity as opposed to religious ideology. Elections organized by a transitional government in early 2016 installed independent candidate Faustin-Archange TOUADERA as president; he was reelected in December 2020. A peace agreement signed in February 2019 between the government and the main armed factions has had little effect, and armed groups remain in control of large swaths of the country's territory.The Central African Republic (CAR) is a perennially weak state that sits at the crossroads of ethnic and linguistic groups in the center of the African continent. Among the last areas of sub-Saharan Africa to be drawn into the world economy, its introduction into trade networks around the early 1700s fostered significant competition among its population. The local population sought to benefit from the lucrative Atlantic, trans-Saharan, and Indian Ocean trade in enslaved people and ivory. Slave raids aided by representatives from the local populations fostered animosity between ethnic groups that remains today. The territory was established as a French colony named Ubangui-Shari in 1903, and France modeled its administration of the colony after the Belgian Congo, subcontracting control of the territory to private companies that collected rubber and ivory. Although France banned the domestic slave trade in CAR in the 1910s, the private companies continued to exploit the population through forced labor. The colony of Ubangi-Shari gained independence from France as the Central African Republic in August 1960, but the death of independence leader Barthelemy BOGANDA six months prior led to an immediate struggle for power.CAR’s political history has since been marred by a series of coups, the first of which brought Jean-Bedel BOKASSA to power in 1966. BOKASSA’s regime was characterized by widespread corruption and an intolerance of opposition, which manifested in the disappearances of many who challenged BOKASSA’s rule. In an effort to prolong his mandate, he named himself emperor in 1976 and changed the country’s name to the Central African Empire. His regime’s economic mismanagement culminated in widespread student protests in early 1979 that were violently suppressed by security forces. BOKASSA, rumored to have participated in the killing of some young students after the protests, fell out of favor with the international community and was overthrown in a French-backed coup in 1979. After BOKASSA’s departure, the country’s name once again became the Central African Republic.CAR’s fifth coup in March 2013 unseated President Francois BOZIZE after a mainly Muslim rebel coalition named the Seleka seized the capital and forced BOZIZE, who himself had taken power in a coup in 2003, to flee the country. Widespread abuses by the Seleka spurred the formation of mainly Christian self-defense groups that called themselves the anti-Balaka, which have also committed human rights abuses against Muslim populations in retaliation. Since the rise of the self-defense groups, conflict in CAR has become increasingly ethnoreligious-based, although focused on identity as opposed to religious ideology. Elections organized by a transitional government in early 2016 installed independent candidate Faustin-Archange TOUADERA as president; he was reelected in December 2020. A peace agreement signed in February 2019 between the government and the main armed factions has had little effect, and armed groups remain in control of large swaths of the country's territory. Topic: ChadChad emerged from a collection of powerful states that controlled the Sahelian belt starting around the 9th century. These states focused on controlling trans-Saharan trade routes and profited mostly from the slave trade. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, centered around the Lake Chad Basin, existed between the 9th and 19th centuries, and during its peak, the empire controlled territory stretching from southern Chad to southern Libya and included portions of modern-day Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, and Sudan. The Sudanese warlord Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR used an army comprised largely of slaves to conquer the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the late 19th century. In southeastern Chad, the Bagirmi and Ouaddai (Wadai) kingdoms emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries and lasted until the arrival of the French in the 19th and 20th centuries. France began moving into the region in the late 1880s and defeated the Bagirmi kingdom in 1897, Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR in 1900, and the Ouddai kingdom in 1909. In the arid regions of northern Chad and southern Libya, an Islamic order called the Sanusiyya (Sanusi) relied heavily on the trans-Saharan slave trade and had upwards of 3 million followers by the 1880s. The French arrived in the region in the early 1900s and defeated the Sanusiyya in 1910 after years of intermittent war. By 1910, France had incorporated the northern arid region, the Lake Chad Basin, and southeastern Chad into French Equatorial Africa.   Chad achieved its independence in 1960 and saw three decades of instability, oppressive rule, civil war, and a Libyan invasion. With the help of the French military and several African countries, Chadian leaders expelled Libyan forces during the 1987 "Toyota War," so named for the use of Toyota pickup trucks as fighting vehicles. In 1990, Chadian general Idriss DEBY led a rebellion against President Hissene HABRE. Under DEBY, Chad drafted and approved a constitution and held elections in 1996. DEBY led the country until April 2021 when he was killed during a rebel incursion. Shortly after his death, a group of military officials - led by former President DEBY’s son, Mahamat Idriss DEBY - took control of the government. The military officials dismissed the National Assembly, suspended the Constitution, and formed a Transitional Military Council while pledging to hold democratic elections in October 2022. Chad faces widespread poverty, an economy severely weakened by low international oil prices, and rebel and terrorist-led insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, northern Chad has seen several waves of rebellions since 1998. In late 2015, the government imposed a state of emergency in the Lake Chad Basin following multiple attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram, now known as ISIS-West Africa. In mid-2015, Boko Haram conducted bombings in N'Djamena. In late 2019, the Chadian government also declared a state of emergency in the Sila and Ouaddai regions bordering Sudan and in the Tibesti region bordering Niger where rival ethnic groups are still fighting. The army has suffered heavy losses to Islamic terror groups in the Lake Chad Basin. In March 2020, Islamic militants attacked a Chadian military camp in the Lake Chad Basin and killed nearly 100 soldiers; it was the deadliest attack in the history of the Chadian military.Chad emerged from a collection of powerful states that controlled the Sahelian belt starting around the 9th century. These states focused on controlling trans-Saharan trade routes and profited mostly from the slave trade. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, centered around the Lake Chad Basin, existed between the 9th and 19th centuries, and during its peak, the empire controlled territory stretching from southern Chad to southern Libya and included portions of modern-day Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, and Sudan. The Sudanese warlord Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR used an army comprised largely of slaves to conquer the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the late 19th century. In southeastern Chad, the Bagirmi and Ouaddai (Wadai) kingdoms emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries and lasted until the arrival of the French in the 19th and 20th centuries. France began moving into the region in the late 1880s and defeated the Bagirmi kingdom in 1897, Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR in 1900, and the Ouddai kingdom in 1909. In the arid regions of northern Chad and southern Libya, an Islamic order called the Sanusiyya (Sanusi) relied heavily on the trans-Saharan slave trade and had upwards of 3 million followers by the 1880s. The French arrived in the region in the early 1900s and defeated the Sanusiyya in 1910 after years of intermittent war. By 1910, France had incorporated the northern arid region, the Lake Chad Basin, and southeastern Chad into French Equatorial Africa.  Chad achieved its independence in 1960 and saw three decades of instability, oppressive rule, civil war, and a Libyan invasion. With the help of the French military and several African countries, Chadian leaders expelled Libyan forces during the 1987 "Toyota War," so named for the use of Toyota pickup trucks as fighting vehicles. In 1990, Chadian general Idriss DEBY led a rebellion against President Hissene HABRE. Under DEBY, Chad drafted and approved a constitution and held elections in 1996. DEBY led the country until April 2021 when he was killed during a rebel incursion. Shortly after his death, a group of military officials - led by former President DEBY’s son, Mahamat Idriss DEBY - took control of the government. The military officials dismissed the National Assembly, suspended the Constitution, and formed a Transitional Military Council while pledging to hold democratic elections in October 2022.Chad faces widespread poverty, an economy severely weakened by low international oil prices, and rebel and terrorist-led insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, northern Chad has seen several waves of rebellions since 1998. In late 2015, the government imposed a state of emergency in the Lake Chad Basin following multiple attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram, now known as ISIS-West Africa. In mid-2015, Boko Haram conducted bombings in N'Djamena. In late 2019, the Chadian government also declared a state of emergency in the Sila and Ouaddai regions bordering Sudan and in the Tibesti region bordering Niger where rival ethnic groups are still fighting. The army has suffered heavy losses to Islamic terror groups in the Lake Chad Basin. In March 2020, Islamic militants attacked a Chadian military camp in the Lake Chad Basin and killed nearly 100 soldiers; it was the deadliest attack in the history of the Chadian military. Topic: ChileIndigenous groups inhabited central and southern Chile for several thousands of years, living in mixed pastoralist and settled communities, ending with the Inka ruling the north of the country for nearly a century prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The Captaincy General of Chile was founded by the Spanish in 1541, lasting until Chile declared its independence in 1810. The subsequent struggle became tied to other South American independence conflicts, with a decisive victory over the Spanish not being achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia to win its current northernmost regions. By the 1880s, the Chilean central government cemented its control over the central and southern regions inhabited by Mapuche Indigenous peoples. Between 1891 and 1973, a series of elected governments succeeded each other until the three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a military coup led by General Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a democratically-elected president was inaugurated in 1990. Economic reforms, maintained consistently since the 1980s, contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation. Topic: ChinaChina's historical civilization dates to at least 13th century B.C., first under the Shang (to 1046 B.C.) and then the Zhou (1046-221 B.C) dynasties. The imperial era of China began in 221 B.C. under the Qin Dynasty and lasted until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. During this period, China alternated between periods of unity and disunity under a succession of imperial dynasties. In the 19th century, the Qing Dynasty suffered heavily from overextension by territorial conquest, insolvency, civil war, imperialism, military defeats, and foreign expropriation of ports and infrastructure. It collapsed following the Revolution of 1911, and China became a republic under SUN Yat-sen of the Kuomintang (KMT or Nationalist) Party. However, the republic was beset by division, warlordism, and continued foreign intervention. In the late 1920s, a civil war erupted between the ruling KMT-controlled government led by CHIANG Kai-shek, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Japan occupied much of northeastern China in the early 1930s, and then launched a full-scale invasion of the country in 1937. The resulting eight years of warfare devastated the country and cost up to 20 million Chinese lives by the time of Japan’s defeat in 1945. The Nationalist-Communist civil war continued with renewed intensity following the end of World War II and culminated with a CCP victory in 1949, under the leadership of MAO Zedong. MAO and the CCP established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring the PRC's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and launched agricultural, economic, political, and social policies - such as the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) and the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) - that cost the lives of millions of people. MAO died in 1976. Beginning in 1978, subsequent leaders DENG Xiaoping, JIANG Zemin, and HU Jintao focused on market-oriented economic development and opening up the country to foreign trade, while maintaining the rule of the CCP. Since the change, China has been among the world’s fastest growing economies, with real gross domestic product averaging over 9% growth annually through 2021, lifting an estimated 800 million people out of poverty, and dramatically improving overall living standards. By 2011, the PRC’s economy was the second largest in the world. The growth, however, has created considerable social displacement, adversely affected the country’s environment, and reduced the country’s natural resources. Current leader XI Jinping has continued these policies, but also has maintained tight political controls. Over the past decade, China has also increased its global outreach, including military deployments, participation in international organizations, and initiating a global connectivity initiative in 2013 called the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI). While many nations have signed on to BRI agreements to attract PRC investment, others have balked the opaque lending behavior; weak environment, social, and governance (ESG) standards; and other practices that undermine local governance and foster corruption associated with some BRI-linked projects. XI Jinping assumed the positions of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission in 2012 and President in 2013. 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.  China's historical civilization dates to at least 13th century B.C., first under the Shang (to 1046 B.C.) and then the Zhou (1046-221 B.C) dynasties. The imperial era of China began in 221 B.C. under the Qin Dynasty and lasted until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. During this period, China alternated between periods of unity and disunity under a succession of imperial dynasties. In the 19th century, the Qing Dynasty suffered heavily from overextension by territorial conquest, insolvency, civil war, imperialism, military defeats, and foreign expropriation of ports and infrastructure. It collapsed following the Revolution of 1911, and China became a republic under SUN Yat-sen of the Kuomintang (KMT or Nationalist) Party. However, the republic was beset by division, warlordism, and continued foreign intervention. In the late 1920s, a civil war erupted between the ruling KMT-controlled government led by CHIANG Kai-shek, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Japan occupied much of northeastern China in the early 1930s, and then launched a full-scale invasion of the country in 1937. The resulting eight years of warfare devastated the country and cost up to 20 million Chinese lives by the time of Japan’s defeat in 1945. The Nationalist-Communist civil war continued with renewed intensity following the end of World War II and culminated with a CCP victory in 1949, under the leadership of MAO Zedong. MAO and the CCP established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring the PRC's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and launched agricultural, economic, political, and social policies - such as the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962) and the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) - that cost the lives of millions of people. MAO died in 1976. Beginning in 1978, subsequent leaders DENG Xiaoping, JIANG Zemin, and HU Jintao focused on market-oriented economic development and opening up the country to foreign trade, while maintaining the rule of the CCP. Since the change, China has been among the world’s fastest growing economies, with real gross domestic product averaging over 9% growth annually through 2021, lifting an estimated 800 million people out of poverty, and dramatically improving overall living standards. By 2011, the PRC’s economy was the second largest in the world. The growth, however, has created considerable social displacement, adversely affected the country’s environment, and reduced the country’s natural resources. Current leader XI Jinping has continued these policies, but also has maintained tight political controls. Over the past decade, China has also increased its global outreach, including military deployments, participation in international organizations, and initiating a global connectivity initiative in 2013 called the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI). While many nations have signed on to BRI agreements to attract PRC investment, others have balked the opaque lending behavior; weak environment, social, and governance (ESG) standards; and other practices that undermine local governance and foster corruption associated with some BRI-linked projects. XI Jinping assumed the positions of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission in 2012 and President in 2013. 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 IslandAlthough Europeans sighted the island as early as 1615, it was only named in 1643 by English Captain William MYNORS for the day of its rediscovery. Another English ship sailed by the island in 1688 and found it uninhabited. Attempts to explore the island over the next two centuries were hampered by steep cliffs and dense jungle. Phosphate discovery on the island in 1887, lead to the UK annexing it the following year. In 1898, the Christmas Island Phosphate Company brought in 200 Chinese indentured servants to work the mines, along with Malays, Sikhs, and a small number of Europeans. The UK administered Christmas Island from Singapore. Japan invaded the island in 1942, but islanders sabotaged Japanese mining operations, making the mines relatively unproductive. After World War II, Australia and New Zealand bought the Christmas Island Phosphate Company, and in 1958, the UK transferred sovereignty from Singapore to Australia in exchange for $20 million for the loss of future phosphate income. In 1980, Australia set up the Christmas Island National Park and expanded its boundaries throughout the 1980s until it covered more than 60% of the island’s territory. The phosphate mine was closed in 1987 because of environmental concerns and Australia has rejected several efforts to reopen it. In the 1980s, boats of asylum seekers started landing on Christmas Island and the migrants claimed refugee status since they were on Australian territory. In 2001, Australia declared Christmas Island outside the Australian migration zone and built an immigration detention center on the island. Completed in 2008, the controversial detention center was officially closed in 2018, although plans to reopen it were announced in early 2019.Although Europeans sighted the island as early as 1615, it was only named in 1643 by English Captain William MYNORS for the day of its rediscovery. Another English ship sailed by the island in 1688 and found it uninhabited. Attempts to explore the island over the next two centuries were hampered by steep cliffs and dense jungle. Phosphate discovery on the island in 1887, lead to the UK annexing it the following year. In 1898, the Christmas Island Phosphate Company brought in 200 Chinese indentured servants to work the mines, along with Malays, Sikhs, and a small number of Europeans. The UK administered Christmas Island from Singapore. Japan invaded the island in 1942, but islanders sabotaged Japanese mining operations, making the mines relatively unproductive. After World War II, Australia and New Zealand bought the Christmas Island Phosphate Company, and in 1958, the UK transferred sovereignty from Singapore to Australia in exchange for $20 million for the loss of future phosphate income. In 1980, Australia set up the Christmas Island National Park and expanded its boundaries throughout the 1980s until it covered more than 60% of the island’s territory. The phosphate mine was closed in 1987 because of environmental concerns and Australia has rejected several efforts to reopen it. In the 1980s, boats of asylum seekers started landing on Christmas Island and the migrants claimed refugee status since they were on Australian territory. In 2001, Australia declared Christmas Island outside the Australian migration zone and built an immigration detention center on the island. Completed in 2008, the controversial detention center was officially closed in 2018, although plans to reopen it were announced in early 2019. Topic: Clipperton IslandThis isolated atoll was named for John CLIPPERTON, an English pirate who was rumored to have made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855 and claimed by the US, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France in 1931, which took possession in 1935. Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsBritish captain William KEELING discovered Cocos (Keeling) Islands in 1609 and they were named the Cocos Islands in 1622 for their coconut trees. Some maps began referring to them as the Keeling Islands in 1703. In 1825, Scottish trader John CLUNIES-ROSS was trying to get to Christmas Island but was blown off-course and landed on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The next year, a British trader hired John’s brother to bring slaves and a harem of Malay women to create the first permanent settlement on the island. By the 1830s, the Clunies-Ross family had firmly established themselves as the leaders of the islands and they ruled Cocos (Keeling) Islands in a feudal style until 1978. The UK annexed the islands in 1857 and administered them from Ceylon after 1878 and from Singapore after 1886. Cocos (Keeling) Islands hosted a cable relaying station and was attacked by the Germans in World War I. The Japanese similarly attacked the islands in World War II. The UK transferred the islands to Australia in 1955, which officially named the islands the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and in 1978, Australia bought all the land held by the Clunies-Ross family, ending their control of the islands’ governance. In a referendum in 1984, most islanders voted to integrate with Australia, and Western Australian laws have applied on the islands since 1992.  British captain William KEELING discovered Cocos (Keeling) Islands in 1609 and they were named the Cocos Islands in 1622 for their coconut trees. Some maps began referring to them as the Keeling Islands in 1703. In 1825, Scottish trader John CLUNIES-ROSS was trying to get to Christmas Island but was blown off-course and landed on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The next year, a British trader hired John’s brother to bring slaves and a harem of Malay women to create the first permanent settlement on the island. By the 1830s, the Clunies-Ross family had firmly established themselves as the leaders of the islands and they ruled Cocos (Keeling) Islands in a feudal style until 1978. The UK annexed the islands in 1857 and administered them from Ceylon after 1878 and from Singapore after 1886. Cocos (Keeling) Islands hosted a cable relaying station and was attacked by the Germans in World War I. The Japanese similarly attacked the islands in World War II. The UK transferred the islands to Australia in 1955, which officially named the islands the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and in 1978, Australia bought all the land held by the Clunies-Ross family, ending their control of the islands’ governance. In a referendum in 1984, most islanders voted to integrate with Australia, and Western Australian laws have applied on the islands since 1992.  Topic: ColombiaColombia was one of the three countries that emerged after the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A decades-long conflict between government forces, paramilitaries, and antigovernment insurgent groups heavily funded by the drug trade, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), escalated during the 1990s. More than 31,000 former United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) paramilitaries demobilized by the end of 2006, and the AUC as a formal organization ceased to operate. In the wake of the paramilitary demobilization, illegal armed groups arose, whose members include some former paramilitaries. After four years of formal peace negotiations, the Colombian Government signed a final peace accord with the FARC in November 2016, which was subsequently ratified by the Colombian Congress. The accord calls for members of the FARC to demobilize, disarm, and reincorporate into society and politics. The accord also committed the Colombian Government to create three new institutions to form a 'comprehensive system for truth, justice, reparation, and non-repetition,' to include a truth commission, a special unit to coordinate the search for those who disappeared during the conflict, and a 'Special Jurisdiction for Peace' to administer justice for conflict-related crimes. Despite decades of internal conflict and drug-related security challenges, Colombia maintains relatively strong and independent democratic institutions characterized by peaceful, transparent elections and the protection of civil liberties.Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged after the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A decades-long conflict between government forces, paramilitaries, and antigovernment insurgent groups heavily funded by the drug trade, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), escalated during the 1990s. More than 31,000 former United Self Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) paramilitaries demobilized by the end of 2006, and the AUC as a formal organization ceased to operate. In the wake of the paramilitary demobilization, illegal armed groups arose, whose members include some former paramilitaries. After four years of formal peace negotiations, the Colombian Government signed a final peace accord with the FARC in November 2016, which was subsequently ratified by the Colombian Congress. The accord calls for members of the FARC to demobilize, disarm, and reincorporate into society and politics. The accord also committed the Colombian Government to create three new institutions to form a 'comprehensive system for truth, justice, reparation, and non-repetition,' to include a truth commission, a special unit to coordinate the search for those who disappeared during the conflict, and a 'Special Jurisdiction for Peace' to administer justice for conflict-related crimes. Despite decades of internal conflict and drug-related security challenges, Colombia maintains relatively strong and independent democratic institutions characterized by peaceful, transparent elections and the protection of civil liberties. Topic: ComorosThe archipelago of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean, composed of the islands of Mayotte, Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore declared independence from France on 6 July 1975. Residents of Mayotte voted to remain in France, and France now has classified it as a department of France. Since independence, Comoros has endured political instability through realized and attempted coups. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI Assoumani seized power of the entire government in a bloodless coup; he initiated the 2000 Fomboni Accords, a power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its local government. AZALI won the 2002 federal presidential election as president of the Union of the Comoros from Grande Comore Island, which held the first four-year term. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed SAMBI was elected to office as president from Anjouan. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union of the Comoros, refusing to step down when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and a naval blockade to Anjouan, but in March 2008 the AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The island's inhabitants generally welcomed the move. In 2009, the Comorian population approved a constitutional referendum extending the term of the president from four years to five years. In May 2011, Ikililou DHOININE won the presidency in peaceful elections widely deemed to be free and fair. In closely contested elections in 2016, former President AZALI Assoumani won a second term, when the rotating presidency returned to Grande Comore. A new July 2018 constitution removed the presidential term limits and the requirement for the presidency to rotate between the three main islands. In August 2018, President AZALI formed a new government and subsequently ran and was elected president in March 2019. Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theThe Kingdom of Kongo ruled the area around the mouth of the Congo River from the 14th to 19th centuries. To the center and east, the Kingdoms of Luba and Lunda ruled from the 16th and 17th centuries to the 19th century. in the 1870s, European exploration of the Congo Basin, sponsored by King Leopold II of Belgium, eventually allowed the ruler to acquire rights to the Congo territory and to make it his private property under the name of the Congo Free State. During the Free State, the king's colonial military forced the local population to produce rubber. From 1885 to 1908, millions of Congolese people died as a result of disease and exploitation. International condemnation finally forced Leopold to cede the land to Belgium, creating the Belgian Congo. The Republic of the Congo gained its independence from Belgium in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from conflict in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. KABILA renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support KABILA's regime. In January 2001, KABILA was assassinated and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying the eastern DRC; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. Presidential, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures took place in 2006, with Joseph KABILA elected to office. National elections were held in November 2011 and disputed results allowed Joseph KABILA to be reelected to the presidency. While the DRC constitution barred President KABILA from running for a third term, the DRC Government delayed national elections originally slated for November 2016, to 30 December 2018. This failure to hold elections as scheduled fueled significant civil and political unrest, with sporadic street protests by KABILA’s opponents and exacerbation of tensions in the tumultuous eastern DRC regions. Presidential, legislative, and provincial elections were held in late December 2018 and early 2019 across most of the country. The DRC Government canceled presidential elections in the cities of Beni and Butembo (citing concerns over an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region) as well as Yumbi (which had recently experienced heavy violence). Opposition candidate Felix TSHISEKEDI was announced the election winner on 10 January 2019 and inaugurated two weeks later. This was the first transfer of power to an opposition candidate without significant violence or a coup since the DRC's independence.  The DRC, particularly in the East, continues to experience violence perpetrated by more than 100 armed groups active in the region, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and assorted Mai Mai militias. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has operated in the region since 1999 and is the largest and most expensive UN peacekeeping mission in the world.  The Kingdom of Kongo ruled the area around the mouth of the Congo River from the 14th to 19th centuries. To the center and east, the Kingdoms of Luba and Lunda ruled from the 16th and 17th centuries to the 19th century. in the 1870s, European exploration of the Congo Basin, sponsored by King Leopold II of Belgium, eventually allowed the ruler to acquire rights to the Congo territory and to make it his private property under the name of the Congo Free State. During the Free State, the king's colonial military forced the local population to produce rubber. From 1885 to 1908, millions of Congolese people died as a result of disease and exploitation. International condemnation finally forced Leopold to cede the land to Belgium, creating the Belgian Congo. The Republic of the Congo gained its independence from Belgium in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from conflict in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. KABILA renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support KABILA's regime. In January 2001, KABILA was assassinated and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying the eastern DRC; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. Presidential, National Assembly, and provincial legislatures took place in 2006, with Joseph KABILA elected to office.National elections were held in November 2011 and disputed results allowed Joseph KABILA to be reelected to the presidency. While the DRC constitution barred President KABILA from running for a third term, the DRC Government delayed national elections originally slated for November 2016, to 30 December 2018. This failure to hold elections as scheduled fueled significant civil and political unrest, with sporadic street protests by KABILA’s opponents and exacerbation of tensions in the tumultuous eastern DRC regions. Presidential, legislative, and provincial elections were held in late December 2018 and early 2019 across most of the country. The DRC Government canceled presidential elections in the cities of Beni and Butembo (citing concerns over an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region) as well as Yumbi (which had recently experienced heavy violence).Opposition candidate Felix TSHISEKEDI was announced the election winner on 10 January 2019 and inaugurated two weeks later. This was the first transfer of power to an opposition candidate without significant violence or a coup since the DRC's independence. The DRC, particularly in the East, continues to experience violence perpetrated by more than 100 armed groups active in the region, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and assorted Mai Mai militias. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has operated in the region since 1999 and is the largest and most expensive UN peacekeeping mission in the world.  Topic: Congo, Republic of theUpon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. A two-year civil war that ended in 1999 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso, who had ruled from 1979 to 1992, and sparked a short period of ethnic and political unrest that was resolved by a peace agreement in late 1999. A new constitution adopted three years later provided for a multi-party system and a seven-year presidential term, and elections arranged shortly thereafter installed SASSOU-Nguesso. Following a year of renewed fighting, President SASSOU-Nguesso and southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003. SASSOU-Nguesso was reeelected in 2009 and, after passing a referendum allowing him to run for a third term, was reelected again in 2016. The Republic of Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term. Topic: Cook IslandsPolynesians from Tahiti were probably the first people to settle Rarotonga around A.D. 900. Over time, Samoans and Tongans also settled in Rarotonga, and Rarotongans voyaged to the northern Cook Islands, settling Manihiki and Rakahanga. Pukapuka and Penrhyn in the northern Cook Islands were settled directly from Samoa. Prior to European contact, there was considerable travel and trade between inhabitants of the different islands and atolls but they were not united in a single entity. Spanish navigators were the first Europeans to spot the northern Cook Islands in 1595 followed by the first landing in 1606. The Cook Islands remained free of further European contact until the 1760s, and in 1773, British explorer James COOK saw Manuae in the southern Cook Islands. The islands were named after COOK in the 1820s by Russian mapmakers. English missionary activity during the 1820s and 1830s banned singing and dancing and converted most of the population. Fearing France would militarily occupy the islands like it did in Tahiti, Rarotongans asked the UK for protectorate status in the 1840s and 1860s, which the UK ignored. In 1888, Queen MAKEA TAKAU of Rarotonga formally petitioned for protectorate status, which the UK reluctantly agreed to. In 1901, the UK placed Rarotonga and the rest of the islands in the New Zealand Colony and in 1915, the Cook Islands Act organized the Cook Islands into one political entity. It remained a protectorate until 1965, when New Zealand granted the Cook Islands self-government status. The Cook Islands has a great deal of local autonomy and is an independent member of international organizations, but it is in free association with New Zealand, which is responsible for defense and foreign affairs. Economic opportunities in the Cook Islands are sparse, and more Cook Islanders live in New Zealand than in the Cook Islands. In a referendum in 1994, voters chose to keep the name Cook Islands rather than changing to a Maori name for the islands. The issue was revived in 2019, but after being poorly received by the diaspora in New Zealand, the government decided to retain the name Cook Islands but to provide a Maori name alongside it. The Maori name has not yet been determined. Topic: Coral Sea IslandsThe widely scattered islands were first charted in 1803, but they were too small to host any permanent human habitation. The 1870s and 1880s, saw attempts at guano mining, but these were soon abandoned. The islands became an Australian territory in 1969 and its boundaries were extended in 1997. A small meteorological staff has operated on the Willis Islets since 1921, and several other islands host unmanned weather stations, beacons, and lighthouses. Much of the territory lies within marine national nature reserves.  The widely scattered islands were first charted in 1803, but they were too small to host any permanent human habitation. The 1870s and 1880s, saw attempts at guano mining, but these were soon abandoned. The islands became an Australian territory in 1969 and its boundaries were extended in 1997. A small meteorological staff has operated on the Willis Islets since 1921, and several other islands host unmanned weather stations, beacons, and lighthouses. Much of the territory lies within marine national nature reserves.  Topic: Costa RicaAlthough explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by indigenous populations, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. On 1 December 1948, Costa Rica dissolved its armed forces. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread. Topic: Cote d'IvoireVarious small kingdoms ruled the area of Cote d'Ivoire between the 15th and 19th centuries, when European explorers arrived and then began to expand their presence. In 1844, France established a protectorate. During this period, many of these kingdoms and tribes fought to maintain their cultural identities - some well into the 20th century. For example, the Sanwi kingdom - originally founded in the 17th century - tried to break away from Cote d’Ivoire and establish an independent state in 1969.  Cote d’Ivoire achieved independence from France in 1960 but has maintained close ties with France. The export and production of cocoa and foreign investment drove economic growth that led Cote d’Ivoire to become one of the most prosperous states in West Africa. In December 1999, a military coup overthrew the government. In late 2000, junta leader Robert GUEI held rigged elections and declared himself the winner. Popular protests forced him to step aside, and Laurent GBAGBO was elected. In September 2002, Ivoirian dissidents and members of the military launched a failed coup that developed into a civil war. In 2003, a cease-fire resulted in rebels holding the north, the government holding the south, and peacekeeping forces occupying a buffer zone in the middle. In March 2007, President GBAGBO and former rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed an agreement in which SORO joined GBAGBO's government as prime minister. The two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the buffer zone, integrating rebel forces into the national armed forces, and holding elections. In November 2010, Alassane Dramane OUATTARA won the presidential election, but GBAGBO refused to hand over power, resulting in five months of violent conflict. In April 2011, after widespread fighting, GBAGBO was formally forced from office by armed OUATTARA supporters and UN and French forces. In 2015, OUATTARA won a second term. In October 2020, OUATTARA won a controversial third presidential term, despite a two-term limit in the Ivoirian constitution, in an election boycotted by the opposition. Through political compromise with OUATTARA, the opposition did participate peacefully in March 2021 legislative elections and won a substantial minority of seats. Also in March 2021, the International Criminal Court in The Hague ruled on a final acquittal for GBAGBO, who was on trial for crimes against humanity, paving the way for GBAGBO’s June 2021 return to Abidjan. GBAGBO has publicly met with President OUATTARA since his return in June 2021 as a demonstration of political reconciliation. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2025.  Various small kingdoms ruled the area of Cote d'Ivoire between the 15th and 19th centuries, when European explorers arrived and then began to expand their presence. In 1844, France established a protectorate. During this period, many of these kingdoms and tribes fought to maintain their cultural identities - some well into the 20th century. For example, the Sanwi kingdom - originally founded in the 17th century - tried to break away from Cote d’Ivoire and establish an independent state in 1969.  Cote d’Ivoire achieved independence from France in 1960 but has maintained close ties with France. The export and production of cocoa and foreign investment drove economic growth that led Cote d’Ivoire to become one of the most prosperous states in West Africa. In December 1999, a military coup overthrew the government. In late 2000, junta leader Robert GUEI held rigged elections and declared himself the winner. Popular protests forced him to step aside, and Laurent GBAGBO was elected. In September 2002, Ivoirian dissidents and members of the military launched a failed coup that developed into a civil war. In 2003, a cease-fire resulted in rebels holding the north, the government holding the south, and peacekeeping forces occupying a buffer zone in the middle. In March 2007, President GBAGBO and former rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed an agreement in which SORO joined GBAGBO's government as prime minister. The two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the buffer zone, integrating rebel forces into the national armed forces, and holding elections. In November 2010, Alassane Dramane OUATTARA won the presidential election, but GBAGBO refused to hand over power, resulting in five months of violent conflict. In April 2011, after widespread fighting, GBAGBO was formally forced from office by armed OUATTARA supporters and UN and French forces. In 2015, OUATTARA won a second term. In October 2020, OUATTARA won a controversial third presidential term, despite a two-term limit in the Ivoirian constitution, in an election boycotted by the opposition. Through political compromise with OUATTARA, the opposition did participate peacefully in March 2021 legislative elections and won a substantial minority of seats. Also in March 2021, the International Criminal Court in The Hague ruled on a final acquittal for GBAGBO, who was on trial for crimes against humanity, paving the way for GBAGBO’s June 2021 return to Abidjan. GBAGBO has publicly met with President OUATTARA since his return in June 2021 as a demonstration of political reconciliation. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2025.  Topic: CroatiaThe lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the strong hand of Marshal Josip Broz, aka TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Yugoslav forces, dominated by Serb officers, were mostly cleared from Croatian lands, along with a majority of Croatia's ethnic Serb population. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the strong hand of Marshal Josip Broz, aka TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Yugoslav forces, dominated by Serb officers, were mostly cleared from Croatian lands, along with a majority of Croatia's ethnic Serb population. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013. Topic: CubaThe native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European encounter of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence movement and occasional rebellions were harshly suppressed. US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence from Spain in 1898 and, following three-and-a-half years of subsequent US military rule, Cuba became an independent republic in 1902 after which the island experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his authoritarian rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly five decades. He handed off the pesidency in February 2008 to his younger brother Raul CASTRO. Cuba's communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez, hand-picked by Raul CASTRO to succeed him, was approved as president by the National Assembly and took office on 19 April 2018. DIAZ-CANEL was appointed First Secretary of the Communist Party on 19 April 2021 following the retirement of Raul CASTRO, and continues to serve as both president and first secretary. Cuba traditionally and consistently portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source of its difficulties. As a result of efforts begun in December 2014 to reestablish diplomatic relations with the Cuban Government, which were severed in January 1961, the US and Cuba reopened embassies in their respective countries in July 2015. The embargo remains in place, and the relationship between the US and Cuba remains tense.  Illicit migration of Cuban nationals to the US via maritime and overland routes has been a longstanding challenge. On 12 January 2017, the US and Cuba signed a Joint Statement ending the so-called "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy – by which Cuban nationals who reached US soil were permitted to stay. Irregular Cuban maritime migration has dropped significantly since FY 2016, when migrant interdictions at sea topped 5,000, but land border crossings continue. In FY 2021, the US Coast Guard interdicted 838 Cuban nationals at sea. Also in FY 2021, 39,303 Cuban nationals presented themselves at various land border ports of entry throughout the US.The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European encounter of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence movement and occasional rebellions were harshly suppressed. US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence from Spain in 1898 and, following three-and-a-half years of subsequent US military rule, Cuba became an independent republic in 1902 after which the island experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his authoritarian rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly five decades. He handed off the pesidency in February 2008 to his younger brother Raul CASTRO. Cuba's communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez, hand-picked by Raul CASTRO to succeed him, was approved as president by the National Assembly and took office on 19 April 2018. DIAZ-CANEL was appointed First Secretary of the Communist Party on 19 April 2021 following the retirement of Raul CASTRO, and continues to serve as both president and first secretary.Cuba traditionally and consistently portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source of its difficulties. As a result of efforts begun in December 2014 to reestablish diplomatic relations with the Cuban Government, which were severed in January 1961, the US and Cuba reopened embassies in their respective countries in July 2015. The embargo remains in place, and the relationship between the US and Cuba remains tense. Illicit migration of Cuban nationals to the US via maritime and overland routes has been a longstanding challenge. On 12 January 2017, the US and Cuba signed a Joint Statement ending the so-called "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy – by which Cuban nationals who reached US soil were permitted to stay. Irregular Cuban maritime migration has dropped significantly since FY 2016, when migrant interdictions at sea topped 5,000, but land border crossings continue. In FY 2021, the US Coast Guard interdicted 838 Cuban nationals at sea. Also in FY 2021, 39,303 Cuban nationals presented themselves at various land border ports of entry throughout the US. Topic: CuracaoThe original Arawak Indian settlers who arrived on the island from South America in about 1000, were largely enslaved by the Spanish early in the 16th century and forcibly relocated to other colonies where labor was needed. Curacao was seized by the Dutch from the Spanish in 1634. Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curacao was hard hit economically by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. In 1954, Curacao and several other Dutch Caribbean colonies were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. Topic: CyprusA former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority communities came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued, forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to overthrow the elected president of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot administered area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"), but it is recognized only by Turkey. An UN-mediated agreement, the Annan Plan, failed to win approval by both communities in 2004. In February 2014, after a hiatus of nearly two years, the leaders of the two communities resumed formal discussions under UN auspices aimed at reuniting the divided island. The most recent round of negotiations to reunify the island were suspended in July 2017 after failure to achieve a breakthrough. The entire island entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under the internationally recognized government, and is suspended in the "TRNC." However, individual Turkish Cypriots able to document their eligibility for Republic of Cyprus citizenship legally enjoy the same rights accorded to other citizens of EU states. Topic: CzechiaAt the close of World War I, the Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia, a parliamentarian democracy. During the interwar years, having rejected a federal system, the new country's predominantly Czech leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the increasingly strident demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Slovaks, the Sudeten Germans, and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). On the eve of World War II, Nazi Germany occupied the territory that today comprises Czechia, and Slovakia became an independent state allied with Germany. After the war, a reunited but truncated Czechoslovakia (less Ruthenia) fell within the Soviet sphere of influence when the pro-Soviet Communist party staged a coup in February 1948. In 1968, an invasion by fellow Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country'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, the country underwent a nonviolent "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004. The country formally added the short-form name Czechia in 2016, while also continuing to use the full form name, the Czech Republic. Topic: DenmarkOnce 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 issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.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 issues concerning certain justice and home affairs. Topic: DhekeliaBy terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers - Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The larger of these is the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area. Topic: DjiboutiThe 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 Somali 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 Somali. 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 Somali 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 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. Topic: DominicaDominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which colonized the island in 1805. Slavery ended in 1833 and in 1835 the first three men of African descent were elected to the legislative assembly of Dominica. In 1871, Dominica became part first of the British Leeward Islands and then the British Windward Islands until 1958. In 1967 Dominica became an associated state of the UK, and formally took responsibility for its internal affairs. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. On 18 September 2017, Hurricane Maria passed over the island, causing extensive damage to structures, roads, communications, and the power supply, and largely destroying critical agricultural areas. Topic: Dominican RepublicThe Taino - indigenous inhabitants of Hispaniola prior to the arrival of the Europeans - divided the island into five chiefdoms and territories. Christopher COLUMBUS explored and claimed the island on his first voyage in 1492; it became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821 but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored independence in 1865. A legacy of unsettled, mostly non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930 to 1961. Juan BOSCH was elected president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In 1965, the US led an intervention in the midst of a civil war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in the presidential election. BALAGUER maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years when international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held in which opposition candidates have won the presidency. Former President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (first term 1996-2000) won election to a new term in 2004 following a constitutional amendment allowing presidents to serve more than one term, and was later reelected to a second consecutive term. Following the two-term presidency of Danilo MEDINA Sanchez (2012-2020), Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona was elected president in July 2020. Topic: EcuadorWhat is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of Spanish colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty - New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito - gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a federation known as Gran Colombia. When Quito withdrew in 1830, the traditional name was changed in favor of the "Republic of the Equator." Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 30 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period was marred by political instability. Protests in Quito contributed to the mid-term ouster of three of Ecuador's last four democratically elected presidents. In late 2008, voters approved a new constitution, Ecuador's 20th since gaining independence. Guillermo LASSO was elected president in April 2021 becoming the country's first center-right president in nearly two decades when he took office the following month. Topic: EgyptThe regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Completion of the Suez Canal in 1869 elevated Egypt as an important world transportation hub. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty from Britain in 1952. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have reaffirmed the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's fast-growing population as it implements large-scale infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, and foreign direct investment appeals. Inspired by the 2010 Tunisian revolution, Egyptian opposition groups led demonstrations and labor strikes countrywide, culminating in President Hosni MUBARAK's ouster in 2011. Egypt's military assumed national leadership until a new legislature was in place in early 2012; later that same year, Muhammad MURSI won the presidential election. Following protests throughout the spring of 2013 against MURSI's government and the Muslim Brotherhood, the Egyptian Armed Forces intervened and removed MURSI from power in July 2013 and replaced him with interim president Adly MANSOUR. Simultaneously, the government began enacting laws to limit freedoms of assembly and expression. In January 2014, voters approved a new constitution by referendum and in May 2014 elected former defense minister Abdelfattah ELSISI president. Egypt elected a new legislature in December 2015, its first House of Representatives since 2012. ELSISI was reelected to a second four-year term in March 2018. In April 2019, Egypt approved via national referendum a set of constitutional amendments extending ELSISI’s term in office through 2024 and possibly through 2030 if reelected for a third term. The amendments would also allow future presidents up to two consecutive six-year terms in office, reestablish an upper legislative house, allow for one or more vice presidents, establish a 25% quota for female legislators, reaffirm the military’s role as guardian of Egypt, and expand presidential authority to appoint the heads of judicial councils. Successful legislative elections were held in October-November 2020, having been delayed for six months.    The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Completion of the Suez Canal in 1869 elevated Egypt as an important world transportation hub. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty from Britain in 1952. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have reaffirmed the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to meet the demands of Egypt's fast-growing population as it implements large-scale infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, and foreign direct investment appeals.Inspired by the 2010 Tunisian revolution, Egyptian opposition groups led demonstrations and labor strikes countrywide, culminating in President Hosni MUBARAK's ouster in 2011. Egypt's military assumed national leadership until a new legislature was in place in early 2012; later that same year, Muhammad MURSI won the presidential election. Following protests throughout the spring of 2013 against MURSI's government and the Muslim Brotherhood, the Egyptian Armed Forces intervened and removed MURSI from power in July 2013 and replaced him with interim president Adly MANSOUR. Simultaneously, the government began enacting laws to limit freedoms of assembly and expression. In January 2014, voters approved a new constitution by referendum and in May 2014 elected former defense minister Abdelfattah ELSISI president. Egypt elected a new legislature in December 2015, its first House of Representatives since 2012. ELSISI was reelected to a second four-year term in March 2018. In April 2019, Egypt approved via national referendum a set of constitutional amendments extending ELSISI’s term in office through 2024 and possibly through 2030 if reelected for a third term. The amendments would also allow future presidents up to two consecutive six-year terms in office, reestablish an upper legislative house, allow for one or more vice presidents, establish a 25% quota for female legislators, reaffirm the military’s role as guardian of Egypt, and expand presidential authority to appoint the heads of judicial councils. Successful legislative elections were held in October-November 2020, having been delayed for six months.   Topic: El SalvadorEl Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms. El Salvador is beset by one of the world's highest homicide rates and pervasive criminal gangs. Topic: Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule; it is one of the smallest countries in Africa consisting of a mainland territory and five inhabited islands. The capital of Malabo is located on the island of Bioko, approximately 25 km from the Cameroonian coastline in the Gulf of Guinea. Between 1968 and 1979, autocratic President Francisco MACIAS NGUEMA virtually destroyed all of the country's political, economic, and social institutions before being deposed by his nephew Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO in a violent coup. President OBIANG has ruled since October 1979. He has been elected several times since 1989, and was most recently reelected in 2016. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, presidential and legislative elections since 1996 have been considered flawed. The president exerts almost total control over the political system and has placed legal and bureaucratic barriers that hinder political opposition. Equatorial Guinea experienced rapid economic growth in the early years of the 21st century due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves in 1996. Production peaked in late 2004 and has slowly declined since, although aggressive searches for new oil fields continue. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production, resulting in massive increases in government revenue in past years, generally lower global oil prices since 2014 and depreciating oil fields have placed significant strain on the state budget. While oil revenues have mainly been used for the development of infrastructure, corruption has hindered socio-economic development and there have been limited improvements in the population's living standards. Equatorial Guinea continues to seek to diversify its economy and to increase foreign investment. The country hosts major regional and international conferences and continues to seek a greater role in international affairs, and leadership in the sub-region.  Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule; it is one of the smallest countries in Africa consisting of a mainland territory and five inhabited islands. The capital of Malabo is located on the island of Bioko, approximately 25 km from the Cameroonian coastline in the Gulf of Guinea. Between 1968 and 1979, autocratic President Francisco MACIAS NGUEMA virtually destroyed all of the country's political, economic, and social institutions before being deposed by his nephew Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO in a violent coup. President OBIANG has ruled since October 1979. He has been elected several times since 1989, and was most recently reelected in 2016. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, presidential and legislative elections since 1996 have been considered flawed. The president exerts almost total control over the political system and has placed legal and bureaucratic barriers that hinder political opposition. Equatorial Guinea experienced rapid economic growth in the early years of the 21st century due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves in 1996. Production peaked in late 2004 and has slowly declined since, although aggressive searches for new oil fields continue. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production, resulting in massive increases in government revenue in past years, generally lower global oil prices since 2014 and depreciating oil fields have placed significant strain on the state budget. While oil revenues have mainly been used for the development of infrastructure, corruption has hindered socio-economic development and there have been limited improvements in the population's living standards. Equatorial Guinea continues to seek to diversify its economy and to increase foreign investment. The country hosts major regional and international conferences and continues to seek a greater role in international affairs, and leadership in the sub-region.  Topic: EritreaAfter independence from Italian colonial control in 1941 and 10 years of British administrative control, the UN established Eritrea as an autonomous region within the Ethiopian federation in 1952. Ethiopia's full annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a violent 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean rebels defeating government forces. Eritreans overwhelmingly approved independence in a 1993 referendum. ISAIAS Afwerki has been Eritrea's only president since independence; his rule, particularly since 2001, has been highly autocratic and repressive. His government has created a highly militarized society by pursuing an unpopular program of mandatory conscription into national service – divided between military and civilian service – of indefinite length. A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in December 2000. A subsequent 2007 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) demarcation was rejected by Ethiopia. More than a decade of a tense “no peace, no war” stalemate ended in 2018 after the newly elected Ethiopian prime minister accepted the EEBC’s 2007 ruling, and the two countries signed declarations of peace and friendship. Following the July 2018 peace agreement with Ethiopia, Eritrean leaders engaged in intensive diplomacy around the Horn of Africa, bolstering regional peace, security, and cooperation, as well as brokering rapprochements between governments and opposition groups. In November 2018, the UN Security Council lifted an arms embargo that had been imposed on Eritrea since 2009, after the UN Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group reported they had not found evidence of Eritrean support in recent years for Al-Shabaab. The country’s rapprochement with Ethiopia has led to a steady resumption of economic ties, with increased air transport, trade, tourism, and port activities, but the economy remains agriculture-dependent, and Eritrea is still one of Africa’s poorest nations. Despite the country's improved relations with its neighbors, ISAIAS has not let up on repression and conscription and militarization continue.After independence from Italian colonial control in 1941 and 10 years of British administrative control, the UN established Eritrea as an autonomous region within the Ethiopian federation in 1952. Ethiopia's full annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a violent 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean rebels defeating government forces. Eritreans overwhelmingly approved independence in a 1993 referendum. ISAIAS Afwerki has been Eritrea's only president since independence; his rule, particularly since 2001, has been highly autocratic and repressive. His government has created a highly militarized society by pursuing an unpopular program of mandatory conscription into national service – divided between military and civilian service – of indefinite length. A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in December 2000. A subsequent 2007 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) demarcation was rejected by Ethiopia. More than a decade of a tense “no peace, no war” stalemate ended in 2018 after the newly elected Ethiopian prime minister accepted the EEBC’s 2007 ruling, and the two countries signed declarations of peace and friendship. Following the July 2018 peace agreement with Ethiopia, Eritrean leaders engaged in intensive diplomacy around the Horn of Africa, bolstering regional peace, security, and cooperation, as well as brokering rapprochements between governments and opposition groups. In November 2018, the UN Security Council lifted an arms embargo that had been imposed on Eritrea since 2009, after the UN Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group reported they had not found evidence of Eritrean support in recent years for Al-Shabaab. The country’s rapprochement with Ethiopia has led to a steady resumption of economic ties, with increased air transport, trade, tourism, and port activities, but the economy remains agriculture-dependent, and Eritrea is still one of Africa’s poorest nations. Despite the country's improved relations with its neighbors, ISAIAS has not let up on repression and conscription and militarization continue. Topic: EstoniaAfter 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. Topic: EswatiniAutonomy for Eswatini was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. A new constitution came into effect in 2006, which included provisions for a more independent parliament and judiciary, but the legal status of political parties remains unclear. King MSWATI III renamed the country from Swaziland to Eswatini in April 2018. Despite its classification as a lower-middle income country, Eswatini suffers from severe poverty and high unemployment. Eswatini has the world's highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, although recent years have shown marked declines in new infections.             Topic: EthiopiaUnique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule with the exception of a short-lived Italian occupation from 1936-41. In 1974, a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia's first multiparty elections were held in 1995. A border war with Eritrea in the late 1990s ended with a peace treaty in December 2000. In November 2007, the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission (EEBC) issued specific coordinates as virtually demarcating the border and pronounced its work finished. Alleging that the EEBC acted beyond its mandate in issuing the coordinates, Ethiopia did not accept them and maintained troops in previously contested areas pronounced by the EEBC as belonging to Eritrea. This intransigence resulted in years of heightened tension between the two countries. In August 2012, longtime leader Prime Minister MELES Zenawi died in office and was replaced by his Deputy Prime Minister HAILEMARIAM Desalegn, marking the first peaceful transition of power in decades. Following a wave of popular dissent and anti-government protest that began in 2015, HAILEMARIAM resigned in February 2018 and ABIY Ahmed Ali took office in April 2018 as Ethiopia's first ethnic Oromo prime minister. In June 2018, ABIY announced Ethiopia would accept the border ruling of 2000, prompting rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea that was marked with a peace agreement in July 2018 and a reopening of the border in September 2018. In November 2019, Ethiopia's nearly 30-year ethnic-based ruling coalition - the EPRDF - merged into a single unity party called the Prosperity Party, however, one of the four constituent parties (the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front or TPLF) refused to join. In November 2020, a military conflict erupted between forces aligned with the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopia’s national military, the Ethiopian National Defense Force. The conflict, which has continued throughout 2021, has exacerbated ethnic violence and has largely centered in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regional states.Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule with the exception of a short-lived Italian occupation from 1936-41. In 1974, a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia's first multiparty elections were held in 1995. Topic: European UnionFollowing 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 (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) 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 (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) 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. Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982. With hostilities ended and Argentine forces withdrawn, UK administration resumed. In response to renewed calls from Argentina for Britain to relinquish control of the islands, a referendum was held in March 2013, which resulted in 99.8% of the population voting to remain a part of the UK. Topic: Faroe IslandsThe population of the Faroe Islands, a self-governing dependency of Denmark, is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. The Home Rule Act of 1948 granted a high degree of self-Government to the Faroese, who have autonomy over most internal affairs and external trade, while Denmark is responsible for justice, defense, and some foreign affairs. The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union. Topic: FijiAustronesians settled Fiji around 1000 B.C., followed by successive waves of Melanesians starting around the first century A.D. Fijians traded with Polynesian groups in Samoa and Tonga, and by about 900, much of Fiji was in the Tu’i Tongan Empire’s sphere of influence. The Tongan influence declined significantly by 1200 while Melanesian seafarers continued to periodically arrive in Fiji, further mixing Melanesian and Polynesian cultural traditions. Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to spot Fiji in 1643, followed by British explorer James COOK in 1774. Captain William BLIGH plotted the islands in 1789. In the 1800s, merchants, traders, and whalers frequented the islands and the first missionaries arrived in 1835. Rival kings and chiefs competed for power, at times aided by Europeans and their weapons, and in 1865, Seru Epenisa CAKOBAU united many groups into the Confederacy of Independent Kingdoms of Viti. The arrangement proved weak and in 1871 CAKOBAU formed the Kingdom of Fiji in an attempt to centralize power. Fearing a hostile takeover by a foreign power as the kingdom’s economy began to falter, CAKOBAU ceded Fiji to the UK in 1874. The first British governor set up a plantation-style economy and brought in more than 60,000 Indians as indentured laborers, most of whom chose to stay in Fiji rather than return to India when their contracts expired. In the early 1900s, society was divided along ethnic lines, with iTaukei (indigenous Fijians), Europeans, and Indo-Fijians living in separate areas and maintaining their own languages and traditions. ITaukei fears of an Indo-Fijian takeover of government delayed independence through the 1960s; Fiji achieved independence in 1970 with agreements in place to allocate parliamentary seats by ethnic groups. Long-serving Prime Minister Kamisese MARA largely balanced these ethnic divisions but concerns about growing Indo-Fijian political influence led to two coups in 1987. A new constitution in 1990 cemented iTaukei control of politics, leading thousands of Indo-Fijians to leave. A reformed constitution in 1997 was more equitable and led to the election of an Indo-Fijian prime minister in 1999, who was ousted in a coup the following year. In 2005, the new prime minister put forward a bill that would grant pardons to the coup perpetrators, leading Commodore Josaia BAINIMARAMA to launch a coup in 2006. BAINIMARAMA  appointed himself prime minister in 2007 and continues to hold the position after elections in 2014 and 2018 that international observers deemed credible. With well-developed infrastructure, Fiji has become a hub for the Pacific, hosting the secretariat for the Pacific Islands Forum and the main campus of the University of the South Pacific. In addition, Fiji is a center for Pacific tourism, and Nadi International Airport is by far the busiest airport in a Pacific island country.Austronesians settled Fiji around 1000 B.C., followed by successive waves of Melanesians starting around the first century A.D. Fijians traded with Polynesian groups in Samoa and Tonga, and by about 900, much of Fiji was in the Tu’i Tongan Empire’s sphere of influence. The Tongan influence declined significantly by 1200 while Melanesian seafarers continued to periodically arrive in Fiji, further mixing Melanesian and Polynesian cultural traditions. Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to spot Fiji in 1643, followed by British explorer James COOK in 1774. Captain William BLIGH plotted the islands in 1789. In the 1800s, merchants, traders, and whalers frequented the islands and the first missionaries arrived in 1835. Rival kings and chiefs competed for power, at times aided by Europeans and their weapons, and in 1865, Seru Epenisa CAKOBAU united many groups into the Confederacy of Independent Kingdoms of Viti. The arrangement proved weak and in 1871 CAKOBAU formed the Kingdom of Fiji in an attempt to centralize power. Fearing a hostile takeover by a foreign power as the kingdom’s economy began to falter, CAKOBAU ceded Fiji to the UK in 1874. The first British governor set up a plantation-style economy and brought in more than 60,000 Indians as indentured laborers, most of whom chose to stay in Fiji rather than return to India when their contracts expired. In the early 1900s, society was divided along ethnic lines, with iTaukei (indigenous Fijians), Europeans, and Indo-Fijians living in separate areas and maintaining their own languages and traditions. ITaukei fears of an Indo-Fijian takeover of government delayed independence through the 1960s; Fiji achieved independence in 1970 with agreements in place to allocate parliamentary seats by ethnic groups. Long-serving Prime Minister Kamisese MARA largely balanced these ethnic divisions but concerns about growing Indo-Fijian political influence led to two coups in 1987. A new constitution in 1990 cemented iTaukei control of politics, leading thousands of Indo-Fijians to leave. A reformed constitution in 1997 was more equitable and led to the election of an Indo-Fijian prime minister in 1999, who was ousted in a coup the following year. In 2005, the new prime minister put forward a bill that would grant pardons to the coup perpetrators, leading Commodore Josaia BAINIMARAMA to launch a coup in 2006. BAINIMARAMA  appointed himself prime minister in 2007 and continues to hold the position after elections in 2014 and 2018 that international observers deemed credible. With well-developed infrastructure, Fiji has become a hub for the Pacific, hosting the secretariat for the Pacific Islands Forum and the main campus of the University of the South Pacific. In addition, Fiji is a center for Pacific tourism, and Nadi International Airport is by far the busiest airport in a Pacific island country. Topic: FinlandFinland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It gained complete independence in 1917. During World War II, Finland successfully defended its independence through cooperation with Germany and resisted subsequent invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, Finland transformed from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the EU since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro single currency at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the key features of Finland's modern welfare state are high quality education, promotion of equality, and a national social welfare system - currently challenged by an aging population and the fluctuations of an export-driven economy. Topic: FranceFrance today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-7, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations. France rejoined NATO's integrated military command structure in 2009, reversing DE GAULLE's 1966 decision to withdraw French forces from NATO. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier, more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent decades, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common currency, the euro, in January 1999. In the early 21st century, five French overseas entities - French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion - became French regions and were made part of France proper.France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. It plays an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G-7, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations. France rejoined NATO's integrated military command structure in 2009, reversing DE GAULLE's 1966 decision to withdraw French forces from NATO. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier, more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent decades, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common currency, the euro, in January 1999. In the early 21st century, five French overseas entities - French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Reunion - became French regions and were made part of France proper. Topic: French PolynesiaFrench Polynesia consists of five archipelagos - the Austral Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Society Islands, and the Tuamotu Archipelago. The Marquesas were first settled around 200 B.C. and the Society Islands around A.D. 300. Raiatea in the Society Islands became a center for religion and culture. Exploration of the other islands emanated from Raiatea and by 1000, there were small permanent settlements in all the island groups. Ferdinand MAGELLAN was the first European to see the islands of French Polynesia in 1520, and successive European voyagers traveled through them over the next two centuries. In 1767, British explorer Samuel WALLIS was the first European to visit Tahiti, followed by French navigator Louis Antoine de BOUGAINVILLE in 1768, and British explorer James COOK in 1769. King POMARE I united Tahiti and surrounding islands into the Kingdom of Tahiti in 1788. Protestant missionaries arrived in 1797 and Pomare I’s successor converted in the 1810s, along with most Tahitians. In the 1830s, Queen POMARE IV refused to allow French Catholic missionaries to operate, leading France to declare a protectorate over Tahiti and fight the French-Tahitian War of the 1840s in an attempt to annex the islands. POMARE IV requested British assistance to fight France, and while the UK did not provide material support, it did diplomatically pressure France to simply maintain its protectorate status. In 1880, King POMARE V ceded Tahiti and its possessions to France, changing its status into a colony. France then claimed the Gambier Islands and Tuamotu Archipelago and by 1901 had incorporated all five island groups into its establishments in Oceania. A Tahitian nationalist movement formed in 1940, leading France to grant French citizenship to the islanders in 1946 and change it to an overseas territory. In 1957, the islands’ name was changed to French Polynesia and the following year, 64% of voters chose to stay part of France when they approved a new constitution. Uninhabited Mururoa Atoll was established as a French nuclear test site in 1962 and tests were conducted between 1966 and 1992 (underground beginning in 1975). France also conducted tests at Fangataufa Atoll, including its last nuclear test in 1996. France granted French Polynesia partial internal autonomy in 1977 and expanded autonomy in 1984. French Polynesia was converted into an overseas collectivity in 2003 and renamed an overseas country inside the Republic in 2004. Proindependence politicians won a surprise majority in local elections that same year but in subsequent elections have been relegated to a vocal minority. In 2013, French Polynesia was relisted on the UN List of Non-Self Governing Territories. Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsIn February 2007, the Iles Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses, consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in 1840. Ile Amsterdam: Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station established on the island in 1949 is still in use.; Ile Saint Paul: Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931, seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when rescue finally arrived.; Iles Crozet: A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau, Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the East), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in 1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they became part of the TAAF in 1955.; Iles Kerguelen: This island group, discovered in 1772, consists of one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at Port-aux-Francais.; Adelie Land: The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not recognize it as a French dependency.; Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.; Europa Island: This heavily wooded island has been a French possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.; Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.; Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th-century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.; Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.In February 2007, the Iles Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses, consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in 1840.Ile Amsterdam: Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station established on the island in 1949 is still in use.;Ile Saint Paul: Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931, seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when rescue finally arrived.;Iles Crozet: A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau, Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the East), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in 1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they became part of the TAAF in 1955.;Iles Kerguelen: This island group, discovered in 1772, consists of one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at Port-aux-Francais.;Adelie Land: The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not recognize it as a French dependency.;Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.;Europa Island: This heavily wooded island has been a French possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.;Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.;Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th-century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.;Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station. Topic: GabonGabon, a sparsely populated country known for its dense rainforests and vast petroleum reserves, is one of the most prosperous and stable countries in central Africa. Approximately 40 ethnic groups are represented, the largest of which is the Fang, a group that covers the northern third of Gabon and expands north into Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. From about the early 1300s, various kingdoms emerged in and surrounding present-day Gabon, including the Kingdoms of Loango and Orungu. Because most early Bantu languages spoken in these kingdoms did not have a written form, historical traditions were passed on orally, resulting in much of Gabon's early history being lost over time. Portuguese traders who arrived in the mid-1400s gave the area its name of Gabon. At that time, indigenous trade networks began to engage with European traders, exchanging goods such as ivory and wood. For a century beginning in the 1760s, trade came to focus mostly on enslaved people. While many groups in Gabon participated in the slave trade, the Fang were a notable exception. As the slave trade declined in the late 1800s, France colonized the country and directed a widespread extraction of Gabonese resources. Anti-colonial rhetoric by Gabon’s educated elites increased significantly in the early 1900s, but no widespread rebellion materialized. French decolonization following World War II led to the country’s independence in 1960. Within a year of independence, the government changed from a parliamentary to a presidential system, and Leon M’BA won the first presidential election in 1961. El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest ruling heads of state in history - was M’BA’s vice president and assumed the presidency after M’BA’s death in 1967. BONGO went on to dominate the country's political scene for four decades (1967-2009). In 1968, he declared Gabon a single-party state and created the Parti Democratique Gabonais (PDG), which remains the predominant party in Gabonese politics today. In the early 1990s, he reintroduced a multiparty system under a new constitution after he was confronted with growing political opposition. He was reelected by wide margins in 1995, 1998, 2002, and 2005 against a divided opposition and amidst allegations of fraud. Following President BONGO's death in 2009, a new election brought his son, Ali BONGO Ondimba, to power. President Ali BONGO Ondimba was reelected in 2016 in a close election against a united opposition. Gabon’s Constitutional Court reviewed the contested election results and ruled in his favor.Gabon, a sparsely populated country known for its dense rainforests and vast petroleum reserves, is one of the most prosperous and stable countries in central Africa. Approximately 40 ethnic groups are represented, the largest of which is the Fang, a group that covers the northern third of Gabon and expands north into Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. From about the early 1300s, various kingdoms emerged in and surrounding present-day Gabon, including the Kingdoms of Loango and Orungu. Because most early Bantu languages spoken in these kingdoms did not have a written form, historical traditions were passed on orally, resulting in much of Gabon's early history being lost over time. Portuguese traders who arrived in the mid-1400s gave the area its name of Gabon. At that time, indigenous trade networks began to engage with European traders, exchanging goods such as ivory and wood. For a century beginning in the 1760s, trade came to focus mostly on enslaved people. While many groups in Gabon participated in the slave trade, the Fang were a notable exception. As the slave trade declined in the late 1800s, France colonized the country and directed a widespread extraction of Gabonese resources. Anti-colonial rhetoric by Gabon’s educated elites increased significantly in the early 1900s, but no widespread rebellion materialized. French decolonization following World War II led to the country’s independence in 1960.Within a year of independence, the government changed from a parliamentary to a presidential system, and Leon M’BA won the first presidential election in 1961. El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest ruling heads of state in history - was M’BA’s vice president and assumed the presidency after M’BA’s death in 1967. BONGO went on to dominate the country's political scene for four decades (1967-2009). In 1968, he declared Gabon a single-party state and created the Parti Democratique Gabonais (PDG), which remains the predominant party in Gabonese politics today. In the early 1990s, he reintroduced a multiparty system under a new constitution after he was confronted with growing political opposition. He was reelected by wide margins in 1995, 1998, 2002, and 2005 against a divided opposition and amidst allegations of fraud. Following President BONGO's death in 2009, a new election brought his son, Ali BONGO Ondimba, to power. President Ali BONGO Ondimba was reelected in 2016 in a close election against a united opposition. Gabon’s Constitutional Court reviewed the contested election results and ruled in his favor. Topic: Gambia, TheIn 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 re-election 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 re-election 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.   Topic: Gaza StripThe Gaza Strip has been under the de facto governing authority of the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) since 2007, and has faced years of conflict, poverty, and humanitarian crises. Inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C., the Gaza Strip area has been dominated by many different peoples and empires throughout its history; it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The Gaza Strip fell to British forces during World War I, becoming a part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Egypt administered the newly formed Gaza Strip; Israel captured it in the Six-Day War in 1967. Under a series of agreements known as the Oslo accords signed between 1993 and 1999, Israel transferred to the newly-created Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the Gaza Strip as well as the West Bank. In 2000, a violent intifada or uprising began, and in 2001 negotiations to determine the permanent status of the West bank and Gaza Strip stalled. Subsequent attempts to re-start negotiations have not resulted in progress toward determining final status of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel in late 2005 unilaterally withdrew all of its settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip, but it continues to control the Gaza Strip’s land and maritime borders and airspace. In early 2006, HAMAS won a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council election. Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political faction in the West Bank, and HAMAS failed to maintain a unity government, leading to violent clashes between their respective supporters and HAMAS’s violent seizure of all PA military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip in June 2007. Since HAMAS’s takeover, Israel and Egypt have enforced tight restrictions on movement and access of goods and individuals into and out of the territory. Fatah and HAMAS have since reached a series of agreements aimed at restoring political unity between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank but have struggled to enact them. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and the Israel Defense Forces periodically exchange projectiles and air strikes, respectively, threatening broader conflict. In May 2021, HAMAS launched rockets at Israel, sparking an 11-day conflict that also involved other Gaza-based militant groups. Egypt, Qatar, and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process have negotiated ceasefires to avert a broader conflict. Since 2018, HAMAS has also coordinated demonstrations along the Gaza-Israel security fence. Many of these protests have turned violent, resulting in several Israeli soldiers’ deaths and injuries as well as more than 200 Palestinian deaths and thousands of injuries, most of which occurred during weekly March of Return protests from 2018 to the end of 2019. The Gaza Strip has been under the de facto governing authority of the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) since 2007, and has faced years of conflict, poverty, and humanitarian crises. Inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C., the Gaza Strip area has been dominated by many different peoples and empires throughout its history; it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The Gaza Strip fell to British forces during World War I, becoming a part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Egypt administered the newly formed Gaza Strip; Israel captured it in the Six-Day War in 1967. Under a series of agreements known as the Oslo accords signed between 1993 and 1999, Israel transferred to the newly-created Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the Gaza Strip as well as the West Bank.In 2000, a violent intifada or uprising began, and in 2001 negotiations to determine the permanent status of the West bank and Gaza Strip stalled. Subsequent attempts to re-start negotiations have not resulted in progress toward determining final status of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel in late 2005 unilaterally withdrew all of its settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip, but it continues to control the Gaza Strip’s land and maritime borders and airspace. In early 2006, HAMAS won a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council election. Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political faction in the West Bank, and HAMAS failed to maintain a unity government, leading to violent clashes between their respective supporters and HAMAS’s violent seizure of all PA military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip in June 2007. Since HAMAS’s takeover, Israel and Egypt have enforced tight restrictions on movement and access of goods and individuals into and out of the territory. Fatah and HAMAS have since reached a series of agreements aimed at restoring political unity between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank but have struggled to enact them.Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and the Israel Defense Forces periodically exchange projectiles and air strikes, respectively, threatening broader conflict. In May 2021, HAMAS launched rockets at Israel, sparking an 11-day conflict that also involved other Gaza-based militant groups. Egypt, Qatar, and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process have negotiated ceasefires to avert a broader conflict. Since 2018, HAMAS has also coordinated demonstrations along the Gaza-Israel security fence. Many of these protests have turned violent, resulting in several Israeli soldiers’ deaths and injuries as well as more than 200 Palestinian deaths and thousands of injuries, most of which occurred during weekly March of Return protests from 2018 to the end of 2019.  Topic: GeorgiaThe 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 turn over. 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 turn over. 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. Topic: GermanyAs Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating world wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key western economic and security organizations, the EC (now the EU) and NATO, while the communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German reunification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring eastern productivity and wages up to western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro.As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating world wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key western economic and security organizations, the EC (now the EU) and NATO, while the communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German reunification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring eastern productivity and wages up to western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro. Topic: GhanaGhana is a multiethnic country rich in natural resources and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa. Ghana has been inhabited for at least several thousand years, however, little is known about its early inhabitants. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern Ghana, and it became the genesis of Akan power and wealth in the region. Beginning in the 15th century, the Portuguese, followed by other European powers, arrived and contested for trading rights. Numerous kingdoms and empires emerged in the area, among the most powerful were the Kingdom of Dagbon in the north and the Asante (Ashanti) Empire in the south. By the mid-18th century, Asante was a highly organized state with immense wealth; it provided enslaved people for the Atlantic slave trade, and in return received firearms that facilitated its territorial expansion. The Asante resisted increasing British influence in the coastal areas, engaging in a series of wars during the 19th century before ultimately falling under British control. Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first Sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence, with Kwame NKRUMAH as its first leader. Ghana endured a series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state. MILLS died in July 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the December 2012 presidential election. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third time that Ghana’s presidency had changed parties since the return to democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was reelected in 2020. In recent years, Ghana has taken an active role in promoting regional stability and is highly integrated in international affairs.Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in natural resources and is one of the most stable and democratic countries in West Africa. Ghana has been inhabited for at least several thousand years, however, little is known about its early inhabitants. By the 12th century, the gold trade started to boom in Bono (Bonoman) state in what is today southern Ghana, and it became the genesis of Akan power and wealth in the region. Beginning in the 15th century, the Portuguese, followed by other European powers, arrived and contested for trading rights. Numerous kingdoms and empires emerged in the area, among the most powerful were the Kingdom of Dagbon in the north and the Asante (Ashanti) Empire in the south. By the mid-18th century, Asante was a highly organized state with immense wealth; it provided enslaved people for the Atlantic slave trade, and in return received firearms that facilitated its territorial expansion. The Asante resisted increasing British influence in the coastal areas, engaging in a series of wars during the 19th century before ultimately falling under British control. Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first Sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence, with Kwame NKRUMAH as its first leader. Ghana endured a series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996 but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS of the National Democratic Congress won the 2008 presidential election and took over as head of state. MILLS died in July 2012 and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, John Dramani MAHAMA, who subsequently won the December 2012 presidential election. In 2016, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO of the NPP defeated MAHAMA, marking the third time that Ghana’s presidency had changed parties since the return to democracy. AKUFO-ADDO was reelected in 2020. In recent years, Ghana has taken an active role in promoting regional stability and is highly integrated in international affairs. Topic: GibraltarStrategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led Spain to close the border and sever all communication links. Between 1997 and 2002, the UK and Spain held a series of talks on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have held tripartite talks with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services; communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs services; environmental protection; and education and visa services. A new noncolonial constitution came into force in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its own tax regime in December 2008. The UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability. Spain and the UK continue to spar over the territory. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols and in 2013, the British reported a record number of entries by Spanish vessels into waters claimed by Gibraltar following a dispute over Gibraltar's creation of an artificial reef in those waters. Spain renewed its demands for an eventual return of Gibraltar to Spanish control after the UK’s June 2016 vote to leave the EU, but London has dismissed any connection between the vote and its continued sovereignty over Gibraltar. Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led Spain to close the border and sever all communication links. Between 1997 and 2002, the UK and Spain held a series of talks on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have held tripartite talks with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services; communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs services; environmental protection; and education and visa services. A new noncolonial constitution came into force in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its own tax regime in December 2008. The UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability.Spain and the UK continue to spar over the territory. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols and in 2013, the British reported a record number of entries by Spanish vessels into waters claimed by Gibraltar following a dispute over Gibraltar's creation of an artificial reef in those waters. Spain renewed its demands for an eventual return of Gibraltar to Spanish control after the UK’s June 2016 vote to leave the EU, but London has dismissed any connection between the vote and its continued sovereignty over Gibraltar.  Topic: GreeceGreece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and other anti-communist and communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a group of military officers seized power, establishing a military dictatorship that suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country. In 1974 following the collapse of the dictatorship, democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 2001. Greece has suffered a severe economic crisis since late 2009, due to nearly a decade of chronic overspending and structural rigidities. Beginning in 2010, Greece entered three bailout agreements - with the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB), the IMF, and the third in 2015 with the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) - worth in total about $300 billion. The Greek Government formally exited the third bailout in August 2018. Topic: GreenlandGreenland, the world's largest island, is about 80% ice-capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland became an integral part of the Danish Realm in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland remains a member of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association of the EU. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired greater responsibility for internal affairs when the Act on Greenland Self-Government was signed into law in June 2009. Denmark, however, continues to exercise control over several policy areas on behalf of Greenland, including foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Self-Rule Government. Topic: GrenadaCarib Indians inhabited Grenada when Christopher COLUMBUS landed on the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974, making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. In 1979, a leftist New Jewel Movement seized power under Maurice BISHOP, ushering in the Grenada Revolution. On 19 October 1983, factions within the revolutionary government overthrew and killed BISHOP and members of his party. Six days later, the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. The rule of law was restored, and democratic elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since then. Topic: GuamGuam was settled by Austronesian people around 1500 B.C. These people became the indigenous Chamorro and were influenced by later migrations, including the Micronesians in the first millennium A.D., and island Southeast Asians around 900. Society was stratified with higher classes living along the coast and lower classes living inland. Spanish explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN was the first European to see Guam in 1521 and Spain claimed the island in 1565 as it served as a refueling stop for ships between Mexico and the Philippines. Spain formally colonized Guam in 1668. Spain’s brutal repression of Chamorro, along with new diseases and intermittent warfare, reduced the indigenous population from more than 100,000 to less than 5,000 by the 1700s. Spain tried to repopulate the island by forcing people from nearby islands to settle on Guam and preventing them from escaping. Guam became a hub for whalers and traders in the western Pacific in the early 1800s. During the 1898 Spanish-American War, the US Navy occupied Guam and set up a military administration. The US Navy opposed local control of government despite repeated petitions by Chamorro. Japan invaded Guam in 1941 and instituted a repressive regime. During the US recapture of Guam in 1944, the island’s two largest villages were destroyed. After World War II, political pressure from local Chamorro leaders led to Guam being established as an unincorporated organized territory in 1950 with US citizenship granted to all Chamorro. In a referendum in 1982, more than 75% of voters chose closer relations with the US over independence, although no change in status was made because of disagreements on the future right of Chamorro self-determination. The US military holds about 29% of Guam’s land and stations several thousand troops on the island. The installations are some of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific; they also constitute the island’s most important source of income and economic stability.Guam was settled by Austronesian people around 1500 B.C. These people became the indigenous Chamorro and were influenced by later migrations, including the Micronesians in the first millennium A.D., and island Southeast Asians around 900. Society was stratified with higher classes living along the coast and lower classes living inland. Spanish explorer Ferdinand MAGELLAN was the first European to see Guam in 1521 and Spain claimed the island in 1565 as it served as a refueling stop for ships between Mexico and the Philippines. Spain formally colonized Guam in 1668. Spain’s brutal repression of Chamorro, along with new diseases and intermittent warfare, reduced the indigenous population from more than 100,000 to less than 5,000 by the 1700s. Spain tried to repopulate the island by forcing people from nearby islands to settle on Guam and preventing them from escaping. Guam became a hub for whalers and traders in the western Pacific in the early 1800s. During the 1898 Spanish-American War, the US Navy occupied Guam and set up a military administration. The US Navy opposed local control of government despite repeated petitions by Chamorro. Japan invaded Guam in 1941 and instituted a repressive regime. During the US recapture of Guam in 1944, the island’s two largest villages were destroyed. After World War II, political pressure from local Chamorro leaders led to Guam being established as an unincorporated organized territory in 1950 with US citizenship granted to all Chamorro. In a referendum in 1982, more than 75% of voters chose closer relations with the US over independence, although no change in status was made because of disagreements on the future right of Chamorro self-determination. The US military holds about 29% of Guam’s land and stations several thousand troops on the island. The installations are some of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific; they also constitute the island’s most important source of income and economic stability. Topic: GuatemalaThe Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the internal conflict. Topic: GuernseyGuernsey 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 is a self-governing British Crown dependency that is not part of the United Kingdom. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation. 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. Topic: GuineaGuinea's deep Muslim heritage arrived via the neighboring Almoravid Empire in the 11th century. Following Almoravid decline, Guinea existed on the fringe of several African kingdoms, all competing for regional dominance. In the 13th century, the Mali Empire took control of Guinea, encouraging its already growing Muslim faith. After the fall of the West African empires, various smaller kingdoms controlled Guinea. In the 18th century, Fulani Muslims established an Islamic state in central Guinea that represents one of the earliest examples of a written constitution and alternating leadership. While European traders first arrived in the 16th century, it was the French who secured colonial rule in the 19th century. In 1958, Guinea achieved independence from France. Sekou TOURE became Guinea’s first post-independence president; he established a dictatorial regime and ruled until his death in 1984, after which General Lansana CONTE staged a coup and seized the government. He too established an authoritarian regime and manipulated presidential elections until his death in December 2008, when Captain Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seized power, and suspended the constitution. In September 2009, presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally, killing more than 150 people in Conakry, the capital. In early December 2009, CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and exiled to Burkina Faso. In 2010 and 2013 respectively, the country held its first free and fair presidential and legislative elections. Alpha CONDE won the 2010 and 2015 presidential elections. CONDE's first cabinet was the first all-civilian government in Guinean history. In March 2020, Guinea passed a new constitution in a national referendum that changed presidential term limit rules. CONDE argued that, given this change, he was allowed to run for a third term, which he then won in October 2020. On 5 September 2021, Col Mamady DOUMBOUYA led special forces troops in a successful military coup, ousting and detaining CONDE and establishing the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD). DOUMBOUYA and the CNRD suspended the constitution and dissolved the government and the legislature. DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transition president on 1 October 2021, and appointed Mohamed BEAVOGUI as transition prime minister a week later. BEAVOGUI subsequently formed a largely technocratic cabinet. The National Transition Council (CNT), which acts as the legislative body for the transition, was formed on January 22, 2022. The 81-member CNT is led by Dr. Dansa KOUROUMA and consists of appointed members representing a broad swath of Guinean society.   Guinea's deep Muslim heritage arrived via the neighboring Almoravid Empire in the 11th century. Following Almoravid decline, Guinea existed on the fringe of several African kingdoms, all competing for regional dominance. In the 13th century, the Mali Empire took control of Guinea, encouraging its already growing Muslim faith. After the fall of the West African empires, various smaller kingdoms controlled Guinea. In the 18th century, Fulani Muslims established an Islamic state in central Guinea that represents one of the earliest examples of a written constitution and alternating leadership. While European traders first arrived in the 16th century, it was the French who secured colonial rule in the 19th century.In 1958, Guinea achieved independence from France. Sekou TOURE became Guinea’s first post-independence president; he established a dictatorial regime and ruled until his death in 1984, after which General Lansana CONTE staged a coup and seized the government. He too established an authoritarian regime and manipulated presidential elections until his death in December 2008, when Captain Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seized power, and suspended the constitution. In September 2009, presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally, killing more than 150 people in Conakry, the capital. In early December 2009, CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and exiled to Burkina Faso. In 2010 and 2013 respectively, the country held its first free and fair presidential and legislative elections. Alpha CONDE won the 2010 and 2015 presidential elections. CONDE's first cabinet was the first all-civilian government in Guinean history. In March 2020, Guinea passed a new constitution in a national referendum that changed presidential term limit rules. CONDE argued that, given this change, he was allowed to run for a third term, which he then won in October 2020. On 5 September 2021, Col Mamady DOUMBOUYA led special forces troops in a successful military coup, ousting and detaining CONDE and establishing the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development (CNRD). DOUMBOUYA and the CNRD suspended the constitution and dissolved the government and the legislature. DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transition president on 1 October 2021, and appointed Mohamed BEAVOGUI as transition prime minister a week later. BEAVOGUI subsequently formed a largely technocratic cabinet. The National Transition Council (CNT), which acts as the legislative body for the transition, was formed on January 22, 2022. The 81-member CNT is led by Dr. Dansa KOUROUMA and consists of appointed members representing a broad swath of Guinean society.  Topic: Guinea-BissauFor 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 trade was 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 (ECOWAS), 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 trade was 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 (ECOWAS), 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. Topic: GuyanaOriginally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to settlement of urban areas by former slaves and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. The resulting ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was elected in 2001 and again in 2006. Early elections held in May 2015 resulted in the first change in governing party and the replacement of President Donald RAMOTAR by current President David GRANGER. After a December 2018 no-confidence vote against the GRANGER government, national elections were constitutionally required to take place within three months. After over a year of extra-constitutional rule by the GRANGER administration, elections were held, though voting irregularities led to a nationwide recount. The current Irfaan ALI administration was sworn in to office in August 2020. The discovery of oil in 2015 has been the primary economic and political focus, with many hoping the significant reserves will transform one of the poorest countries in the region. Topic: HaitiThe native Taino - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when Christopher COLUMBUS first landed on it in 1492 - were virtually wiped out by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but relied heavily on the forced labor of enslaved Africans and environmentally degrading practices. In the late 18th century, Toussaint L'OUVERTURE led a revolution of Haiti's nearly half a million slaves that ended France's rule on the island. After a prolonged struggle, and under the leadership of Jean-Jacques DESSALINES, Haiti became the first country in the world led by former slaves after declaring its independence in 1804, but it was forced to pay an indemnity of 100 million francs (equivalent to $21 billion USD in March 2022) to France for more than a century and was shunned by other countries for nearly 40 years. On 12 July 1862, the US officially recognized Haiti, but foreign economic influence and internal political instability induced the US to occupy Haiti from 1915-1934. Subsequently, Francois "Papa Doc" DUVALIER and then his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" DUVALIER led repressive and corrupt regimes that ruled Haiti in 1957-1971 and 1971-1986, respectively. President Jovenel MOISE was assassinated on 7 July 2021, leading the country further into an extra-constitutional governance structure and contributing to the country’s growing fragility. President MOISE's five-year term would have ended on 7 February 2022; his assassination plunged Haiti deeper into a political crisis that was not anticipated in its constitution. Thus, on 20 July 2021, the Government of Haiti installed Ariel HENRY - whom President MOISE had nominated - as prime minister. As of March 2022, Haiti had no president, no parliamentary quorum, and a dysfunctional high court due to a lack of judges. Haiti has long been plagued by natural disasters. In January 2010, a massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti with an epicenter about 25 km (15 mi) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Estimates are that over 300,000 people were killed and some 1.5 million left homeless. The earthquake was assessed as the worst in this region over the last 200 years. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti’s southern peninsula in August 2021, causing well over 2,000 deaths; an estimated 500,000 required emergency humanitarian aid. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, as well as one of the most unequal in wealth distribution.The native Taino - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when Christopher COLUMBUS first landed on it in 1492 - were virtually wiped out by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but relied heavily on the forced labor of enslaved Africans and environmentally degrading practices. In the late 18th century, Toussaint L'OUVERTURE led a revolution of Haiti's nearly half a million slaves that ended France's rule on the island. After a prolonged struggle, and under the leadership of Jean-Jacques DESSALINES, Haiti became the first country in the world led by former slaves after declaring its independence in 1804, but it was forced to pay an indemnity of 100 million francs (equivalent to $21 billion USD in March 2022) to France for more than a century and was shunned by other countries for nearly 40 years. On 12 July 1862, the US officially recognized Haiti, but foreign economic influence and internal political instability induced the US to occupy Haiti from 1915-1934. Subsequently, Francois "Papa Doc" DUVALIER and then his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" DUVALIER led repressive and corrupt regimes that ruled Haiti in 1957-1971 and 1971-1986, respectively. President Jovenel MOISE was assassinated on 7 July 2021, leading the country further into an extra-constitutional governance structure and contributing to the country’s growing fragility. President MOISE's five-year term would have ended on 7 February 2022; his assassination plunged Haiti deeper into a political crisis that was not anticipated in its constitution. Thus, on 20 July 2021, the Government of Haiti installed Ariel HENRY - whom President MOISE had nominated - as prime minister. As of March 2022, Haiti had no president, no parliamentary quorum, and a dysfunctional high court due to a lack of judges. Haiti has long been plagued by natural disasters. In January 2010, a massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti with an epicenter about 25 km (15 mi) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Estimates are that over 300,000 people were killed and some 1.5 million left homeless. The earthquake was assessed as the worst in this region over the last 200 years. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti’s southern peninsula in August 2021, causing well over 2,000 deaths; an estimated 500,000 required emergency humanitarian aid. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, as well as one of the most unequal in wealth distribution. Topic: Heard Island and McDonald IslandsAmerican sailor John HEARD discovered Heard Island in 1853 and thought it was a glacier that had broken away from Antarctica. Fellow American William MCDONALD discovered the McDonald Islands the following year. Starting in 1855, sealers lived on the islands harvesting elephant seal oil; by the time the practice was ended in 1877, most of the islands’ seals were killed. The UK formally claimed the islands in 1910 and Australian explorer Douglas MAWSON visited Heard Island in 1929. In 1947, the UK transferred the islands to Australia for its Antarctica research, but Australia closed the research station on Heard Island in 1954 when it opened a new research station on the Antarctic continent. McDonald Island has been an active volcano since it emerged from dormancy in 1992, and the island doubled in size after an eruption in 1996. In 1997, the islands were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Populated by a large number of bird species, seals, and penguins, the islands are primarily used for research with limited fishing being permitted in the surrounding waters.  American sailor John HEARD discovered Heard Island in 1853 and thought it was a glacier that had broken away from Antarctica. Fellow American William MCDONALD discovered the McDonald Islands the following year. Starting in 1855, sealers lived on the islands harvesting elephant seal oil; by the time the practice was ended in 1877, most of the islands’ seals were killed. The UK formally claimed the islands in 1910 and Australian explorer Douglas MAWSON visited Heard Island in 1929. In 1947, the UK transferred the islands to Australia for its Antarctica research, but Australia closed the research station on Heard Island in 1954 when it opened a new research station on the Antarctic continent. McDonald Island has been an active volcano since it emerged from dormancy in 1992, and the island doubled in size after an eruption in 1996. In 1997, the islands were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Populated by a large number of bird species, seals, and penguins, the islands are primarily used for research with limited fishing being permitted in the surrounding waters.  Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)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. Topic: HondurasOnce 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. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist guerrillas. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. Since then, the economy has slowly rebounded, despite COVID and severe storm-related setbacks in 2020 and 2021. Topic: Hong KongSeized by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year at the end of the First Opium War; the Kowloon Peninsula was added in 1860 at the end of the Second Opium War, and was further extended when Britain obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic and strict political system would not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong would enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the subsequent 50 years. Since the turnover, Hong Kong has continued to enjoy success as an international financial center. However, dissatisfaction with the Hong Kong Government and growing Chinese political influence has been a central issue and led to considerable civil unrest, including large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019 after the HKSAR attempted to revise a local ordinance to allow extraditions to mainland China. In response, the governments of the HKSAR and China took several actions that reduced the city's autonomy and placed new restrictions on the rights of Hong Kong residents, moves that were widely criticized to be in direct contravention of obligations under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Chief among these actions was a sweeping national security law for Hong Kong imposed by the Chinese Government in June 2020 that criminalized acts such as those interpreted as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign or external forces. The law ushered in a widespread crackdown on public protests, criticism of authorities, and freedom of speech, and was used by authorities to target pro-democracy activists, organizations, and media companies. Democratic lawmakers and political figures were arrested, while others fled abroad. At the same time, dozens of civil society groups and several independent media outlets were closed or have disbanded. In March 2021, Beijing imposed a more restrictive electoral system, including restructuring the Legislative Council (LegCo) and allowing only government-approved candidates to run for office, claiming it was to ensure a system of "patriots" governed Hong Kong. The changes ensured that virtually all seats in the December 2021 LegCo election were won by pro-establishment candidates and effectively ended political opposition to Beijing in the territory. Topic: HungaryHungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU five years later. Topic: IcelandSettled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althingi, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Denmark granted limited home rule in 1874 and complete independence in 1944. The second half of the 20th century saw substantial economic growth driven primarily by the fishing industry. The economy diversified greatly after the country joined the European Economic Area in 1994, but Iceland was especially hard hit by the global financial crisis in the years following 2008. The economy is now on an upward trajectory, fueled primarily by a tourism and construction boom. Literacy, longevity, and social cohesion are first rate by world standards. Topic: IndiaThe Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. - which reached its zenith under ASHOKA - united much of South Asia. The Golden Age ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled India for more than three centuries. European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the 16th century. 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. The British Indian Army played a vital role in both World Wars. Years of nonviolent resistance to British rule, led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU, eventually resulted in Indian independence in 1947. Large-scale communal violence took place before and after the subcontinent partition into two separate states - India and Pakistan. The neighboring countries have fought three wars since independence, the last of which was in 1971 and resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. India's nuclear weapons tests in 1998 emboldened Pakistan to conduct its own tests that same year. In November 2008, terrorists originating from Pakistan conducted a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's financial capital. India's economic growth following the launch of economic reforms in 1991, a massive youthful population, and a strategic geographic location have contributed to India's emergence as a regional and global power. However, India still faces pressing problems such as environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, and its restrictive business climate challenges economic growth expectations.The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated the Indian subcontinent about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. The Maurya Empire of the 4th and 3rd centuries B.C. - which reached its zenith under ASHOKA - united much of South Asia. The Golden Age ushered in by the Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries A.D.) saw a flowering of Indian science, art, and culture. Islam spread across the subcontinent over a period of 700 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established the Delhi Sultanate. In the early 16th century, the Emperor BABUR established the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled India for more than three centuries. European explorers began establishing footholds in India during the 16th century.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. The British Indian Army played a vital role in both World Wars. Years of nonviolent resistance to British rule, led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU, eventually resulted in Indian independence in 1947. Large-scale communal violence took place before and after the subcontinent partition into two separate states - India and Pakistan. The neighboring countries have fought three wars since independence, the last of which was in 1971 and resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. India's nuclear weapons tests in 1998 emboldened Pakistan to conduct its own tests that same year. In November 2008, terrorists originating from Pakistan conducted a series of coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's financial capital. India's economic growth following the launch of economic reforms in 1991, a massive youthful population, and a strategic geographic location have contributed to India's emergence as a regional and global power. However, India still faces pressing problems such as environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption, and its restrictive business climate challenges economic growth expectations. Topic: Indian OceanThe 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. Topic: IndonesiaThe archipelago was once largely under the control of Buddhist and Hindu rulers. By around the 7th century, a Buddhist kingdom arose on Sumatra and expanded into Java and the Malay Peninsula until it was conquered in the late 13th century by the Hindu Majapahit Empire from Java. Majapahit (1290-1527) united most of modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia. Traders introduced Islam in the trade ports around the 11th century, and Indonesians gradually adopted Islam over the next 500 years. The Portuguese conquered parts of Indonesia in the 16th century, but they were ousted by the Dutch (except in East Timor), who began colonizing the islands in the early 17th century. It would be the early 20th century before Dutch colonial rule was established across the entirety of what would become the boundaries of the modern Indonesian state. Japan occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence shortly before Japan's surrender, but it required four years of sometimes brutal fighting, intermittent negotiations, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949. A period of sometimes unruly parliamentary democracy ended in 1957 when President SOEKARNO declared martial law and instituted "Guided Democracy." After an abortive coup in 1965 by alleged communist sympathizers, SOEKARNO was gradually eased from power. From 1967 until 1998, President SUHARTO ruled Indonesia with his "New Order" government. After street protests toppled SUHARTO in 1998, free and fair legislative elections took place in 1999. Indonesia is now the world's third most populous democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and the world's largest Muslim-majority nation. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, improving education, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial reforms, stemming corruption, reforming the criminal justice system, addressing climate change, and controlling infectious diseases, particularly those of global and regional importance. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh. Indonesia continues to face low intensity armed resistance in Papua by the separatist Free Papua Movement. Topic: IranKnown as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts (AOE) - a popularly elected 88-member body of clerics. US-Iranian relations became strained when a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 and held embassy personnel hostages until mid-January 1981. The US cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in April 1980. During the period 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism and was subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement in terrorism and concerns over possible military dimensions of its nuclear program until Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Implementation Day in 2016. The US began gradually re-imposing sanctions on Iran after the US withdrawal from JCPOA in May 2018. Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles (legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement floundered as conservative politicians, supported by the Supreme Leader, unelected institutions of authority like the Council of Guardians, and the security services reversed and blocked reform measures while increasing security repression. Starting with nationwide municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His controversial reelection in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests over allegations of electoral fraud, but the protests were quickly suppressed. Deteriorating economic conditions due primarily to government mismanagement and international sanctions prompted at least two major economically based protests in July and October 2012, but Iran's internal security situation remained stable. President AHMADI-NEJAD's independent streak angered regime establishment figures, including the Supreme Leader, leading to conservative opposition to his agenda for the last year of his presidency, and an alienation of his political supporters. In June 2013 Iranians elected a centrist cleric Dr. Hasan Fereidun RUHANI to the presidency. A longtime senior member in the regime, he made promises of reforming society and Iran's foreign policy. In July 2015, Iran and the five permanent members, plus Germany (P5+1) signed the JCPOA under which Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief; however, the US reimposed sanctions in 2018 dealing a blow to RUHANI's legacy and the Iranian economy. Negotiations to restore the deal started in 2021 and are ongoing. Iran held elections in February 2020 for the Majles and the president in June 2021, resulting in a hardline and conservative monopoly across the regime's elected and unelected institutions. President Ebrahim RAISI is a hardline cleric with a decades-long career in Iran's judiciary and has had limited foreign policy and economic experience.Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza PAHLAVI was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces led by Ayatollah Ruhollah KHOMEINI established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority vested in a learned religious scholar referred to commonly as the Supreme Leader who, according to the constitution, is accountable only to the Assembly of Experts (AOE) - a popularly elected 88-member body of clerics. US-Iranian relations became strained when a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 and held embassy personnel hostages until mid-January 1981. The US cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in April 1980. During the period 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism and was subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement in terrorism and concerns over possible military dimensions of its nuclear program until Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Implementation Day in 2016. The US began gradually re-imposing sanctions on Iran after the US withdrawal from JCPOA in May 2018.Following the election of reformer Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad KHATAMI as president in 1997 and a reformist Majles (legislature) in 2000, a campaign to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction was initiated. The movement floundered as conservative politicians, supported by the Supreme Leader, unelected institutions of authority like the Council of Guardians, and the security services reversed and blocked reform measures while increasing security repression. Starting with nationwide municipal elections in 2003 and continuing through Majles elections in 2004, conservatives reestablished control over Iran's elected government institutions, which culminated with the August 2005 inauguration of hardliner Mahmud AHMADI-NEJAD as president. His controversial reelection in June 2009 sparked nationwide protests over allegations of electoral fraud, but the protests were quickly suppressed. Deteriorating economic conditions due primarily to government mismanagement and international sanctions prompted at least two major economically based protests in July and October 2012, but Iran's internal security situation remained stable. President AHMADI-NEJAD's independent streak angered regime establishment figures, including the Supreme Leader, leading to conservative opposition to his agenda for the last year of his presidency, and an alienation of his political supporters. In June 2013 Iranians elected a centrist cleric Dr. Hasan Fereidun RUHANI to the presidency. A longtime senior member in the regime, he made promises of reforming society and Iran's foreign policy. In July 2015, Iran and the five permanent members, plus Germany (P5+1) signed the JCPOA under which Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief; however, the US reimposed sanctions in 2018 dealing a blow to RUHANI's legacy and the Iranian economy. Negotiations to restore the deal started in 2021 and are ongoing. Iran held elections in February 2020 for the Majles and the president in June 2021, resulting in a hardline and conservative monopoly across the regime's elected and unelected institutions. President Ebrahim RAISI is a hardline cleric with a decades-long career in Iran's judiciary and has had limited foreign policy and economic experience. Topic: IraqFormerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by the United Kingdom during World War I and was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration in 1920. Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. It was proclaimed a "republic" in 1958 after a coup overthrew the monarchy, but in actuality, a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Husayn from 1979 to 2003. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. After Iraq's expulsion, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions led to the Second Gulf War in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led forces. In October 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and, pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (COR) in December 2005. The COR approved most cabinet ministers in May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half century. Iraq held elections for provincial councils in all governorates - except for Iraq's Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk - in January 2009 and in April and June 2013, and has repeatedly postponed the next provincial elections, originally planned for April 2017. Iraq has held four national legislative elections since 2006, most recently in October 2021 when 329 legislators were elected to the COR. The acting Iraqi National Intelligence Service Director General Mustafa al-KADHIMI became prime minister in May 2020 after the previous prime minister resigned in late 2019 because of widespread protests demanding more employment opportunities and an end to corruption. His mandate as prime minister was to guide Iraq toward an early national legislative election, which was held in October 2021. Between 2014 and 2017, Iraq was engaged in a military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) to recapture territory lost in the western and northern portion of the country. Iraqi and allied forces recaptured Mosul, the country's second-largest city, in 2017 and drove ISIS out of its other urban strongholds. In December 2017, then-Prime Minister Haydar al-ABADI publicly declared victory against ISIS while continuing operations against the group's residual presence in rural areas. Also in late 2017, ABADI responded to an independence referendum held by the Kurdistan Regional Government by ordering Iraqi forces to take control of disputed territories across central and northern Iraq that were previously occupied and governed by Kurdish forces.Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by the United Kingdom during World War I and was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration in 1920. Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. It was proclaimed a "republic" in 1958 after a coup overthrew the monarchy, but in actuality, a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Husayn from 1979 to 2003. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. After Iraq's expulsion, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions led to the Second Gulf War in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led forces.In October 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and, pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (COR) in December 2005. The COR approved most cabinet ministers in May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half century. Iraq held elections for provincial councils in all governorates - except for Iraq's Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk - in January 2009 and in April and June 2013, and has repeatedly postponed the next provincial elections, originally planned for April 2017. Iraq has held four national legislative elections since 2006, most recently in October 2021 when 329 legislators were elected to the COR. The acting Iraqi National Intelligence Service Director General Mustafa al-KADHIMI became prime minister in May 2020 after the previous prime minister resigned in late 2019 because of widespread protests demanding more employment opportunities and an end to corruption. His mandate as prime minister was to guide Iraq toward an early national legislative election, which was held in October 2021.Between 2014 and 2017, Iraq was engaged in a military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) to recapture territory lost in the western and northern portion of the country. Iraqi and allied forces recaptured Mosul, the country's second-largest city, in 2017 and drove ISIS out of its other urban strongholds. In December 2017, then-Prime Minister Haydar al-ABADI publicly declared victory against ISIS while continuing operations against the group's residual presence in rural areas. Also in late 2017, ABADI responded to an independence referendum held by the Kurdistan Regional Government by ordering Iraqi forces to take control of disputed territories across central and northern Iraq that were previously occupied and governed by Kurdish forces. Topic: IrelandCeltic tribes arrived on the island between 600 and 150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. Norman invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. The Irish famine of the mid-19th century was responsible for a drop in the island's population by more than one quarter through starvation, disease, and emigration. For more than a century afterward, the population of the island continued to fall only to begin growing again in the 1960s. Over the last 50 years, Ireland's high birthrate has made it demographically one of the youngest populations in the EU. The modern Irish state traces its origins to the failed 1916 Easter Monday Uprising that galvanized nationalist sentiment and fostered a guerrilla war resulting in independence from the UK in 1921 with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the creation of the Irish Free State. The treaty was deeply controversial in Ireland in part because it helped solidify the partition of Ireland, with six of the island's 32 counties remaining in the UK as Northern Ireland. The split between pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty partisans led to the Irish Civil War (1922-23). The traditionally dominant political parties in Ireland, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are de facto descendants of the opposing sides of the treaty debate. Ireland formally left the British Dominion in 1949 when Ireland declared itself a republic. Deep sectarian divides between the Catholic and Protestant populations and systemic discrimination in Northern Ireland erupted into years of violence known as the "Troubles" that began in the 1960s. In 1998, the governments of Ireland and the UK, along with most political parties in Northern Ireland, reached the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement with the support of the US. This agreement helped end the Troubles and initiated a new phase of cooperation between the Irish and British Governments. Ireland was neutral in World War II and continues its policy of military neutrality. Ireland joined the European Community in 1973 and the euro-zone currency union in 1999. The economic boom years of the Celtic Tiger (1995-2007) saw rapid economic growth, which came to an abrupt end in 2008 with the meltdown of the Irish banking system. As a small, open economy, Ireland has excelled at courting foreign direct investment, especially from US multi-nationals, which helped the economy recover from the financial crisis and insolated it from the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic.Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600 and 150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. Norman invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. The Irish famine of the mid-19th century was responsible for a drop in the island's population by more than one quarter through starvation, disease, and emigration. For more than a century afterward, the population of the island continued to fall only to begin growing again in the 1960s. Over the last 50 years, Ireland's high birthrate has made it demographically one of the youngest populations in the EU.The modern Irish state traces its origins to the failed 1916 Easter Monday Uprising that galvanized nationalist sentiment and fostered a guerrilla war resulting in independence from the UK in 1921 with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the creation of the Irish Free State. The treaty was deeply controversial in Ireland in part because it helped solidify the partition of Ireland, with six of the island's 32 counties remaining in the UK as Northern Ireland. The split between pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty partisans led to the Irish Civil War (1922-23). The traditionally dominant political parties in Ireland, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are de facto descendants of the opposing sides of the treaty debate. Ireland formally left the British Dominion in 1949 when Ireland declared itself a republic. Deep sectarian divides between the Catholic and Protestant populations and systemic discrimination in Northern Ireland erupted into years of violence known as the "Troubles" that began in the 1960s. In 1998, the governments of Ireland and the UK, along with most political parties in Northern Ireland, reached the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement with the support of the US. This agreement helped end the Troubles and initiated a new phase of cooperation between the Irish and British Governments. Ireland was neutral in World War II and continues its policy of military neutrality. Ireland joined the European Community in 1973 and the euro-zone currency union in 1999. The economic boom years of the Celtic Tiger (1995-2007) saw rapid economic growth, which came to an abrupt end in 2008 with the meltdown of the Irish banking system. As a small, open economy, Ireland has excelled at courting foreign direct investment, especially from US multi-nationals, which helped the economy recover from the financial crisis and insolated it from the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Topic: Isle of ManPart of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost extinct Manx Gaelic language. The Isle of Man is a British Crown dependency, which makes it a self-governing possession of the British Crown that is not part of the UK. The UK Government, however, remains constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation. Topic: IsraelIsrael has emerged as a regional economic and military powerhouse, leveraging its booming high-tech sector, massive defense industry, and concerns about Iran to foster partnerships around the world. The State of Israel was established in 1948. The UN General Assembly had proposed to partition the British Mandate for Palestine into an Arab and Jewish state. Arab states rejected the UN plan and were subsequently defeated militarily in the 1948 war that followed the withdrawal of the British on 14 May 1948. Israel was admitted as a member of the UN in 1949 and saw rapid population growth, primarily due to migration from Europe and the Middle East, over the following years. Israel and its Arab neighbors fought wars in 1967 and 1973 and Israel signed peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Israel took control of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the course of the 1967 war, and subsequently administered those territories through military authorities. Israel and Palestinian officials signed interim agreements in the 1990s that created an interim period of Palestinian self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. While the most recent formal efforts between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to negotiate final status issues occurred in 2013-2014, the US continues its efforts to advance peace. Immigration to Israel continues, with more than 20,000 new immigrants, mostly Jewish, in 2020. The Israeli economy has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last 25 years, led by cutting-edge, high-tech sectors. Offshore gas discoveries in the Mediterranean, most notably in the Tamar and Leviathan gas fields, place Israel at the center of a potential regional natural gas market. However, longer-term structural issues such as low labor force participation among minority populations, low workforce productivity, high costs for housing and consumer staples, and a lack of competition, remain a concern for many Israelis and an important consideration for Israeli politicians. Former Prime Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU dominated Israel's political landscape from 2009 to June 2021, becoming Israel's longest serving prime minister before he was unseated by Naftali BENNETT, after Israel's fourth election in two years. BENNETT formed the most ideologically diverse coalition in Israel's history, including the participation of an Arab-Israeli party. Under the terms of the coalition agreement, BENNETT would remain as prime minister until August 2023, then Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair LAPID would succeed him. Israel signed normalization agreements – brokered by the US – with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco in late 2020 and reached an agreement with Sudan in early 2021. Topic: ItalyItaly became a nation-state in 1861 when the regional states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy is a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC) and its subsequent successors the EC and the EU. It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include sluggish economic growth, high youth and female unemployment, organized crime, corruption, and economic disparities between southern Italy and the more prosperous north.Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the regional states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy is a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC) and its subsequent successors the EC and the EU. It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include sluggish economic growth, high youth and female unemployment, organized crime, corruption, and economic disparities between southern Italy and the more prosperous north. Topic: JamaicaThe island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually increased its independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica withdrew from the Federation in 1961 and gained full independence in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, corruption, the COVID-19 pandemic, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy. Topic: Jan MayenThis desolate, arctic, mountainous island was named after a Dutch whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614 (earlier claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal hunters and trappers over the following centuries, the island came under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Beerenberg volcano, the northernmost active volcano on earth, resumed activity in 1970 and the most recent eruption occurred in 1985. Topic: JapanIn 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 has since 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.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 has since 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. Topic: JerseyJersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. The Bailiwick of Jersey is a British Crown dependency, which means that it is not part of the UK but is rather a self-governing possession of the British Crown. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation. Topic: JordanFollowing World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations awarded Britain the mandate to govern much of the Middle East. Britain demarcated a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from Palestine in 1921 and recognized ABDALLAH I from the Hashemite family as the country's first leader. The Hashemites also controlled Hijaz, or the western coastal area of modern day Saudi Arabia until 1925, when they were pushed out by Ibn Saud and Wahhabi tribes. The country gained its independence in 1946 and thereafter became The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The country has had four kings. Jordan's long-time ruler, King HUSSEIN (1953-99), successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and Palestinian militants, which led to a brief civil war in 1970 referred to as "Black September" and ended in King HUSSEIN's ouster of the militants from Jordan. Jordan's borders also have changed. In 1948, Jordan took control of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, eventually annexing those territories in 1950 and granting its new Palestinian residents Jordanian citizenship. In 1967, Jordan lost the West Bank and East Jerusalem to Israel in the Six-Day War but retained administrative claims until 1988 when King HUSSEIN permanently relinquished Jordanian claims to the West Bank in favor of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). King HUSSEIN signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994 after Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo Accords in 1993. Jordanian kings continue to claim custodianship of the holy sites in Jerusalem by virtue of their Hashemite heritage as descendants of Prophet Mohammad and agreements with Israel and Jerusalem-based religious and Palestinian leaders. After Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 War, it authorized the Jordanian-controlled Islamic Trust, or Waqf, to continue administering affairs in the Al Haram ash Sharif/Temple Mount holy compound, and the Jordan-Israel peace treaty reaffirmed Jordan's "special role" in administering the Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem. King HUSSEIN died in 1999 and was succeeded by his eldest son, ABDALLAH II, who remains the current king. In 2009, King ABDALLAH II designated his son HUSSEIN as the Crown Prince. During his reign, ABDALLAH II has contended with a series of challenges, including the Arab Spring influx of refugees from neighboring states and a perennially weak economy.  Following World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, the League of Nations awarded Britain the mandate to govern much of the Middle East. Britain demarcated a semi-autonomous region of Transjordan from Palestine in 1921 and recognized ABDALLAH I from the Hashemite family as the country's first leader. The Hashemites also controlled Hijaz, or the western coastal area of modern day Saudi Arabia until 1925, when they were pushed out by Ibn Saud and Wahhabi tribes. The country gained its independence in 1946 and thereafter became The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  Topic: KazakhstanEthnic Kazakhs derive from a mix of Turkic nomadic tribes that migrated to the region in the 15th century. The Kazakh steppe was conquered by the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1925. Repression and starvation caused by forced agricultural collectivization led to more than a million deaths in the early 1930s. During the 1950s and 1960s, the agricultural "Virgin Lands" program led to an influx of settlers (mostly ethnic Russians, but also other nationalities) and at the time of Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, ethnic Kazakhs were a minority. Non-Muslim ethnic minorities departed Kazakhstan in large numbers from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s and a national program has repatriated about a million ethnic Kazakhs (from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and the Xinjiang region of China) back to Kazakhstan. As a result of this shift, the ethnic Kazakh share of the population now exceeds two-thirds. Kazakhstan's economy is the largest in Central Asia, mainly due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: diversifying the economy, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness, and strengthening economic relations with neighboring states and foreign powers.  Ethnic Kazakhs derive from a mix of Turkic nomadic tribes that migrated to the region in the 15th century. The Kazakh steppe was conquered by the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1925. Repression and starvation caused by forced agricultural collectivization led to more than a million deaths in the early 1930s. During the 1950s and 1960s, the agricultural "Virgin Lands" program led to an influx of settlers (mostly ethnic Russians, but also other nationalities) and at the time of Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, ethnic Kazakhs were a minority. Non-Muslim ethnic minorities departed Kazakhstan in large numbers from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s and a national program has repatriated about a million ethnic Kazakhs (from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and the Xinjiang region of China) back to Kazakhstan. As a result of this shift, the ethnic Kazakh share of the population now exceeds two-thirds. Kazakhstan's economy is the largest in Central Asia, mainly due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: diversifying the economy, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness, and strengthening economic relations with neighboring states and foreign powers.  Topic: KenyaTrade 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. Topic: KiribatiKiribati is made up of three distinct island groups - the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands, and the Phoenix Islands. The first Austronesian voyagers arrived in the Gilbert Islands as early as 3000 B.C., but these islands were not widely settled until about A.D. 200 by Micronesians. Around 1300, Samoans and Tongans invaded the southern Gilbert Islands, bringing Polynesian cultural elements with them. Later arrivals by Fijians brought Melanesian elements to the Gilbert Islands, and extensive intermarriage between the Micronesian, Polynesian, and Melanesian people led to the creation of what would become Gilbertese cultural traditions by the time Europeans spotted the islands in the 1600s. The Phoenix Islands and Line Islands were both visited by various Melanesian and Polynesian peoples, but their isolation and lack of natural resources meant that long-term settlements were not possible and both island groups were uninhabited by the time of European contact.   Kiribati experienced sustained European contact by the 1760s; all three island groups were named and charted by 1826. American whaling ships frequently passed through the islands, and the UK declared a protectorate over the Gilbert and nearby Ellice Islands in 1892 to block growing US influence. Phosphate-rich Banaba Island was annexed to the protectorate in 1900. In 1916, the protectorate became a colony, and some Line Islands were added in 1916 and 1919, with the final ones added in 1972. The Phoenix Islands were added to the colony in 1937, and the UK agreed to share jurisdiction of some of them with the US because of their strategic location for aviation. Japan occupied the northern Gilbert Islands in 1941; the islands of Makin and Tarawa were the sites of major US amphibious victories over entrenched Japanese garrisons in 1943. The UK continued to rule the colony after World War II. The Ellice Islands became its own colony in 1974. The Gilbert Islands became fully self-governing in 1977 and independent in 1979 as Kiribati, the Gilbertese spelling of Gilberts. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Islands in a 1979 treaty of friendship. In 1994, Kiribati adjusted the international date line to the east of the Line Islands, bringing all islands in the country to the same day and giving Kiribati the earliest time zone in the world. Kiribati is a leading climate change and marine protection advocate. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area was established in 2008; in 2010, it became the world's largest (and deepest) UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2012, Kiribati purchased a 22 sq km (8.5 sq mi) plot of land in Fiji for potential eventual resettlement of its population because of climate change. Topic: Korea, NorthThe first recorded kingdom (Choson) on the Korean Peninsula dates from approximately 2300 B.C.  Over the subsequent centuries, three main kingdoms - Kogoryo, Paekche, and Silla - were established on the Peninsula. By the 5th century A.D, Kogoryo emerged as the most powerful, with control over much of the Peninsula, as well as part of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China). However, Silla allied with the Chinese to create the first unified Korean state in the late 7th century (688). Following the collapse of Silla in the 9th century, Korea was unified under the Koryo (Goryeo; 918-1392) and the Chosen (Joseon; 1392-1910) dynasties. Korea became the object of intense imperialistic rivalry between the Chinese (its traditional benefactor), Japanese, and Russian empires in the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Korea was occupied by Imperial Japan. In 1910, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. After World War II, Korea was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored communist control. After the Korean War (1950-53), during which North Korea failed to conquer UN-backed South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK), North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il Sung, adopted a policy of juche ("self-reliance") as a check against outside influence. North Korea demonized the US as the ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military policies around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM Il Sung's son, KIM Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in 1980, assuming a growing political and managerial role until the elder KIM's death in 1994. Under KIM Jong Il's reign, North Korea continued developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. KIM Jong Un was publicly unveiled as his father's successor in 2010. Following KIM Jong Il's death in 2011, KIM Jong Un quickly assumed power and has since occupied the regime's highest political and military posts.  After decades of economic mismanagement and resource misallocation, the North since the mid-1990s has faced chronic food shortages and economic stagnation. In recent years, the North's domestic agricultural production has increased, but still falls far short of producing sufficient food to provide for its entire population. North Korea began to ease restrictions to allow semi-private markets, starting in 2002, but has made few other efforts to meet its goal of improving the overall standard of living. New economic development plans in the 2010s failed to meet government-mandated goals for key industrial sectors, food production, or overall economic performance. In response, the North Korean leader in early 2021 admitted these failures, but vowed to continue "self-reliant" policies. North Korea has a history of provocative regional military actions and posturing that are of major concern to the international community and have limited North Korea’s international engagement, particularly economically. These include proliferation of military-related items; long-range missile development; WMD programs including tests of nuclear devices in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2017; and large conventional armed forces. In 2013, North Korea declared a policy of simultaneous development of its nuclear weapons program and economy. In late 2017, KIM Jong Un declared the North's nuclear weapons development complete. In 2018, KIM announced a pivot towards diplomacy, including a re-prioritization of economic development, a pause in missile testing beginning in late 2017, and a refrain from anti-US rhetoric starting in June 2018. Since 2018, KIM has participated in four meetings with Chinese President XI Jinping, three with South Korean President MOON Jae-in, and three with US President TRUMP. Since 2019, North Korea has continued developing its ballistic missile program and issued statements condemning the US, and vowing to further strengthen its military capabilities, including long range missiles and nuclear weapons. North Korea remains one of the world’s most isolated and one of Asia’s poorest countries. The first recorded kingdom (Choson) on the Korean Peninsula dates from approximately 2300 B.C.  Over the subsequent centuries, three main kingdoms - Kogoryo, Paekche, and Silla - were established on the Peninsula. By the 5th century A.D, Kogoryo emerged as the most powerful, with control over much of the Peninsula, as well as part of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China). However, Silla allied with the Chinese to create the first unified Korean state in the late 7th century (688). Following the collapse of Silla in the 9th century, Korea was unified under the Koryo (Goryeo; 918-1392) and the Chosen (Joseon; 1392-1910) dynasties.Korea became the object of intense imperialistic rivalry between the Chinese (its traditional benefactor), Japanese, and Russian empires in the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Korea was occupied by Imperial Japan. In 1910, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. After World War II, Korea was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored communist control. After the Korean War (1950-53), during which North Korea failed to conquer UN-backed South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK), North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, DPRK), under its founder President KIM Il Sung, adopted a policy of juche ("self-reliance") as a check against outside influence. North Korea demonized the US as the ultimate threat to its social system through state-funded propaganda, and molded political, economic, and military policies around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM Il Sung's son, KIM Jong Il, was officially designated as his father's successor in 1980, assuming a growing political and managerial role until the elder KIM's death in 1994. Under KIM Jong Il's reign, North Korea continued developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. KIM Jong Un was publicly unveiled as his father's successor in 2010. Following KIM Jong Il's death in 2011, KIM Jong Un quickly assumed power and has since occupied the regime's highest political and military posts. After decades of economic mismanagement and resource misallocation, the North since the mid-1990s has faced chronic food shortages and economic stagnation. In recent years, the North's domestic agricultural production has increased, but still falls far short of producing sufficient food to provide for its entire population. North Korea began to ease restrictions to allow semi-private markets, starting in 2002, but has made few other efforts to meet its goal of improving the overall standard of living. New economic development plans in the 2010s failed to meet government-mandated goals for key industrial sectors, food production, or overall economic performance. In response, the North Korean leader in early 2021 admitted these failures, but vowed to continue "self-reliant" policies. North Korea has a history of provocative regional military actions and posturing that are of major concern to the international community and have limited North Korea’s international engagement, particularly economically. These include proliferation of military-related items; long-range missile development; WMD programs including tests of nuclear devices in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2017; and large conventional armed forces. In 2013, North Korea declared a policy of simultaneous development of its nuclear weapons program and economy. In late 2017, KIM Jong Un declared the North's nuclear weapons development complete. In 2018, KIM announced a pivot towards diplomacy, including a re-prioritization of economic development, a pause in missile testing beginning in late 2017, and a refrain from anti-US rhetoric starting in June 2018. Since 2018, KIM has participated in four meetings with Chinese President XI Jinping, three with South Korean President MOON Jae-in, and three with US President TRUMP. Since 2019, North Korea has continued developing its ballistic missile program and issued statements condemning the US, and vowing to further strengthen its military capabilities, including long range missiles and nuclear weapons. North Korea remains one of the world’s most isolated and one of Asia’s poorest countries.  Topic: Korea, SouthThe first recorded kingdom (Choson) on the Korean Peninsula dates from approximately 2300 B.C. Over the subsequent centuries, three main kingdoms - Kogoryo, Paekche, and Silla - were established on the Peninsula.  By the 5th century A.D., Kogoryo emerged as the most powerful, with control over much of the Peninsula, as well as part of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China).  However, Silla allied with the Chinese to create the first unified Korean state in the late 7th century (688).  Following the collapse of Silla in the 9th century, Korea was unified under the Koryo (Goryeo; 918-1392) and the Chosen (Joseon; 1392-1910) dynasties. Korea became the object of intense imperialistic rivalry between the Chinese (its traditional benefactor), Japanese, and Russian empires in the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Korea was occupied by Imperial Japan. In 1910, Tokyo formally annexed the entire Peninsula. Korea regained its independence following Japan's surrender to the US and its allies in 1945. After World War II, a democratic government (Republic of Korea, ROK) was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a communist-style government was installed in the north (North Korea; aka Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought alongside ROK soldiers to defend South Korea from a North Korea invasion supported by communist China and the Soviet Union. A 1953 armistice split the Peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. PARK Chung-hee took over leadership of the country in a 1961 coup. During his regime from 1961 to 1979, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth, with per capita income rising to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea in 1979. Park was assassinated in 1979, and subsequent years were marked by political turmoil and continued authoritarian rule as the country's pro-democracy movement grew. South Korea held its first free presidential election under a revised democratic constitution in 1987, with former South Korean Army general ROH Tae-woo winning a close race. In 1993, KIM Young-sam (1993-98) became the first civilian president of South Korea's new democratic era. President KIM Dae-jung (1998-2003) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his contributions to South Korean democracy and his "Sunshine Policy" of engagement with North Korea. President PARK Geun-hye, daughter of former South Korean President PARK Chung-hee, took office in February 2013 as South Korea's first female leader. In December 2016, the National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against President PARK over her alleged involvement in a corruption and influence-peddling scandal, immediately suspending her presidential authorities. The impeachment was upheld in March 2017, triggering an early presidential election in May 2017 won by MOON Jae-in. South Korea hosted the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February 2018, in which North Korea also participated. Discord with North Korea has permeated inter-Korean relations for much of the past decade, highlighted by North Korea's attacks on a South Korean ship and island in 2010, the exchange of artillery fire across the DMZ in 2015, and multiple nuclear and missile tests in 2016 and 2017. North Korea’s participation in the Winter Olympics, dispatch of a senior delegation to Seoul, and three inter-Korean summits in 2018 appear to have ushered in a temporary period of respite, buoyed by the historic US-North Korea summits in 2018 and 2019. Nevertheless, relations were stagnant into early 2022  The first recorded kingdom (Choson) on the Korean Peninsula dates from approximately 2300 B.C. Over the subsequent centuries, three main kingdoms - Kogoryo, Paekche, and Silla - were established on the Peninsula.  By the 5th century A.D., Kogoryo emerged as the most powerful, with control over much of the Peninsula, as well as part of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China).  However, Silla allied with the Chinese to create the first unified Korean state in the late 7th century (688).  Following the collapse of Silla in the 9th century, Korea was unified under the Koryo (Goryeo; 918-1392) and the Chosen (Joseon; 1392-1910) dynasties.Korea became the object of intense imperialistic rivalry between the Chinese (its traditional benefactor), Japanese, and Russian empires in the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Korea was occupied by Imperial Japan. In 1910, Tokyo formally annexed the entire Peninsula. Korea regained its independence following Japan's surrender to the US and its allies in 1945. After World War II, a democratic government (Republic of Korea, ROK) was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a communist-style government was installed in the north (North Korea; aka Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought alongside ROK soldiers to defend South Korea from a North Korea invasion supported by communist China and the Soviet Union. A 1953 armistice split the Peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. PARK Chung-hee took over leadership of the country in a 1961 coup. During his regime from 1961 to 1979, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth, with per capita income rising to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea in 1979.Park was assassinated in 1979, and subsequent years were marked by political turmoil and continued authoritarian rule as the country's pro-democracy movement grew. South Korea held its first free presidential election under a revised democratic constitution in 1987, with former South Korean Army general ROH Tae-woo winning a close race. In 1993, KIM Young-sam (1993-98) became the first civilian president of South Korea's new democratic era. President KIM Dae-jung (1998-2003) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his contributions to South Korean democracy and his "Sunshine Policy" of engagement with North Korea. President PARK Geun-hye, daughter of former South Korean President PARK Chung-hee, took office in February 2013 as South Korea's first female leader. In December 2016, the National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against President PARK over her alleged involvement in a corruption and influence-peddling scandal, immediately suspending her presidential authorities. The impeachment was upheld in March 2017, triggering an early presidential election in May 2017 won by MOON Jae-in. South Korea hosted the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February 2018, in which North Korea also participated. Discord with North Korea has permeated inter-Korean relations for much of the past decade, highlighted by North Korea's attacks on a South Korean ship and island in 2010, the exchange of artillery fire across the DMZ in 2015, and multiple nuclear and missile tests in 2016 and 2017. North Korea’s participation in the Winter Olympics, dispatch of a senior delegation to Seoul, and three inter-Korean summits in 2018 appear to have ushered in a temporary period of respite, buoyed by the historic US-North Korea summits in 2018 and 2019. Nevertheless, relations were stagnant into early 2022 Topic: KosovoThe central Balkans were part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires before ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in the 7th century. During the medieval period, Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to Kosovo. By the end of the 19th century, Albanians replaced Serbs as the dominant ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia reacquired control over the region from the Ottoman Empire during the First Balkan War of 1912. After World War II, Kosovo's present-day boundaries were established when Kosovo became an autonomous province of Serbia in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (S.F.R.Y.). Despite legislative concessions, Albanian nationalism increased in the 1980s, which led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence. The Serbs - many of whom viewed Kosovo as their cultural heartland - instituted a new constitution in 1989 revoking Kosovo's autonomous status. Kosovo's Albanian leaders responded in 1991 by organizing a referendum declaring Kosovo independent. Serbia undertook repressive measures against the Kosovar Albanians in the 1990s, provoking a Kosovar Albanian insurgency. Beginning in 1998, Serbia conducted a brutal counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians (some 800,000 ethnic Albanians were forced from their homes in Kosovo). After international attempts to mediate the conflict failed, a three-month NATO military operation against Serbia beginning in March 1999 forced the Serbs to agree to withdraw their military and police forces from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed Kosovo under a transitional administration, the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), pending a determination of Kosovo's future status. A UN-led process began in late 2005 to determine Kosovo's final status. The 2006-07 negotiations ended without agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, though the UN issued a comprehensive report on Kosovo's final status that endorsed independence. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared Kosovo independent. Since then, close to 100 countries have recognized Kosovo, and it has joined numerous international organizations. In October 2008, Serbia sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality under international law of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The ICJ released the advisory opinion in July 2010 affirming that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate general principles of international law, UN Security Council Resolution 1244, or the Constitutive Framework. The opinion was closely tailored to Kosovo's unique history and circumstances. Demonstrating Kosovo’s development into a sovereign, multi-ethnic, democratic country the international community ended the period of Supervised Independence in 2012. Kosovo held its most recent national and municipal elections in 2021, ushering in a government led by the Self-Determination Movement's (VV) Albin KURTI, a former political prisoner who did not fight in the 1998-99 war. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence, but the two countries agreed in April 2013 to normalize their relations through EU-facilitated talks, which produced several subsequent agreements the parties are implementing to varying degrees, though they have not yet reached a comprehensive normalization of relations. Kosovo has pursued bilateral recognitions and memberships in international organizations, moves that Serbia strongly opposes. Kosovo signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU in 2015, and the EU named Kosovo as among the six Western Balkan countries that will be able to join the organization once it meets the criteria to accede. Kosovo also seeks memberships in the UN and in NATO.The central Balkans were part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires before ethnic Serbs migrated to the territories of modern Kosovo in the 7th century. During the medieval period, Kosovo became the center of a Serbian Empire and saw the construction of many important Serb religious sites, including many architecturally significant Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The defeat of Serbian forces at the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 led to five centuries of Ottoman rule during which large numbers of Turks and Albanians moved to Kosovo. By the end of the 19th century, Albanians replaced Serbs as the dominant ethnic group in Kosovo. Serbia reacquired control over the region from the Ottoman Empire during the First Balkan War of 1912. After World War II, Kosovo's present-day boundaries were established when Kosovo became an autonomous province of Serbia in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (S.F.R.Y.). Despite legislative concessions, Albanian nationalism increased in the 1980s, which led to riots and calls for Kosovo's independence. The Serbs - many of whom viewed Kosovo as their cultural heartland - instituted a new constitution in 1989 revoking Kosovo's autonomous status. Kosovo's Albanian leaders responded in 1991 by organizing a referendum declaring Kosovo independent. Serbia undertook repressive measures against the Kosovar Albanians in the 1990s, provoking a Kosovar Albanian insurgency.Beginning in 1998, Serbia conducted a brutal counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians (some 800,000 ethnic Albanians were forced from their homes in Kosovo). After international attempts to mediate the conflict failed, a three-month NATO military operation against Serbia beginning in March 1999 forced the Serbs to agree to withdraw their military and police forces from Kosovo. UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) placed Kosovo under a transitional administration, the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), pending a determination of Kosovo's future status. A UN-led process began in late 2005 to determine Kosovo's final status. The 2006-07 negotiations ended without agreement between Belgrade and Pristina, though the UN issued a comprehensive report on Kosovo's final status that endorsed independence. On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly declared Kosovo independent. Since then, close to 100 countries have recognized Kosovo, and it has joined numerous international organizations. In October 2008, Serbia sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the legality under international law of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The ICJ released the advisory opinion in July 2010 affirming that Kosovo's declaration of independence did not violate general principles of international law, UN Security Council Resolution 1244, or the Constitutive Framework. The opinion was closely tailored to Kosovo's unique history and circumstances.Demonstrating Kosovo’s development into a sovereign, multi-ethnic, democratic country the international community ended the period of Supervised Independence in 2012. Kosovo held its most recent national and municipal elections in 2021, ushering in a government led by the Self-Determination Movement's (VV) Albin KURTI, a former political prisoner who did not fight in the 1998-99 war. Serbia continues to reject Kosovo's independence, but the two countries agreed in April 2013 to normalize their relations through EU-facilitated talks, which produced several subsequent agreements the parties are implementing to varying degrees, though they have not yet reached a comprehensive normalization of relations. Kosovo has pursued bilateral recognitions and memberships in international organizations, moves that Serbia strongly opposes. Kosovo signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU in 2015, and the EU named Kosovo as among the six Western Balkan countries that will be able to join the organization once it meets the criteria to accede. Kosovo also seeks memberships in the UN and in NATO. Topic: KuwaitKuwait 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. Topic: KyrgyzstanA Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of the territory of present-day Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed by the Russian Empire in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1926 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in 2005 and 2010 resulted in the ouster of the country’s first two presidents, Askar AKAEV and Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Interim President Roza OTUNBAEVA led a transitional government and following a nation-wide election, President Almazbek ATAMBAEV was sworn in as president in 2011. In 2017, ATAMBAEV became the first Kyrgyzstani president to step down after serving one full six-year term as required in the country’s constitution. Former prime minister and ruling Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan member Sooronbay JEENBEKOV replaced him after winning the 2017 presidential election that was the most competitive in the country’s history, although international and local election observers noted cases of vote buying and abuse of public resources. In October 2020, protests against legislative election results spread across Kyrgyzstan, leading to JEENBEKOV’s resignation from the presidency, and catapulting previously imprisoned Sadyr JAPAROV to acting president. In January 2021, Kyrgyzstanis formerly elected JAPAROV as president and approved a referendum to move Kyrgyzstan from a parliamentary to a presidential system. In April 2021, Kyrgyzstanis voted in favor of draft constitutional changes that consolidated power in the presidency. Pro-government parties won a majority in the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyzstan’s legislature) in November 2021 elections. Continuing concerns for Kyrgyzstan include the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, a history of tense, and at times violent, interethnic relations, border security vulnerabilities, and potential terrorist threats.A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of the territory of present-day Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed by the Russian Empire in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1926 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in 2005 and 2010 resulted in the ouster of the country’s first two presidents, Askar AKAEV and Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Interim President Roza OTUNBAEVA led a transitional government and following a nation-wide election, President Almazbek ATAMBAEV was sworn in as president in 2011. In 2017, ATAMBAEV became the first Kyrgyzstani president to step down after serving one full six-year term as required in the country’s constitution. Former prime minister and ruling Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan member Sooronbay JEENBEKOV replaced him after winning the 2017 presidential election that was the most competitive in the country’s history, although international and local election observers noted cases of vote buying and abuse of public resources. In October 2020, protests against legislative election results spread across Kyrgyzstan, leading to JEENBEKOV’s resignation from the presidency, and catapulting previously imprisoned Sadyr JAPAROV to acting president. In January 2021, Kyrgyzstanis formerly elected JAPAROV as president and approved a referendum to move Kyrgyzstan from a parliamentary to a presidential system. In April 2021, Kyrgyzstanis voted in favor of draft constitutional changes that consolidated power in the presidency. Pro-government parties won a majority in the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyzstan’s legislature) in November 2021 elections. Continuing concerns for Kyrgyzstan include the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, a history of tense, and at times violent, interethnic relations, border security vulnerabilities, and potential terrorist threats. Topic: LaosModern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam. A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997 and the WTO in 2013. In the 2010s, the country benefited from direct foreign investment, particularly in the natural resource and industry sectors. Construction of a number of large hydropower dams and expanding mining activities have also boosted the economy. Laos has retained its official commitment to communism and maintains close ties with its two communist neighbors, Vietnam and China, both of which continue to exert substantial political and economic influence on the country. China, for example, provided 70% of the funding for a $5.9 billion, 400-km railway line between the Chinese border and the capital Vientiane, which opened for operations in December 2021. Laos financed the remaining 30% with loans from China. At the same time, Laos has expanded its economic reliance on the West and other Asian countries, such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Topic: LatviaSeveral eastern Baltic tribes merged in medieval times to form the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 26% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. A dual citizenship law was adopted in 2013, easing naturalization for non-citizen children. Topic: LebanonAs a result of its location at the crossroads of three continents, the area that is modern-day Lebanon is rich in cultural and religious diversity. This region was subject to various foreign conquests for much of its history, including by the Romans, Arabs, and Ottomans. Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French demarcated the region of Lebanon in 1920 and it gained independence in 1943. Since then, Lebanon has experienced periods of political turmoil interspersed with prosperity built on its historical position as a regional center for finance and trade, although that status has significantly diminished since the beginning of Lebanon’s economic crisis in 2019, which includes simultaneous currency, debt, and banking crises. The country's 1975-90 civil war, which resulted in an estimated 120,000 fatalities, was followed by years of social and political instability. Sectarianism is a key element of Lebanese political life. Neighboring Syria has historically influenced Lebanon's foreign and domestic policies, and its military occupied Lebanon from 1976 until 2005. Hizballah - a major Lebanese political party, militia, and US-designated foreign terrorist organization - and Israel continued attacks and counterattacks against each other after Syria's withdrawal, and fought a brief war in 2006. Lebanon's borders with Syria and Israel remain unresolved. Topic: LesothoParamount 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 Botswana 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. Topic: LiberiaWith 28 ethnic groups and languages, Liberia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. For hundreds of years, the Mali and Songhai Empires claimed most of Liberia. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders began establishing outposts along the Liberian coast. Unlike its neighbors, however, Liberia did not fall under European colonial rule. In the early 19th century, the United States began sending freed enslaved people and other people of color to Liberia to establish settlements. In 1847, these settlers declared independence from the United States, writing their own constitution and establishing Africa’s first republic. Early in Liberia’s history, tensions arose between the Americo-Liberian settlers and the indigenous population. In 1980, Samuel DOE, who was from the indigenous population, led a military coup and ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In December 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion against DOE's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 permitted an election that brought TAYLOR to power. In 2000, fighting resumed. An August 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted President TAYLOR’s resignation. TAYLOR was later convicted by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague for his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war. In late 2005, President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF became president after two years of transitional governments; she was the first female head of state in Africa. In 2011, JOHNSON SIRLEAF won reelection but struggled to rebuild Liberia's economy, particularly following the 2014-15 Ebola epidemic, and to reconcile a nation still recovering from 14 years of fighting. In 2017, former soccer star George WEAH won the presidential runoff election, marking the first successful transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another since the end of Liberia’s civil wars. Like his predecessor, WEAH has struggled to improve the country’s economy. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2023.  With 28 ethnic groups and languages, Liberia is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. For hundreds of years, the Mali and Songhai Empires claimed most of Liberia. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders began establishing outposts along the Liberian coast. Unlike its neighbors, however, Liberia did not fall under European colonial rule. In the early 19th century, the United States began sending freed enslaved people and other people of color to Liberia to establish settlements. In 1847, these settlers declared independence from the United States, writing their own constitution and establishing Africa’s first republic.Early in Liberia’s history, tensions arose between the Americo-Liberian settlers and the indigenous population. In 1980, Samuel DOE, who was from the indigenous population, led a military coup and ushered in a decade of authoritarian rule. In December 1989, Charles TAYLOR launched a rebellion against DOE's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which DOE was killed. A period of relative peace in 1997 permitted an election that brought TAYLOR to power. In 2000, fighting resumed. An August 2003 peace agreement ended the war and prompted President TAYLOR’s resignation. TAYLOR was later convicted by the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague for his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war. In late 2005, President Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF became president after two years of transitional governments; she was the first female head of state in Africa. In 2011, JOHNSON SIRLEAF won reelection but struggled to rebuild Liberia's economy, particularly following the 2014-15 Ebola epidemic, and to reconcile a nation still recovering from 14 years of fighting. In 2017, former soccer star George WEAH won the presidential runoff election, marking the first successful transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another since the end of Liberia’s civil wars. Like his predecessor, WEAH has struggled to improve the country’s economy. The next presidential election is scheduled for 2023.  Topic: LibyaBerbers 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 ceasefire in October 2020 helped formalize the pause in fighting between rival factions, 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.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 ceasefire in October 2020 helped formalize the pause in fighting between rival factions, 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. Topic: LiechtensteinThe Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719. Occupied by both French and Russian troops during the Napoleonic Wars, it became a sovereign state in 1806 and joined the German Confederation in 1815. Liechtenstein became fully independent in 1866 when the Confederation dissolved. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. In 2000, shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight resulted in concerns about the use of financial institutions for money laundering. However, Liechtenstein implemented anti-money laundering legislation and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US that went into effect in 2003. Topic: LithuaniaLithuanian lands were united under MINDAUGAS in 1236; over the next century, through alliances and conquest, Lithuania extended its territory to include most of present-day Belarus and Ukraine. By the end of the 14th century Lithuania was the largest state in Europe. An alliance with Poland in 1386 led the two countries into a union through the person of a common ruler. In 1569, Lithuania and Poland formally united into a single dual state, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This entity survived until 1795 when its remnants were partitioned by surrounding countries. Lithuania regained its independence following World War I but was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. In 2015, Lithuania joined the euro zone, and it joined the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2018. Topic: LuxembourgFounded 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. Topic: MacauColonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on 20 December 1999. In this agreement, China promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's political and economic system would not be imposed on Macau, and that Macau would enjoy a "high degree of autonomy" in all matters except foreign affairs and defense for the subsequent 50 years. Topic: MadagascarMadagascar was one of the last major habitable landmasses on earth settled by humans. While there is some evidence of human presence on the island in the millennia B.C., large-scale settlement began between A.D. 350 and 550 with settlers from present-day Indonesia. The island attracted Arab and Persian traders as early as the 7th century, and migrants from Africa arrived around A.D. 1000. Madagascar was a pirate stronghold during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and served as a slave trading center into the 19th century. From the 16th to the late 19th century, a native Merina Kingdom dominated much of Madagascar. The island was conquered by the French in 1896 who made it a colony; independence was regained in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner. RAVALOMANANA won a second term in 2006 but, following protests in 2009, handed over power to the military, which then conferred the presidency on the mayor of Antananarivo, Andry RAJOELINA, in what amounted to a coup d'etat. Following a lengthy mediation process led by the Southern African Development Community, Madagascar held UN-supported presidential and parliamentary elections in 2013. Former de facto finance minister Hery RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA won a runoff election in December 2013 and was inaugurated in January 2014. In January 2019, RAJOELINA was declared the winner of a runoff election against RAVALOMANANA; both RATSIRAKA and RAJAONARIMAMPIANINA also ran in the first round of the election, which took place in November 2018. Topic: MalawiMalawi shares its name with the Chewa word for flames and is linked to the Maravi people from whom the Chewa language originated. The Maravi settled in what is now Malawi around 1400 during one of the later waves of Bantu migration across central and southern Africa. Several of Malawi’s ethnic groups trace their origins to different Maravi lineages. A powerful Maravi kingdom, established around 1500, reached its zenith around 1700, when it controlled what is now southern and central Malawi as well as portions of neighboring Mozambique and Zambia before beginning to decline because of destabilization from the escalating global trade in enslaved people. In the early 1800s, widespread conflict in southern Africa displaced various ethnic Ngoni groups, some of which moved into Malawi and further undermined the Maravi. Members of the Yao ethnic group - which had long traded with Malawi from Mozambique - introduced Islam and began to settle in Malawi in significant numbers the mid-1800s; in the late 1800s, members of the Lomwe ethnic group also moved into southern Malawi from Mozambique. British missionary and trading activity increased in the area around Lake Nyasa in the mid-1800s, and Britain declared a protectorate, called British Central Africa, over what is now Malawi in 1891 and eliminated various political entities that sought to retain their autonomy over the subsequent decade. The British renamed the territory Nyasaland in 1907 and it was part of the colonial Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland - including present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe - from 1953 to 1963 before gaining independence as Malawi in 1964. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA served as prime minister at independence and, when the country became a republic in 1966, he became president. He later instituted one-party rule under his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and was declared president for life. After three decades of one-party rule, the country held multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections in 1994 under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. Bakili MULUZI of the United Democratic Front party became the first freely elected president of Malawi when he defeated BANDA at the polls in 1994; he won reelection in 1999. President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA was elected in 2004 and subsequently started his own party, the Democratic Progressive Party, in 2005. MUTHARIKA was reelected to a second term in 2009. He died abruptly in 2012 and was succeeded by Vice President Joyce BANDA, who had earlier started her own party, the People's Party. MUTHARIKA's brother, Peter MUTHARIKA, defeated BANDA in the election in 2014. Peter MUTHARIKA was reelected in a disputed election in 2019 that resulted in countrywide protests. The courts ordered a new the election, and in 2020 Lazarus CHAKWERA of the MCP was elected president after defeating MUTHARIKA as head of a coalition of opposition parties. Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the scourge of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi.Malawi shares its name with the Chewa word for flames and is linked to the Maravi people from whom the Chewa language originated. The Maravi settled in what is now Malawi around 1400 during one of the later waves of Bantu migration across central and southern Africa. Several of Malawi’s ethnic groups trace their origins to different Maravi lineages. A powerful Maravi kingdom, established around 1500, reached its zenith around 1700, when it controlled what is now southern and central Malawi as well as portions of neighboring Mozambique and Zambia before beginning to decline because of destabilization from the escalating global trade in enslaved people. In the early 1800s, widespread conflict in southern Africa displaced various ethnic Ngoni groups, some of which moved into Malawi and further undermined the Maravi. Members of the Yao ethnic group - which had long traded with Malawi from Mozambique - introduced Islam and began to settle in Malawi in significant numbers the mid-1800s; in the late 1800s, members of the Lomwe ethnic group also moved into southern Malawi from Mozambique. British missionary and trading activity increased in the area around Lake Nyasa in the mid-1800s, and Britain declared a protectorate, called British Central Africa, over what is now Malawi in 1891 and eliminated various political entities that sought to retain their autonomy over the subsequent decade. The British renamed the territory Nyasaland in 1907 and it was part of the colonial Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland - including present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe - from 1953 to 1963 before gaining independence as Malawi in 1964.Hastings Kamuzu BANDA served as prime minister at independence and, when the country became a republic in 1966, he became president. He later instituted one-party rule under his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and was declared president for life. After three decades of one-party rule, the country held multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections in 1994 under a provisional constitution that came into full effect the following year. Bakili MULUZI of the United Democratic Front party became the first freely elected president of Malawi when he defeated BANDA at the polls in 1994; he won reelection in 1999. President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA was elected in 2004 and subsequently started his own party, the Democratic Progressive Party, in 2005. MUTHARIKA was reelected to a second term in 2009. He died abruptly in 2012 and was succeeded by Vice President Joyce BANDA, who had earlier started her own party, the People's Party. MUTHARIKA's brother, Peter MUTHARIKA, defeated BANDA in the election in 2014. Peter MUTHARIKA was reelected in a disputed election in 2019 that resulted in countrywide protests. The courts ordered a new the election, and in 2020 Lazarus CHAKWERA of the MCP was elected president after defeating MUTHARIKA as head of a coalition of opposition parties. Population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, corruption, and the scourge of HIV/AIDS pose major problems for Malawi. Topic: MalaysiaMalaysia’s location has long made it an important cultural, economic, historical, social, and trade link between the islands of Southeast Asia and the mainland. Through the Strait of Malacca, which separates the Malay Peninsula from the archipelago, flowed maritime trade and with it influences from China, India, the Middle East, and the east coast of Africa. Prior to the 14th century, several powerful maritime empires existed in what is modern-day Malaysia, including the Srivijayan, which controlled much of the southern part of the peninsula between the 7th and 13th centuries, and the Majapahit Empire, which took control over most of the peninsula and the Malay Archipelago between the 13th and 14th centuries. The adoption of Islam between the 13th and 17th centuries also saw the rise of a number of powerful maritime states and sultanates on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, such as the port city of Malacca (Melaka), which at its height in the 15th century had a navy and hosted thousands of Chinese, Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants. The Portuguese in the 16th century and the Dutch in the 17th century were the first European colonial powers to establish themselves on the Malay Peninsula and Southeast Asia. However, it was the British who ultimately secured their hegemony across the territory and during the late 18th and 19th centuries established colonies and protectorates in the area that is now Malaysia. These holdings were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's independence were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's expulsion in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to the development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister MAHATHIR and a newly-formed coalition of opposition parties defeated Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak's United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in May 2018, ending over 60 years of uninterrupted rule by UMNO. MAHATHIR resigned in February 2020 amid a political dispute. King ABDULLAH then selected Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin as the new prime minister. MUHYIDDIN resigned in August 2021 after losing a majority of support in parliament. King ABDULLAH next selected ISMAIL SABRI Yakoob as the successor prime minister.Malaysia’s location has long made it an important cultural, economic, historical, social, and trade link between the islands of Southeast Asia and the mainland. Through the Strait of Malacca, which separates the Malay Peninsula from the archipelago, flowed maritime trade and with it influences from China, India, the Middle East, and the east coast of Africa. Prior to the 14th century, several powerful maritime empires existed in what is modern-day Malaysia, including the Srivijayan, which controlled much of the southern part of the peninsula between the 7th and 13th centuries, and the Majapahit Empire, which took control over most of the peninsula and the Malay Archipelago between the 13th and 14th centuries. The adoption of Islam between the 13th and 17th centuries also saw the rise of a number of powerful maritime states and sultanates on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, such as the port city of Malacca (Melaka), which at its height in the 15th century had a navy and hosted thousands of Chinese, Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants. The Portuguese in the 16th century and the Dutch in the 17th century were the first European colonial powers to establish themselves on the Malay Peninsula and Southeast Asia. However, it was the British who ultimately secured their hegemony across the territory and during the late 18th and 19th centuries established colonies and protectorates in the area that is now Malaysia. These holdings were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula except Singapore formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's independence were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's expulsion in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister MAHATHIR Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to the development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister MAHATHIR and a newly-formed coalition of opposition parties defeated Prime Minister Mohamed NAJIB bin Abdul Razak's United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in May 2018, ending over 60 years of uninterrupted rule by UMNO. MAHATHIR resigned in February 2020 amid a political dispute. King ABDULLAH then selected Tan Sri MUHYIDDIN Yassin as the new prime minister. MUHYIDDIN resigned in August 2021 after losing a majority of support in parliament. King ABDULLAH next selected ISMAIL SABRI Yakoob as the successor prime minister. Topic: MaldivesA sultanate since the 12th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. The islands became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated Maldives' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following political demonstrations in the capital Male in August 2003, GAYOOM and his government pledged to embark upon a process of liberalization and democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Political parties were legalized in 2005. In June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" - finalized a new constitution ratified by GAYOOM in August 2008. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the GAYOOM regime. In early February 2012, after several weeks of street protests in response to his ordering the arrest of a top judge, NASHEED purportedly resigned the presidency and handed over power to Vice President Mohammed WAHEED Hassan Maniku. A government-appointed Commission of National Inquiry concluded there was no evidence of a coup, but NASHEED contends that police and military personnel forced him to resign. NASHEED, WAHEED, and Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom ran in the 2013 elections with YAMEEN ultimately winning the presidency after three rounds of voting. As president, YAMEEN weakened democratic institutions, curtailed civil liberties, jailed his political opponents, restricted the press, and exerted control over the judiciary to strengthen his hold on power and limit dissent. In September 2018, YAMEEN lost his reelection bid to Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH, a parliamentarian of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), who had the support of a coalition of four parties that came together to defeat YAMEEN and restore democratic norms to Maldives. In April 2019, SOLIH's MDP won 65 of 87 seats in parliament.A sultanate since the 12th century, the Maldives became a British protectorate in 1887. The islands became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM dominated Maldives' political scene for 30 years, elected to six successive terms by single-party referendums. Following political demonstrations in the capital Male in August 2003, GAYOOM and his government pledged to embark upon a process of liberalization and democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Political parties were legalized in 2005.In June 2008, a constituent assembly - termed the "Special Majlis" - finalized a new constitution ratified by GAYOOM in August 2008. The first-ever presidential elections under a multi-candidate, multi-party system were held in October 2008. GAYOOM was defeated in a runoff poll by Mohamed NASHEED, a political activist who had been jailed several years earlier by the GAYOOM regime. In early February 2012, after several weeks of street protests in response to his ordering the arrest of a top judge, NASHEED purportedly resigned the presidency and handed over power to Vice President Mohammed WAHEED Hassan Maniku. A government-appointed Commission of National Inquiry concluded there was no evidence of a coup, but NASHEED contends that police and military personnel forced him to resign. NASHEED, WAHEED, and Abdulla YAMEEN Abdul Gayoom ran in the 2013 elections with YAMEEN ultimately winning the presidency after three rounds of voting. As president, YAMEEN weakened democratic institutions, curtailed civil liberties, jailed his political opponents, restricted the press, and exerted control over the judiciary to strengthen his hold on power and limit dissent. In September 2018, YAMEEN lost his reelection bid to Ibrahim Mohamed SOLIH, a parliamentarian of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), who had the support of a coalition of four parties that came together to defeat YAMEEN and restore democratic norms to Maldives. In April 2019, SOLIH's MDP won 65 of 87 seats in parliament. Topic: MaliPresent-day Mali is named after the Mali Empire that ruled the region between the 13th and 16th centuries. At its peak in the 14th century, it was the largest and wealthiest empire in West Africa and controlled an area about twice the size of modern-day France. Primarily a trading empire, Mali derived its wealth from gold and maintained several goldfields and trade routes in the Sahel. The empire also influenced West African culture through the spread of its language, laws, and customs, but by the 16th century it fragmented into mostly small chiefdoms.  The Songhai Empire, previously a Mali dependency centered in Timbuktu, gained prominence in the 15th and 16th centuries. Under Songhai rule, Timbuktu became a large commercial center and well-known for its scholarship and religious teaching. Timbuktu remains a center of culture in West Africa today. In the late 16th century, the Songhai Empire fell to Moroccan invaders and disintegrated into independent sultanates and kingdoms. France, expanding from Senegal, seized control of the area in the 1890s and incorporated it into French West Africa as French Sudan. In 1960, French Sudan gained independence from France and became the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, the remaining area was renamed the Republic of Mali. Mali saw 31 years of dictatorship until 1991, when a military coup led by Amadou Toumani TOURE ousted the government, established a new constitution, and instituted a multi-party democracy. President Alpha Oumar KONARE won Mali's first two democratic presidential elections in 1992 and 1997. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou Toumani TOURE, who won a second term in 2007. In 2012, rising ethnic tensions and an influx of fighters - some linked to Al-Qa’ida - from Libya led to a rebellion and military coup. Following the coup, rebels expelled the military from the country’s three northern regions, allowing terrorist organizations to develop strongholds in the area. With French military intervention, the Malian Government managed to retake most of the north. However, the government’s grasp in the region remains weak with local militias, terrorists, and insurgent groups continuously trying to expand control. In 2015, the Malian Government and northern rebels signed an internationally mediated peace accord. Despite a June 2017 target for implementation of the agreement, the signatories have made little progress. Extremist groups were left out of the peace process, and terrorist attacks remain common.   Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA won the Malian presidential elections in 2013 and 2018. Aside from security and logistic shortfalls, international observers deemed these elections credible. Terrorism, banditry, ethnic-based violence, and extra-judicial military killings plagued the country during KEITA’s second term. In August 2020, the military arrested KEITA, his prime minister, and other senior members of the government and established a military junta called the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP). In September 2020, the junta established a transition government and appointed Bah N’DAW, a retired army officer and former defense minister, as interim president and Colonel Assimi GOITA, the coup leader and chairman of the CNSP, as interim vice president. The transition government’s charter allowed it to rule for up to 18 months before calling a general election.   In May 2021, Colonel Assimi GOITA led a military takeover, arresting the interim president after a Cabinet shake up removed Goita’s key allies. Goita was sworn in as transition president in June 2021 and Choguel Kokalla MAIGA was sworn in as prime minister. In January 2022, ECOWAS imposed sanctions against the transition government and member states closed their borders after the transition government presented a five-year extension to the electoral calendar. ECOWAS and the transition government continue to work to negotiate an acceptable electoral calendar.Present-day Mali is named after the Mali Empire that ruled the region between the 13th and 16th centuries. At its peak in the 14th century, it was the largest and wealthiest empire in West Africa and controlled an area about twice the size of modern-day France. Primarily a trading empire, Mali derived its wealth from gold and maintained several goldfields and trade routes in the Sahel. The empire also influenced West African culture through the spread of its language, laws, and customs, but by the 16th century it fragmented into mostly small chiefdoms.  The Songhai Empire, previously a Mali dependency centered in Timbuktu, gained prominence in the 15th and 16th centuries. Under Songhai rule, Timbuktu became a large commercial center and well-known for its scholarship and religious teaching. Timbuktu remains a center of culture in West Africa today. In the late 16th century, the Songhai Empire fell to Moroccan invaders and disintegrated into independent sultanates and kingdoms.France, expanding from Senegal, seized control of the area in the 1890s and incorporated it into French West Africa as French Sudan. In 1960, French Sudan gained independence from France and became the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, the remaining area was renamed the Republic of Mali. Mali saw 31 years of dictatorship until 1991, when a military coup led by Amadou Toumani TOURE ousted the government, established a new constitution, and instituted a multi-party democracy. President Alpha Oumar KONARE won Mali's first two democratic presidential elections in 1992 and 1997. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou Toumani TOURE, who won a second term in 2007.In 2012, rising ethnic tensions and an influx of fighters - some linked to Al-Qa’ida - from Libya led to a rebellion and military coup. Following the coup, rebels expelled the military from the country’s three northern regions, allowing terrorist organizations to develop strongholds in the area. With French military intervention, the Malian Government managed to retake most of the north. However, the government’s grasp in the region remains weak with local militias, terrorists, and insurgent groups continuously trying to expand control. In 2015, the Malian Government and northern rebels signed an internationally mediated peace accord. Despite a June 2017 target for implementation of the agreement, the signatories have made little progress. Extremist groups were left out of the peace process, and terrorist attacks remain common.  Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA won the Malian presidential elections in 2013 and 2018. Aside from security and logistic shortfalls, international observers deemed these elections credible. Terrorism, banditry, ethnic-based violence, and extra-judicial military killings plagued the country during KEITA’s second term. In August 2020, the military arrested KEITA, his prime minister, and other senior members of the government and established a military junta called the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP). In September 2020, the junta established a transition government and appointed Bah N’DAW, a retired army officer and former defense minister, as interim president and Colonel Assimi GOITA, the coup leader and chairman of the CNSP, as interim vice president. The transition government’s charter allowed it to rule for up to 18 months before calling a general election.   In May 2021, Colonel Assimi GOITA led a military takeover, arresting the interim president after a Cabinet shake up removed Goita’s key allies. Goita was sworn in as transition president in June 2021 and Choguel Kokalla MAIGA was sworn in as prime minister. In January 2022, ECOWAS imposed sanctions against the transition government and member states closed their borders after the transition government presented a five-year extension to the electoral calendar. ECOWAS and the transition government continue to work to negotiate an acceptable electoral calendar. Topic: MaltaWith 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 ten 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. Topic: Marshall IslandsHumans arrived in the Marshall Islands in the first millennium B.C. and gradually created permanent settlements on the various atolls. The early inhabitants were skilled navigators who frequently traveled between atolls using stick charts to map the islands. Society became organized under two paramount chiefs, one each for the Ratak (Sunrise) Chain and the Ralik (Sunset) Chain. The traditional hierarchy continued even after contact with Europeans in the early 1500s. Spain formally claimed the islands in 1592, but few other Europeans passed by the islands in the next two centuries. In 1788, British sea captain John MARSHALL undertook an exploratory voyage, and the islands were mapped in the early 1800s by Russian explorers. In the 1850s, US Protestant missionaries began arriving on the islands. Germany established a supply station on Jaluit Atoll and bought the islands from Spain in 1884, although paramount chiefs continued to rule. Japan seized the Marshall Islands in 1914 and was granted a League of Nations Mandate to administer the islands in 1920. Japan built large military bases throughout the Marshall Islands, and during World War II, the US captured the bases on Kwajalein, Enewetak, and Majuro Atolls in Operations Flintlock and Catchpole. The Marshall Islands came under US administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) in 1947. Between 1946 and 1958, the US resettled populations from Bikini and Enewetak Atolls and conducted 67 nuclear tests; people from Ailinginae and Rongelap Atolls were also evacuated because of nuclear fallout, and all four atolls remain largely uninhabited. In 1979, the Marshall Islands drafted a constitution separate from the rest of the TTPI and declared independence under President Amata KABUA, a paramount chief. In 2000, Kessai NOTE became the first commoner elected president. In 2016, Hilda HEINE was the first woman elected president. In 1982, the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted the Marshall Islands financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities; the COFA entered into force in 1986 and its funding was renewed in 2003. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network. Kwajalein also hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US), on Ascension (Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha), and at Diego Garcia (British Indian Ocean Territory)). Topic: MauritaniaThe Berber and Bafour people were among the first to settle in what is now Mauritania. Originally a nomadic people, they were among the first in recorded history to convert from a nomadic to agricultural lifestyle. These groups account for roughly one third of Mauritania’s ethnic makeup. The remainder of Mauritania’s ethnic groups derive from former enslaved peoples and sub-Saharan ethnic groups originating mainly from the Senegal River Valley. These three groups are organized according to a strict caste system with deep ethnic divides that still exist today. A former French colony, Mauritania achieved independence from France in 1960. Mauritania initially began as a single-party, authoritarian regime and saw 49 years of dictatorships, flawed elections, failed attempts at democracy, and military coups. Ould Abdel AZIZ led the last coup in 2008, and was elected president in 2009 and reelected in 2014. Mohamed Ould Cheikh GHAZOUANI was elected president in 2019, and his inauguration marked the first peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected president to another, solidifying Mauritania’s status as an emerging democracy. International observers recognized the elections as relatively free and fair. The country is working to address a continuing practice of slavery and its vestiges. Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981, but the practice was not criminalized until 2007. Between 2005 and 2011, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) launched a series of attacks killing American and foreign tourists and aid workers, attacking diplomatic and government facilities, and ambushing Mauritanian soldiers and gendarmes. Although Mauritania has not seen an attack since 2011, AQIM and similar groups remain active in the Sahel region.  The Berber and Bafour people were among the first to settle in what is now Mauritania. Originally a nomadic people, they were among the first in recorded history to convert from a nomadic to agricultural lifestyle. These groups account for roughly one third of Mauritania’s ethnic makeup. The remainder of Mauritania’s ethnic groups derive from former enslaved peoples and sub-Saharan ethnic groups originating mainly from the Senegal River Valley. These three groups are organized according to a strict caste system with deep ethnic divides that still exist today. A former French colony, Mauritania achieved independence from France in 1960. Mauritania initially began as a single-party, authoritarian regime and saw 49 years of dictatorships, flawed elections, failed attempts at democracy, and military coups. Ould Abdel AZIZ led the last coup in 2008, and was elected president in 2009 and reelected in 2014. Mohamed Ould Cheikh GHAZOUANI was elected president in 2019, and his inauguration marked the first peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected president to another, solidifying Mauritania’s status as an emerging democracy. International observers recognized the elections as relatively free and fair.The country is working to address a continuing practice of slavery and its vestiges. Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981, but the practice was not criminalized until 2007. Between 2005 and 2011, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) launched a series of attacks killing American and foreign tourists and aid workers, attacking diplomatic and government facilities, and ambushing Mauritanian soldiers and gendarmes. Although Mauritania has not seen an attack since 2011, AQIM and similar groups remain active in the Sahel region.  Topic: MauritiusAlthough known to Arab and European sailors since at least the early 1500s, the island of Mauritius was uninhabited until 1638 when the Dutch established a settlement named in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU. Their presence led to the rapid disappearance of the flightless dodo bird that has since become one of the most well-known examples of extinction in modern times. The Dutch abandoned their financially distressed settlement in 1710, although a number of formerly enslaved people remained. In 1722, the French established what would become a highly profitable settlement focused on sugar cane plantations that were reliant on the labor of enslaved people brought to Mauritius from other parts of Africa. In the 1790s, the island had a brief period of autonomous rule when plantation owners rejected French control because of laws ending slavery that were temporarily in effect during the French Revolution. Britain captured the Island in 1810 as part of the Napoleonic Wars, but kept most of the French administrative structure which remains to this day in the form of the country’s legal codes and widespread use of French Creole language. The abolition of slavery in 1835 - later than most other British colonies - led to increased reliance on contracted laborers from the Indian subcontinent to work on plantations. Today their descendants form the majority of the population. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing a role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as for the collection of signals intelligence. Mauritius gained independence from the UK in 1968 as a Parliamentary Republic and has remained a stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record. The country also attracted considerable foreign investment and now has one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Mauritius’ often fractious coalition politics has been dominated by two prominent families each of which has had father-son pairs who have been prime minister over multiple, often nonconsecutive, terms. Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (1968-76) was Mauritius’ first prime minister and he was succeeded by Anerood Jugnauth (1982-95, 2000-03, 2014-17); his son Navin Ramgoolam (1995-2000, 2005-14); and Paul Raymond Berenger (2003-05), the only non-Hindu prime minister of post-independence Mauritius. In 2017, Pravind Jugnauth became prime minister after his father stepped down short of completing his term, and he was elected in his own right in 2019. Mauritius claims the French island of Tromelin and the British Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory). Since 2017, Mauritius has secured favorable UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions and an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion relating to its sovereignty dispute with the UK.Although known to Arab and European sailors since at least the early 1500s, the island of Mauritius was uninhabited until 1638 when the Dutch established a settlement named in honor of Prince Maurits van NASSAU. Their presence led to the rapid disappearance of the flightless dodo bird that has since become one of the most well-known examples of extinction in modern times. The Dutch abandoned their financially distressed settlement in 1710, although a number of formerly enslaved people remained. In 1722, the French established what would become a highly profitable settlement focused on sugar cane plantations that were reliant on the labor of enslaved people brought to Mauritius from other parts of Africa. In the 1790s, the island had a brief period of autonomous rule when plantation owners rejected French control because of laws ending slavery that were temporarily in effect during the French Revolution. Britain captured the Island in 1810 as part of the Napoleonic Wars, but kept most of the French administrative structure which remains to this day in the form of the country’s legal codes and widespread use of French Creole language. The abolition of slavery in 1835 - later than most other British colonies - led to increased reliance on contracted laborers from the Indian subcontinent to work on plantations. Today their descendants form the majority of the population. Mauritius remained a strategically important British naval base, and later an air station, playing a role during World War II for anti-submarine and convoy operations, as well as for the collection of signals intelligence.Mauritius gained independence from the UK in 1968 as a Parliamentary Republic and has remained a stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record. The country also attracted considerable foreign investment and now has one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Mauritius’ often fractious coalition politics has been dominated by two prominent families each of which has had father-son pairs who have been prime minister over multiple, often nonconsecutive, terms. Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (1968-76) was Mauritius’ first prime minister and he was succeeded by Anerood Jugnauth (1982-95, 2000-03, 2014-17); his son Navin Ramgoolam (1995-2000, 2005-14); and Paul Raymond Berenger (2003-05), the only non-Hindu prime minister of post-independence Mauritius. In 2017, Pravind Jugnauth became prime minister after his father stepped down short of completing his term, and he was elected in his own right in 2019. Mauritius claims the French island of Tromelin and the British Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory). Since 2017, Mauritius has secured favorable UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions and an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion relating to its sovereignty dispute with the UK. Topic: MexicoThe 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. Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofEach of the four states that compose the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) - Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap - has its own unique history and cultural traditions. The first humans arrived in what is now the FSM in the second millennium B.C. In the 800s A.D., construction of the artificial islets at the Nan Madol complex in Pohnpei began, with the main architecture being built around 1200. At its height, Nan Madol united the approximately 25,000 people of Pohnpei under the Saudeleur Dynasty. Around the same time, Kosrae was united in a kingdom centered in Leluh by 1250. Yap’s society became strictly hierarchical, with chiefs receiving tributes from islands up to 1,100 km (700 mi) away. Widespread human settlement in Chuuk began in the 1300s, and the different islands in the Chuuk Lagoon were frequently at war with one another. Portuguese and Spanish explorers visited a few of the islands in the 1500s and Spain began exerting nominal, but not day-to-day, control over some of the islands - which they named the Caroline Islands - in the 1600s. Christian missionaries arrived in the 1800s, in particular to Chuuk and Kosrae. By the 1870s, nearly every Kosraean had converted to Christianity and religion continues to play an important role in daily life on the island. In 1899, Spain sold all of the FSM to Germany. Japan seized the islands in 1914 and was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer them in 1920. The Japanese navy built bases across most of the islands and headquartered their Pacific naval operations in Chuuk. The US bombed Chuuk in 1944 during Operation Hailstone in World War II, destroying 250 Japanese planes and 40 ships. The US military largely bypassed the other islands in its leapfrog campaign across the Pacific. The FSM came under US administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947, which comprised six districts: Chuuk, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap; Kosrae was separated from Pohnpei into a separate district in 1977. In 1979, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap ratified the FSM Constitution and declared independence while the other three districts opted to pursue separate political statuses. In 1982, the FSM signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted the FSM financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities; the COFA entered into force in 1986 and its funding was renewed in 2003. There are significant inter-island rivalries stemming from their different histories and cultures. Chuuk, the most populous but poorest state, is planning an independence referendum for 2022. Eligible Micronesians can live, work, and study in any part of the US and its territories without a visa - this privilege reduces stresses on the island economy and the environment. Micronesians serve in the US armed forces and military recruiting from the FSM, per capita, is higher than many US states.Each of the four states that compose the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) - Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap - has its own unique history and cultural traditions. The first humans arrived in what is now the FSM in the second millennium B.C. In the 800s A.D., construction of the artificial islets at the Nan Madol complex in Pohnpei began, with the main architecture being built around 1200. At its height, Nan Madol united the approximately 25,000 people of Pohnpei under the Saudeleur Dynasty. Around the same time, Kosrae was united in a kingdom centered in Leluh by 1250. Yap’s society became strictly hierarchical, with chiefs receiving tributes from islands up to 1,100 km (700 mi) away. Widespread human settlement in Chuuk began in the 1300s, and the different islands in the Chuuk Lagoon were frequently at war with one another.Portuguese and Spanish explorers visited a few of the islands in the 1500s and Spain began exerting nominal, but not day-to-day, control over some of the islands - which they named the Caroline Islands - in the 1600s. Christian missionaries arrived in the 1800s, in particular to Chuuk and Kosrae. By the 1870s, nearly every Kosraean had converted to Christianity and religion continues to play an important role in daily life on the island. In 1899, Spain sold all of the FSM to Germany. Japan seized the islands in 1914 and was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer them in 1920. The Japanese navy built bases across most of the islands and headquartered their Pacific naval operations in Chuuk. The US bombed Chuuk in 1944 during Operation Hailstone in World War II, destroying 250 Japanese planes and 40 ships. The US military largely bypassed the other islands in its leapfrog campaign across the Pacific.The FSM came under US administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947, which comprised six districts: Chuuk, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap; Kosrae was separated from Pohnpei into a separate district in 1977. In 1979, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap ratified the FSM Constitution and declared independence while the other three districts opted to pursue separate political statuses. In 1982, the FSM signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted the FSM financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities; the COFA entered into force in 1986 and its funding was renewed in 2003. There are significant inter-island rivalries stemming from their different histories and cultures. Chuuk, the most populous but poorest state, is planning an independence referendum for 2022. Eligible Micronesians can live, work, and study in any part of the US and its territories without a visa - this privilege reduces stresses on the island economy and the environment. Micronesians serve in the US armed forces and military recruiting from the FSM, per capita, is higher than many US states. Topic: MoldovaA large portion of present day Moldovan territory became a province of the Russian Empire in 1812 and then unified with Romania in 1918 in the aftermath of World War I. This territory was then incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although Moldova has been independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru River in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Years of Communist Party rule in Moldova from 2001-09 ultimately ended with election-related violent protests and a rerun of parliamentary elections in 2009. A series of pro-Europe ruling coalitions governed Moldova from 2010-19, but pro-Russia Igor DODON won the presidency in 2016 and his Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova won a plurality in the legislative election in 2019. Pro-EU reformist candidate Maia SANDU defeated DODON in his reelection bid in November 2020 and the Party of Action and Solidarity, which SANDU founded in 2015, won a parliamentary majority in an early legislative election in July 2021. Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA and her cabinet took office in August 2021.  A large portion of present day Moldovan territory became a province of the Russian Empire in 1812 and then unified with Romania in 1918 in the aftermath of World War I. This territory was then incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although Moldova has been independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru River in the breakaway region of Transnistria.Years of Communist Party rule in Moldova from 2001-09 ultimately ended with election-related violent protests and a rerun of parliamentary elections in 2009. A series of pro-Europe ruling coalitions governed Moldova from 2010-19, but pro-Russia Igor DODON won the presidency in 2016 and his Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova won a plurality in the legislative election in 2019. Pro-EU reformist candidate Maia SANDU defeated DODON in his reelection bid in November 2020 and the Party of Action and Solidarity, which SANDU founded in 2015, won a parliamentary majority in an early legislative election in July 2021. Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA and her cabinet took office in August 2021.  Topic: MonacoThe Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized control in 1297 but was not able to permanently secure its holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center. Topic: MongoliaThe peoples of Mongolia have a long history under a number of nomadic empires dating back to the period of the Xiongnu in the 4th century B.C. The name Mongol goes back to at least the 11th century A.D. The most famous Mongol, TEMÜÜJIN (aka Genghis Khan) emerged as the ruler of all Mongols in the early 1200s. By the time of his death in 1227, he had created through conquest a Mongol Empire that extended across much of Eurasia. His descendants, including ÖGÖDEI and KHUBILAI (aka Kublai Khan), continued military campaigns of conquest, taking control of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of China where KHUBILAI established the Yuan Dynasty in the 1270s. The Mongols attempted to invade Japan and Java before their empire broke apart in the 14th century. In the 17th century, Mongolia fell under the rule of the Manchus of the Chinese Qing Dynasty. Following the collapse of the Manchus in 1911, Mongolia declared its independence, achieving it with help from the Soviet Union in 1921. Mongolia became a socialist state (the Mongolian People’s Republic) in 1924. Following independence and until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the country was a Soviet satellite state, and heavily reliant on economic, military, and political assistance from Moscow. The period also was marked by purges, political repression, economic stagnation, and tensions with China. Mongolia peacefully transitioned to an independent democracy in 1990. In 1992, it adopted a new constitution and established a free market economy. Since the country's transition, it has conducted eight presidential and nine legislative elections as of 2021. Throughout the period, the ex-communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) - which took the name Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) in 2010 - has competed for political power with the Democratic Party (DP) and several other smaller parties, including a new party formed by former President ENKHBAYAR, which confusingly adopted for itself the MPRP name until it merged with MPP in 2021. In the 2016 parliamentary elections, the MPP won overwhelming control of the Parliament over the DP, which had overseen a sharp decline in Mongolia’s economy during its control of the Parliament in the preceding years. Mongolians elected a DP member, Khaltmaa BATTULGA, as president in 2017. The June 2020 parliamentary elections left the MPP with continued dominant control of the parliament. Mongolians elected former prime minister and MPP member Ukhnaa KHURELSUKH as president in 2021. Mongolia maintains close cultural, political, and military ties with Russia while China is its largest economic partner. Mongolia’s foreign relations are focused on preserving its autonomy by balancing relations with China and Russia, as well as its other major partners, Japan, South Korea, and the US.The peoples of Mongolia have a long history under a number of nomadic empires dating back to the period of the Xiongnu in the 4th century B.C. The name Mongol goes back to at least the 11th century A.D. The most famous Mongol, TEMÜÜJIN (aka Genghis Khan) emerged as the ruler of all Mongols in the early 1200s. By the time of his death in 1227, he had created through conquest a Mongol Empire that extended across much of Eurasia. His descendants, including ÖGÖDEI and KHUBILAI (aka Kublai Khan), continued military campaigns of conquest, taking control of Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of China where KHUBILAI established the Yuan Dynasty in the 1270s. The Mongols attempted to invade Japan and Java before their empire broke apart in the 14th century. In the 17th century, Mongolia fell under the rule of the Manchus of the Chinese Qing Dynasty. Following the collapse of the Manchus in 1911, Mongolia declared its independence, achieving it with help from the Soviet Union in 1921. Mongolia became a socialist state (the Mongolian People’s Republic) in 1924. Following independence and until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the country was a Soviet satellite state, and heavily reliant on economic, military, and political assistance from Moscow. The period also was marked by purges, political repression, economic stagnation, and tensions with China. Mongolia peacefully transitioned to an independent democracy in 1990. In 1992, it adopted a new constitution and established a free market economy. Since the country's transition, it has conducted eight presidential and nine legislative elections as of 2021. Throughout the period, the ex-communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) - which took the name Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) in 2010 - has competed for political power with the Democratic Party (DP) and several other smaller parties, including a new party formed by former President ENKHBAYAR, which confusingly adopted for itself the MPRP name until it merged with MPP in 2021. In the 2016 parliamentary elections, the MPP won overwhelming control of the Parliament over the DP, which had overseen a sharp decline in Mongolia’s economy during its control of the Parliament in the preceding years. Mongolians elected a DP member, Khaltmaa BATTULGA, as president in 2017. The June 2020 parliamentary elections left the MPP with continued dominant control of the parliament. Mongolians elected former prime minister and MPP member Ukhnaa KHURELSUKH as president in 2021. Mongolia maintains close cultural, political, and military ties with Russia while China is its largest economic partner. Mongolia’s foreign relations are focused on preserving its autonomy by balancing relations with China and Russia, as well as its other major partners, Japan, South Korea, and the US. Topic: MontenegroThe use of the name Crna Gora or Black Mountain (Montenegro) began in the 13th century in reference to a highland region in the Serbian province of Zeta. The later medieval state of Zeta maintained its existence until 1496 when Montenegro finally fell under Ottoman rule. Over subsequent centuries, Montenegro managed to maintain a level of autonomy within the Ottoman Empire. From the 16th to 19th centuries, Montenegro was a theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes; in 1852, it transformed into a secular principality. Montenegro was recognized as an independent sovereign principality at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. After World War I, during which Montenegro fought on the side of the Allies, Montenegro was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. At the conclusion of World War II, it became a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. When the latter dissolved in 1992, Montenegro joined with Serbia, creating the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and, after 2003, shifting to a looser State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right under the Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro to hold a referendum on independence from the two-state union. The vote for severing ties with Serbia barely exceeded 55% - the threshold set by the EU - allowing Montenegro to formally restore its independence on 3 June 2006. In 2017, Montenegro joined NATO and is currently completing its EU accession process, having officially applied to join the EU in December 2008. Topic: MontserratEnglish and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid-19th century. Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in 2013. Topic: MoroccoIn 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half-century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of king. Since Spain's 1976 withdrawal from what is today called Western Sahara, Morocco has extended its de facto administrative control to roughly 75% of this territory; however, the UN does not recognize Morocco as the administering power for Western Sahara. The UN since 1991 has monitored a cease-fire between Morocco and the Polisario Front - an organization advocating the territory’s independence - and restarted negotiations over the status of the territory in December 2018. On 10 December 2020, the US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over all of Western Sahara. King MOHAMMED VI in early 2011 responded to the spread of pro-democracy protests in the North Africa region by implementing a reform program that included a new constitution, passed by popular referendum in July 2011, under which some new powers were extended to parliament and the prime minister, but ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. In November 2011, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) - a moderate Islamist party - won the largest number of seats in parliamentary elections, becoming the first Islamist party to lead the Moroccan Government. In September 2015, Morocco held its first direct elections for regional councils, one of the reforms included in the 2011 constitution. The PJD again won the largest number of seats in nationwide parliamentary elections in October 2016, but it lost its plurality to the probusiness National Rally of Independents (RNI) in September 2021. In December 2020, Morocco signed a normalization agreement with Israel, similar to those that Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan had concluded with Israel earlier in 2020.In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite Dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half-century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of king. Since Spain's 1976 withdrawal from what is today called Western Sahara, Morocco has extended its de facto administrative control to roughly 75% of this territory; however, the UN does not recognize Morocco as the administering power for Western Sahara. The UN since 1991 has monitored a cease-fire between Morocco and the Polisario Front - an organization advocating the territory’s independence - and restarted negotiations over the status of the territory in December 2018. On 10 December 2020, the US recognized Morocco's sovereignty over all of Western Sahara.King MOHAMMED VI in early 2011 responded to the spread of pro-democracy protests in the North Africa region by implementing a reform program that included a new constitution, passed by popular referendum in July 2011, under which some new powers were extended to parliament and the prime minister, but ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch. In November 2011, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) - a moderate Islamist party - won the largest number of seats in parliamentary elections, becoming the first Islamist party to lead the Moroccan Government. In September 2015, Morocco held its first direct elections for regional councils, one of the reforms included in the 2011 constitution. The PJD again won the largest number of seats in nationwide parliamentary elections in October 2016, but it lost its plurality to the probusiness National Rally of Independents (RNI) in September 2021. In December 2020, Morocco signed a normalization agreement with Israel, similar to those that Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan had concluded with Israel earlier in 2020. Topic: MozambiqueIn the first half of the second millennium A.D., northern Mozambican port towns were frequented by traders from Somalia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Arabia, Persia, and India. The Portuguese were able to wrest much of the coastal trade from Arab Muslims in the centuries after 1500 and to set up their own colonies. Portugal did not relinquish Mozambique until 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid-1990s. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando GUEBUZA, served two terms and then passed executive power to Filipe NYUSI in 2015. RENAMO’s residual armed forces intermittently engaged in a low-level insurgency after 2012, but a late December 2016 ceasefire eventually led to the two sides signing a comprehensive peace deal in August 2019. Elections in October 2019, challenged by Western observers and civil society as being problematic, resulted in resounding wins for NYUSI and FRELIMO across the country. Since October 2017, violent extremists - who an official ISIS media outlet recognized as ISIS's network in Mozambique for the first time in June 2019 - have been conducting attacks against civilians and security services in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. In 2021, Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community deployed forces to support Mozambique’s efforts to counter the extremist group.In the first half of the second millennium A.D., northern Mozambican port towns were frequented by traders from Somalia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Arabia, Persia, and India. The Portuguese were able to wrest much of the coastal trade from Arab Muslims in the centuries after 1500 and to set up their own colonies. Portugal did not relinquish Mozambique until 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid-1990s. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando GUEBUZA, served two terms and then passed executive power to Filipe NYUSI in 2015. RENAMO’s residual armed forces intermittently engaged in a low-level insurgency after 2012, but a late December 2016 ceasefire eventually led to the two sides signing a comprehensive peace deal in August 2019. Elections in October 2019, challenged by Western observers and civil society as being problematic, resulted in resounding wins for NYUSI and FRELIMO across the country. Since October 2017, violent extremists - who an official ISIS media outlet recognized as ISIS's network in Mozambique for the first time in June 2019 - have been conducting attacks against civilians and security services in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. In 2021, Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community deployed forces to support Mozambique’s efforts to counter the extremist group. Topic: NamibiaVarious ethnic groups occupied south western Africa prior to Germany establishing a colony over most of the territory in 1884. South Africa occupied the colony, then known as German South West Africa, in 1915 during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory.  In 1966, the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that became Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia gained independence in 1990 and has been governed by SWAPO since, though the party has dropped much of its Marxist ideology. President Hage GEINGOB was elected in 2014 in a landslide victory, replacing Hifikepunye POHAMBA who stepped down after serving two terms. SWAPO retained its parliamentary super majority in the 2014 elections. In 2019 elections, GEINGOB was reelected but by a substantially reduced majority and SWAPO narrowly lost its super majority in parliament. Namibia gained independence in 1990. Topic: NauruNauru was inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian settlers by around 1000 B.C. and the island was divided in 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. Topic: Navassa IslandThis uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857 for its guano. Mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration of Navassa Island transferred from the US Coast Guard to the Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island described it as a "unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity." The following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge and annual scientific expeditions have continued. Topic: NepalDuring the late 18th-early 19th centuries, the principality of Gorkha united many of the other principalities and states of the sub-Himalayan region into a Nepali Kingdom. Nepal retained its independence following the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16 and the subsequent peace treaty laid the foundations for two centuries of amicable relations between Britain and Nepal. (The Brigade of Gurkhas continues to serve in the British Army to the present day.) In 1951, the Nepali monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government. That arrangement lasted until 1960, when political parties were again banned, but was reinstated in 1990 with the establishment of a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. An insurgency led by Maoists broke out in 1996. During the ensuing 10-year civil war between Maoist and government forces, the monarchy dissolved the cabinet and parliament and re-assumed absolute power in 2002, after the crown prince massacred the royal family in 2001. A peace accord in 2006 led to the promulgation of an interim constitution in 2007. Following a nationwide Constituent Assembly (CA) election in 2008, the newly formed CA declared Nepal a federal democratic republic, abolished the monarchy, and elected the country's first president. After the CA failed to draft a constitution by a 2012 deadline set by the Supreme Court, then-Prime Minister Baburam BHATTARAI dissolved the CA. Months of negotiations ensued until 2013 when the major political parties agreed to create an interim government headed by then-Chief Justice Khil Raj REGMI with a mandate to hold elections for a new CA. Elections were held in 2013, in which the Nepali Congress (NC) won the largest share of seats in the CA and in 2014 formed a coalition government with the second-place Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML) with NC President Sushil KOIRALA serving as prime minister. Nepal's new constitution came into effect in 2015, at which point the CA became the Parliament. Khagda Prasad Sharma OLI served as the first post-constitution prime minister from 2015 to 2016. OLI resigned ahead of a no-confidence motion against him, and Parliament elected Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) leader Pushpa Kamal DAHAL (aka "Prachanda") prime minister. The constitution provided for a transitional period during which three sets of elections – local, provincial, and national – needed to take place. The first local elections in 20 years occurred in three phases between May and September 2017, and state and federal elections proceeded in two phases in November and December 2017. The parties headed by OLI and DAHAL ran in coalition and swept the parliamentary elections, and OLI, who led the larger of the two parties, was sworn in as prime minister in February 2018. In May 2018, OLI and DAHAL announced the merger of their parties - the UML and CPN-M - to establish the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), which headed the government for roughly two years before infighting led the party to split. OLI from late 2020 sought to dissolve parliament and hold elections. The supreme court in July 2021 declared OLI's efforts unconstitutional and called for an appointment of the opposition-supported, NC leader Sher Bahadur DEUBA as prime minister.  During the late 18th-early 19th centuries, the principality of Gorkha united many of the other principalities and states of the sub-Himalayan region into a Nepali Kingdom. Nepal retained its independence following the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16 and the subsequent peace treaty laid the foundations for two centuries of amicable relations between Britain and Nepal. (The Brigade of Gurkhas continues to serve in the British Army to the present day.) In 1951, the Nepali monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government. That arrangement lasted until 1960, when political parties were again banned, but was reinstated in 1990 with the establishment of a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy.An insurgency led by Maoists broke out in 1996. During the ensuing 10-year civil war between Maoist and government forces, the monarchy dissolved the cabinet and parliament and re-assumed absolute power in 2002, after the crown prince massacred the royal family in 2001. A peace accord in 2006 led to the promulgation of an interim constitution in 2007. Following a nationwide Constituent Assembly (CA) election in 2008, the newly formed CA declared Nepal a federal democratic republic, abolished the monarchy, and elected the country's first president. After the CA failed to draft a constitution by a 2012 deadline set by the Supreme Court, then-Prime Minister Baburam BHATTARAI dissolved the CA. Months of negotiations ensued until 2013 when the major political parties agreed to create an interim government headed by then-Chief Justice Khil Raj REGMI with a mandate to hold elections for a new CA. Elections were held in 2013, in which the Nepali Congress (NC) won the largest share of seats in the CA and in 2014 formed a coalition government with the second-place Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (UML) with NC President Sushil KOIRALA serving as prime minister. Nepal's new constitution came into effect in 2015, at which point the CA became the Parliament. Khagda Prasad Sharma OLI served as the first post-constitution prime minister from 2015 to 2016. OLI resigned ahead of a no-confidence motion against him, and Parliament elected Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) leader Pushpa Kamal DAHAL (aka "Prachanda") prime minister. The constitution provided for a transitional period during which three sets of elections – local, provincial, and national – needed to take place. The first local elections in 20 years occurred in three phases between May and September 2017, and state and federal elections proceeded in two phases in November and December 2017. The parties headed by OLI and DAHAL ran in coalition and swept the parliamentary elections, and OLI, who led the larger of the two parties, was sworn in as prime minister in February 2018. In May 2018, OLI and DAHAL announced the merger of their parties - the UML and CPN-M - to establish the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), which headed the government for roughly two years before infighting led the party to split. OLI from late 2020 sought to dissolve parliament and hold elections. The supreme court in July 2021 declared OLI's efforts unconstitutional and called for an appointment of the opposition-supported, NC leader Sher Bahadur DEUBA as prime minister.  Topic: NetherlandsThe Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered German invasion and occupation in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU) and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. In October 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands - Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba - became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In February 2018, the Sint Eustatius island council (governing body) was dissolved and replaced by a government commissioner to restore the integrity of public administration. According to the Dutch Government, the intervention will be as "short as possible and as long as needed."The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered German invasion and occupation in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU) and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. In October 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands - Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba - became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure. The larger islands of Sint Maarten and Curacao joined the Netherlands and Aruba as constituent countries forming the Kingdom of the Netherlands.In February 2018, the Sint Eustatius island council (governing body) was dissolved and replaced by a government commissioner to restore the integrity of public administration. According to the Dutch Government, the intervention will be as "short as possible and as long as needed." Topic: New CaledoniaThe first humans settled in New Caledonia around 1600 B.C. The Lapita were skilled navigators and evidence of their pottery around the Pacific has served as a guide for understanding human expansion in the region. Successive waves of migrants from other islands in Melanesia intermarried with the Lapita, giving rise to the Kanak ethnic group considered indigenous to New Caledonia. British explorer James COOK was the first European to visit New Caledonia in 1774, giving it the Latin name for Scotland. Missionaries first landed in New Caledonia in 1840. In 1853, France annexed New Caledonia to preclude any British attempt to claim the island. France declared it a penal colony in 1864 and sent more than 20,000 prisoners to New Caledonia in the ensuing three decades. Nickel was discovered in 1864 and French prisoners were directed to mine it. France brought in indentured servants and enslaved labor from elsewhere in Southeast Asia to work the mines, blocking Kanaks from accessing the most profitable part of the local economy. In 1878, High Chief ATAI led a rebellion against French rule. The Kanaks were relegated to reservations, leading to periodic smaller uprisings and culminating in a large revolt in 1917 that was brutally suppressed by colonial authorities. During World War II, New Caledonia became an important base for Allied troops, and the US moved its South Pacific headquarters to the island in 1942. Following the war, New Caledonia was made an overseas territory and French citizenship was granted to all inhabitants in 1953, thereby permitting the Kanaks to move off the reservations. The Kanak nationalist movement began in the 1950s but most voters chose to remain a territory in an independence referendum in 1958. The European population of New Caledonia boomed in the 1970s with a renewed focus on nickel mining, reigniting Kanak nationalism. Key Kanak leaders were assassinated in the early 1980s, leading to escalating violence and dozens of fatalities. The Matignon Accords of 1988 provided for a 10-year transition period. The Noumea Accord of 1998 transferred an increasing amount of governing responsibility from France to New Caledonia over a 20-year period and provided for three independence referenda. In the first held in 2018, voters rejected independence by 57 to 43 percent; in the second held in 2020, voters rejected independence 53 to 47 percent. In the third referendum held in December 2021, voters rejected independence 96 to 4 percent; however, a boycott by key Kanak groups spurred challenges about the legitimacy of the vote. In February 2021, pro-independence parties gained a majority in the New Caledonian Government for the first time. Topic: New ZealandPolynesian settlers may have arrived in New Zealand in the late 1200s, with widespread settlement in the mid-1300s. They called the land Aotearoa, which legend holds is the name of the canoe that Kupe, the first Polynesian in New Zealand, used to sail to the country; the name Aotearoa is now in widespread use as the local Maori name for the country. Competition for land and resources led to intermittent fighting between different Maori iwi (tribes) by the 1500s as large game became extinct. Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to see the islands in 1642 but after an encounter with local Maori, he sailed away. British captain James COOK was the next European to arrive in New Zealand in 1769, followed by whalers, sealers, and traders. The UK only nominally claimed New Zealand and included it as part of New South Wales in Australia. Concerns about increasing lawlessness led the UK to appoint its first British Resident in New Zealand in 1832, although he had few legal powers. In 1835, some Maori iwi from the North Island declared independence as the United Tribes of New Zealand. Fearing an impending French settlement and takeover, they asked the British for protection. In 1840, the British negotiated their protection in the Treaty of Waitangi, which was eventually signed by more than 500 different Maori chiefs, although many chiefs did not or were not asked to sign. In the English-language version of the treaty, the British thought the Maori ceded their land to the UK, but translations of the treaty appeared to give the British less authority, and land tenure issues stemming from the treaty are still present and being actively negotiated in New Zealand. The UK declared New Zealand a separate colony in 1841 and gave it limited self-government in 1852. Different traditions of authority and land use led to a series of wars from the 1840s to the 1870s fought between Europeans and various Maori iwi. Along with disease, these conflicts halved the Maori population. In the 1890s, New Zealand initially expressed interest in joining independence talks with Australia but ultimately opted against it and changed its status to an independent dominion in 1907. New Zealand provided more than 100,000 troops during each World War, many of whom fought as part of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). New Zealand reaffirmed its independence in 1947, signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty, and militarily supported the US in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Beginning in 1984, New Zealand began to adopt nuclear-free policies, contributing to a dispute with the US over naval ship visits that led the US to suspend its defense obligations to New Zealand in 1986. In recent years, New Zealand has explored reducing some of its ties to the UK. There in an active, minority movement about changing New Zealand to a republic, and in 2015-16, a referendum on changing the New Zealand flag to remove the Union Jack failed 57% to 43%.Polynesian settlers may have arrived in New Zealand in the late 1200s, with widespread settlement in the mid-1300s. They called the land Aotearoa, which legend holds is the name of the canoe that Kupe, the first Polynesian in New Zealand, used to sail to the country; the name Aotearoa is now in widespread use as the local Maori name for the country. Competition for land and resources led to intermittent fighting between different Maori iwi (tribes) by the 1500s as large game became extinct. Dutch explorer Abel TASMAN was the first European to see the islands in 1642 but after an encounter with local Maori, he sailed away. British captain James COOK was the next European to arrive in New Zealand in 1769, followed by whalers, sealers, and traders. The UK only nominally claimed New Zealand and included it as part of New South Wales in Australia. Concerns about increasing lawlessness led the UK to appoint its first British Resident in New Zealand in 1832, although he had few legal powers. In 1835, some Maori iwi from the North Island declared independence as the United Tribes of New Zealand. Fearing an impending French settlement and takeover, they asked the British for protection. In 1840, the British negotiated their protection in the Treaty of Waitangi, which was eventually signed by more than 500 different Maori chiefs, although many chiefs did not or were not asked to sign. In the English-language version of the treaty, the British thought the Maori ceded their land to the UK, but translations of the treaty appeared to give the British less authority, and land tenure issues stemming from the treaty are still present and being actively negotiated in New Zealand. The UK declared New Zealand a separate colony in 1841 and gave it limited self-government in 1852. Different traditions of authority and land use led to a series of wars from the 1840s to the 1870s fought between Europeans and various Maori iwi. Along with disease, these conflicts halved the Maori population. In the 1890s, New Zealand initially expressed interest in joining independence talks with Australia but ultimately opted against it and changed its status to an independent dominion in 1907. New Zealand provided more than 100,000 troops during each World War, many of whom fought as part of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). New Zealand reaffirmed its independence in 1947, signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty, and militarily supported the US in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Beginning in 1984, New Zealand began to adopt nuclear-free policies, contributing to a dispute with the US over naval ship visits that led the US to suspend its defense obligations to New Zealand in 1986. In recent years, New Zealand has explored reducing some of its ties to the UK. There in an active, minority movement about changing New Zealand to a republic, and in 2015-16, a referendum on changing the New Zealand flag to remove the Union Jack failed 57% to 43%. Topic: NicaraguaThe Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought a civic-military coalition, spearheaded by the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas led by Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador prompted the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. After losing free and fair elections in 1990, 1996, and 2001, former Sandinista President Daniel ORTEGA was elected president in 2006, 2011, 2016, and most recently in 2021. Municipal, regional, and national-level elections since 2008 have been marred by widespread irregularities. Democratic institutions have weakened under the ORTEGA administration as the president has garnered full control over all branches of government, especially after cracking down on a nationwide pro-democracy protest movement in 2018. In the lead-up to the 2021 presidential election, authorities arrested over 40 individuals linked to the political opposition, including presidential candidates, private sector leaders, NGO workers, human rights defenders, and journalists. Only five lesser-known presidential candidates of mostly small parties allied to ORTEGA's Sandinistas were allowed to run against ORTEGA in the November 2021 election. Topic: NigerPresent-day Niger originated from the nomadic peoples of the Saharan north and the agriculturalists of the south. The Taureg kingdom of Takedda was one of the largest kingdoms in the north and played a prominent role in regional trade in the 14th century. In the south, the primary ethnic groups were the Songhai-Zarma in the west, the Hausa in the center, and the Kanuri in the east. When European colonizers arrived in the 19th century, the region was an assemblage of disparate local kingdoms. In the late 19th century, the British and French agreed to partition the middle regions of the Niger River, and France began its conquest of what would become the colony of Niger.  France experienced determined local resistance - particularly during the Tuareg uprising (1916-1917) - but established a colonial administration in 1922. After achieving independence from France in 1960, Niger experienced single-party or military rule until 1991 when political pressure forced General Ali SAIBOU to allow multiparty elections. Political infighting and democratic backsliding led to coups in 1996 and 1999. In December of that year, military officers restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power. TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and spearheaded a 2009 constitutional amendment allowing him to extend his presidential term. In February 2010, military officers led another coup that deposed TANDJA. ISSOUFOU Mahamadou was elected in April 2011 and reelected in early 2016. In February 2021, BAZOUM Mohammed won the presidential election, marking Niger’s first transition from one democratically elected president to another. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. It is ranked last in the world on the UN Development Programme's Human Development Index. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. The Nigerien Government continues its attempts to diversify the economy through increased oil production and mining projects. In addition, Niger is facing increased security concerns on its borders from various external threats including insecurity in Libya, spillover from the conflict and terrorism in Mali, and violent extremism in northeastern Nigeria.Present-day Niger originated from the nomadic peoples of the Saharan north and the agriculturalists of the south. The Taureg kingdom of Takedda was one of the largest kingdoms in the north and played a prominent role in regional trade in the 14th century. In the south, the primary ethnic groups were the Songhai-Zarma in the west, the Hausa in the center, and the Kanuri in the east. When European colonizers arrived in the 19th century, the region was an assemblage of disparate local kingdoms.In the late 19th century, the British and French agreed to partition the middle regions of the Niger River, and France began its conquest of what would become the colony of Niger.  France experienced determined local resistance - particularly during the Tuareg uprising (1916-1917) - but established a colonial administration in 1922.After achieving independence from France in 1960, Niger experienced single-party or military rule until 1991 when political pressure forced General Ali SAIBOU to allow multiparty elections. Political infighting and democratic backsliding led to coups in 1996 and 1999. In December of that year, military officers restored democratic rule and held elections that brought Mamadou TANDJA to power. TANDJA was reelected in 2004 and spearheaded a 2009 constitutional amendment allowing him to extend his presidential term. In February 2010, military officers led another coup that deposed TANDJA. ISSOUFOU Mahamadou was elected in April 2011 and reelected in early 2016. In February 2021, BAZOUM Mohammed won the presidential election, marking Niger’s first transition from one democratically elected president to another. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. It is ranked last in the world on the UN Development Programme's Human Development Index. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa. The Nigerien Government continues its attempts to diversify the economy through increased oil production and mining projects. In addition, Niger is facing increased security concerns on its borders from various external threats including insecurity in Libya, spillover from the conflict and terrorism in Mali, and violent extremism in northeastern Nigeria. Topic: NigeriaIn ancient and pre-colonial times, the area of present-day Nigeria was occupied by a great diversity of ethnic groups with different languages and traditions. These included Islamic empires in northern Nigeria and smaller organized political groupings in southern Nigeria. British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa's most populous country grew through the 19th century. In 1914, the British amalgamated their separately administered northern and southern territories into modern-day Nigeria. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy. After independence in 1960, politics were marked by coups and mostly military rule, until the death of a military head of state in 1998 allowed for a political transition. In 1999, a new constitution was adopted and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of institutionalizing democracy and reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through decades of corruption and mismanagement. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country's history. National and state elections in 2011 and 2015 were generally regarded as credible. The 2015 election was also heralded for the fact that the then-umbrella opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, defeated the long-ruling People's Democratic Party that had governed since 1999, and assumed the presidency, marking the first peaceful transfer of power from one party to another. Presidential and legislative elections were held in early 2019 and deemed broadly free and fair despite voting irregularities, intimidation, and violence. Topic: NiueVoyagers from Samoa first settled on Niue around A.D. 900 and a second main group of settlers came from Tonga around 1500. With only one reliable source of fresh water, conflict was high on the island. There was continued contact with both Samoa and Tonga, and customs from those islands heavily influenced Niuean culture, including the formation of an island-wide kingship system in the early 1700s. These kings, or patu-iki, were elected by Niueans. In 1774, British explorer James COOK abandoned attempts to land on the island after several unsuccessful tries, and he named it Savage Island because of the warlike appearance of the Niueans. Missionaries arrived in 1830 but were also largely unsuccessful at staying on the island until 1846, when a Niuean trained as a Samoan missionary returned to the island and provided a space from which the missionaries could work. In addition to converting the population, the missionaries worked to stop the violent conflicts between Niueans and helped establish the first parliament in 1849. In 1889, King FATAAIKI and other chiefs asked the UK for protectorate status, a request that was repeated in 1895. The UK finally agreed in 1900 and King TOGIA-PULU-TOAKI formally ceded Niue that year. In 1901, Niue was annexed to New Zealand and included as part of the Cook Islands. Niue’s remoteness and cultural and linguistic differences with the Cook Islands led New Zealand to separate Niue into its own administration in 1904. The island became internally self-governing in 1974; it is an independent member of international organizations, but is in free association with New Zealand, which is responsible for defense and foreign affairs. Economic opportunities in Niue are sparse. The population has trended downwards over recent decades, with substantial emigration to New Zealand. In 2004, a cyclone destroyed much of the southern part of the capital, Alofi, and left about 15% of the population homeless. Many chose not to rebuild and instead moved to New Zealand (2,400 km to the southwest), where approximately 90% of all ethnic Niueans live.Voyagers from Samoa first settled on Niue around A.D. 900 and a second main group of settlers came from Tonga around 1500. With only one reliable source of fresh water, conflict was high on the island. There was continued contact with both Samoa and Tonga, and customs from those islands heavily influenced Niuean culture, including the formation of an island-wide kingship system in the early 1700s. These kings, or patu-iki, were elected by Niueans. In 1774, British explorer James COOK abandoned attempts to land on the island after several unsuccessful tries, and he named it Savage Island because of the warlike appearance of the Niueans. Missionaries arrived in 1830 but were also largely unsuccessful at staying on the island until 1846, when a Niuean trained as a Samoan missionary returned to the island and provided a space from which the missionaries could work. In addition to converting the population, the missionaries worked to stop the violent conflicts between Niueans and helped establish the first parliament in 1849.In 1889, King FATAAIKI and other chiefs asked the UK for protectorate status, a request that was repeated in 1895. The UK finally agreed in 1900 and King TOGIA-PULU-TOAKI formally ceded Niue that year. In 1901, Niue was annexed to New Zealand and included as part of the Cook Islands. Niue’s remoteness and cultural and linguistic differences with the Cook Islands led New Zealand to separate Niue into its own administration in 1904. The island became internally self-governing in 1974; it is an independent member of international organizations, but is in free association with New Zealand, which is responsible for defense and foreign affairs.Economic opportunities in Niue are sparse. The population has trended downwards over recent decades, with substantial emigration to New Zealand. In 2004, a cyclone destroyed much of the southern part of the capital, Alofi, and left about 15% of the population homeless. Many chose not to rebuild and instead moved to New Zealand (2,400 km to the southwest), where approximately 90% of all ethnic Niueans live. Topic: Norfolk IslandPolynesians lived on Norfolk Island between 1200 and 1500 but the remote island was uninhabited by the time British explorer James COOK landed on the island in 1774. Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, almost 200 Pitcairn Islanders - descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions - were relocated to Norfolk Island because of overcrowding on the Pitcairn Islands. Some returned to the Pitcairn Islands over the next few years but most settled permanently on Norfolk Island and recreated the land tenure and governance structures they previously had. Norfolk Island retained a great degree of local control until 1897, when it became a dependency of New South Wales. During World War II, Norfolk Island was an airbase and an important refueling stop in the South Pacific. In 1976, an Australian judge recommended Norfolk Island be incorporated fully into Australia, which Norfolk Islanders rejected. Following an appeal to the UN, Australia granted limited self-government to Norfolk Island in 1979. With growing financial troubles during the 2000s, Australia abolished the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly in 2015, reduced Norfolk Island’s autonomy in 2016, and suspended the local council in 2020. Most services are provided by a mix of the Australian Capital Territory and the states of New South Wales and Queensland. These moves were unpopular on Norfolk Island, which has sought to have its self-government restored. Topic: North MacedoniaNorth Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991 under the name of "Macedonia." Greek objection to the new country’s name, insisting it implied territorial pretensions to the northern Greek province of Macedonia, and democratic backsliding for several years stalled the country’s movement toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Immediately after Macedonia declared independence, Greece sought to block Macedonian efforts to gain UN membership if the name "Macedonia" was used. The country was eventually admitted to the UN in 1993 as "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," and at the same time it agreed to UN-sponsored negotiations on the name dispute. In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, but the issue of the name remained unresolved and negotiations for a solution continued. Over time, the US and over 130 other nations recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia. Ethnic Albanian grievances over perceived political and economic inequities escalated into a conflict in 2001 that eventually led to the internationally brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting and established guidelines for constitutional amendments and the creation of new laws that enhanced the rights of minorities. In January 2018, the government adopted a new law on languages, which elevated the Albanian language to an official language at the national level, with the Macedonian language remaining the sole official language in international relations. Relations between ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians remain complicated, however. North Macedonia's pro-Western government has used its time in office since 2017 to sign a historic deal with Greece in June 2018 to end the name dispute and revive Skopje's NATO and EU membership prospects. This followed a nearly three-year political crisis that engulfed the country but ended in June 2017 following a six-month-long government formation period after a closely contested election in December 2016. The crisis began after the 2014 legislative and presidential election, and escalated in 2015 when the opposition party began releasing wiretapped material that revealed alleged widespread government corruption and abuse. Although an EU candidate since 2005, North Macedonia has yet to open EU accession negotiations. The country still faces challenges, including fully implementing reforms to overcome years of democratic backsliding and stimulating economic growth and development. In June 2018, Macedonia and Greece signed the Prespa Accord whereby the Republic of Macedonia agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. Following ratification by both countries, the agreement went in to force on 12 February 2019. North Macedonia signed an accession protocol to become a NATO member state in February 2019.North Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991 under the name of "Macedonia." Greek objection to the new country’s name, insisting it implied territorial pretensions to the northern Greek province of Macedonia, and democratic backsliding for several years stalled the country’s movement toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Immediately after Macedonia declared independence, Greece sought to block Macedonian efforts to gain UN membership if the name "Macedonia" was used. The country was eventually admitted to the UN in 1993 as "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," and at the same time it agreed to UN-sponsored negotiations on the name dispute. In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, but the issue of the name remained unresolved and negotiations for a solution continued. Over time, the US and over 130 other nations recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia. Ethnic Albanian grievances over perceived political and economic inequities escalated into a conflict in 2001 that eventually led to the internationally brokered Ohrid Framework Agreement, which ended the fighting and established guidelines for constitutional amendments and the creation of new laws that enhanced the rights of minorities. In January 2018, the government adopted a new law on languages, which elevated the Albanian language to an official language at the national level, with the Macedonian language remaining the sole official language in international relations. Relations between ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians remain complicated, however.North Macedonia's pro-Western government has used its time in office since 2017 to sign a historic deal with Greece in June 2018 to end the name dispute and revive Skopje's NATO and EU membership prospects. This followed a nearly three-year political crisis that engulfed the country but ended in June 2017 following a six-month-long government formation period after a closely contested election in December 2016. The crisis began after the 2014 legislative and presidential election, and escalated in 2015 when the opposition party began releasing wiretapped material that revealed alleged widespread government corruption and abuse. Although an EU candidate since 2005, North Macedonia has yet to open EU accession negotiations. The country still faces challenges, including fully implementing reforms to overcome years of democratic backsliding and stimulating economic growth and development. In June 2018, Macedonia and Greece signed the Prespa Accord whereby the Republic of Macedonia agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. Following ratification by both countries, the agreement went in to force on 12 February 2019. North Macedonia signed an accession protocol to become a NATO member state in February 2019. Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsThe 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 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 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 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 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. Topic: NorwayTwo centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994; conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, Norway abandoned neutrality and became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness. Topic: OmanThe 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 has since ruled as sultan. Sultan QABOOS has no children and has not designated a successor publicly; the Basic Law of 1996 outlines Oman’s succession procedure. Sultan QABOOS’ extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world, and the sultan has prioritized strategic ties with the UK and US. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought 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 has since ruled as sultan. Sultan QABOOS has no children and has not designated a successor publicly; the Basic Law of 1996 outlines Oman’s succession procedure. Sultan QABOOS’ extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world, and the sultan has prioritized strategic ties with the UK and US. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought 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. Topic: Pacific OceanThe 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. Topic: PakistanThe Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars and a limited conflict - in 1947-48, 1965, and 1999 respectively - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India assisted an indigenous movement reacting to the marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in mid-1998. India-Pakistan relations improved in the mid-2000s but have been rocky since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks and have been further strained by Indian reports of cross-border militancy. Imran KHAN took office as prime minister in 2018 after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party won a plurality of seats in the July 2018 general elections. Pakistan has been engaged in a decades-long armed conflict with militant groups that target government institutions and civilians, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant networks.The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars and a limited conflict - in 1947-48, 1965, and 1999 respectively - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India assisted an indigenous movement reacting to the marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh.In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in mid-1998. India-Pakistan relations improved in the mid-2000s but have been rocky since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks and have been further strained by Indian reports of cross-border militancy. Imran KHAN took office as prime minister in 2018 after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party won a plurality of seats in the July 2018 general elections. Pakistan has been engaged in a decades-long armed conflict with militant groups that target government institutions and civilians, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant networks. Topic: PalauHumans arrived in the Palauan archipelago around 1000 B.C. from Southeast Asia and developed a complex, highly organized matrilineal society where high-ranking women picked the chiefs. The islands were the westernmost part of the widely scattered Pacific islands north of New Guinea that Spanish explorers named the Caroline Islands in the 17th century. There were several failed attempts by Spanish Jesuit missionaries to visit the islands in the early 1700s. Spain gained some influence in the islands and administered it from the Philippines but sold Palau to Germany in 1899 after it lost the Philippines in the Spanish-American War. Japan seized Palau in 1914, was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer the islands in 1920, and made Koror the capital of its South Seas Mandate in 1922. By the outbreak of World War II, there were four times as many Japanese living in Koror as Palauans. In 1944, the Battle of Peleliu between US and Japanese forces resulted in more than 15,000 deaths. Following the war, Palau became part of the US-administered Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Palau voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978 and adopted its own constitution in 1981, which stated that Palau was a nuclear-free country. In 1982, Palau signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted Palau financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities. However, many Palauans saw the COFA as incompatible with the Palauan Constitution because of the US military’s nuclear arsenal, and seven referenda failed to achieve ratification. Following a constitutional amendment and eighth referendum in 1993, the COFA was ratified and entered into force in 1994 when the islands gained their independence. Its funding was renewed in 2010. Palau has been on the frontlines of combatting climate change and protecting marine resources. In 2011, Palau banned commercial shark fishing and created the world’s first shark sanctuary. In 2017, Palau began stamping the Palau Pledge into passports, reminding visitors to act in ecologically and culturally responsible ways. In 2020, Palau banned coral reef-toxic sunscreens and expanded its fishing prohibition to include 80% of its exclusive economic zone. Topic: PanamaExplored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. An ambitious expansion project to more than double the Canal's capacity - by allowing for more Canal transits and larger ships - was carried out between 2007 and 2016. Topic: Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea (PNG) was first settled between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago. PNG’s harsh geography consisting of mountains, jungles, and numerous river valleys, kept many of the arriving groups isolated, giving rise to PNG’s incredible ethnic and linguistic diversity. Agriculture was independently developed by some of these groups. Around 500 B.C., Austronesian voyagers settled along the coast. Spanish and Portuguese explorers periodically visited the island starting in the 1500s but none made it into the country’s interior. American and British whaling ships frequented the islands off the coast of New Guinea in the mid-1800s. In 1884, Germany declared a protectorate - and eventually a colony - over the northern part of what would become PNG and named it German New Guinea; days later the UK followed suit on the southern part and nearby islands and called it Papua. Most of their focus was on the coastal regions, leaving the highlands largely unexplored. The UK put its colony under Australian administration in 1902 and formalized the act in 1906. At the outbreak of World War I, Australia occupied German New Guinea and continued to rule it after the war as a League of Nations Mandate. The discovery of gold along the Bulolo River in the 1920s, led prospectors to venture into the highlands, where they found about 1 million people living in isolated communities. Japan invaded New Guinea in 1941 and reached Papua the following year. Allied victories during the New Guinea campaign pushed out the Japanese, and after the end of the war, Australia combined the two territories into one administration. Sir Michael SOMARE won elections in 1972 on the promise of achieving independence, which was realized in 1975. A secessionist movement in Bougainville, an island well endowed in copper and gold resources, reignited in 1988 with debates about land use, profits, and an influx of outsiders at the Panguna Copper Mine. Following elections in 1992, the PNG government took a hardline stance against Bougainville rebels and the resulting civil war led to about 20,000 deaths. In 1997, the PNG government hired mercenaries to support its troops in Bougainville, sparking an army mutiny and forcing the prime minister to resign. PNG and Bougainville signed a truce in 1997 and a peace agreement in 2001, which granted Bougainville autonomy. An internationally-monitored nonbinding referendum asking Bougainvilleans to chose independence or greater self rule occurred in November 2019, with 98% of voters opting for independence.Papua New Guinea (PNG) was first settled between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago. PNG’s harsh geography consisting of mountains, jungles, and numerous river valleys, kept many of the arriving groups isolated, giving rise to PNG’s incredible ethnic and linguistic diversity. Agriculture was independently developed by some of these groups. Around 500 B.C., Austronesian voyagers settled along the coast. Spanish and Portuguese explorers periodically visited the island starting in the 1500s but none made it into the country’s interior. American and British whaling ships frequented the islands off the coast of New Guinea in the mid-1800s. In 1884, Germany declared a protectorate - and eventually a colony - over the northern part of what would become PNG and named it German New Guinea; days later the UK followed suit on the southern part and nearby islands and called it Papua. Most of their focus was on the coastal regions, leaving the highlands largely unexplored. The UK put its colony under Australian administration in 1902 and formalized the act in 1906. At the outbreak of World War I, Australia occupied German New Guinea and continued to rule it after the war as a League of Nations Mandate. The discovery of gold along the Bulolo River in the 1920s, led prospectors to venture into the highlands, where they found about 1 million people living in isolated communities. Japan invaded New Guinea in 1941 and reached Papua the following year. Allied victories during the New Guinea campaign pushed out the Japanese, and after the end of the war, Australia combined the two territories into one administration. Sir Michael SOMARE won elections in 1972 on the promise of achieving independence, which was realized in 1975. A secessionist movement in Bougainville, an island well endowed in copper and gold resources, reignited in 1988 with debates about land use, profits, and an influx of outsiders at the Panguna Copper Mine. Following elections in 1992, the PNG government took a hardline stance against Bougainville rebels and the resulting civil war led to about 20,000 deaths. In 1997, the PNG government hired mercenaries to support its troops in Bougainville, sparking an army mutiny and forcing the prime minister to resign. PNG and Bougainville signed a truce in 1997 and a peace agreement in 2001, which granted Bougainville autonomy. An internationally-monitored nonbinding referendum asking Bougainvilleans to chose independence or greater self rule occurred in November 2019, with 98% of voters opting for independence. Topic: Paracel IslandsThe 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. Topic: ParaguaySeveral 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. Topic: PeruAncient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peru declared its independence in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces were defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his resignation in 2000. A caretaker government oversaw a new election in the spring of 2001, which installed Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of government - Peru's first democratically elected president of indigenous ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term from 1985 to 1990, oversaw a robust economic rebound. Former army officer Ollanta HUMALA Tasso was elected president in June 2011, and carried on the sound, market-oriented economic policies of the three preceding administrations. Poverty and unemployment levels have fallen dramatically in the last decade, and today Peru boasts one of the best performing economies in Latin America. Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard won a very narrow presidential runoff election in June 2016. Facing impeachment after evidence surfaced of his involvement in a vote-buying scandal, President KUCZYNSKI offered his resignation on 21 March 2018. Two days later, First Vice President Martin Alberto VIZCARRA Cornejo was sworn in as president. On 30 September 2019, President VIZCARRA invoked his constitutional authority to dissolve Peru's Congress after months of battling with the body over anticorruption reforms. New congressional elections took place on 26 January 2020 resulting in the return of an opposition-led legislature. President VIZCARRA was impeached by Congress on 9 November 2020 for a second time and removed from office after being accused of corruption and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of vacancies in the vice-presidential positions, constitutional succession led to the President of the Peruvian Congress, Manuel MERINO, becoming the next president of Peru. His ascension to office was not well received by the population, and large protests forced his resignation on 15 November 2020. On 17 November, Francisco SAGASTI assumed the position of President of Peru after being appointed President of the Congress the previous day. Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones won the second round of presidential elections on 6 June 2021 and was inaugurated on 28 July. Topic: PhilippinesThe Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 21-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010 and was succeeded by Rodrigo DUTERTE in May 2016. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups, some of which are on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and a separate agreement with a break away faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People's Army insurgency also operates through much of the country. In 2017, Philippine armed forces battled an ISIS-East Asia siege in Marawi City, driving DUTERTE to declare martial law in the region. The Philippines faces increased tension with China over disputed territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 21-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010 and was succeeded by Rodrigo DUTERTE in May 2016.The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups, some of which are on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and a separate agreement with a break away faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People's Army insurgency also operates through much of the country. In 2017, Philippine armed forces battled an ISIS-East Asia siege in Marawi City, driving DUTERTE to declare martial law in the region. The Philippines faces increased tension with China over disputed territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea. Topic: Pitcairn IslandsPolynesians were the first inhabitants of the Pitcairn Islands, but the islands were uninhabited by the time they were discovered by Europeans in 1606. Pitcairn Island was rediscovered by British explorer Philip CARTERET in 1767, although he incorrectly plotted the coordinates. In 1789, Fletcher CHRISTIAN led a mutiny on the HMS Bounty and after several months of searching for Pitcairn Island, he landed on it with eight other mutineers and their Tahitian companions. They lived in isolation and evaded detection by English authorities until 1808, by which point only one man, 10 women, and 23 children remained. In 1831, with the population growing too big for the island - there were 87 people - the British attempted to move all the islanders to Tahiti, but they were soon returned to Pitcairn Island. The island became an official British colony in 1838 and in 1856, the British again determined that the population of 193 was too high and relocated all of the residents to Norfolk Island. Several families returned in 1858 and 1864, bringing the island’s population to 43, and almost all of the island’s current population are descendants of these returnees. In 1887, the entire population converted to the Seventh-Day Adventist faith. The UK annexed the nearby islands of Henderson, Oeno, and Ducie in 1902 and incorporated them into the Pitcairn Islands colony in 1938, although all three are uninhabited. The population peaked at 233 in 1937 as outmigration, primarily to New Zealand, has thinned the population. Only two children were born between 1986 and 2012, and in 2005, a couple became the first new outsiders to obtain citizenship in more than a century. (The current population is below 50.) Since 2013, the Pitcairn Islands has tried to attract new migrants but has had no applicants because it requires prospective migrants to front significant sums of money and prohibits employment during a two-year trial period, at which point the local council can deny long-term resident status. Topic: PolandPoland'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. Topic: PortugalFollowing its heyday as a global maritime power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of Brazil, its wealthiest colony, in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy, and for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.Following its heyday as a global maritime power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence of Brazil, its wealthiest colony, in 1822. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy, and for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986. Topic: Puerto RicoPopulated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Christopher COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self-government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status with the US, but the results of a 2012 vote left open the possibility of American statehood. Economic recession on the island has led to a net population loss since about 2005, as large numbers of residents moved to the US mainland. The trend has accelerated since 2010; in 2014, Puerto Rico experienced a net population loss to the mainland of 64,000, more than double the net loss of 26,000 in 2010. Hurricane Maria struck the island on 20 September 2017 causing catastrophic damage, including destruction of the electrical grid that had been cripled by Hurricane Irma just two weeks before. It was the worst storm to hit the island in eight decades, and damage is estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. A referendum held in late 2020 showed a narrow preference for American statehood. Topic: QatarRuled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar within the last 60 years transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. Former Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, who overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, ushered in wide-sweeping political and media reforms, unprecedented economic investment, and a growing Qatari regional leadership role, in part through the creation of the pan-Arab satellite news network Al-Jazeera and Qatar's mediation of some regional conflicts. In the 2000s, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and by 2007 had attained the highest per capita income in the world. Qatar did not experience domestic unrest or violence like that seen in other Near Eastern and North African countries in 2011, due in part to its immense wealth and patronage network. In mid-2013, HAMAD peacefully abdicated, transferring power to his son, the current Amir TAMIM bin Hamad. TAMIM is popular with the Qatari public, for his role in shepherding the country through an economic embargo by some other regional countries, for his efforts to improve the country's healthcare and education systems, and for his expansion of the country's infrastructure in anticipation of Doha's hosting of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Following the outbreak of regional unrest in 2011, Doha prided itself on its support for many popular revolutions, particularly in Libya and Syria. This stance was to the detriment of Qatar’s relations with Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which temporarily recalled their respective ambassadors from Doha in March 2014. TAMIM later oversaw a warming of Qatar’s relations with Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in November 2014 following Kuwaiti mediation and signing of the Riyadh Agreement. This reconciliation, however, was short-lived. In June 2017, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (the "Quartet") cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar in response to alleged violations of the agreement, among other complaints. They restored ties in January 2021 after signing a declaration at the GCC Summit in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia.  Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar within the last 60 years transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. Former Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, who overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, ushered in wide-sweeping political and media reforms, unprecedented economic investment, and a growing Qatari regional leadership role, in part through the creation of the pan-Arab satellite news network Al-Jazeera and Qatar's mediation of some regional conflicts. In the 2000s, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and by 2007 had attained the highest per capita income in the world. Qatar did not experience domestic unrest or violence like that seen in other Near Eastern and North African countries in 2011, due in part to its immense wealth and patronage network. In mid-2013, HAMAD peacefully abdicated, transferring power to his son, the current Amir TAMIM bin Hamad. TAMIM is popular with the Qatari public, for his role in shepherding the country through an economic embargo by some other regional countries, for his efforts to improve the country's healthcare and education systems, and for his expansion of the country's infrastructure in anticipation of Doha's hosting of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.  Topic: RomaniaThe principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they were de facto linked in 1859 and formally united in 1862 under the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007. Topic: RussiaFounded 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. Topic: RwandaRwanda - a small and centralized country dominated by rugged hills and fertile volcanic soil - has exerted disproportionate influence over the African Great Lakes region for centuries. A Rwandan kingdom increasingly dominated the region from the mid-18th century onward, with the Tutsi monarchs gradually extending the power of the royal court into peripheral areas and expanding their borders through military conquest. While the current ethnic labels Hutu and Tutsi predate colonial rule, their flexibility and importance have varied significantly over time. The majority Hutu and minority Tutsi have long shared a common language and culture, and intermarriage was not rare. The Rwandan royal court centered on the Tutsi king (mwami), who relied on an extensive hierarchy of political, cultural, and economic relationships that intertwined Rwanda’s ethnic and social groups. Social categories became more rigid during the reign of RWABUGIRI (1860-1895), who focused on aggressive expansion and solidifying Rwanda’s bureaucratic structures. German colonial rule began in 1898, but Belgian forces captured Rwanda in 1916 during World War I. Both European nations quickly realized the benefits of ruling through the already centralized Rwandan kingdom. Colonial rule reinforced existing trends toward autocratic and exclusionary rule, leading to the elimination of traditional positions of authority for Hutus and a calcification of ethnic identities. Belgian administrators significantly increased requirements for communal labor and instituted harsh taxes, increasing frustration and inequality. Changing political attitudes in Belgium contributed to colonial and Catholic officials shifting their support from Tutsi to Hutu leaders in the years leading up to independence. Newly mobilized political parties and simmering resentment of minority rule exploded in 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, when Hutus overthrew the Tutsi king. Thousands of Tutsis were killed over the next several years, and some 150,000 were driven into exile in neighboring countries. Army Chief of Staff Juvenal HABYARIMANA seized power in a coup in 1973 and ruled Rwanda as a single-party state for two decades. HABYARIMANA increasingly discriminated against Tutsi and extremist Hutu factions that gained prominence after multiple parties were introduced in the early 1990s. The children of Tutsi exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and began a civil war in 1990. The civil war exacerbated ethnic tensions and culminated in the shooting down of HABYARIMANA’s private jet in April 1994. The event sparked a state-orchestrated genocide in which Rwandans killed approximately 800,000 of their fellow citizens, including approximately three-quarters of the Tutsi population. The genocide ended later that same year when the predominantly Tutsi RPF, operating out of Uganda and northern Rwanda, defeated the national army and Hutu militias and established an RPF-led government of national unity. Rwanda held its first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in 2003, formalizing President Paul KAGAME’s de facto role as head of government. KAGAME won reelection in 2010, and again in 2017 after changing the constitution to allow him to run for a third term.Rwanda - a small and centralized country dominated by rugged hills and fertile volcanic soil - has exerted disproportionate influence over the African Great Lakes region for centuries. A Rwandan kingdom increasingly dominated the region from the mid-18th century onward, with the Tutsi monarchs gradually extending the power of the royal court into peripheral areas and expanding their borders through military conquest. While the current ethnic labels Hutu and Tutsi predate colonial rule, their flexibility and importance have varied significantly over time. The majority Hutu and minority Tutsi have long shared a common language and culture, and intermarriage was not rare. The Rwandan royal court centered on the Tutsi king (mwami), who relied on an extensive hierarchy of political, cultural, and economic relationships that intertwined Rwanda’s ethnic and social groups. Social categories became more rigid during the reign of RWABUGIRI (1860-1895), who focused on aggressive expansion and solidifying Rwanda’s bureaucratic structures. German colonial rule began in 1898, but Belgian forces captured Rwanda in 1916 during World War I. Both European nations quickly realized the benefits of ruling through the already centralized Rwandan kingdom. Colonial rule reinforced existing trends toward autocratic and exclusionary rule, leading to the elimination of traditional positions of authority for Hutus and a calcification of ethnic identities. Belgian administrators significantly increased requirements for communal labor and instituted harsh taxes, increasing frustration and inequality. Changing political attitudes in Belgium contributed to colonial and Catholic officials shifting their support from Tutsi to Hutu leaders in the years leading up to independence.Newly mobilized political parties and simmering resentment of minority rule exploded in 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, when Hutus overthrew the Tutsi king. Thousands of Tutsis were killed over the next several years, and some 150,000 were driven into exile in neighboring countries. Army Chief of Staff Juvenal HABYARIMANA seized power in a coup in 1973 and ruled Rwanda as a single-party state for two decades. HABYARIMANA increasingly discriminated against Tutsi and extremist Hutu factions that gained prominence after multiple parties were introduced in the early 1990s. The children of Tutsi exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and began a civil war in 1990. The civil war exacerbated ethnic tensions and culminated in the shooting down of HABYARIMANA’s private jet in April 1994. The event sparked a state-orchestrated genocide in which Rwandans killed approximately 800,000 of their fellow citizens, including approximately three-quarters of the Tutsi population. The genocide ended later that same year when the predominantly Tutsi RPF, operating out of Uganda and northern Rwanda, defeated the national army and Hutu militias and established an RPF-led government of national unity. Rwanda held its first local elections in 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in 2003, formalizing President Paul KAGAME’s de facto role as head of government. KAGAME won reelection in 2010, and again in 2017 after changing the constitution to allow him to run for a third term. Topic: Saint BarthelemyDiscovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who named it for his brother Bartolomeo, Saint Barthelemy was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island to Sweden, which renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1877 and took control the following year. It was placed under the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of arms. In 2003, the islanders voted to secede from Guadeloupe, and in 2007, the island became a French overseas collectivity. In 2012, it became an overseas territory of the EU, allowing it to exert local control over the permanent and temporary immigration of foreign workers including non-French European citizens. Hurricane Irma hit the island in September 2017 causing extensive damage, but Saint Barthelemy recovered by early 2018. Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena is a British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint Helena and Ascension Islands, and the island group of Tristan da Cunha. Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.; Saint Helena is one of the most remote populated places in the world. The British Government committed to building an airport on Saint Helena in 2005. After more than a decade of delays and construction, a commercial air service to South Africa via Namibia was inaugurated in October of 2017. The weekly service to Saint Helena from Johannesburg via Windhoek in Namibia takes just over six hours (including the refueling stop in Windhoek) and replaces the mail ship that had made a five-day journey to the island every three weeks.; Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena. During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an airfield on Ascension in support of transatlantic flights to Africa and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In 1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.; The island hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are on Diego Garcia (British Indian Ocean Territory), Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), and at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US)). NASA and the US Air Force also operate a Meter-Class Autonomous Telescope (MCAT) on Ascension as part of the deep space surveillance system for tracking orbital debris, which can be a hazard to spacecraft and astronauts. Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough Islands. Tristan da Cunha, named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506), was garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a meteorological station on Gough Island.Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint Helena and Ascension Islands, and the island group of Tristan da Cunha.Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.;Saint Helena is one of the most remote populated places in the world. The British Government committed to building an airport on Saint Helena in 2005. After more than a decade of delays and construction, a commercial air service to South Africa via Namibia was inaugurated in October of 2017. The weekly service to Saint Helena from Johannesburg via Windhoek in Namibia takes just over six hours (including the refueling stop in Windhoek) and replaces the mail ship that had made a five-day journey to the island every three weeks.;Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena. During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an airfield on Ascension in support of transatlantic flights to Africa and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In 1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.;The island hosts one of four dedicated ground antennas that assist in the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system (the others are on Diego Garcia (British Indian Ocean Territory), Kwajalein (Marshall Islands), and at Cape Canaveral, Florida (US)). NASA and the US Air Force also operate a Meter-Class Autonomous Telescope (MCAT) on Ascension as part of the deep space surveillance system for tracking orbital debris, which can be a hazard to spacecraft and astronauts.Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough Islands. Tristan da Cunha, named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506), was garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a meteorological station on Gough Island. Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisCarib 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 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. Topic: Saint LuciaThe island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries and burgeoning sugar industry, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814 and became part of the British Windward Islands colony. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. In the mid-20th century, Saint Lucia joined the West Indies Federation (1958–1962) and in 1967 became one of the six members of the West Indies Associated States, with internal self-government. In 1979, Saint Lucia gained full independence. Topic: Saint MartinAlthough sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 to exploit its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The Spanish finally relinquished Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it between themselves in 1648. Friction between the two sides caused the border to frequently fluctuate over the next two centuries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of the island (about 61%). The cultivation of sugar cane introduced African slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2003, the populace of Saint Martin voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a French overseas collectivity. In 2010, the southern Dutch portion of the island became the independent nation of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the island of Saint Martin causing extensive damage to roads, communications, electrical power, and housing; the UN estimated that 90% of the buildings were damaged or destroyed. Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonFirst settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions. They attained the status of an overseas collectivity in 2003. Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesResistance by native Caribs prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. Disputed between France and the UK for most of the 18th century, the island was ceded to the latter in 1783. The British prized Saint Vincent due to its fertile soil, which allowed for thriving slave-run plantations of sugar, coffee, indigo, tobacco, cotton, and cocoa. In 1834, the British abolished slavery. Immigration of indentured servants eased the ensuing labor shortage, as did subsequent Portuguese immigrants from Madeira and East Indian laborers. Conditions remained harsh for both former slaves and immigrant agricultural workers, however, as depressed world sugar prices kept the economy stagnant until the early 1900s. The economy then went into a period of decline with many landowners abandoning their estates and leaving the land to be cultivated by liberated slaves. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979. In April 2021, the explosive eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in the north of Saint Vincent destroyed much of Saint Vincent’s most productive agricultural lands. Unlike most of its tourism-dependent neighbors, the Vincentian economy is primarily agricultural. The US provided $4.7 million in humanitarian support after the eruption. Topic: SamoaThe first Austronesian settlers arrived in Samoa around 1000 B.C., and early Samoans traded and intermarried with Fijian and Tongan nobility. The fa’amatai system of titles and nobility developed, which dominates Samoan politics to this day; all but two seats in the legislature are reserved for matai, or heads of families. Dutch explorer Jacob ROGGEVEEN was the first European to spot the islands in 1722. Christian missionaries arrived in the 1830s, converting most of the population. In the 1850s, Apia became a center for Pacific trading and hosted an American commercial agent and British and German consuls. In 1892, American traders convinced the Samoan king to align his country’s date with the US, moving to the east of the International Date Line. Following the death of the Samoan king in 1841, rival families competed for his titles, devolving into civil war in 1886 with factions getting support from either Germany, the UK, or the US. All three countries sent warships to Apia in 1889, presaging a larger war, but a cyclone destroyed the ships and Malietoa LAUPEPA was installed as king. Upon LAUPEPA’s death in 1898, a second civil war over succession broke out. The war ended in 1899 and the Western powers abolished the monarchy, giving the western Samoan islands to Germany and the eastern Samoan islands to the US. The UK abandoned claims in Samoa and received former German territory in the Solomon Islands. The Mau, a non-violent popular movement to advocate for Samoan independence, formed in 1908. New Zealand annexed Samoa in 1914 after the outbreak of World War I. Opposition to New Zealand’s rule quickly grew. In 1918, a New Zealand ship introduced the Spanish flu, infecting 90% of the population and killing more than 20%. In 1929, New Zealand police shot into a crowd of peaceful protestors, killing 11, in an event known as Black Sunday. In 1962, Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish its independence as Western Samoa but dropped the “Western” from its name in 1997. The Human Rights Protection Party has dominated politics since 1982, especially under Prime Minister Sailele TUILAEPA, who has been in power since 1998. In the late 2000s, Samoa began making efforts to align more closely with Australia and New Zealand. In 2009, Samoa changed its driving orientation to the left side of the road, in line with other Commonwealth countries. In 2011, Samoa jumped forward one day - skipping December 30 - by moving to the west side of the International Date Line so that it was one hour ahead of New Zealand and three hours ahead of the east coast of Australia, rather than 23 and 21 hours behind, respectively. Topic: San MarinoGeographically the third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco), San Marino also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named MARINUS in A.D. 301. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of the EU, although it is not a member; social and political trends in the republic track closely with those of its larger neighbor, Italy. Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipePortugal discovered and colonized the uninhabited islands in the late 15th century, setting up a sugar-based economy that gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with African plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling between the various political parties precipitated repeated changes in leadership and four failed, non-violent coup attempts in 1995, 1998, 2003, and 2009. In 2012, three opposition parties combined in a no confidence vote to bring down the majority government of former Prime Minister Patrice TROVOADA, but in 2014, legislative elections returned him to the office. President Evaristo CARVALHO, of the same political party as Prime Minister TROVOADA, was elected in September 2016, marking a rare instance in which the positions of president and prime minister are held by the same party. Prime Minister TROVOADA resigned at the end of 2018 and was replaced by Jorge BOM JESUS. Carlos Vila NOVA was elected president in early September 2021 and was inaugurated 2 October 2021. New oil discoveries in the Gulf of Guinea may attract increased attention to the small island nation.Portugal discovered and colonized the uninhabited islands in the late 15th century, setting up a sugar-based economy that gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with African plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling between the various political parties precipitated repeated changes in leadership and four failed, non-violent coup attempts in 1995, 1998, 2003, and 2009. In 2012, three opposition parties combined in a no confidence vote to bring down the majority government of former Prime Minister Patrice TROVOADA, but in 2014, legislative elections returned him to the office. President Evaristo CARVALHO, of the same political party as Prime Minister TROVOADA, was elected in September 2016, marking a rare instance in which the positions of president and prime minister are held by the same party. Prime Minister TROVOADA resigned at the end of 2018 and was replaced by Jorge BOM JESUS. Carlos Vila NOVA was elected president in early September 2021 and was inaugurated 2 October 2021. New oil discoveries in the Gulf of Guinea may attract increased attention to the small island nation. Topic: Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong ongoing campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. US troops returned to the Kingdom in October 2019 after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. From 2005 to 2015, King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud incrementally modernized the Kingdom. Driven by personal ideology and political pragmatism, he introduced a series of social and economic initiatives, including expanding employment and social opportunities for women, attracting foreign investment, increasing the role of the private sector in the economy, and discouraging businesses from hiring foreign workers. These reforms have accelerated under King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz, who ascended to the throne in 2015, and has since lifted the Kingdom's ban on women driving, implemented education reforms, funded green initiatives, and allowed cinemas to operate for the first time in decades. Saudi Arabia saw some protests during the 2011 Arab Spring but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region. Shia Muslims in the Eastern Province protested primarily against the detention of political prisoners, endemic discrimination, and Bahraini and Saudi Government actions in Bahrain. Riyadh took a cautious but firm approach by arresting some protesters but releasing most of them quickly and by using its state-sponsored clerics to counter political and Islamist activism. The government held its first-ever elections in 2005 and 2011, when Saudis went to the polls to elect municipal councilors. In December 2015, women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates for the first time in municipal council elections, with 19 women winning seats. After King SALMAN ascended to the throne in 2015, he placed the first next-generation prince, MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, in the line of succession as Crown Prince. He designated his son, MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, as the Deputy Crown Prince. In March 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 10 countries in a military campaign to restore the legitimate government of Yemen, which had been ousted by Huthi forces allied with former president ALI ABDULLAH al-Salih. The war in Yemen has drawn international criticism for civilian casualties and its effect on the country’s dire humanitarian situation. In December 2015, then Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced Saudi Arabia would lead a 34-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism (it has since grown to 41 nations). In May 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal") as part of its ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism. In June 2017, King SALMAN elevated MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN to Crown Prince. Since then, he has jockeyed for influence with neighboring countries in a bid to be the region’s main power broker. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 17% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2020. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the Kingdom. In April 2016, the Saudi Government announced a broad set of socio-economic reforms, known as Vision 2030. Low global oil prices throughout 2015 and 2016 significantly lowered Saudi Arabia’s governmental revenue. In response, the government cut subsidies on water, electricity, and gasoline; reduced government employee compensation packages; and announced limited new land taxes. In coordination with OPEC and some key non-OPEC countries, Saudi Arabia agreed cut oil output in early 2017 to regulate supply and help elevate global prices. In early 2020, this agreement by the so-called OPEC+ coalition collapsed. Saudi Arabia launched a price war by flooding the market with low-priced oil before returning to the negotiating table to agree to OPEC+’s largest and longest-lasting output cut. This cut helped to buoy prices that had collapsed as a result of the price war and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. One of his male descendants rules the country today, as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong ongoing campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. US troops returned to the Kingdom in October 2019 after attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.From 2005 to 2015, King ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud incrementally modernized the Kingdom. Driven by personal ideology and political pragmatism, he introduced a series of social and economic initiatives, including expanding employment and social opportunities for women, attracting foreign investment, increasing the role of the private sector in the economy, and discouraging businesses from hiring foreign workers. These reforms have accelerated under King SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz, who ascended to the throne in 2015, and has since lifted the Kingdom's ban on women driving, implemented education reforms, funded green initiatives, and allowed cinemas to operate for the first time in decades. Saudi Arabia saw some protests during the 2011 Arab Spring but not the level of bloodshed seen in protests elsewhere in the region. Shia Muslims in the Eastern Province protested primarily against the detention of political prisoners, endemic discrimination, and Bahraini and Saudi Government actions in Bahrain. Riyadh took a cautious but firm approach by arresting some protesters but releasing most of them quickly and by using its state-sponsored clerics to counter political and Islamist activism.The government held its first-ever elections in 2005 and 2011, when Saudis went to the polls to elect municipal councilors. In December 2015, women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates for the first time in municipal council elections, with 19 women winning seats. After King SALMAN ascended to the throne in 2015, he placed the first next-generation prince, MUHAMMAD BIN NAYIF bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, in the line of succession as Crown Prince. He designated his son, MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, as the Deputy Crown Prince. In March 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of 10 countries in a military campaign to restore the legitimate government of Yemen, which had been ousted by Huthi forces allied with former president ALI ABDULLAH al-Salih. The war in Yemen has drawn international criticism for civilian casualties and its effect on the country’s dire humanitarian situation. In December 2015, then Deputy Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN announced Saudi Arabia would lead a 34-nation Islamic Coalition to fight terrorism (it has since grown to 41 nations). In May 2017, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Global Center for Combatting Extremist Ideology (also known as "Etidal") as part of its ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism. In June 2017, King SALMAN elevated MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN to Crown Prince. Since then, he has jockeyed for influence with neighboring countries in a bid to be the region’s main power broker.The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds about 17% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2020. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the Kingdom. In April 2016, the Saudi Government announced a broad set of socio-economic reforms, known as Vision 2030. Low global oil prices throughout 2015 and 2016 significantly lowered Saudi Arabia’s governmental revenue. In response, the government cut subsidies on water, electricity, and gasoline; reduced government employee compensation packages; and announced limited new land taxes. In coordination with OPEC and some key non-OPEC countries, Saudi Arabia agreed cut oil output in early 2017 to regulate supply and help elevate global prices. In early 2020, this agreement by the so-called OPEC+ coalition collapsed. Saudi Arabia launched a price war by flooding the market with low-priced oil before returning to the negotiating table to agree to OPEC+’s largest and longest-lasting output cut. This cut helped to buoy prices that had collapsed as a result of the price war and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Topic: SenegalSenegal is one of the few countries in the world with evidence of continuous human life from the Paleolithic era to present. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Jolof Empire ruled most of Senegal. Starting in the 15th century, Portugal, the Netherlands, France, and Great Britain traded along the Senegalese coast. Senegal’s location on the western tip of Africa made it a favorable base for the European slave trade. European powers used the Senegalese island of Goree as a base to purchase slaves from the warring chiefdoms on the mainland, and at the height of the slave trade in Senegal, over one-third of the Senegalese population was enslaved. In 1815, France abolished slavery and began expanding inland. During the second half of the 19th century, France took possession of Senegal as a French colony. In 1959, the French colonies of Senegal and French Sudan were merged and granted independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. The union broke up after only a few months. In 1982, Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia. The envisaged integration of the two countries was never implemented, and the union dissolved in 1989. Since the 1980s, the Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance - a separatist movement based in southern Senegal - has led a low-level insurgency. Several attempts at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement have failed. Since 2012, despite sporadic incidents of violence, an unofficial cease-fire has remained largely in effect. Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa and has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and regional mediation. The Socialist Party of Senegal ruled for 40 years until Abdoulaye WADE was elected president in 2000 and re-elected in 2007. WADE amended Senegal's constitution over a dozen times to increase executive power and weaken the opposition. In 2012, WADE’s decision to run for a third presidential term sparked public backlash that led to his defeat to current President Macky SALL. A 2016 constitutional referendum limited future presidents to two consecutive five-year terms. The change, however, does not apply to SALL's first term. In February 2019, SALL won his bid for re-election; his second term will end in 2024. Topic: SerbiaThe Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Communist Partisans resisted the Axis occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945 and fought nationalist opponents and collaborators as well. The military and political movement headed by Josip Broz "TITO" (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when their domestic rivals and the occupiers were defeated in 1945. Although communists, TITO and his successors (Tito died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions ultimately failed and, after international intervention, led to the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC retained control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999. Serbian military and police forces withdrew from Kosovo in June 1999, and the UN Security Council authorized an interim UN administration and a NATO-led security force in Kosovo. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. In 2003, the FRY became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 led to more intense calls to address Kosovo's status, and the UN began facilitating status talks in 2006. In June 2006, Montenegro seceded from the federation and declared itself an independent nation. Serbia subsequently gave notice that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo, this time on practical issues rather than Kosovo's status. Serbia and Kosovo signed the first agreement of principles governing the normalization of relations between the two countries in April 2013 and are in the process of implementing its provisions. In 2015, Serbia and Kosovo reached four additional agreements within the EU-led Brussels Dialogue framework. These included agreements on the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities; telecommunications; energy production and distribution; and freedom of movement. President Aleksandar VUCIC has promoted an ambitious goal of Serbia joining the EU by 2025. Under his leadership as prime minister, in 2014 Serbia opened formal negotiations for accession.The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Communist Partisans resisted the Axis occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945 and fought nationalist opponents and collaborators as well. The military and political movement headed by Josip Broz "TITO" (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when their domestic rivals and the occupiers were defeated in 1945. Although communists, TITO and his successors (Tito died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions ultimately failed and, after international intervention, led to the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995.MILOSEVIC retained control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999. Serbian military and police forces withdrew from Kosovo in June 1999, and the UN Security Council authorized an interim UN administration and a NATO-led security force in Kosovo. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. In 2003, the FRY became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 led to more intense calls to address Kosovo's status, and the UN began facilitating status talks in 2006. In June 2006, Montenegro seceded from the federation and declared itself an independent nation. Serbia subsequently gave notice that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro.In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo, this time on practical issues rather than Kosovo's status. Serbia and Kosovo signed the first agreement of principles governing the normalization of relations between the two countries in April 2013 and are in the process of implementing its provisions. In 2015, Serbia and Kosovo reached four additional agreements within the EU-led Brussels Dialogue framework. These included agreements on the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities; telecommunications; energy production and distribution; and freedom of movement. President Aleksandar VUCIC has promoted an ambitious goal of Serbia joining the EU by 2025. Under his leadership as prime minister, in 2014 Serbia opened formal negotiations for accession. Topic: SeychellesSeychelles was uninhabited prior to being discovered by Europeans early in the 16th century. A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. During colonial rule, a plantation-based economy developed that relied on imported labor, primarily from European colonies in Africa. Independence came in 1976. Following a coup d’etat in 1977, the country was a socialist one-party state until adopting a new constitution and holding free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was reelected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in 2011 and again in 2015. In 2016, James MICHEL resigned and handed over the presidency to his vice-president, Danny FAURE. In 2020, Wavel RAMKALAWAN was elected president, the first time an opposition candidate has won the presidency since independence.Seychelles was uninhabited prior to being discovered by Europeans early in the 16th century. A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. During colonial rule, a plantation-based economy developed that relied on imported labor, primarily from European colonies in Africa. Independence came in 1976. Following a coup d’etat in 1977, the country was a socialist one-party state until adopting a new constitution and holding free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was reelected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in 2011 and again in 2015. In 2016, James MICHEL resigned and handed over the presidency to his vice-president, Danny FAURE. In 2020, Wavel RAMKALAWAN was elected president, the first time an opposition candidate has won the presidency since independence. Topic: Sierra LeoneContinuously populated for at least 2,500 years, the dense jungle in the area of Sierra Leone allowed the region to remain relatively protected from invaders from empires in West Africa. Traders introduced Sierra Leone to Islam, which occupies a central role in Sierra Leonean culture and history. In the 17th century, the British set up a trading post near present-day Freetown. The trade originally involved timber and ivory, but later expanded to enslaved people. In 1787, following the American Revolution, Sierra Leone became a destination for black British loyalists from the new United States. After the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, British ships delivered thousands of liberated Africans to Sierra Leone. During the 19th century, the colony gradually expanded inland. In 1961, Sierra Leone became independent of the UK. While Sierra Leone held free and fair elections in 1962 and 1967, Siaka STEVENS - Sierra Leone’s second prime minister - quickly reverted to authoritarian tendencies, outlawing most political parties and ruling from 1967 to 1985. In 1991, Sierra Leonean soldiers launched a civil war against STEVENS’ ruling party. The war caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population). In 1998, a Nigerian-led West African coalition military force intervened, installing Tejan KABBAH - who was originally elected in 1996 - as prime minister. In 2002, KABBAH officially announced the end of the war. Since 1998, Sierra Leone has conducted uninterrupted democratic elections, dominated by the two main political parties. In 2018, Julius Maada BIO of the Sierra Leone People’s Party won the presidential election that saw a high voter turnout despite some allegations of voter intimidation. The next presidential election is scheduled for March 2023.Continuously populated for at least 2,500 years, the dense jungle in the area of Sierra Leone allowed the region to remain relatively protected from invaders from empires in West Africa. Traders introduced Sierra Leone to Islam, which occupies a central role in Sierra Leonean culture and history. In the 17th century, the British set up a trading post near present-day Freetown. The trade originally involved timber and ivory, but later expanded to enslaved people. In 1787, following the American Revolution, Sierra Leone became a destination for black British loyalists from the new United States. After the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, British ships delivered thousands of liberated Africans to Sierra Leone. During the 19th century, the colony gradually expanded inland.In 1961, Sierra Leone became independent of the UK. While Sierra Leone held free and fair elections in 1962 and 1967, Siaka STEVENS - Sierra Leone’s second prime minister - quickly reverted to authoritarian tendencies, outlawing most political parties and ruling from 1967 to 1985. In 1991, Sierra Leonean soldiers launched a civil war against STEVENS’ ruling party. The war caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population). In 1998, a Nigerian-led West African coalition military force intervened, installing Tejan KABBAH - who was originally elected in 1996 - as prime minister. In 2002, KABBAH officially announced the end of the war. Since 1998, Sierra Leone has conducted uninterrupted democratic elections, dominated by the two main political parties. In 2018, Julius Maada BIO of the Sierra Leone People’s Party won the presidential election that saw a high voter turnout despite some allegations of voter intimidation. The next presidential election is scheduled for March 2023. Topic: SingaporeA Malay trading port known as Temasek existed on the island of Singapore by the 14th century. The settlement changed hands several times in the ensuing centuries and was eventually burned in the 17th century and fell into obscurity. The British founded modern Singapore as a trading colony on the site in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but was ousted two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe. Topic: Sint MaartenAlthough 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. Topic: SlovakiaSlovakia 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. Topic: SloveniaThe Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the latter's dissolution at the end of World War I. In 1918, the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia was one of the republics in the restored Yugoslavia, which, though communist, soon distanced itself from the Soviet Union and spearheaded the Non-Aligned Movement. Dissatisfied with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a growing economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's postcommunist transition. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone and the Schengen zone in 2007. Topic: Solomon IslandsSettlers from Papua arrived on Solomon Islands around 30,000 years ago. About 6,000 years ago, Austronesian settlers came to Solomon Islands and the two groups mixed extensively. Despite significant inter-island trade, no attempts were made to unite the islands into a single political entity. In 1568, Spanish explorer Alvaro de MENDANA became the first European to spot the islands. After a failed Spanish attempt at creating a permanent European settlement on the islands in the late 1500s, Solomon Islands remained free of European contact until 1767 when British explorer Philip CARTERET sailed by the islands. The islands were regularly visited by European explorers and American and British whaling ships into the 1800s, followed by missionaries in the 1850s. Germany declared a protectorate over the northern Solomon Islands in 1885 and the UK established a protectorate over the southern islands in 1893. In 1899, Germany transferred its Solomon Islands to the UK in exchange for the UK relinquishing all claims in Samoa. The UK tried to encourage plantation farming but few Europeans were willing to go to Solomon Islands and the UK left most services - such as education and medical services - to missionaries. In 1942, Japan invaded Solomon Islands and significant battles against Allied forces during the Guadalcanal Campaign proved a turning point in the Pacific war. World War II destroyed large parts of Solomon Islands and a nationalism movement emerged near the end of the war. By 1960, the British relented to allow for some local autonomy. The islands were granted self-government in 1976 and independence two years later under Prime Minister Sir Peter KENILOREA. In 1999, longstanding ethnic tensions between ethnic Guale in Honiara and ethnic Malaitans in Honiara’s suburbs erupted in civil war, leading thousands of Malaitans to take refuge in Honiara and Guale to flee the city. In 2000, newly-elected Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE focused on peace agreements and distributing resources equally among groups, but his actions bankrupted the government in 2001 and led to SOGAVARE’s ouster. In 2003, Solomon Islands requested international assistance to reestablish law and order. The Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which ended in 2017, was generally effective in improving the security situation. In 2006, riots broke out in Honiara and the city’s Chinatown burned over allegations that the prime minister took money from China. SOGAVARE was reelected prime minister for a fourth time following elections in 2019 and that same year announced Solomon Islands would switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. In late November 2021, protestors, mostly from the island of Malaita calling for SOGAVARE’s removal and more development in Malaita, sparked rioting in Honiara. Settlers from Papua arrived on Solomon Islands around 30,000 years ago. About 6,000 years ago, Austronesian settlers came to Solomon Islands and the two groups mixed extensively. Despite significant inter-island trade, no attempts were made to unite the islands into a single political entity. In 1568, Spanish explorer Alvaro de MENDANA became the first European to spot the islands. After a failed Spanish attempt at creating a permanent European settlement on the islands in the late 1500s, Solomon Islands remained free of European contact until 1767 when British explorer Philip CARTERET sailed by the islands. The islands were regularly visited by European explorers and American and British whaling ships into the 1800s, followed by missionaries in the 1850s. Germany declared a protectorate over the northern Solomon Islands in 1885 and the UK established a protectorate over the southern islands in 1893. In 1899, Germany transferred its Solomon Islands to the UK in exchange for the UK relinquishing all claims in Samoa. The UK tried to encourage plantation farming but few Europeans were willing to go to Solomon Islands and the UK left most services - such as education and medical services - to missionaries. In 1942, Japan invaded Solomon Islands and significant battles against Allied forces during the Guadalcanal Campaign proved a turning point in the Pacific war. World War II destroyed large parts of Solomon Islands and a nationalism movement emerged near the end of the war. By 1960, the British relented to allow for some local autonomy. The islands were granted self-government in 1976 and independence two years later under Prime Minister Sir Peter KENILOREA. In 1999, longstanding ethnic tensions between ethnic Guale in Honiara and ethnic Malaitans in Honiara’s suburbs erupted in civil war, leading thousands of Malaitans to take refuge in Honiara and Guale to flee the city. In 2000, newly-elected Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE focused on peace agreements and distributing resources equally among groups, but his actions bankrupted the government in 2001 and led to SOGAVARE’s ouster. In 2003, Solomon Islands requested international assistance to reestablish law and order. The Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which ended in 2017, was generally effective in improving the security situation. In 2006, riots broke out in Honiara and the city’s Chinatown burned over allegations that the prime minister took money from China. SOGAVARE was reelected prime minister for a fourth time following elections in 2019 and that same year announced Solomon Islands would switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. In late November 2021, protestors, mostly from the island of Malaita calling for SOGAVARE’s removal and more development in Malaita, sparked rioting in Honiara.  Topic: SomaliaAncient Egypt trade expeditions along the northeastern coast of Africa - including today's Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia - occurred at various times between the 25th and 12th centuries B.C. Between A.D. 800 and 1100, immigrant Muslim Arabs and Persians set up coastal trading posts along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, solidifying Somalia’s close trading relationship with the Arab Peninsula. In the late 19th century, Britain and Italy established colonies in the Somali Peninsula, where they remained until 1960, when British Somaliland gained independence and joined with Italian Somaliland to form the Republic of Somalia. The country functioned as a parliamentary democracy until 1969, when General Mohamed SIAD Barre took control in a coup, beginning a 22-year authoritarian socialist dictatorship. In an effort to centralize power, SIAD called for the eradication of the clan, the key cultural and social organizing principle in Somali society. Resistance to SIAD’s socialist leadership, which was causing a rapid deterioration of the country, prompted allied clan militias to overthrow SIAD in early 1991, resulting in state collapse. Subsequent fighting between rival clans for resources and territory overwhelmed the country, resulting in a manmade famine and prompting international intervention. Beginning in 1993, the UN spearheaded a humanitarian mission supported by international forces, but the international community largely withdrew by 1995 following Black Hawk Down - an incident in which two American Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down in Mogadishu, killing 21 international forces and wounding 82. International peace conferences in the 2000s resulted in a number of transitional governments that operated outside of Somalia. Left largely to themselves, Somalis in the country established alternative governance structures; some areas formed their own administrations, such as Somaliland and Puntland, while others developed localized institutions. Many local populations turned to using sharia courts, an Islamic judicial system that implements religious law. Several of these courts came together in 2006 to form the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The ICU established order in many areas of central and southern Somalia, including Mogadishu, but was forced out when Ethiopia intervened militarily in December 2006 on behalf of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG). While the TFG settled in the capital, the ICU fled to rural areas or from Somalia altogether, reemerging less than a year later as the Islamic insurgent and terrorist movement al-Shabaab, which is still active today. In January 2007, the African Union (AU) established the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeeping force, which allowed Ethiopia to withdraw its forces, took over security responsibility for the country, and gave the TFG space to develop Somalia’s new government. By 2012, Somali powerbrokers agreed on a provisional constitution with a loose federal structure and established the central government in Mogadishu. Since then, four interim regional administrations have been established and there have been two presidential elections. However, significant and fundamental governance and security problems remain. .Ancient Egypt trade expeditions along the northeastern coast of Africa - including today's Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia - occurred at various times between the 25th and 12th centuries B.C. Between A.D. 800 and 1100, immigrant Muslim Arabs and Persians set up coastal trading posts along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, solidifying Somalia’s close trading relationship with the Arab Peninsula. In the late 19th century, Britain and Italy established colonies in the Somali Peninsula, where they remained until 1960, when British Somaliland gained independence and joined with Italian Somaliland to form the Republic of Somalia. The country functioned as a parliamentary democracy until 1969, when General Mohamed SIAD Barre took control in a coup, beginning a 22-year authoritarian socialist dictatorship. In an effort to centralize power, SIAD called for the eradication of the clan, the key cultural and social organizing principle in Somali society. Resistance to SIAD’s socialist leadership, which was causing a rapid deterioration of the country, prompted allied clan militias to overthrow SIAD in early 1991, resulting in state collapse. Subsequent fighting between rival clans for resources and territory overwhelmed the country, resulting in a manmade famine and prompting international intervention. Beginning in 1993, the UN spearheaded a humanitarian mission supported by international forces, but the international community largely withdrew by 1995 following Black Hawk Down - an incident in which two American Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down in Mogadishu, killing 21 international forces and wounding 82. International peace conferences in the 2000s resulted in a number of transitional governments that operated outside of Somalia. Left largely to themselves, Somalis in the country established alternative governance structures; some areas formed their own administrations, such as Somaliland and Puntland, while others developed localized institutions. Many local populations turned to using sharia courts, an Islamic judicial system that implements religious law. Several of these courts came together in 2006 to form the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The ICU established order in many areas of central and southern Somalia, including Mogadishu, but was forced out when Ethiopia intervened militarily in December 2006 on behalf of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG). While the TFG settled in the capital, the ICU fled to rural areas or from Somalia altogether, reemerging less than a year later as the Islamic insurgent and terrorist movement al-Shabaab, which is still active today. In January 2007, the African Union (AU) established the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeeping force, which allowed Ethiopia to withdraw its forces, took over security responsibility for the country, and gave the TFG space to develop Somalia’s new government. By 2012, Somali powerbrokers agreed on a provisional constitution with a loose federal structure and established the central government in Mogadishu. Since then, four interim regional administrations have been established and there have been two presidential elections. However, significant and fundamental governance and security problems remain. . Topic: South AfricaSome of the earliest human remains in the fossil record are found in South Africa. By about A.D. 500, Bantu speaking groups began settling into what is now northeastern South Africa displacing Khoisan speaking groups to the southwest. Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of present-day South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East, founding the city of Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the settlers of Dutch descent (Afrikaners, also called "Boers" (farmers) at the time) trekked north to found their own republics, Transvaal and Orange Free State. In the 1820s, several decades of wars began as the Zulus expanded their territory, moving out of what is today southeastern South Africa and clashing with other indigenous peoples and with expanding European settlements. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration from Europe. The Anglo-Zulu War (1879) resulted in the incorporation of the Zulu kingdom's territory into the British Empire. Subsequently, the Afrikaner republics were incorporated into the British Empire after their defeat in the Second South African War (1899-1902). However, the British and the Afrikaners ruled together beginning in 1910 under the Union of South Africa, which became a republic in 1961 after a whites-only referendum. In 1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a policy of apartheid – billed as "separate development" of the races - which favored the white minority at the expense of the black majority and other non-white groups. The African National Congress (ANC) led the opposition to apartheid and many top ANC leaders, such as Nelson MANDELA, spent decades in South Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as boycotts by some Western nations and institutions, led to the regime's eventual willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition to majority rule. The first multi-racial elections in 1994 following the end of apartheid ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led government. South Africa has since struggled to address apartheid-era imbalances in wealth, housing, education, and health care. Jacob ZUMA became president in 2009 and was reelected in 2014, but resigned in February 2018 after numerous corruption scandals and gains by opposition parties in municipal elections in 2016. His successor, Cyril RAMAPHOSA, has made some progress in reigning in corruption, though many challenges persist. In May 2019 national elections, the country’s sixth since the end of apartheid, the ANC won a majority of parliamentary seats, delivering RAMAPHOSA a five-year term.Some of the earliest human remains in the fossil record are found in South Africa. By about A.D. 500, Bantu speaking groups began settling into what is now northeastern South Africa displacing Khoisan speaking groups to the southwest. Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of present-day South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East, founding the city of Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the settlers of Dutch descent (Afrikaners, also called "Boers" (farmers) at the time) trekked north to found their own republics, Transvaal and Orange Free State. In the 1820s, several decades of wars began as the Zulus expanded their territory, moving out of what is today southeastern South Africa and clashing with other indigenous peoples and with expanding European settlements. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration from Europe. The Anglo-Zulu War (1879) resulted in the incorporation of the Zulu kingdom's territory into the British Empire. Subsequently, the Afrikaner republics were incorporated into the British Empire after their defeat in the Second South African War (1899-1902). However, the British and the Afrikaners ruled together beginning in 1910 under the Union of South Africa, which became a republic in 1961 after a whites-only referendum. In 1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a policy of apartheid – billed as "separate development" of the races - which favored the white minority at the expense of the black majority and other non-white groups. The African National Congress (ANC) led the opposition to apartheid and many top ANC leaders, such as Nelson MANDELA, spent decades in South Africa's prisons. Internal protests and insurgency, as well as boycotts by some Western nations and institutions, led to the regime's eventual willingness to negotiate a peaceful transition to majority rule.The first multi-racial elections in 1994 following the end of apartheid ushered in majority rule under an ANC-led government. South Africa has since struggled to address apartheid-era imbalances in wealth, housing, education, and health care. Jacob ZUMA became president in 2009 and was reelected in 2014, but resigned in February 2018 after numerous corruption scandals and gains by opposition parties in municipal elections in 2016. His successor, Cyril RAMAPHOSA, has made some progress in reigning in corruption, though many challenges persist. In May 2019 national elections, the country’s sixth since the end of apartheid, the ANC won a majority of parliamentary seats, delivering RAMAPHOSA a five-year term. Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich IslandsThe islands, with large bird and seal populations, lie approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration since 1908 - except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey. Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island. Topic: South SudanSouth Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, is the world’s newest country. Home to a diverse array of mainly Nilotic ethnolinguistic groups that settled in the territory in the 15th through 19th centuries, South Sudanese society is heavily dependent on seasonal fluctuations in precipitation and seasonal migration. The land comprising modern-day South Sudan was conquered first by Egypt and later ruled jointly by Egyptian-British colonial administrators in the late 19th century. Christian missionaries propagated the spread of English and Christianity, rather than Arabic and Islam, leading to significant cultural differences between the northern and southern parts of Sudan. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, the Southern region received assurances that it would participate fully in the political system. However, the Arab government in Khartoum reneged on its promises, prompting two periods of civil war (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) in which as many as 2.5 million people died - mostly civilians - due to starvation and drought. The Second Sudanese civil war was one of the deadliest since WWII, and left Southern Sudanese society devastated by humanitarian crises and economic deterioration. Peace talks resulted in a US-backed Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in January 2005, which granted the South a six-year period of autonomy followed by a referendum on final status. The result of this referendum, held in January 2011, was a vote of 98% in favor of secession. Since independence, South Sudan has struggled to form a viable governing system and has been plagued by widespread corruption, political conflict, and communal violence. In December 2013, conflict erupted between forces loyal to President Salva KIIR a Dinka, and forces loyal to Vice President Riek MACHAR, a Nuer. The conflict quickly spread throughout the country and unfolded along ethnic lines, killing tens of thousands and creating a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of South Sudanese displaced and food insecure. KIIR and MACHAR signed a peace agreement in August 2015 that created a Transitional Government of National Unity in April 2016. However, in July 2016, renewed fighting broke out in Juba between KIIR and MACHAR’s forces, plunging the country back into conflict and drawing in additional armed opposition groups, including those in the southern Equatoria region that had largely stayed out of the first round of civil war. A "revitalized" peace agreement was signed in September 2018, which mostly ended the fighting. The government and most armed opposition groups agreed that they would form a unified national army, create a transitional government by May 2019, and prepare for elections in December 2022. Subsequent extensions pushed elections to late 2023, and the transitional government was formed in February 2020, when MACHAR returned to Juba as First Vice President. Since 2020, implementation of the peace agreement has been stalled as the parties wrangle over power-sharing arrangements, contributing to an uptick in communal violence and the country’s worst food security crisis since independence, with 7 of 11 million South Sudanese citizens in need of humanitarian assistance.South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, is the world’s newest country. Home to a diverse array of mainly Nilotic ethnolinguistic groups that settled in the territory in the 15th through 19th centuries, South Sudanese society is heavily dependent on seasonal fluctuations in precipitation and seasonal migration. The land comprising modern-day South Sudan was conquered first by Egypt and later ruled jointly by Egyptian-British colonial administrators in the late 19th century. Christian missionaries propagated the spread of English and Christianity, rather than Arabic and Islam, leading to significant cultural differences between the northern and southern parts of Sudan. When Sudan gained its independence in 1956, the Southern region received assurances that it would participate fully in the political system. However, the Arab government in Khartoum reneged on its promises, prompting two periods of civil war (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) in which as many as 2.5 million people died - mostly civilians - due to starvation and drought. The Second Sudanese civil war was one of the deadliest since WWII, and left Southern Sudanese society devastated by humanitarian crises and economic deterioration. Peace talks resulted in a US-backed Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in January 2005, which granted the South a six-year period of autonomy followed by a referendum on final status. The result of this referendum, held in January 2011, was a vote of 98% in favor of secession. Since independence, South Sudan has struggled to form a viable governing system and has been plagued by widespread corruption, political conflict, and communal violence. In December 2013, conflict erupted between forces loyal to President Salva KIIR a Dinka, and forces loyal to Vice President Riek MACHAR, a Nuer. The conflict quickly spread throughout the country and unfolded along ethnic lines, killing tens of thousands and creating a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of South Sudanese displaced and food insecure. KIIR and MACHAR signed a peace agreement in August 2015 that created a Transitional Government of National Unity in April 2016. However, in July 2016, renewed fighting broke out in Juba between KIIR and MACHAR’s forces, plunging the country back into conflict and drawing in additional armed opposition groups, including those in the southern Equatoria region that had largely stayed out of the first round of civil war. A "revitalized" peace agreement was signed in September 2018, which mostly ended the fighting. The government and most armed opposition groups agreed that they would form a unified national army, create a transitional government by May 2019, and prepare for elections in December 2022. Subsequent extensions pushed elections to late 2023, and the transitional government was formed in February 2020, when MACHAR returned to Juba as First Vice President. Since 2020, implementation of the peace agreement has been stalled as the parties wrangle over power-sharing arrangements, contributing to an uptick in communal violence and the country’s worst food security crisis since independence, with 7 of 11 million South Sudanese citizens in need of humanitarian assistance. Topic: Southern OceanA 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. Topic: SpainSpain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World War I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy, and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. More recently, Spain has emerged from a severe economic recession that began in mid-2008, posting four straight years of GDP growth above the EU average. Unemployment has fallen, but remains high, especially among youth. Spain is the Eurozone's fourth largest economy. The country has faced increased domestic turmoil in recent years due to the independence movement in its restive Catalonia region.Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World War I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy, and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. More recently, Spain has emerged from a severe economic recession that began in mid-2008, posting four straight years of GDP growth above the EU average. Unemployment has fallen, but remains high, especially among youth. Spain is the Eurozone's fourth largest economy. The country has faced increased domestic turmoil in recent years due to the independence movement in its restive Catalonia region. Topic: Spratly IslandsThe 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. Topic: Sri LankaThe first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced circa 250 B.C., and the first kingdoms developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. The Portuguese controlled the coastal areas of the island in the 16th century followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was formally united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Prevailing tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in July 1983. Fighting between the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) continued for over a quarter century. Although Norway brokered peace negotiations that led to a ceasefire in 2002, the fighting slowly resumed and was again in full force by 2006. The government defeated the LTTE in May 2009. During the post-conflict years under President Mahinda RAJAPAKSA, the government initiated infrastructure development projects, many of which were financed by loans from China. His regime faced significant allegations of human rights violations and a shrinking democratic space for civil society.  In 2015, a new coalition government headed by President Maithripala SIRISENA of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Prime Minister Ranil WICKREMESINGHE of the United National Party came to power with pledges to advance economic, governance, anti-corruption, reconciliation, justice, and accountability reforms. However, implementation of these reforms has been uneven. In October 2018, President SIRISENA attempted to oust Prime Minister WICKREMESINGHE, swearing in former President RAJAPAKSA as the new prime minister and issuing an order to dissolve the parliament and hold elections. This sparked a seven-week constitutional crisis that ended when the Supreme Court ruled SIRISENA’s actions unconstitutional, RAJAPAKSA resigned, and WICKREMESINGHE was reinstated. In November 2019, Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA won the presidential election and appointed his brother, Mahinda, prime minister. Since Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA’s election, there have been concerns about his administration’s commitment to pursuing justice, human rights, and accountability reforms, as well as the risks to foreign creditors that Sri Lanka faces given its ongoing economic crisis. A combination of factors including the impact of the worldwide COVID pandemic; severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel; and power outages have triggered increasingly violent protests in Columbo. Longtime parliamentarian and former five-time prime minister, Ranil WICKREMESINGHE replaced Mahinda RAJAPASKA as prime-minister in mid-May 2022, with a mandate to resolve the country's economic problems.The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced circa 250 B.C., and the first kingdoms developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. The Portuguese controlled the coastal areas of the island in the 16th century followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was formally united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Prevailing tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in July 1983. Fighting between the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) continued for over a quarter century. Although Norway brokered peace negotiations that led to a ceasefire in 2002, the fighting slowly resumed and was again in full force by 2006. The government defeated the LTTE in May 2009.During the post-conflict years under President Mahinda RAJAPAKSA, the government initiated infrastructure development projects, many of which were financed by loans from China. His regime faced significant allegations of human rights violations and a shrinking democratic space for civil society.  In 2015, a new coalition government headed by President Maithripala SIRISENA of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Prime Minister Ranil WICKREMESINGHE of the United National Party came to power with pledges to advance economic, governance, anti-corruption, reconciliation, justice, and accountability reforms. However, implementation of these reforms has been uneven. In October 2018, President SIRISENA attempted to oust Prime Minister WICKREMESINGHE, swearing in former President RAJAPAKSA as the new prime minister and issuing an order to dissolve the parliament and hold elections. This sparked a seven-week constitutional crisis that ended when the Supreme Court ruled SIRISENA’s actions unconstitutional, RAJAPAKSA resigned, and WICKREMESINGHE was reinstated. In November 2019, Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA won the presidential election and appointed his brother, Mahinda, prime minister. Since Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA’s election, there have been concerns about his administration’s commitment to pursuing justice, human rights, and accountability reforms, as well as the risks to foreign creditors that Sri Lanka faces given its ongoing economic crisis. A combination of factors including the impact of the worldwide COVID pandemic; severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel; and power outages have triggered increasingly violent protests in Columbo. Longtime parliamentarian and former five-time prime minister, Ranil WICKREMESINGHE replaced Mahinda RAJAPASKA as prime-minister in mid-May 2022, with a mandate to resolve the country's economic problems. Topic: SudanLong referred to as Nubia, modern-day Sudan was the site of the Kingdom of Kerma (ca. 2500-1500 B.C.) until it was absorbed into the New Kingdom of Egypt. By the 11th century B.C., the Kingdom of Kush gained independence from Egypt; it lasted in various forms until the middle of the 4th century A.D. After the fall of Kush, the Nubians formed three Christian kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria, and Alodia. The latter two endured until around 1500. Between the 14th and 15th centuries much of Sudan was settled by Arab nomads, and between the 16th–19th centuries it underwent extensive Islamization. Following Egyptian occupation early in the 19th century, the British established an Anglo-Egyptian Sudan - nominally a condominium, but in effect a British colony. Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics since Sudan gained independence from Anglo-Egyptian co-rule in 1956. The 30-year reign of President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR, following months of nationwide protests, ended with the military forcing him out in April 2019. In July 2019, the country’s Transitional Military Council signed an agreement with the Forces for Freedom and Change (an umbrella group of civilian actors) to form a transitional government under a Constitutional Declaration. Economist and former international civil servant Abdalla HAMDOUK al-Kinani was selected to serve as prime minister of a civilian-led transitional government, which was to have guided the country to credible democratic elections in late 2022. In October 2021, the Sudanese military organized a takeover that ousted Prime Minister HAMDOUK and his government and replaced civilian members of the Sovereign Council (Sudan’s collective Head of State) with individuals selected by the military. HAMDOUK was briefly reinstated in November 2021, but resigned in January 2022. As of March 2022, General Abd-al-Fatah al-BURHAN Abd-al-Rahman, the Chair of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, serves as de facto head of state and government. He presides over a Sovereign Council consisting of military leaders, former armed opposition group representatives, and civilians appointed by the military. A cabinet of acting ministers handles day-to-day administration. These acting ministers are either senior civil servants (some appointed by former Prime Minister HAMDOUK and some selected by the military) or hold-over ministers from Prime Minister HAMDOUK’s former cabinet who were appointed by former armed opposition groups that the military allowed to remain in their positions. The UN, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development are currently facilitating a Sudanese-led political process intended to enable Sudanese civilian and military stakeholders to agree on the framework for a new civilian-led transitional government. During most of the second half of the 20th century, Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of the largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern portion of the country. The first civil war ended in 1972, but another broke out in 1983. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04, and the final North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years followed by a referendum on independence for Southern Sudan. South Sudan became independent on 9 July 2011, but Sudan and South Sudan have yet to fully implement security and economic agreements relating to the normalization of relations between the two countries. In the 21st century, Sudan faced conflict in Darfur, Southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile starting in 2003. Together, these conflicts displaced more than 3 million people; while some repatriation has taken place, about 2.28 million IDPs remained in Sudan as of December 2020. Sudan also faces refugee influxes from neighboring countries, primarily Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.  Long referred to as Nubia, modern-day Sudan was the site of the Kingdom of Kerma (ca. 2500-1500 B.C.) until it was absorbed into the New Kingdom of Egypt. By the 11th century B.C., the Kingdom of Kush gained independence from Egypt; it lasted in various forms until the middle of the 4th century A.D. After the fall of Kush, the Nubians formed three Christian kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria, and Alodia. The latter two endured until around 1500. Between the 14th and 15th centuries much of Sudan was settled by Arab nomads, and between the 16th–19th centuries it underwent extensive Islamization. Following Egyptian occupation early in the 19th century, the British established an Anglo-Egyptian Sudan - nominally a condominium, but in effect a British colony. Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics since Sudan gained independence from Anglo-Egyptian co-rule in 1956. The 30-year reign of President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-BASHIR, following months of nationwide protests, ended with the military forcing him out in April 2019. In July 2019, the country’s Transitional Military Council signed an agreement with the Forces for Freedom and Change (an umbrella group of civilian actors) to form a transitional government under a Constitutional Declaration. Economist and former international civil servant Abdalla HAMDOUK al-Kinani was selected to serve as prime minister of a civilian-led transitional government, which was to have guided the country to credible democratic elections in late 2022. In October 2021, the Sudanese military organized a takeover that ousted Prime Minister HAMDOUK and his government and replaced civilian members of the Sovereign Council (Sudan’s collective Head of State) with individuals selected by the military. HAMDOUK was briefly reinstated in November 2021, but resigned in January 2022.As of March 2022, General Abd-al-Fatah al-BURHAN Abd-al-Rahman, the Chair of Sudan’s Sovereign Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, serves as de facto head of state and government. He presides over a Sovereign Council consisting of military leaders, former armed opposition group representatives, and civilians appointed by the military. A cabinet of acting ministers handles day-to-day administration. These acting ministers are either senior civil servants (some appointed by former Prime Minister HAMDOUK and some selected by the military) or hold-over ministers from Prime Minister HAMDOUK’s former cabinet who were appointed by former armed opposition groups that the military allowed to remain in their positions. The UN, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development are currently facilitating a Sudanese-led political process intended to enable Sudanese civilian and military stakeholders to agree on the framework for a new civilian-led transitional government. During most of the second half of the 20th century, Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of the largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern portion of the country. The first civil war ended in 1972, but another broke out in 1983. Peace talks gained momentum in 2002-04, and the final North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in January 2005, granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years followed by a referendum on independence for Southern Sudan. South Sudan became independent on 9 July 2011, but Sudan and South Sudan have yet to fully implement security and economic agreements relating to the normalization of relations between the two countries. In the 21st century, Sudan faced conflict in Darfur, Southern Kordofan, and Blue Nile starting in 2003. Together, these conflicts displaced more than 3 million people; while some repatriation has taken place, about 2.28 million IDPs remained in Sudan as of December 2020. Sudan also faces refugee influxes from neighboring countries, primarily Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.  Topic: SurinameFirst explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of African slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. The Netherlands granted the colony independence in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared Suriname a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party coalition - returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and ruled until August 2010, when voters returned former military leader Desire BOUTERSE and his opposition coalition to power. President BOUTERSE was reelected unopposed in 2015. Opposition parties campaigned hard against BOUTERSE in the lead up to the May 2020 elections, and in July 2020, a coalition led by Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI’s VHP and Ronnie Brunswijk’s ABOP was installed. The SANTOKHI government promised to tackle COVID-19, the economic crisis it inherited, and corruption. Topic: SvalbardThe 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. Topic: SwedenA military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Since then, Sweden has pursued a successful economic formula consisting of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum. The share of Sweden’s population born abroad increased from 11.3% in 2000 to 19.1% in 2018.  A military power during the 17th century, Sweden has not participated in any war for two centuries. An armed neutrality was preserved in both World Wars. Since then, Sweden has pursued a successful economic formula consisting of a capitalist system intermixed with substantial welfare elements. Sweden joined the EU in 1995, but the public rejected the introduction of the euro in a 2003 referendum. The share of Sweden’s population born abroad increased from 11.3% in 2000 to 19.1% in 2018.  Topic: SwitzerlandThe Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874 to allow voters to introduce referenda on proposed laws, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two world wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.  The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. A constitution of 1848, subsequently modified in 1874 to allow voters to introduce referenda on proposed laws, replaced the confederation with a centralized federal government. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two world wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.  Topic: SyriaFollowing World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence in 1946. The new country lacked political stability and experienced a series of military coups. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights region to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional, albeit unsuccessful, peace talks over its return. In November 1970, Hafiz al-ASAD, a member of the socialist Ba'ath Party and the minority Alawi sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. Following the death of President Hafiz al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah. In May 2007, Bashar al-ASAD's second term as president was approved by popular referendum. Influenced by major uprisings that began elsewhere in the region, and compounded by additional social and economic factors, antigovernment protests broke out first in the southern province of Dar'a in March 2011 with protesters calling for the repeal of the restrictive Emergency Law allowing arrests without charge, the legalization of political parties, and the removal of corrupt local officials. Demonstrations and violent unrest spread across Syria with the size and intensity of protests fluctuating. The government responded to unrest with a mix of concessions - including the repeal of the Emergency Law, new laws permitting new political parties, and liberalizing local and national elections - and with military force and detentions. The government's efforts to quell unrest and armed opposition activity led to extended clashes and eventually civil war between government forces, their allies, and oppositionists. International pressure on the ASAD regime intensified after late 2011, as the Arab League, the EU, Turkey, and the US expanded economic sanctions against the regime and those entities that support it. In December 2012, the Syrian National Coalition, was recognized by more than 130 countries as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people. In September 2015, Russia launched a military intervention on behalf of the ASAD regime, and domestic and foreign government-aligned forces recaptured swaths of territory from opposition forces, and eventually the country’s second largest city, Aleppo, in December 2016, shifting the conflict in the regime’s favor. The regime, with this foreign support, also recaptured opposition strongholds in the Damascus suburbs and the southern province of Dar’a in 2018. The government lacks territorial control over much of the northeastern part of the country, which is dominated by the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and a smaller area dominated by Turkey. The SDF expanded its territorial hold beyond its traditional homelands,  subsuming much of the northeast since 2014 as it battled  the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Since 2016, Turkey has been engaged in northern Syria and has conducted three large-scale military operations to capture territory along Syria's northern border in the provinces of Aleppo, Ar Raqqah, and Al Hasakah. Some opposition forces organized under the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and Turkish forces have maintained control of northwestern Syria along the Turkish border with the Afrin area of Aleppo Province since 2018. In 2019, Turkey and its opposition allies occupied formerly SDF controlled territory between the cities of Tall Abyad to Ra’s Al ‘Ayn along Syria’s northern border. The extremist organization Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly the Nusrah Front) in 2017 emerged as the predominate opposition force in Idlib Province, and still dominates an area also hosting additional Turkish forces. Negotiations between the government and opposition delegations at UN-sponsored Geneva conferences since 2014 and separately held discussions between Iran, Russia, and Turkey since early 2017 have failed to produce a resolution to  the conflict. According to a September 2021 UN estimate, the death toll resulting from the past 10 years of civil war is more than 350,000, although the UN acknowledges that this is the minimum number of verifiable deaths and is an undercount. According to a September 2021 UN estimate, the death toll resulting from the past 10 years of civil war is more than 350,000, although the UN acknowledges that this is the minimum number of verifiable deaths and is an undercount. As of early 2022, approximately 6.9 million Syrians were internally displaced and 14.6 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance across the country.  An additional 5.6 million Syrians were registered refugees in Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and North Africa. The conflict in Syria remains the largest displacement crisis worldwide.Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence in 1946. The new country lacked political stability and experienced a series of military coups. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights region to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional, albeit unsuccessful, peace talks over its return. In November 1970, Hafiz al-ASAD, a member of the socialist Ba'ath Party and the minority Alawi sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. Following the death of President Hafiz al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah. In May 2007, Bashar al-ASAD's second term as president was approved by popular referendum.Influenced by major uprisings that began elsewhere in the region, and compounded by additional social and economic factors, antigovernment protests broke out first in the southern province of Dar'a in March 2011 with protesters calling for the repeal of the restrictive Emergency Law allowing arrests without charge, the legalization of political parties, and the removal of corrupt local officials. Demonstrations and violent unrest spread across Syria with the size and intensity of protests fluctuating. The government responded to unrest with a mix of concessions - including the repeal of the Emergency Law, new laws permitting new political parties, and liberalizing local and national elections - and with military force and detentions. The government's efforts to quell unrest and armed opposition activity led to extended clashes and eventually civil war between government forces, their allies, and oppositionists.International pressure on the ASAD regime intensified after late 2011, as the Arab League, the EU, Turkey, and the US expanded economic sanctions against the regime and those entities that support it. In December 2012, the Syrian National Coalition, was recognized by more than 130 countries as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people. In September 2015, Russia launched a military intervention on behalf of the ASAD regime, and domestic and foreign government-aligned forces recaptured swaths of territory from opposition forces, and eventually the country’s second largest city, Aleppo, in December 2016, shifting the conflict in the regime’s favor. The regime, with this foreign support, also recaptured opposition strongholds in the Damascus suburbs and the southern province of Dar’a in 2018. The government lacks territorial control over much of the northeastern part of the country, which is dominated by the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and a smaller area dominated by Turkey. The SDF expanded its territorial hold beyond its traditional homelands,  subsuming much of the northeast since 2014 as it battled  the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Since 2016, Turkey has been engaged in northern Syria and has conducted three large-scale military operations to capture territory along Syria's northern border in the provinces of Aleppo, Ar Raqqah, and Al Hasakah. Some opposition forces organized under the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and Turkish forces have maintained control of northwestern Syria along the Turkish border with the Afrin area of Aleppo Province since 2018. In 2019, Turkey and its opposition allies occupied formerly SDF controlled territory between the cities of Tall Abyad to Ra’s Al ‘Ayn along Syria’s northern border. The extremist organization Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly the Nusrah Front) in 2017 emerged as the predominate opposition force in Idlib Province, and still dominates an area also hosting additional Turkish forces. Negotiations between the government and opposition delegations at UN-sponsored Geneva conferences since 2014 and separately held discussions between Iran, Russia, and Turkey since early 2017 have failed to produce a resolution to  the conflict. According to a September 2021 UN estimate, the death toll resulting from the past 10 years of civil war is more than 350,000, although the UN acknowledges that this is the minimum number of verifiable deaths and is an undercount. According to a September 2021 UN estimate, the death toll resulting from the past 10 years of civil war is more than 350,000, although the UN acknowledges that this is the minimum number of verifiable deaths and is an undercount. As of early 2022, approximately 6.9 million Syrians were internally displaced and 14.6 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance across the country.  An additional 5.6 million Syrians were registered refugees in Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and North Africa. The conflict in Syria remains the largest displacement crisis worldwide. Topic: TaiwanFirst inhabited by Austronesian people, Taiwan became home to Han immigrants beginning in the late Ming Dynasty (17th century). In 1895, military defeat forced China's Qing Dynasty to cede Taiwan to Japan, which then governed Taiwan for 50 years. Taiwan came under Chinese Nationalist (Kuomintang, KMT) control after World War II. With the communist victory in the Chinese civil war in 1949, the Nationalist-controlled Republic of China government and 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and continued to claim to be the legitimate government for mainland China and Taiwan based on a 1947 Constitution drawn up for all of China. Until 1987, however, the Nationalist government ruled Taiwan under a civil war martial law declaration dating to 1948. Beginning in the 1970s, Nationalist authorities gradually began to incorporate the native population into the governing structure beyond the local level. The democratization process expanded rapidly in the 1980s, leading to the then illegal founding of Taiwan’s first opposition party (the Democratic Progressive Party or DPP) in 1986 and the lifting of martial law the following year. Taiwan held legislative elections in 1992, the first in over forty years, and its first direct presidential election in 1996. In the 2000 presidential elections, Taiwan underwent its first peaceful transfer of power with the KMT loss to the DPP and afterwards experienced two additional democratic transfers of power in 2008 and 2016. Throughout this period, the island prospered, became one of East Asia's economic "Tigers," and after 2000 became a major investor in mainland China as cross-Strait ties matured. The dominant political issues continue to be economic reform and growth as well as management of sensitive relations between Taiwan and China. Topic: TajikistanThe Tajik people came under Russian imperial rule in the 1860s and 1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the Revolution of 1917. At that time, bands of indigenous guerrillas (known as "basmachi") fiercely contested Bolshevik control of the area, which was not fully reestablished until 1925. Tajikistan was first created as an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan in 1924, but in 1929 the USSR designated Tajikistan a separate republic and transferred to it much of present-day Sughd province. Ethnic Uzbeks form a substantial minority in Tajikistan, and ethnic Tajiks an even larger minority in Uzbekistan. Tajikistan became independent in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and experienced a civil war between political, regional, and religious factions from 1992 to 1997. Though the country holds general elections for both the presidency (once every seven years) and legislature (once every five years), observers note an electoral system rife with irregularities and abuse, with results that are neither free nor fair. President Emomali RAHMON, who came to power in 1992 during the civil war and was first elected president in 1994, used an attack planned by a disaffected deputy defense minister in 2015 to ban the last major opposition political party in Tajikistan. In December 2015, RAHMON further strengthened his position by having himself declared "Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation," with limitless terms and lifelong immunity through constitutional amendments ratified in a referendum. The referendum also lowered the minimum age required to run for president from 35 to 30, which made RAHMON's first-born son Rustam EMOMALI, the mayor of the capital city of Dushanbe, eligible to run for president in 2020. In April 2020, RAHMON orchestrated EMOMALI's selection as Chairman of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan's senate), positioning EMOMALI as next in line of succession for the presidency. RAHMON opted to run in the presidential election in October 2020 and received 91% of the vote. The country remains the poorest in the former Soviet sphere. Tajikistan became a member of the WTO in March 2013. However, its economy continues to face major challenges, including dependence on remittances from Tajikistani migrant laborers working in Russia and Kazakhstan, pervasive corruption, and the opiate trade and other destabilizing violence emanating from neighboring Afghanistan. Tajikistan has endured several domestic security incidents since 2010, including armed conflict between government forces and local strongmen in the Rasht Valley and between government forces and residents and informal leaders in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. Tajikistan suffered its first ISIS-claimed attack in 2018, when assailants attacked a group of Western bicyclists with vehicles and knives, killing four.    The Tajik people came under Russian imperial rule in the 1860s and 1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the Revolution of 1917. At that time, bands of indigenous guerrillas (known as "basmachi") fiercely contested Bolshevik control of the area, which was not fully reestablished until 1925. Tajikistan was first created as an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan in 1924, but in 1929 the USSR designated Tajikistan a separate republic and transferred to it much of present-day Sughd province. Ethnic Uzbeks form a substantial minority in Tajikistan, and ethnic Tajiks an even larger minority in Uzbekistan. Tajikistan became independent in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and experienced a civil war between political, regional, and religious factions from 1992 to 1997.Though the country holds general elections for both the presidency (once every seven years) and legislature (once every five years), observers note an electoral system rife with irregularities and abuse, with results that are neither free nor fair. President Emomali RAHMON, who came to power in 1992 during the civil war and was first elected president in 1994, used an attack planned by a disaffected deputy defense minister in 2015 to ban the last major opposition political party in Tajikistan. In December 2015, RAHMON further strengthened his position by having himself declared "Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation," with limitless terms and lifelong immunity through constitutional amendments ratified in a referendum. The referendum also lowered the minimum age required to run for president from 35 to 30, which made RAHMON's first-born son Rustam EMOMALI, the mayor of the capital city of Dushanbe, eligible to run for president in 2020. In April 2020, RAHMON orchestrated EMOMALI's selection as Chairman of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan's senate), positioning EMOMALI as next in line of succession for the presidency. RAHMON opted to run in the presidential election in October 2020 and received 91% of the vote. The country remains the poorest in the former Soviet sphere. Tajikistan became a member of the WTO in March 2013. However, its economy continues to face major challenges, including dependence on remittances from Tajikistani migrant laborers working in Russia and Kazakhstan, pervasive corruption, and the opiate trade and other destabilizing violence emanating from neighboring Afghanistan. Tajikistan has endured several domestic security incidents since 2010, including armed conflict between government forces and local strongmen in the Rasht Valley and between government forces and residents and informal leaders in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. Tajikistan suffered its first ISIS-claimed attack in 2018, when assailants attacked a group of Western bicyclists with vehicles and knives, killing four.   Topic: TanzaniaTanzania contains some of Africa’s most iconic national parks and famous archeological sites, and its diverse cultural heritage reflects the multiple ethnolinguistic groups that live in the country. Its long history of integration into trade networks spanning the Indian Ocean and the African interior led to the development of Swahili as a common language in much of east Africa and the introduction of Islam into the region. A number of independent coastal and island trading posts in what is now Tanzania came under Portuguese control after 1498 when they began to take control of much of the coast and Indian Ocean trade. By 1700, the Sultanate of Oman had become the dominant power in the region after ousting the Portuguese who were also facing a series of local uprisings. During the following hundred years, Zanzibar - an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania - became a hub of Indian Ocean trade, with Arab and Indian traders establishing and consolidating trade routes with communities in mainland Tanzania that contributed to the expansion of the slave trade. Zanzibar briefly become the capital of the Sultanate of Oman before it split into separate Omani and Zanzibar Sultanates in 1856. Beginning in the mid-1800s, European explorers, traders, and Christian missionaries became more active in the region. The Germans eventually established control over mainland Tanzania - which they called Tanganyika - and the British established control over Zanzibar. Tanganyika later came under British administration after the German defeat in World War I. Tanganyika gained independence from Great Britain in 1961, and Zanzibar followed in 1963 as a constitutional monarchy. In Tanganyika, Julius NYERERE, a charismatic and idealistic socialist, established a one-party political system that centralized power and encouraged national self-reliance and rural development. In 1964, a popular uprising overthrew the Sultan in Zanzibar and either killed or expelled many of the Arabs and Indians who had dominated the isles for more than 200 years. Later that year, Tanganyika and Zanzibar combined to form the United Republic of Tanzania, but Zanzibar retained considerable autonomy. Their two ruling parties combined to form the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in 1977. NYERERE handed over power to Ali Hassan MWINYI in 1985 and remained CCM chair until 1990. Tanzania held its first multi-party elections in 1995, but CCM candidates have continued to dominate politics. Political opposition in Zanzibar has led to four contentious elections since 1995, in which the ruling party claimed victory despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities. In 2001, 35 people in Zanzibar died when soldiers fired on protestors following the 2000 election. John MAGUFULI won the 2015 presidential election and the CCM won a two-thirds majority in Parliament. He was reelected in 2020 and the CCM increased its majority in an election that was also critiqued by observers. MAGUFULI died in March 2021 while in office and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, Samia Suluhu HASSAN.Tanzania contains some of Africa’s most iconic national parks and famous archeological sites, and its diverse cultural heritage reflects the multiple ethnolinguistic groups that live in the country. Its long history of integration into trade networks spanning the Indian Ocean and the African interior led to the development of Swahili as a common language in much of east Africa and the introduction of Islam into the region. A number of independent coastal and island trading posts in what is now Tanzania came under Portuguese control after 1498 when they began to take control of much of the coast and Indian Ocean trade. By 1700, the Sultanate of Oman had become the dominant power in the region after ousting the Portuguese who were also facing a series of local uprisings. During the following hundred years, Zanzibar - an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania - became a hub of Indian Ocean trade, with Arab and Indian traders establishing and consolidating trade routes with communities in mainland Tanzania that contributed to the expansion of the slave trade. Zanzibar briefly become the capital of the Sultanate of Oman before it split into separate Omani and Zanzibar Sultanates in 1856. Beginning in the mid-1800s, European explorers, traders, and Christian missionaries became more active in the region. The Germans eventually established control over mainland Tanzania - which they called Tanganyika - and the British established control over Zanzibar. Tanganyika later came under British administration after the German defeat in World War I.Tanganyika gained independence from Great Britain in 1961, and Zanzibar followed in 1963 as a constitutional monarchy. In Tanganyika, Julius NYERERE, a charismatic and idealistic socialist, established a one-party political system that centralized power and encouraged national self-reliance and rural development. In 1964, a popular uprising overthrew the Sultan in Zanzibar and either killed or expelled many of the Arabs and Indians who had dominated the isles for more than 200 years. Later that year, Tanganyika and Zanzibar combined to form the United Republic of Tanzania, but Zanzibar retained considerable autonomy. Their two ruling parties combined to form the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in 1977. NYERERE handed over power to Ali Hassan MWINYI in 1985 and remained CCM chair until 1990. Tanzania held its first multi-party elections in 1995, but CCM candidates have continued to dominate politics. Political opposition in Zanzibar has led to four contentious elections since 1995, in which the ruling party claimed victory despite international observers' claims of voting irregularities. In 2001, 35 people in Zanzibar died when soldiers fired on protestors following the 2000 election. John MAGUFULI won the 2015 presidential election and the CCM won a two-thirds majority in Parliament. He was reelected in 2020 and the CCM increased its majority in an election that was also critiqued by observers. MAGUFULI died in March 2021 while in office and was constitutionally succeeded by his vice president, Samia Suluhu HASSAN. Topic: ThailandTwo 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. Topic: Timor-LesteTimor 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 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 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.  Topic: TogoFrom 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.   Topic: TokelauTokelau, which comprises three atolls, was first settled by Polynesians around A.D. 1000. The three atolls operated relatively independently but had contact with one another, intermarrying and occasionally fighting wars. Fakaofo Atoll eventually subjugated the other two. British explorer John BYRON was the first European to see Atafu Atoll in 1765. British naval officer Edward EDWARDS saw Nukunonu Atoll in 1791, and ships occasionally continued to pass by Atafu and Nukunonu. In 1835, a US whaling ship became the first non-Pacific island ship to pass by Fakaofo. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived in 1845 and converted the population on the islands on which they landed. To this day, Nukunonu is predominantly Catholic while Atafu is mostly Protestant; Catholic and Protestnat missionaries both worked in Fakaofo, and the population there is more mixed. In 1863, Peruvian slave traders, masquerading as missionaries, kidnapped nearly all the men from Tokelau, and local governance moved to a system based on a Council of Elders, which still exists today. The atolls were repopulated when new Polynesian settlers and American and European migrants intermarried with local Tokelauan women. Tokelau became a British protectorate in 1889 and included in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate - later a colony - in 1908. In 1925, the UK placed Tokealu under New Zealand administration. The Tokelau Islands Act of 1948 formally transferred sovereignty from the UK to New Zealand and Tokelauans were granted New Zealand citizenship. In 1979, the US relinquished its claims over Tokelau in the Treaty of Tokehega, and Tokelau relinquished its claims over Swains Island, which is part of American Samoa. Economic opportunities in Tokelau are sparse, and about 80% of Tokelauans live in New Zealand. Tokelau held two self-governance referendums in 2006 and 2007, in which more than 60% of voters chose to go into free association with New Zealand; however, the referendums failed to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary to enact a status change. Tokelau lacks an airport and is only accessible via a day-long boat trip from Samoa, although a site for an airstrip on Nukunonu was selected in 2019. Because of its dependency on Samoa for transportation, in 2011, Tokelau followed Samoa’s lead and shifted the international date line to its east, skipping December 30 and becoming one hour ahead of New Zealand rather than 23 hours behind.Tokelau, which comprises three atolls, was first settled by Polynesians around A.D. 1000. The three atolls operated relatively independently but had contact with one another, intermarrying and occasionally fighting wars. Fakaofo Atoll eventually subjugated the other two. British explorer John BYRON was the first European to see Atafu Atoll in 1765. British naval officer Edward EDWARDS saw Nukunonu Atoll in 1791, and ships occasionally continued to pass by Atafu and Nukunonu. In 1835, a US whaling ship became the first non-Pacific island ship to pass by Fakaofo. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived in 1845 and converted the population on the islands on which they landed. To this day, Nukunonu is predominantly Catholic while Atafu is mostly Protestant; Catholic and Protestnat missionaries both worked in Fakaofo, and the population there is more mixed. In 1863, Peruvian slave traders, masquerading as missionaries, kidnapped nearly all the men from Tokelau, and local governance moved to a system based on a Council of Elders, which still exists today. The atolls were repopulated when new Polynesian settlers and American and European migrants intermarried with local Tokelauan women. Tokelau became a British protectorate in 1889 and included in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate - later a colony - in 1908. In 1925, the UK placed Tokealu under New Zealand administration. The Tokelau Islands Act of 1948 formally transferred sovereignty from the UK to New Zealand and Tokelauans were granted New Zealand citizenship. In 1979, the US relinquished its claims over Tokelau in the Treaty of Tokehega, and Tokelau relinquished its claims over Swains Island, which is part of American Samoa. Economic opportunities in Tokelau are sparse, and about 80% of Tokelauans live in New Zealand. Tokelau held two self-governance referendums in 2006 and 2007, in which more than 60% of voters chose to go into free association with New Zealand; however, the referendums failed to achieve the two-thirds majority necessary to enact a status change. Tokelau lacks an airport and is only accessible via a day-long boat trip from Samoa, although a site for an airstrip on Nukunonu was selected in 2019. Because of its dependency on Samoa for transportation, in 2011, Tokelau followed Samoa’s lead and shifted the international date line to its east, skipping December 30 and becoming one hour ahead of New Zealand rather than 23 hours behind. Topic: TongaThe first humans arrived in Tonga around 1000 B.C. The islands’ politics were probably highly centralized under the Tu’i Tonga, or Tongan king, by A.D. 950, and by 1200, the Tu’i Tonga had expanded his influence throughout Polynesia and into Melanesia and Micronesia. The Tongan Empire began to decline in the 1300s, descending into civil wars, a military defeat to Samoa, and internal political strife that saw successive leaders assassinated. By the mid-1500s, some Tu’i Tongans were ethnic Samoan and day-to-day administration of Tonga was transferred to a new position occupied by ethnic Tongans. Dutch sailors explored the islands in the 1600s and British Captain James COOK visited Tonga three times in the 1770s, naming them the Friendly Islands for the positive reception he thought he received, even though the Tongans he encountered were plotting ways to kill him. In 1799, Tonga fell into a new round of civil wars over succession. Wesleyan missionaries arrived in 1822, quickly converting the population. In the 1830s, a low-ranking chief from Ha’apai began to consolidate control over the islands and won the support of the missionaries by declaring that he would dedicate Tonga to God. The chief soon made alliances with leaders on most of the other islands and was crowned King George TUPOU I in 1845, establishing the only still-extant Polynesian monarchy. Tupou I declared Tonga a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and his successor, King George TUPOU II, agreed to enter a protectorate agreement with the UK in 1900 after rival Tongan chiefs tried to overthrow him. As a protectorate, Tonga never completely lost its indigenous governance, but it did become more isolated and the social hierarchy became more stratified between a group of nobles and a large class of commoners. Today, about one third of parliamentary seats are reserved for nobles. Queen Salote TUPOU III negotiated the end of the protectorate in 1965, which was achieved under King TUPOU IV, who in 1970 withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations. A prodemocracy movement gained steam in the early 2000s, led by future Prime Minister ‘Akilisi POHIVA, and in 2006, riots broke out in Nuku’alofa to protest the lack of progress on prodemocracy legislation. To appease the activists, in 2008, King George TUPOU V announced he was relinquishing most of his powers leading up to parliamentary elections in 2010; he died in 2012 and was succeeded by his brother ‘Aho’eitu TUPOU VI. Tropical Cyclone Gita, the strongest-ever recorded storm to impact Tonga, hit the islands in February 2018 causing extensive damage. Topic: Trinidad and TobagoFirst colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was hurt by the emancipation of the slaves in 1834. Manpower was replaced with the importation of contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. Tourism, mostly in Tobago, is targeted for expansion and is growing. The government is struggling to reverse a surge in violent crime. Topic: TunisiaTunisia has been the nexus of many different colonizations including those of the Phoenicians (as early as the 12 century B.C.), the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, various Arab and Berber kingdoms, and the Ottomans (16th to late 19th centuries). Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful in convincing the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In November 1987, BOURGUIBA was removed from office and replaced by Zine el Abidine BEN ALI in a bloodless coup. Street protests that began in Tunis in December 2010 over high unemployment, corruption, widespread poverty, and high food prices escalated in January 2011, culminating in rioting that led to hundreds of deaths. On 14 January 2011, the same day BEN ALI dismissed the government, he fled the country, and by late January 2011, a "national unity government" was formed. Elections for the new Constituent Assembly were held in late October 2011, and in December, it elected human rights activist Moncef MARZOUKI as interim president. The Assembly began drafting a new constitution in February 2012 and, after several iterations and a months-long political crisis that stalled the transition, ratified the document in January 2014. Parliamentary and presidential elections for a permanent government were held at the end of 2014. Beji CAID ESSEBSI was elected as the first president under the country's new constitution. Following ESSEBSI’s death in office in July 2019, Tunisia moved its scheduled presidential election forward two months and after two rounds of voting, Kais SAIED was sworn in as president in October 2019. Tunisia also held legislative elections on schedule in October 2019. SAIED's term, as well as that of Tunisia's 217-member parliament, expires in 2024. On 25 July 2021, SAIED seized exceptional powers allowed under Tunisia's constitution to fire the prime minister and suspend the legislature.Tunisia has been the nexus of many different colonizations including those of the Phoenicians (as early as the 12 century B.C.), the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, various Arab and Berber kingdoms, and the Ottomans (16th to late 19th centuries). Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful in convincing the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country's first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In November 1987, BOURGUIBA was removed from office and replaced by Zine el Abidine BEN ALI in a bloodless coup. Street protests that began in Tunis in December 2010 over high unemployment, corruption, widespread poverty, and high food prices escalated in January 2011, culminating in rioting that led to hundreds of deaths. On 14 January 2011, the same day BEN ALI dismissed the government, he fled the country, and by late January 2011, a "national unity government" was formed. Elections for the new Constituent Assembly were held in late October 2011, and in December, it elected human rights activist Moncef MARZOUKI as interim president. The Assembly began drafting a new constitution in February 2012 and, after several iterations and a months-long political crisis that stalled the transition, ratified the document in January 2014. Parliamentary and presidential elections for a permanent government were held at the end of 2014. Beji CAID ESSEBSI was elected as the first president under the country's new constitution. Following ESSEBSI’s death in office in July 2019, Tunisia moved its scheduled presidential election forward two months and after two rounds of voting, Kais SAIED was sworn in as president in October 2019. Tunisia also held legislative elections on schedule in October 2019. SAIED's term, as well as that of Tunisia's 217-member parliament, expires in 2024. On 25 July 2021, SAIED seized exceptional powers allowed under Tunisia's constitution to fire the prime minister and suspend the legislature. Topic: TurkeyModern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk or "Father of the Turks." Under his leadership, the country adopted radical social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of one-party rule, an experiment with multi-party politics led to the 1950 election victory of the opposition Democrat Party and the peaceful transfer of power. Since then, Turkish political parties have multiplied, but democracy has been fractured by periods of instability and military coups (1960, 1971, 1980), which in each case eventually resulted in a return of formal political power to civilians. In 1997, the military again helped engineer the ouster - popularly dubbed a "post-modern coup" - of the then Islamic-oriented government. An unsuccessful coup attempt was made in July 2016 by a faction of the Turkish Armed Forces. Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus in 1974 to prevent a Greek takeover of the island and has since acted as patron state to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which only Turkey recognizes. A separatist insurgency begun in 1984 by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a US-designated terrorist organization, has long dominated the attention of Turkish security forces and claimed more than 40,000 lives. In 2013, the Turkish Government and the PKK conducted negotiations aimed at ending the violence, however intense fighting resumed in 2015. Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. In 1963, Turkey became an associate member of the European Community; it began accession talks with the EU in 2005. Over the past decade, economic reforms, coupled with some political reforms, have contributed to a growing economy, although economic growth slowed in recent years, with occasional bouts of turmoil. From 2015 and continuing through 2016, Turkey witnessed an uptick in terrorist violence, including major attacks in Ankara, Istanbul, and throughout the predominantly Kurdish southeastern region of Turkey. On 15 July 2016, elements of the Turkish Armed forces attempted a coup that ultimately failed following widespread popular resistance. More than 240 people were killed and over 2,000 injured when Turkish citizens took to the streets en masse to confront the coup forces. The government accused followers of the Fethullah Gulen transnational religious and social movement ("Hizmet") for allegedly instigating the failed coup and designates the movement’s followers as terrorists. Since the attempted coup, Turkish Government authorities arrested, suspended, or dismissed more than 130,000 security personnel, journalists, judges, academics, and civil servants due to their alleged connection to Gulen's movement. Following the failed coup, the Turkish Government instituted a State of Emergency from July 2016 to July 2018. The Turkish Government conducted a referendum on 16 April 2017 in which voters approved constitutional amendments changing Turkey from a parliamentary to a presidential system. The amendments went into effect fully following the presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2018.Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk or "Father of the Turks." Under his leadership, the country adopted radical social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of one-party rule, an experiment with multi-party politics led to the 1950 election victory of the opposition Democrat Party and the peaceful transfer of power. Since then, Turkish political parties have multiplied, but democracy has been fractured by periods of instability and military coups (1960, 1971, 1980), which in each case eventually resulted in a return of formal political power to civilians. In 1997, the military again helped engineer the ouster - popularly dubbed a "post-modern coup" - of the then Islamic-oriented government. An unsuccessful coup attempt was made in July 2016 by a faction of the Turkish Armed Forces.Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus in 1974 to prevent a Greek takeover of the island and has since acted as patron state to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which only Turkey recognizes. A separatist insurgency begun in 1984 by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a US-designated terrorist organization, has long dominated the attention of Turkish security forces and claimed more than 40,000 lives. In 2013, the Turkish Government and the PKK conducted negotiations aimed at ending the violence, however intense fighting resumed in 2015. Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. In 1963, Turkey became an associate member of the European Community; it began accession talks with the EU in 2005. Over the past decade, economic reforms, coupled with some political reforms, have contributed to a growing economy, although economic growth slowed in recent years, with occasional bouts of turmoil.From 2015 and continuing through 2016, Turkey witnessed an uptick in terrorist violence, including major attacks in Ankara, Istanbul, and throughout the predominantly Kurdish southeastern region of Turkey. On 15 July 2016, elements of the Turkish Armed forces attempted a coup that ultimately failed following widespread popular resistance. More than 240 people were killed and over 2,000 injured when Turkish citizens took to the streets en masse to confront the coup forces. The government accused followers of the Fethullah Gulen transnational religious and social movement ("Hizmet") for allegedly instigating the failed coup and designates the movement’s followers as terrorists. Since the attempted coup, Turkish Government authorities arrested, suspended, or dismissed more than 130,000 security personnel, journalists, judges, academics, and civil servants due to their alleged connection to Gulen's movement. Following the failed coup, the Turkish Government instituted a State of Emergency from July 2016 to July 2018. The Turkish Government conducted a referendum on 16 April 2017 in which voters approved constitutional amendments changing Turkey from a parliamentary to a presidential system. The amendments went into effect fully following the presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2018. Topic: TurkmenistanPresent-day Turkmenistan covers territory that has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. The area was ruled in antiquity by various Persian empires, and was conquered by Alexander the Great, Muslim armies, the Mongols, Turkic warriors, and eventually the Russians. In medieval times, Merv (located in present-day Mary province) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia in the late 1800s, Turkmen territories later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik resistance in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic; it achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. President for Life Saparmyrat NYYAZOW died in December 2006, and Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, a deputy chairman under NYYAZOW, emerged as the country's new president. BERDIMUHAMEDOW won Turkmenistan's first multi-candidate presidential election in February 2007, and again in 2012 and in 2017 with over 97% of the vote in both instances, in elections widely regarded as undemocratic.  In February 2022, BERDIMUHAMEDOW announced that he would step down from the presidency and called for an election to replace him. His son, Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW, won the ensuing election, held in March 2022, with 73% of the vote. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW, although no longer head of state, maintains an influential political position as head of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council). Turkmenistan has sought new export markets for its extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves, which have yet to be fully exploited. As of late 2021, Turkmenistan exported the majority of its gas to China and smaller levels of gas to Russia. Turkmenistan's reliance on gas exports has made the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in the global energy market, and economic hardships since the drop in energy prices in 2014 have led many Turkmenistanis to emigrate, mostly to Turkey. Heavy restrictions placed by the government in 2020 on entry and exit into the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a steep drop in emigration, however. Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsThe islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate Crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands remain a British overseas territory. Grand Turk island suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Maria on 22 September 2017 resulting in loss of power and communications as well as damage to housing and businesses. Topic: TuvaluThe islands were first populated by voyagers from either Samoa or Tonga in the first millennium A.D., and Tuvalu provided a steppingstone for various Polynesian communities that subsequently settled in Melanesia and Micronesia. Tuvalu eventually came under Samoan and Tongan spheres of influence although proximity to Micronesia allowed some Micronesian communities to flourish in Tuvalu, in particular on Nui Atoll. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Tuvalu was visited by a series of American, British, Dutch, and Russian ships. The islands were named the Ellice Islands in 1819. The first Christian missionaries arrived in 1861, eventually converting most of the population, and around the same time, several hundred Tuvaluans were kidnapped by people purporting to be missionaries and sent to work on plantations in Peru and Hawaii. The UK declared a protectorate over the Ellice Islands in 1892 and merged it with the Micronesian Gilbert Islands. The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Protectorate became a colony in 1916. During World War II, the US set up military bases on a few islands, and in 1943, after Japan captured many of the northern Gilbert Islands, the UK transferred administration of the colony southward to Funafuti. After the war, Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands was once again made the colony’s capital and the center of power was firmly in the Gilbert Islands, including the colony’s only secondary school. Amid growing tensions with the Gilbertese, Tuvaluans voted to secede from the colony in 1974, were granted self-rule in 1975, and gained independence in 1978 as Tuvalu. In 1979, the US relinquished its claims to Tuvaluan islands in a treaty of friendship. The Tuvalu Trust Fund was established in 1987 to provide a longterm economic future for the country. In 2000, Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period. The contract was renewed in 2011 for a ten-year period. Tuvalu’s isolation means it sees few tourists; in 2020, Funafuti International Airport had four weekly flights - three to Suva, Fiji, and one to Tarawa. Tuvalu is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change; in 2018, sea levels in Funafuti were rising twice as fast as global averages. The Tuvalu Trust Fund was established in 1987 to provide a longterm economic future for the country. In 2000, Tuvalu negotiated a contract leasing its Internet domain name ".tv" for $50 million in royalties over a 12-year period. The contract was renewed in 2011 for a ten-year period. Tuvalu’s isolation means it sees few tourists; in 2020, Funafuti International Airport had four weekly flights - three to Suva, Fiji, and one to Tarawa. Tuvalu is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change; in 2018, sea levels in Funafuti were rising twice as fast as global averages. Topic: UgandaAn ancient crossroads for various migrations, Uganda has as many as 65 ethnic groups that speak languages from three of Africa’s four major linguistic families. As early as 1200, fertile soils and regular rainfall in the south fostered the formation of several large centralized kingdoms, including Buganda, from which the country derives its name. Muslim traders from Egypt reached northern Uganda in the 1820s, and Swahili merchants from the Indian Ocean coast arrived in the south by the 1840s. The area attracted the attention of British explorers seeking the source of the Nile River in the 1860s, and this influence expanded in subsequent decades with the arrival of Christian missionaries and trade agreements; Uganda was declared a British protectorate in 1894. Buganda and other southern kingdoms negotiated agreements with Britain to secure privileges and a level of autonomy that were rare during the colonial period in Africa. The colonial boundaries demarcating Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures, and the disparities between how Britain governed southern and northern areas compounded these differences, complicating efforts to establish a cohesive independent country. Uganda gained independence in 1962 with one of the more developed economies and one of the strongest education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it descended within a few years into political turmoil and internal conflict that lasted more than two decades. In 1966, Prime Minister Milton OBOTE suspended the constitution and violently deposed President Edward MUTESA, who was also the king of Buganda. Idi AMIN seized power in 1971 through a military coup and led the country into economic ruin and rampant mass atrocities that killed as many as 500,000 civilians. AMIN’s annexation of Tanzanian territory in 1979 provoked Tanzania to invade Uganda, depose AMIN, and install a coalition government. In the aftermath, Uganda continued to experience atrocities, looting, and political instability and had four different heads of state between 1979 and 1980. OBOTE regained the presidency in 1980 through a controversial election that sparked renewed guerrilla warfare, killing as an estimated 300,000 civilians. Gen. Tito OKELLO seized power in a coup in 1985, but his rule was short-lived, with Yoweri MUSEVENI becoming president in 1986 after his insurgency captured the capital. MUSEVENI is widely credited with restoring relative stability and economic growth to Uganda but has resisted calls to leave office. In 2017, parliament approved the removal of presidential age limits, making it possible for MUSEVENI to remain in office for life. Uganda faces numerous challenges that could affect future stability, including explosive population growth, power and infrastructure constraints, corruption, underdeveloped democratic institutions, and human rights deficits.An ancient crossroads for various migrations, Uganda has as many as 65 ethnic groups that speak languages from three of Africa’s four major linguistic families. As early as 1200, fertile soils and regular rainfall in the south fostered the formation of several large centralized kingdoms, including Buganda, from which the country derives its name. Muslim traders from Egypt reached northern Uganda in the 1820s, and Swahili merchants from the Indian Ocean coast arrived in the south by the 1840s. The area attracted the attention of British explorers seeking the source of the Nile River in the 1860s, and this influence expanded in subsequent decades with the arrival of Christian missionaries and trade agreements; Uganda was declared a British protectorate in 1894. Buganda and other southern kingdoms negotiated agreements with Britain to secure privileges and a level of autonomy that were rare during the colonial period in Africa. The colonial boundaries demarcating Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures, and the disparities between how Britain governed southern and northern areas compounded these differences, complicating efforts to establish a cohesive independent country. Uganda gained independence in 1962 with one of the more developed economies and one of the strongest education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it descended within a few years into political turmoil and internal conflict that lasted more than two decades. In 1966, Prime Minister Milton OBOTE suspended the constitution and violently deposed President Edward MUTESA, who was also the king of Buganda. Idi AMIN seized power in 1971 through a military coup and led the country into economic ruin and rampant mass atrocities that killed as many as 500,000 civilians. AMIN’s annexation of Tanzanian territory in 1979 provoked Tanzania to invade Uganda, depose AMIN, and install a coalition government. In the aftermath, Uganda continued to experience atrocities, looting, and political instability and had four different heads of state between 1979 and 1980. OBOTE regained the presidency in 1980 through a controversial election that sparked renewed guerrilla warfare, killing as an estimated 300,000 civilians. Gen. Tito OKELLO seized power in a coup in 1985, but his rule was short-lived, with Yoweri MUSEVENI becoming president in 1986 after his insurgency captured the capital. MUSEVENI is widely credited with restoring relative stability and economic growth to Uganda but has resisted calls to leave office. In 2017, parliament approved the removal of presidential age limits, making it possible for MUSEVENI to remain in office for life. Uganda faces numerous challenges that could affect future stability, including explosive population growth, power and infrastructure constraints, corruption, underdeveloped democratic institutions, and human rights deficits. Topic: UkraineUkraine was the center of the first eastern Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine achieved a short-lived period of independence (1917-20), but was reconquered and endured a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two forced famines (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German and Soviet armies were responsible for 7 to 8 million more deaths. Although Ukraine achieved independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, democracy and prosperity remained elusive as the legacy of state control and endemic corruption stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties. A peaceful mass protest referred to as the "Orange Revolution" in the closing months of 2004 forced the authorities to overturn a rigged presidential election and to allow a new internationally monitored vote that swept into power a reformist slate under Viktor YUSHCHENKO. Subsequent internal squabbles in the YUSHCHENKO camp allowed his rival Viktor YANUKOVYCH to stage a comeback in parliamentary (Rada) elections, become prime minister in August 2006, and be elected president in February 2010. In October 2012, Ukraine held Rada elections, widely criticized by Western observers as flawed due to use of government resources to favor ruling party candidates, interference with media access, and harassment of opposition candidates. President YANUKOVYCH's backtracking on a trade and cooperation agreement with the EU in November 2013 - in favor of closer economic ties with Russia - and subsequent use of force against students, civil society activists, and other civilians in favor of the agreement led to a three-month protest occupation of Kyiv's central square. The government's use of violence to break up the protest camp in February 2014 led to all out pitched battles, scores of deaths, international condemnation, a failed political deal, and the president's abrupt departure for Russia. New elections in the spring allowed pro-West president Petro POROSHENKO to assume office in June 2014; he was succeeded by Volodymyr ZELENSKY in May 2019. Shortly after YANUKOVYCH's departure in late February 2014, Russian President PUTIN ordered the invasion of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula falsely claiming the action was to protect ethnic Russians living there. Two weeks later, a "referendum" was held regarding the integration of Crimea into the Russian Federation. The "referendum" was condemned as illegitimate by the Ukrainian Government, the EU, the US, and the UN General Assembly (UNGA). In response to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, 100 members of the UN passed UNGA resolution 68/262, rejecting the "referendum" as baseless and invalid and confirming the sovereignty, political independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In mid-2014, Russia began supplying proxies in two of Ukraine's eastern provinces with manpower, funding, and materiel driving an armed conflict with the Ukrainian Government that continues to this day. Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the unrecognized Russian proxy republics signed the Minsk Protocol and Memorandum in September 2014 to end the conflict. However, this agreement failed to stop the fighting or find a political solution. In a renewed attempt to alleviate ongoing clashes, leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany negotiated a follow-on Package of Measures in February 2015 to implement the Minsk agreements. Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, the unrecognized Russian proxy republics, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe also meet regularly to facilitate implementation of the peace deal. By early 2022, more than 14,000 civilians were killed or wounded as a result of the Russian intervention in eastern Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, Russia escalated its conflict with Ukraine by invading the country on several fronts in what has become the largest conventional military attack on a sovereign state in Europe since World War II. The invasion has received near universal international condemnation, and many countries have imposed sanctions on Russia and also supplied humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The invasion has also created Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. As of 24 May, approximately 6.64 million people had fled Ukraine, and nearly 8.03 million people were internally displaced as of 3 May.  More than 8,460 civilian casualties had been reported, as of 22 May.  Ukraine was the center of the first eastern Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyivan Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyivan Rus laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite continuous Muscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. During the latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by the Russian Empire. Following the collapse of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine achieved a short-lived period of independence (1917-20), but was reconquered and endured a brutal Soviet rule that engineered two forced famines (1921-22 and 1932-33) in which over 8 million died. In World War II, German and Soviet armies were responsible for 7 to 8 million more deaths. Although Ukraine achieved independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the USSR, democracy and prosperity remained elusive as the legacy of state control and endemic corruption stalled efforts at economic reform, privatization, and civil liberties.A peaceful mass protest referred to as the "Orange Revolution" in the closing months of 2004 forced the authorities to overturn a rigged presidential election and to allow a new internationally monitored vote that swept into power a reformist slate under Viktor YUSHCHENKO. Subsequent internal squabbles in the YUSHCHENKO camp allowed his rival Viktor YANUKOVYCH to stage a comeback in parliamentary (Rada) elections, become prime minister in August 2006, and be elected president in February 2010. In October 2012, Ukraine held Rada elections, widely criticized by Western observers as flawed due to use of government resources to favor ruling party candidates, interference with media access, and harassment of opposition candidates. President YANUKOVYCH's backtracking on a trade and cooperation agreement with the EU in November 2013 - in favor of closer economic ties with Russia - and subsequent use of force against students, civil society activists, and other civilians in favor of the agreement led to a three-month protest occupation of Kyiv's central square. The government's use of violence to break up the protest camp in February 2014 led to all out pitched battles, scores of deaths, international condemnation, a failed political deal, and the president's abrupt departure for Russia. New elections in the spring allowed pro-West president Petro POROSHENKO to assume office in June 2014; he was succeeded by Volodymyr ZELENSKY in May 2019.Shortly after YANUKOVYCH's departure in late February 2014, Russian President PUTIN ordered the invasion of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula falsely claiming the action was to protect ethnic Russians living there. Two weeks later, a "referendum" was held regarding the integration of Crimea into the Russian Federation. The "referendum" was condemned as illegitimate by the Ukrainian Government, the EU, the US, and the UN General Assembly (UNGA). In response to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, 100 members of the UN passed UNGA resolution 68/262, rejecting the "referendum" as baseless and invalid and confirming the sovereignty, political independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In mid-2014, Russia began supplying proxies in two of Ukraine's eastern provinces with manpower, funding, and materiel driving an armed conflict with the Ukrainian Government that continues to this day. Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the unrecognized Russian proxy republics signed the Minsk Protocol and Memorandum in September 2014 to end the conflict. However, this agreement failed to stop the fighting or find a political solution. In a renewed attempt to alleviate ongoing clashes, leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany negotiated a follow-on Package of Measures in February 2015 to implement the Minsk agreements. Representatives from Ukraine, Russia, the unrecognized Russian proxy republics, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe also meet regularly to facilitate implementation of the peace deal. By early 2022, more than 14,000 civilians were killed or wounded as a result of the Russian intervention in eastern Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, Russia escalated its conflict with Ukraine by invading the country on several fronts in what has become the largest conventional military attack on a sovereign state in Europe since World War II. The invasion has received near universal international condemnation, and many countries have imposed sanctions on Russia and also supplied humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The invasion has also created Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. As of 24 May, approximately 6.64 million people had fled Ukraine, and nearly 8.03 million people were internally displaced as of 3 May.  More than 8,460 civilian casualties had been reported, as of 22 May.  Topic: United Arab EmiratesThe Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Dhabi, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. For more than three decades, oil and global finance drove the UAE's economy. In 2008-09, the confluence of falling oil prices, collapsing real estate prices, and the international banking crisis hit the UAE especially hard. The UAE did not experience the "Arab Spring" unrest seen elsewhere in the Middle East in 2010-11, partly because of the government's multi-year, $1.6-billion infrastructure investment plan for the poorer northern emirates, and its aggressive pursuit of advocates of political reform. The UAE in recent years has played a growing role in regional affairs. In addition to donating billions of dollars in economic aid to help stabilize Egypt, the UAE was one of the first countries to join the Defeat-ISIS coalition, and to participate as a key partner in a Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. On 15 September 2020, the UAE and Bahrain signed a peace agreement (the Abraham Accords) with Israel – brokered by the US – in Washington DC. The UAE and Bahrain thus became the third and fourth Middle Eastern countries, along with Egypt and Jordan, to recognize Israel. Topic: United KingdomThe United Kingdom has historically played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw two World Wars seriously deplete the UK's strength and the Irish Republic withdraw from the union. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO and the Commonwealth of Nations, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1998. The UK was an active member of the EU after its accession in 1973, although it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union. However, motivated in part by frustration at a remote bureaucracy in Brussels and massive migration into the country, UK citizens on 23 June 2016 voted by 52 to 48 percent to leave the EU. The UK became the first country to depart the EU on 31 January 2020, after prolonged negotiations on EU-UK economic and security relationships had been hammered out.The United Kingdom has historically played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith in the 19th century, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw two World Wars seriously deplete the UK's strength and the Irish Republic withdraw from the union. The second half witnessed the dismantling of the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO and the Commonwealth of Nations, the UK pursues a global approach to foreign policy. The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly were established in 1998.The UK was an active member of the EU after its accession in 1973, although it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union. However, motivated in part by frustration at a remote bureaucracy in Brussels and massive migration into the country, UK citizens on 23 June 2016 voted by 52 to 48 percent to leave the EU. The UK became the first country to depart the EU on 31 January 2020, after prolonged negotiations on EU-UK economic and security relationships had been hammered out. Topic: United StatesBritain's American colonies broke with the mother country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65), in which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy of 11 southern slave states, and the Great Depression of the 1930s, an economic downturn during which about a quarter of the labor force lost its jobs. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the world's most powerful nation state. Since the end of World War II, the economy has achieved relatively steady growth, low unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in technology.Britain's American colonies broke with the mother country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the North American continent and acquired a number of overseas possessions. The two most traumatic experiences in the nation's history were the Civil War (1861-65), in which a northern Union of states defeated a secessionist Confederacy of 11 southern slave states, and the Great Depression of the 1930s, an economic downturn during which about a quarter of the labor force lost its jobs. Buoyed by victories in World Wars I and II and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the US remains the world's most powerful nation state. Since the end of World War II, the economy has achieved relatively steady growth, low unemployment and inflation, and rapid advances in technology. Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesAll of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere.Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.; Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.; Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.; Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force.; Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a NWR.; Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the transpacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for transpacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony.; Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12-nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated a NWR in January 2001.All of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere.Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.; Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.; Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.; Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force.; Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a NWR.; Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the transpacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for transpacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony.; Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12-nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated a NWR in January 2001. Topic: UruguayMontevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold, soon became an important commercial center due to its natural harbor. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence in 1825 and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century launched widespread political, social, and economic reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement named the Tupamaros (or Movimiento de Liberación Nacional-Tupamaros (MLN-T)), launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By year-end, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian rule was restored in 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and National (Blanco) parties. The left-of-center retained the presidency and control of both chambers of congress until 2019. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent.Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold, soon became an important commercial center due to its natural harbor. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence in 1825 and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century launched widespread political, social, and economic reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement named the Tupamaros (or Movimiento de Liberación Nacional-Tupamaros (MLN-T)), launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By year-end, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian rule was restored in 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and National (Blanco) parties. The left-of-center retained the presidency and control of both chambers of congress until 2019. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent. Topic: UzbekistanUzbekistan is the geographic and population center of Central Asia. The country has a diverse economy and a relatively young population. Russia conquered and united the disparate territories of present-day Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the Bolshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic established in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to the overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, leaving the land degraded and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half-dry. Independent since the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the country has diversified agricultural production while developing its mineral and petroleum export capacity and increasing its manufacturing base, although cotton remains a major part of its economy. Uzbekistan’s first president, Islom KARIMOV, led Uzbekistan for 25 years until his death in September 2016. His successor, former Prime Minister Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV, has improved relations with Uzbekistan’s neighbors and introduced wide-ranging economic, judicial, and social reforms. MIRZIYOYEV was reelected in October 2021 with 80% of the vote. Topic: VanuatuVanuatu was first settled around 2000 B.C. by Austronesian speakers from Solomon Islands. By around 1000, localized chieftain systems began to develop on the islands. In the mid-1400s, the Kuwae Volcano erupted, causing frequent conflict and internal strife amid declining food availability, especially on Efate Island. Around 1600, Chief ROI MATA united Efate under his rule. In 1606, Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de QUEIROS was the first European to see the Banks Islands and Espiritu Santo, setting up a short-lived settlement on the latter. The next European explorers arrived in the 1760s, and in 1774, British navigator James COOK named the islands the New Hebrides. The islands were frequented by whalers in the 1800s and interest in harvesting the islands’ sandalwood trees caused conflict between Europeans and local Ni-Vanuatu. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived in the 1840s but faced difficulties converting the locals. In the 1860s, European planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Samoa needed labor and kidnapped almost half the adult males of the islands and forced them to work as indentured servants. With growing and overlapping interests in the islands, France and the UK agreed that the New Hebrides would be neutral in 1878 and established a joint naval commission in 1887. In 1906, the two countries created the British-French Condominium to jointly administer the islands and they established separate laws, police forces, currencies, and education and health systems. The condominium arrangement was dysfunctional and the UK used France’s defeat to Germany in World War II to assert greater control over the islands. As Japan pushed into Melanesia, the US stationed up to 50,000 soldiers in Vanuatu to prevent further advances. In 1945, US troops withdrew and sold their equipment, leading to the rise of political and religious cargo cults, such as the John Frum movement. The France-UK condominium was reestablished after World War II. The UK was interested in moving the condominium toward independence in the 1960s but France was hesitant and political parties agitating independence began to form, largely divided along linguistic lines. France eventually relented and elections were held in 1974 with independence granted in 1980 as Vanuatu under English-speaking Prime Minister Walter LINI. At independence, the Nagriamel Movement, with support from French-speaking landowners, declared Espiritu Santo independent, but the short-lived state was dissolved 12 weeks later. Linguistic divisions have lessened over time but highly fractious political parties have led to weak coalition governments that require support from both Anglophone and Francophone parties. Since 2008, prime ministers have been ousted through no-confidence motions or temporary procedural issues 10 times. Vanuatu was first settled around 2000 B.C. by Austronesian speakers from Solomon Islands. By around 1000, localized chieftain systems began to develop on the islands. In the mid-1400s, the Kuwae Volcano erupted, causing frequent conflict and internal strife amid declining food availability, especially on Efate Island. Around 1600, Chief ROI MATA united Efate under his rule. In 1606, Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de QUEIROS was the first European to see the Banks Islands and Espiritu Santo, setting up a short-lived settlement on the latter. The next European explorers arrived in the 1760s, and in 1774, British navigator James COOK named the islands the New Hebrides. The islands were frequented by whalers in the 1800s and interest in harvesting the islands’ sandalwood trees caused conflict between Europeans and local Ni-Vanuatu. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived in the 1840s but faced difficulties converting the locals. In the 1860s, European planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Samoa needed labor and kidnapped almost half the adult males of the islands and forced them to work as indentured servants. With growing and overlapping interests in the islands, France and the UK agreed that the New Hebrides would be neutral in 1878 and established a joint naval commission in 1887. In 1906, the two countries created the British-French Condominium to jointly administer the islands and they established separate laws, police forces, currencies, and education and health systems. The condominium arrangement was dysfunctional and the UK used France’s defeat to Germany in World War II to assert greater control over the islands. As Japan pushed into Melanesia, the US stationed up to 50,000 soldiers in Vanuatu to prevent further advances. In 1945, US troops withdrew and sold their equipment, leading to the rise of political and religious cargo cults, such as the John Frum movement. The France-UK condominium was reestablished after World War II. The UK was interested in moving the condominium toward independence in the 1960s but France was hesitant and political parties agitating independence began to form, largely divided along linguistic lines. France eventually relented and elections were held in 1974 with independence granted in 1980 as Vanuatu under English-speaking Prime Minister Walter LINI. At independence, the Nagriamel Movement, with support from French-speaking landowners, declared Espiritu Santo independent, but the short-lived state was dissolved 12 weeks later. Linguistic divisions have lessened over time but highly fractious political parties have led to weak coalition governments that require support from both Anglophone and Francophone parties. Since 2008, prime ministers have been ousted through no-confidence motions or temporary procedural issues 10 times. Topic: VenezuelaVenezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by military strongmen who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Although democratically elected governments largely held sway since 1959, the executive branch under Hugo CHAVEZ, president from 1999 to 2013, exercised increasingly authoritarian control over other branches of government.  This undemocratic trend continued in 2018 when Nicolas MADURO claimed the presidency for his second term in an election boycotted by most opposition parties and widely viewed as fraudulent. The last democratically-elected institution is the 2015 National Assembly. The President of the 2015 National Assembly, Juan GUAIDO is currently recognized by several countries - including the United States - as the interim president of Venezuela, while MADURO is recognized by most countries. In 2020, legislative elections were held for a new National Assembly, which the opposition boycotted and which were widely condemned as fraudulent. The resulting assembly is viewed by GUAIDO, most opposition parties, and many international actors as illegitimate. In November 2021, most opposition parties broke a three-year election boycott to participate in mayoral and gubernatorial elections, despite flawed conditions. As a result, the opposition more than doubled its representation at the mayoral level and retained four of 23 governorships. The 2021 regional elections marked the first time since 2006 that the EU was allowed to send an electoral observation mission to Venezuela. The MADURO regime places strong restrictions on freedoms of expression and the press. Since CHAVEZ, the ruling party's economic policies expanded the state's role in the economy through expropriations of major enterprises, strict currency exchange and price controls that discourage private sector investment and production, and overdependence on the petroleum industry for revenues, among others. Years of economic mismanagement left Venezuela ill-prepared to weather the global drop in oil prices in 2014, sparking an economic decline that has resulted in reduced government social spending, shortages of basic goods, and high inflation. Worsened living conditions have prompted over 6 million Venezuelans to migrate, mainly settling in nearby countries. Since 2017, the US has imposed financial and sectoral sanctions on the MADURO regime. Since mid-2020, and despite MADURO regime mismanagement and faltering infrastructure, oil production has begun to rise primarily due to strengthened MADURO regime trade relations with China, Russia, Iran, and the illicit oil trade. Caracas has more recently relaxed some economic controls to mitigate the impact of its sustained economic crisis, such as allowing increased currency and liberalizing import flexibility for private citizens and companies. Other concerns include human rights abuses, rampant violent crime, political manipulation of the judicial and electoral systems, and corruption.Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by military strongmen who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Although democratically elected governments largely held sway since 1959, the executive branch under Hugo CHAVEZ, president from 1999 to 2013, exercised increasingly authoritarian control over other branches of government.  This undemocratic trend continued in 2018 when Nicolas MADURO claimed the presidency for his second term in an election boycotted by most opposition parties and widely viewed as fraudulent. The last democratically-elected institution is the 2015 National Assembly. The President of the 2015 National Assembly, Juan GUAIDO is currently recognized by several countries - including the United States - as the interim president of Venezuela, while MADURO is recognized by most countries. In 2020, legislative elections were held for a new National Assembly, which the opposition boycotted and which were widely condemned as fraudulent. The resulting assembly is viewed by GUAIDO, most opposition parties, and many international actors as illegitimate. In November 2021, most opposition parties broke a three-year election boycott to participate in mayoral and gubernatorial elections, despite flawed conditions. As a result, the opposition more than doubled its representation at the mayoral level and retained four of 23 governorships. The 2021 regional elections marked the first time since 2006 that the EU was allowed to send an electoral observation mission to Venezuela. The MADURO regime places strong restrictions on freedoms of expression and the press. Since CHAVEZ, the ruling party's economic policies expanded the state's role in the economy through expropriations of major enterprises, strict currency exchange and price controls that discourage private sector investment and production, and overdependence on the petroleum industry for revenues, among others. Years of economic mismanagement left Venezuela ill-prepared to weather the global drop in oil prices in 2014, sparking an economic decline that has resulted in reduced government social spending, shortages of basic goods, and high inflation. Worsened living conditions have prompted over 6 million Venezuelans to migrate, mainly settling in nearby countries. Since 2017, the US has imposed financial and sectoral sanctions on the MADURO regime. Since mid-2020, and despite MADURO regime mismanagement and faltering infrastructure, oil production has begun to rise primarily due to strengthened MADURO regime trade relations with China, Russia, Iran, and the illicit oil trade. Caracas has more recently relaxed some economic controls to mitigate the impact of its sustained economic crisis, such as allowing increased currency and liberalizing import flexibility for private citizens and companies. Other concerns include human rights abuses, rampant violent crime, political manipulation of the judicial and electoral systems, and corruption. Topic: VietnamAncient Vietnam was centered on the Red River Valley and was under Han Chinese rule until approximately the 10th century. The Ly Dynasty (11th-13th century) ruled the first independent Vietnamese state, which was known as Dai Viet, and established their capital at Thang Long (Hanoi). Under the Tran Dynasty (13th-15th century), Dai Viet forces led by one of Vietnam’s national heroes, TRAN Hang Dao, fought off Mongol invaders in 1279. Following a brief Chinese occupation in the early 1400s, the leader of Vietnamese resistance, LE Thai To, made himself emperor and established the Le Dynasty, which lasted until the late 18th century, although not without decades of political turmoil, civil war, and division. During this period, Dai Viet expanded southward to the Central Highlands and Mekong Delta, reaching the approximate boundaries of modern-day Vietnam by the 1750s. Dai Viet suffered additional civil war and division in the latter half of the 18th century, but was reunited and renamed Vietnam under Emperor NGUYEN Phuc Anh (aka Gia Long) in 1802. The Nguyen Dynasty would be the last Vietnamese dynasty before the conquest by France, which began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. Vietnam became part of French Indochina in 1887. It declared independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until its 1954 defeat by communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the communist North and anti-communist South. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces overran the South reuniting the country under communist rule. Despite the return of peace, for over a decade the country experienced little economic growth because of its diplomatic isolation, its conservative leadership policies, and the persecution and mass exodus of individuals, many of them successful South Vietnamese merchants. However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation) policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. Since implementation, the economy has seen strong growth, particularly in agricultural and industrial production, construction, exports, and foreign investment. Increased tourism has also become a key component of economic growth. Nevertheless, the Communist Party maintains tight political and social control of the country and Vietnam faces considerable challenges including rising income inequality, corruption, inadequate social welfare, and a poor human rights record. Since withdrawing its military occupation forces from Cambodia in the late 1980s and the end of Soviet aid by 1991, Vietnam has practiced a non-aligned foreign policy that emphasizes friendly ties with all members of the international community. Relatedly, Vietnam adheres to a security doctrine called the "Four Nos" (no alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign bases, and no using force in international relations). Despite longstanding tensions with Beijing regarding its expansive claims that overlap with Hanoi's own claimed maritime boundaries in the South China Sea, Vietnam puts a priority on stable relations with China, given its proximity, size, and status as Vietnam's largest trading partner. Topic: Virgin IslandsThe Danes secured control over the southern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Sugarcane, produced by African slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish holdings, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848. On 6 September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the northern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John and inflicted severe damage to structures, roads, the airport on Saint Thomas, communications, and electricity. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Maria passed over the island of Saint Croix in the southern Virgin Islands, inflicting considerable damage with heavy winds and flooding rains. Topic: Wake IslandWake Island was probably visited by Micronesian and Polynesian settlers, and oral legends tell of periodic voyages to the islands by people from the Marshall Islands. Wake Island was uninhabited when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana de NEYRA became the first European to see it in 1568 and still had no humans when English captain Samuel WAKE sailed by it in 1796. The United States Exploring Expedition visited the island in 1841 and the US annexed it in 1899 to use as a cable and refueling station between its newly acquired Pacific territories of Hawaii and the Philippines and Guam. In the 1930s, Pan-American Airways built facilities on Wake Island so that it could be used as a stopover for flights from the US to China. In January 1941, the US began to install military assets on Wake Island and in early December of that year, Japan attacked Wake Island, capturing it by the end of the month after a heroic resistance. Japan held Wake Island until the end of World War II, and in 1946, commercial airlines once again used Wake Island as a refueling stop. In 1973, the Marshall Islands claimed Wake Island based on the oral legends, although the US has not recognized these claims. In 1974, the US military took exclusive control of the island’s airstrip and restricted visitors. In 1978, Bikini Islanders from the Marshall Islands, who were evacuated in the 1950s and 1960s because of US nuclear tests, considered rehoming on Wake Island, but the US military rejected that plan. Since the 1970s, the island has been important for missile defense testing. In 2009, Wake Island was included in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.Wake Island was probably visited by Micronesian and Polynesian settlers, and oral legends tell of periodic voyages to the islands by people from the Marshall Islands. Wake Island was uninhabited when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana de NEYRA became the first European to see it in 1568 and still had no humans when English captain Samuel WAKE sailed by it in 1796. The United States Exploring Expedition visited the island in 1841 and the US annexed it in 1899 to use as a cable and refueling station between its newly acquired Pacific territories of Hawaii and the Philippines and Guam. In the 1930s, Pan-American Airways built facilities on Wake Island so that it could be used as a stopover for flights from the US to China. In January 1941, the US began to install military assets on Wake Island and in early December of that year, Japan attacked Wake Island, capturing it by the end of the month after a heroic resistance. Japan held Wake Island until the end of World War II, and in 1946, commercial airlines once again used Wake Island as a refueling stop. In 1973, the Marshall Islands claimed Wake Island based on the oral legends, although the US has not recognized these claims. In 1974, the US military took exclusive control of the island’s airstrip and restricted visitors. In 1978, Bikini Islanders from the Marshall Islands, who were evacuated in the 1950s and 1960s because of US nuclear tests, considered rehoming on Wake Island, but the US military rejected that plan. Since the 1970s, the island has been important for missile defense testing. In 2009, Wake Island was included in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Topic: Wallis and FutunaThe first humans settled Wallis and Futuna around 800 B.C. The islands were a natural midpoint between Fiji and Samoa. Around A.D. 1500, Tongans invaded Wallis and a chiefdom system resembling Tonga’s formal hierarchy developed on the island. Tongans attempted to settle Futuna but were repeatedly rebuffed. Samoans settled Futuna in the 1600s and a slightly less centralized chiefdom system formed. Dutch explorers were the first Europeans to see the islands in 1616, followed intermittently by other Europeans, including British explorer Samuel WALLIS in 1767. French Catholic missionaries were the first Europeans to permanently settle Wallis and Futuna in 1837. The missionaries converted most of the population of Wallis by 1842 and of Futuna by 1846. The missionaries and newly-converted King LAVELUA of Uvea on Wallis asked France for a protectorate in 1842 following a rebellion of locals. France agreed, although the protectorate status would not be ratified until 1887. In 1888, King MUSULAMU of Alo and King TAMOLE of Sigave, both on Futuna, signed a treaty establishing a French protectorate; the Wallis and Futuna protectorate was integrated into the territory of New Caledonia that same year. France renegotiated the terms of the protectorate with the territory’s three kings in 1910, expanding French authority. Wallis and Futuna was the only French colony to side with the Vichy regime during World War II until the arrival of Free French and US troops in 1942. In 1959, inhabitants of the islands voted to separate from New Caledonia and become a French overseas territory, a status it assumed in 1961. Despite the split, a significant Wallisian and Futunan community still lives in New Caledonia. In 2003, Wallis and Futuna’s designation changed to that of an overseas collectivity. Wallis and Futuna became an associate member of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2018, two years after France’s other Pacific territories became full members of the organization.The first humans settled Wallis and Futuna around 800 B.C. The islands were a natural midpoint between Fiji and Samoa. Around A.D. 1500, Tongans invaded Wallis and a chiefdom system resembling Tonga’s formal hierarchy developed on the island. Tongans attempted to settle Futuna but were repeatedly rebuffed. Samoans settled Futuna in the 1600s and a slightly less centralized chiefdom system formed. Dutch explorers were the first Europeans to see the islands in 1616, followed intermittently by other Europeans, including British explorer Samuel WALLIS in 1767. French Catholic missionaries were the first Europeans to permanently settle Wallis and Futuna in 1837. The missionaries converted most of the population of Wallis by 1842 and of Futuna by 1846. The missionaries and newly-converted King LAVELUA of Uvea on Wallis asked France for a protectorate in 1842 following a rebellion of locals. France agreed, although the protectorate status would not be ratified until 1887. In 1888, King MUSULAMU of Alo and King TAMOLE of Sigave, both on Futuna, signed a treaty establishing a French protectorate; the Wallis and Futuna protectorate was integrated into the territory of New Caledonia that same year. France renegotiated the terms of the protectorate with the territory’s three kings in 1910, expanding French authority. Wallis and Futuna was the only French colony to side with the Vichy regime during World War II until the arrival of Free French and US troops in 1942. In 1959, inhabitants of the islands voted to separate from New Caledonia and become a French overseas territory, a status it assumed in 1961. Despite the split, a significant Wallisian and Futunan community still lives in New Caledonia. In 2003, Wallis and Futuna’s designation changed to that of an overseas collectivity. Wallis and Futuna became an associate member of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2018, two years after France’s other Pacific territories became full members of the organization. Topic: West BankThe landlocked West Bank - the larger of the two Palestinian territories - is home to some three million Palestinians. Inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C., the West Bank has been dominated by many different peoples throughout its history; it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The West Bank fell to British forces during World War I, becoming part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the West Bank was captured by Transjordan (later renamed Jordan), which annexed the West Bank in 1950; it was captured by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1967. Under a series of agreements known as the Oslo accords signed between 1993 and 1999, Israel transferred to the newly created Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip. In addition to establishing the PA as an interim government, the Oslo accords divided the West Bank into three areas with one fully managed by the PA, another fully administered by Israel, and a third with shared control until a permanent agreement could be reached between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel. In 2000, a violent intifada or uprising began across the Palestinian territories, and in 2001 negotiations for a permanent agreement between the PLO and Israel on final status issues stalled. Subsequent attempts to re-start direct negotiations have not resulted in progress toward determining final status of the area. The PA last held national elections in 2006, when the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political faction in the West Bank, and HAMAS failed to maintain a unity government, leading to violent clashes between their respective supporters and HAMAS’s violent seizure of all PA military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip in June 2007. In December 2018, the Palestinian Constitutional Court dissolved the PLC. In recent years, Fatah and HAMAS have made several attempts at reconciliation, but the factions have been unable to implement agreements. Since 1994, the PA has administered parts of the West Bank under its control, mainly the major Palestinian population centers and areas immediately surrounding them. Roughly 60% of the West Bank remains under full Israeli civil and military control, impeding movement of people and goods through the territory.  The landlocked West Bank - the larger of the two Palestinian territories - is home to some three million Palestinians. Inhabited since at least the 15th century B.C., the West Bank has been dominated by many different peoples throughout its history; it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the early 16th century. The West Bank fell to British forces during World War I, becoming part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the West Bank was captured by Transjordan (later renamed Jordan), which annexed the West Bank in 1950; it was captured by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1967. Under a series of agreements known as the Oslo accords signed between 1993 and 1999, Israel transferred to the newly created Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank as well as the Gaza Strip.In addition to establishing the PA as an interim government, the Oslo accords divided the West Bank into three areas with one fully managed by the PA, another fully administered by Israel, and a third with shared control until a permanent agreement could be reached between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel. In 2000, a violent intifada or uprising began across the Palestinian territories, and in 2001 negotiations for a permanent agreement between the PLO and Israel on final status issues stalled. Subsequent attempts to re-start direct negotiations have not resulted in progress toward determining final status of the area.The PA last held national elections in 2006, when the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) won a majority of seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). Fatah, the dominant Palestinian political faction in the West Bank, and HAMAS failed to maintain a unity government, leading to violent clashes between their respective supporters and HAMAS’s violent seizure of all PA military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip in June 2007. In December 2018, the Palestinian Constitutional Court dissolved the PLC. In recent years, Fatah and HAMAS have made several attempts at reconciliation, but the factions have been unable to implement agreements.  Topic: WorldGlobally, the 20th century was marked by: (a) two devastating world wars; (b) the Great Depression of the 1930s; (c) the end of vast colonial empires; (d) rapid advances in science and technology, from the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (US) to the landing on the moon; (e) the Cold War between the Western alliance and the Warsaw Pact nations; (f) a sharp rise in living standards in North America, Europe, and Japan; (g) increased concerns about environmental degradation including deforestation, energy and water shortages, declining biological diversity, and air pollution; (h) the onset of the AIDS epidemic; and (i) the ultimate emergence of the US as the only world superpower. The planet's population continues to explode: from 1 billion in 1820 to 2 billion in 1930, 3 billion in 1960, 4 billion in 1974, 5 billion in 1987, 6 billion in 1999, and 7 billion in 2012. For the 21st century, the continued exponential growth in science and technology raises both hopes (e.g., advances in medicine and agriculture) and fears (e.g., development of even more lethal weapons of war). Topic: YemenThe Kingdom of Yemen (colloquially known as North Yemen) became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1918 and in 1962 became the Yemen Arab Republic. The British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became the People's Republic of Southern Yemen (colloquially known as South Yemen). Three years later, the southern government adopted a Marxist orientation and changed the country's name to the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of Yemenis from the south to the north contributed to two decades of hostility between the states. The two countries were formally unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist movement and brief civil war in 1994 was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and Yemen agreed to delineate their border. Fighting in the northwest between the government and the Huthis, a Zaydi Shia Muslim minority, continued intermittently from 2004 to 2010, and then again from 2014-present. The southern secessionist movement was revitalized in 2007. Public rallies in Sana'a against then President Ali Abdallah SALIH - inspired by similar Arab Spring demonstrations in Tunisia and Egypt - slowly built momentum starting in late January 2011 fueled by complaints over high unemployment, poor economic conditions, and corruption. By the following month, some protests had resulted in violence, and the demonstrations had spread to other major cities. By March the opposition had hardened its demands and was unifying behind calls for SALIH's immediate ouster. In April 2011, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in an attempt to mediate the crisis in Yemen, proposed the GCC Initiative, an agreement in which the president would step down in exchange for immunity from prosecution. SALIH's refusal to sign an agreement led to further violence. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 2014 in October 2011 calling for an end to the violence and completing a power transfer deal. In November 2011, SALIH signed the GCC Initiative to step down and to transfer some of his powers to Vice President Abd Rabuh Mansur HADI. Following HADI's uncontested election victory in February 2012, SALIH formally transferred all presidential powers. In accordance with the GCC Initiative, Yemen launched a National Dialogue Conference (NDC) in March 2013 to discuss key constitutional, political, and social issues. HADI concluded the NDC in January 2014 and planned to begin implementing subsequent steps in the transition process, including constitutional drafting, a constitutional referendum, and national elections. The Huthis, perceiving their grievances were not addressed in the NDC, joined forces with SALIH and expanded their influence in northwestern Yemen, which culminated in a major offensive against military units and rival tribes and enabled their forces to overrun the capital, Sanaa, in September 2014. In January 2015, the Huthis surrounded the presidential palace, HADI's residence, and key government facilities, prompting HADI and the cabinet to submit their resignations. HADI fled to Aden in February 2015 and rescinded his resignation. He subsequently escaped to Oman and then moved to Saudi Arabia and asked the GCC to intervene militarily in Yemen to protect the legitimate government from the Huthis. In March, Saudi Arabia assembled a coalition of Arab militaries and began airstrikes against the Huthis and Huthi-affiliated forces. Ground fighting between Huthi-aligned forces and anti-Huthi groups backed by the Saudi-led coalition continued through 2016. In 2016, the UN brokered a months-long cessation of hostilities that reduced airstrikes and fighting, and initiated peace talks in Kuwait. However, the talks ended without agreement. The Huthis and SALIH’s political party announced a Supreme Political Council in August 2016 and a National Salvation Government, including a prime minister and several dozen cabinet members, in November 2016, to govern in Sanaa and further challenge the legitimacy of HADI’s government. However, amid rising tensions between the Huthis and SALIH, sporadic clashes erupted in mid-2017, and escalated into open fighting that ended when Huthi forces killed SALIH in early December 2017. In 2018, anti-Huthi forces made the most battlefield progress in Yemen since early 2016, most notably in Al Hudaydah Governorate. In December 2018, the Huthis and Yemeni Government participated in the first UN-brokered peace talks since 2016, agreeing to a limited ceasefire in Al Hudaydah Governorate and the establishment of a UN Mission to monitor the agreement. In April 2019, Yemen’s parliament convened in Say'un for the first time since the conflict broke out in 2014. In August 2019, violence erupted between HADI's government and the pro-secessionist Southern Transition Council (STC) in southern Yemen. In November 2019, HADI's government and the STC signed a power-sharing agreement to end the fighting between them, and in December 2020, the signatories formed a new cabinet. In 2020 and 2021, fighting continued on the ground in Yemen as the Houthis gained territory, and also conducted regular UAV and missile attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Yemen (colloquially known as North Yemen) became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1918 and in 1962 became the Yemen Arab Republic. The British, who had set up a protectorate area around the southern port of Aden in the 19th century, withdrew in 1967 from what became the People's Republic of Southern Yemen (colloquially known as South Yemen). Three years later, the southern government adopted a Marxist orientation and changed the country's name to the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen. The massive exodus of hundreds of thousands of Yemenis from the south to the north contributed to two decades of hostility between the states. The two countries were formally unified as the Republic of Yemen in 1990. A southern secessionist movement and brief civil war in 1994 was quickly subdued. In 2000, Saudi Arabia and Yemen agreed to delineate their border.Fighting in the northwest between the government and the Huthis, a Zaydi Shia Muslim minority, continued intermittently from 2004 to 2010, and then again from 2014-present. The southern secessionist movement was revitalized in 2007.Public rallies in Sana'a against then President Ali Abdallah SALIH - inspired by similar Arab Spring demonstrations in Tunisia and Egypt - slowly built momentum starting in late January 2011 fueled by complaints over high unemployment, poor economic conditions, and corruption. By the following month, some protests had resulted in violence, and the demonstrations had spread to other major cities. By March the opposition had hardened its demands and was unifying behind calls for SALIH's immediate ouster. In April 2011, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in an attempt to mediate the crisis in Yemen, proposed the GCC Initiative, an agreement in which the president would step down in exchange for immunity from prosecution. SALIH's refusal to sign an agreement led to further violence. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 2014 in October 2011 calling for an end to the violence and completing a power transfer deal. In November 2011, SALIH signed the GCC Initiative to step down and to transfer some of his powers to Vice President Abd Rabuh Mansur HADI. Following HADI's uncontested election victory in February 2012, SALIH formally transferred all presidential powers. In accordance with the GCC Initiative, Yemen launched a National Dialogue Conference (NDC) in March 2013 to discuss key constitutional, political, and social issues. HADI concluded the NDC in January 2014 and planned to begin implementing subsequent steps in the transition process, including constitutional drafting, a constitutional referendum, and national elections.The Huthis, perceiving their grievances were not addressed in the NDC, joined forces with SALIH and expanded their influence in northwestern Yemen, which culminated in a major offensive against military units and rival tribes and enabled their forces to overrun the capital, Sanaa, in September 2014. In January 2015, the Huthis surrounded the presidential palace, HADI's residence, and key government facilities, prompting HADI and the cabinet to submit their resignations. HADI fled to Aden in February 2015 and rescinded his resignation. He subsequently escaped to Oman and then moved to Saudi Arabia and asked the GCC to intervene militarily in Yemen to protect the legitimate government from the Huthis. In March, Saudi Arabia assembled a coalition of Arab militaries and began airstrikes against the Huthis and Huthi-affiliated forces. Ground fighting between Huthi-aligned forces and anti-Huthi groups backed by the Saudi-led coalition continued through 2016. In 2016, the UN brokered a months-long cessation of hostilities that reduced airstrikes and fighting, and initiated peace talks in Kuwait. However, the talks ended without agreement. The Huthis and SALIH’s political party announced a Supreme Political Council in August 2016 and a National Salvation Government, including a prime minister and several dozen cabinet members, in November 2016, to govern in Sanaa and further challenge the legitimacy of HADI’s government. However, amid rising tensions between the Huthis and SALIH, sporadic clashes erupted in mid-2017, and escalated into open fighting that ended when Huthi forces killed SALIH in early December 2017. In 2018, anti-Huthi forces made the most battlefield progress in Yemen since early 2016, most notably in Al Hudaydah Governorate. In December 2018, the Huthis and Yemeni Government participated in the first UN-brokered peace talks since 2016, agreeing to a limited ceasefire in Al Hudaydah Governorate and the establishment of a UN Mission to monitor the agreement. In April 2019, Yemen’s parliament convened in Say'un for the first time since the conflict broke out in 2014. In August 2019, violence erupted between HADI's government and the pro-secessionist Southern Transition Council (STC) in southern Yemen. In November 2019, HADI's government and the STC signed a power-sharing agreement to end the fighting between them, and in December 2020, the signatories formed a new cabinet. In 2020 and 2021, fighting continued on the ground in Yemen as the Houthis gained territory, and also conducted regular UAV and missile attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia.  Topic: ZambiaMultiple waves of Bantu-speaking groups moved into and through what is now Zambia over the past thousand years. In the 1880s, the British began securing mineral and other economic concessions from various local leaders and the territory that is now Zambia eventually came under the control of the former British South Africa Company and was incorporated as the protectorate of Northern Rhodesia in 1911. Administrative control was taken over by the UK in 1924. During the 1920s and 1930s, advances in mining spurred development and immigration. The name was changed to Zambia upon independence in 1964. In the 1980s and 1990s, declining copper prices, economic mismanagement, and a prolonged drought hurt the economy. Elections in 1991 brought an end to one-party rule and propelled the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) to government. The subsequent vote in 1996, however, saw increasing harassment of opposition parties and abuse of state media and other resources. The election in 2001 was marked by administrative problems, with three parties filing a legal petition challenging the election of ruling party candidate Levy MWANAWASA. MWANAWASA was reelected in 2006 in an election that was deemed free and fair. Upon his death in August 2008, he was succeeded by his vice president, Rupiah BANDA, who won a special presidential byelection later that year. The MMD and BANDA lost to the Patriotic Front (PF) and Michael SATA in the 2011 general elections. SATA, however, presided over a period of haphazard economic management and attempted to silence opposition to PF policies. SATA died in October 2014 and was succeeded by his vice president, Guy SCOTT, who served as interim president until January 2015, when Edgar LUNGU won the presidential byelection and completed SATA's term. LUNGU then won a full term in August 2016 presidential elections. Hakainde HICHILEMA was elected president in August 2021. Topic: ZimbabweThe hunter-gatherer San people first inhabited the area that eventually became Zimbabwe. Farming communities migrated to the area around A.D. 500 during the Bantu expansion, and Shona-speaking societies began to develop in the Limpopo valley and Zimbabwean highlands around the 9th century. These societies traded with Arab merchants on the Indian Ocean coast and organized under the Kingdom of Mapungubwe in the 11th century. A series of powerful trade-oriented Shona states succeeded Mapungubwe, including the Kingdom of Zimbabwe (ca. 1220-1450), Kingdom of Mutapa (ca. 1450-1760), and the Rozwi Empire. The Rozwi Empire expelled Portuguese colonists from the Zimbabwean plateau but was eventually conquered in 1838 by the Ndebele clan of Zulu general MZILIKAZI during the era of conflict and population displacement known as the Mfecane. In the 1880s, colonists arrived with the British South Africa Company (BSAC) and obtained a written concession for mining rights from Ndebele King LOBENGULA. The king later disavowed the concession and accused the BSAC agents of deceit. The BSAC annexed Mashonaland and subsequently conquered Matabeleland by force during the First Matabele War of 1893-1894 to establish company rule over the territory. BSAC holdings south of the Zambezi River were annexed by the UK in 1923 and became the British colony of Southern Rhodesia. The 1930 Land Apportionment Act restricted black land ownership and established structural racial inequalities that would favor the white minority for decades. A new constitution in 1961 further cemented white minority rule. In 1965, the government under white Prime Minister Ian SMITH unilaterally declared its independence from the UK. London did not recognize Rhodesia’s independence and demanded more voting rights for the black majority in the country. International diplomacy and a liberation struggle by black Zimbabweans finally led to biracial elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, who led the uprising and became the nation's first prime minister, was the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) from independence until his forced resignation in November 2017. In the mid-1980s, the government tortured and killed thousands of civilians in a crackdown on dissent known as the Gukurahundi campaign. Economic mismanagement and chaotic land redistribution policies following independence periodically crippled the economy and resulted in widespread shortages of basic commodities. General elections in 2002, 2008, and 2013 were severely flawed and widely condemned but allowed MUGABE to remain president. In November 2017, Vice President Emmerson MNANGAGWA became president following a military intervention that forced MUGABE to resign, and MNANGAGWA cemented power by sidelining rivals Grace MUGABE (Robert MUGABE’s wife) and Jonathan MOYO of the G40 faction of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party. In July 2018, MNANGAGWA won the presidential election after a close contest with opposition candidate Nelson CHAMISA. MNANGAGWA has resorted to the government's longstanding practice of violently disrupting protests and opposition rallies. Economic conditions remained dire under MNANGAGWA, with inflation soaring in 2019 and the country’s export revenues declining dramatically in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The hunter-gatherer San people first inhabited the area that eventually became Zimbabwe. Farming communities migrated to the area around A.D. 500 during the Bantu expansion, and Shona-speaking societies began to develop in the Limpopo valley and Zimbabwean highlands around the 9th century. These societies traded with Arab merchants on the Indian Ocean coast and organized under the Kingdom of Mapungubwe in the 11th century. A series of powerful trade-oriented Shona states succeeded Mapungubwe, including the Kingdom of Zimbabwe (ca. 1220-1450), Kingdom of Mutapa (ca. 1450-1760), and the Rozwi Empire. The Rozwi Empire expelled Portuguese colonists from the Zimbabwean plateau but was eventually conquered in 1838 by the Ndebele clan of Zulu general MZILIKAZI during the era of conflict and population displacement known as the Mfecane. In the 1880s, colonists arrived with the British South Africa Company (BSAC) and obtained a written concession for mining rights from Ndebele King LOBENGULA. The king later disavowed the concession and accused the BSAC agents of deceit. The BSAC annexed Mashonaland and subsequently conquered Matabeleland by force during the First Matabele War of 1893-1894 to establish company rule over the territory. BSAC holdings south of the Zambezi River were annexed by the UK in 1923 and became the British colony of Southern Rhodesia. The 1930 Land Apportionment Act restricted black land ownership and established structural racial inequalities that would favor the white minority for decades. A new constitution in 1961 further cemented white minority rule. In 1965, the government under white Prime Minister Ian SMITH unilaterally declared its independence from the UK. London did not recognize Rhodesia’s independence and demanded more voting rights for the black majority in the country. International diplomacy and a liberation struggle by black Zimbabweans finally led to biracial elections in 1979 and independence (as Zimbabwe) in 1980. Robert MUGABE, who led the uprising and became the nation's first prime minister, was the country's only ruler (as president since 1987) from independence until his forced resignation in November 2017. In the mid-1980s, the government tortured and killed thousands of civilians in a crackdown on dissent known as the Gukurahundi campaign. Economic mismanagement and chaotic land redistribution policies following independence periodically crippled the economy and resulted in widespread shortages of basic commodities. General elections in 2002, 2008, and 2013 were severely flawed and widely condemned but allowed MUGABE to remain president. In November 2017, Vice President Emmerson MNANGAGWA became president following a military intervention that forced MUGABE to resign, and MNANGAGWA cemented power by sidelining rivals Grace MUGABE (Robert MUGABE’s wife) and Jonathan MOYO of the G40 faction of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front party. In July 2018, MNANGAGWA won the presidential election after a close contest with opposition candidate Nelson CHAMISA. MNANGAGWA has resorted to the government's longstanding practice of violently disrupting protests and opposition rallies. Economic conditions remained dire under MNANGAGWA, with inflation soaring in 2019 and the country’s export revenues declining dramatically in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

20220901

countries-solomon-islands-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution traveling to Solomon Islands due to low COVID-19 vaccination rates. 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. US Embassy/Consulate: US does not have an embassy in the Solomon Islands; the US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands; +(675) 321-1455; EMER: +(675) 7200-9439; US Embassy Port Moresby, Courier Service Address: Douglas Street, adjacent to the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov; https://pg.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 677 Local Emergency Phone: 911 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical monsoon; few temperature and weather extremes Currency (Code): Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G, I Major Languages: Melanesian pidgin, English; note: 120 indigenous languages Major Religions: Protestant 73.4% (Church of Melanesia, South Sea Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist, United Church, Christian Fellowship Church), Roman Catholic 19.6%, other Christian 2.9% Time Difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: East Rennell; Guadalcanal American Memorial; Bonegi I & II; Morovo Lagoon; Tenaru Falls Major Sports: Rugby, soccer, futsal (indoor court soccer), beach soccer Cultural Practices: Tourists are advised to dress modestly and cursing is a crime punishable by a fine, jail time, or both. Tipping Guidelines: There is no tipping and visitors are requested to honor this local custom. However, visitors can contribute to a shared tipping box whose contents are distributed at Christmas. Souvenirs: Wood carvings, woven baskets and other woven goods, mother-of-pearl and shell jewelry and other decorative items Traditional Cuisine: Poi — a savory side dish of rinsed taro roots turned into a pastePlease 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-azerbaijan

Topic: Photos of Azerbaijan Topic: Introduction Background: Azerbaijan - a secular nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Shia Muslim population - was briefly independent (from 1918 to 1920) following the collapse of the Russian Empire; it was subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union for seven decades. Azerbaijan remains involved in the protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh was a primarily ethnic Armenian region that Moscow recognized in 1923 as an autonomous oblast within Soviet Azerbaijan. In the late Soviet period, a separatist movement developed which sought to end Azerbaijani control over the region. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 and escalated after Armenia and Azerbaijan attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the time a ceasefire took effect in May 1994, separatists, with Armenian support, controlled Nagorno‑Karabakh and seven surrounding Azerbaijani territories. Under the terms of a cease-fire agreement following Azerbaijan’s victory in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War that took place from September-November 2020, Armenia returned to Azerbaijan the remaining territories it had occupied and also the southern part of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the culturally and historically important city that Azerbaijanis call Shusha and Armenians call Shushi. Despite Azerbaijan’s territorial gains, peace in the region remains elusive because of unsettled issues concerning the delimitation of borders, the opening of regional transportation and communication links, the status of ethnic enclaves near border regions, and the final status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Russian peacekeepers deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh to supervise the cease-fire for a minimum five-year term have not prevented the outbreak of sporadic, low-level military clashes along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in 2021. In the three decades following its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has succeeded in significantly reducing the poverty rate and has directed revenues from its oil and gas production to develop the country’s infrastructure. However, corruption remains a burden on the economy, and Western observers and members of the country’s political opposition have accused the government of authoritarianism, pointing to elections that are neither free nor fair, state control of the media, and the systematic abuse of human rights targeting individuals and groups who are perceived as threats to the administration. The country’s leadership has remained in the ALIYEV family since Heydar ALIYEV, formerly the most highly ranked Azerbaijani member of the Communist Party during the Soviet period, became president in the midst of the first Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1993. Heydar ALIYEV groomed his son to succeed him, and Ilham ALIYEV subsequently became president in 2003. As a result of two national referendums that eliminated presidential term limits and extended the presidential term from 5 to 7 years, President ALIYEV secured a fourth term in April 2018 in an election that international observers noted had serious shortcomings. Reforms are underway to diversify the country’s economy away from its dependence on oil and gas; additional reforms are needed to address weaknesses in government institutions, particularly in the education and health sectors, and the court system.Azerbaijan - a secular nation with a majority-Turkic and majority-Shia Muslim population - was briefly independent (from 1918 to 1920) following the collapse of the Russian Empire; it was subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union for seven decades. Azerbaijan remains involved in the protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia. Nagorno-Karabakh was a primarily ethnic Armenian region that Moscow recognized in 1923 as an autonomous oblast within Soviet Azerbaijan. In the late Soviet period, a separatist movement developed which sought to end Azerbaijani control over the region. Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 and escalated after Armenia and Azerbaijan attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the time a ceasefire took effect in May 1994, separatists, with Armenian support, controlled Nagorno‑Karabakh and seven surrounding Azerbaijani territories.Under the terms of a cease-fire agreement following Azerbaijan’s victory in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War that took place from September-November 2020, Armenia returned to Azerbaijan the remaining territories it had occupied and also the southern part of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the culturally and historically important city that Azerbaijanis call Shusha and Armenians call Shushi. Despite Azerbaijan’s territorial gains, peace in the region remains elusive because of unsettled issues concerning the delimitation of borders, the opening of regional transportation and communication links, the status of ethnic enclaves near border regions, and the final status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Russian peacekeepers deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh to supervise the cease-fire for a minimum five-year term have not prevented the outbreak of sporadic, low-level military clashes along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in 2021. In the three decades following its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has succeeded in significantly reducing the poverty rate and has directed revenues from its oil and gas production to develop the country’s infrastructure. However, corruption remains a burden on the economy, and Western observers and members of the country’s political opposition have accused the government of authoritarianism, pointing to elections that are neither free nor fair, state control of the media, and the systematic abuse of human rights targeting individuals and groups who are perceived as threats to the administration. The country’s leadership has remained in the ALIYEV family since Heydar ALIYEV, formerly the most highly ranked Azerbaijani member of the Communist Party during the Soviet period, became president in the midst of the first Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1993. Heydar ALIYEV groomed his son to succeed him, and Ilham ALIYEV subsequently became president in 2003. As a result of two national referendums that eliminated presidential term limits and extended the presidential term from 5 to 7 years, President ALIYEV secured a fourth term in April 2018 in an election that international observers noted had serious shortcomings. Reforms are underway to diversify the country’s economy away from its dependence on oil and gas; additional reforms are needed to address weaknesses in government institutions, particularly in the education and health sectors, and the court system.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range Geographic coordinates: 40 30 N, 47 30 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 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 Area - comparative: about three-quarters the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Maine Land boundaries: total: 2,468 km border countries (5): Armenia 996 km; Georgia 428 km; Iran 689 km; Russia 338 km; Turkey 17 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: dry, semiarid steppe Terrain: large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland, much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) to the west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea Elevation: highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,466 m lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m mean elevation: 384 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, bauxite Land use: agricultural land: 57.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 32.1% (2018 est.) forest: 11.3% (2018 est.) other: 31.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 14,277 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan) - 374,000 sq km Population distribution: highest population density is found in the far eastern area of the country, in and around Baku; apart from smaller urbanized areas, the rest of the country has a fairly light and evenly distributed population Natural hazards: droughts Geography - note: both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are landlocked Map description: Azerbaijan map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Caspian Sea.Azerbaijan map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Caspian Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 10,353,296 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Azerbaijani(s) adjective: Azerbaijani Ethnic groups: Azerbaijani 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 Languages: Azerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 92.5%, Russian 1.4%, Armenian 1.4%, other 4.7% (2009 est.) major-language sample(s): Dünya fakt kitabı, əsas məlumatlar üçün əvəz olunmaz mənbədir (Azerbaijani) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: Russian is widely spoken Religions: Muslim 97.3% (predominantly Shia), Christian 2.6%, other <0.1, unaffiliated <0.1 (2020 est.) note: religious affiliation for the majority of Azerbaijanis is largely nominal, percentages for actual practicing adherents are probably much lower Age structure: 0-14 years: 22.84% (male 1,235,292/female 1,095,308) 15-24 years: 13.17% (male 714,718/female 629,494) 25-54 years: 45.29% (male 2,291,600/female 2,330,843) 55-64 years: 11.41% (male 530,046/female 634,136) 65 years and over: 7.29% (2020 est.) (male 289,604/female 454,769) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 43.4 youth dependency ratio: 33.7 elderly dependency ratio: 9.7 potential support ratio: 10.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 32.6 years male: 31.1 years female: 34.2 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.67% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 13.59 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.92 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: highest population density is found in the far eastern area of the country, in and around Baku; apart from smaller urbanized areas, the rest of the country has a fairly light and evenly distributed population Urbanization: urban population: 57.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Nagorno-Karabakh Major urban areas - population: 2.401 million BAKU (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.15 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.82 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 24 years (2019 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 26 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 23.51 deaths/1,000 live births male: 24.62 deaths/1,000 live births female: 22.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.15 years male: 71.08 years female: 77.41 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.86 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 54.9% (2011) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 93.3% of population total: 97.1% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 6.7% of population total: 2.9% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4% (2019) Physicians density: 3.17 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 4.8 beds/1,000 population (2014) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: (2020 est.) NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 9,900 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <200 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 19.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 24% (2020 est.) male: 47.9% (2020 est.) female: 0.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 4.9% (2013) Education expenditures: 2.7% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.8% male: 99.9% female: 99.7% (2019) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 13 years female: 14 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.4% male: 10.9% female: 14.2% (2019 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil spills, from the use of DDT pesticide, and from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton; surface and underground water are polluted by untreated municipal and industrial wastewater and agricultural run-off 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, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 18.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 37.62 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 44.87 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: dry, semiarid steppe Land use: agricultural land: 57.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 32.1% (2018 est.) forest: 11.3% (2018 est.) other: 31.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 57.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Nagorno-Karabakh 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: 2,930,349 tons (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan) - 374,000 sq km Total water withdrawal: municipal: 449.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 3.062 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 9.27 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 34.675 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan conventional short form: Azerbaijan local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi local short form: Azarbaycan former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: the name translates as "Land of Fire" and refers to naturally occurring surface fires on ancient oil pools or from natural gas discharges Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Baku (Baki, Baky) geographic coordinates: 40 23 N, 49 52 E time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: does not observe daylight savings time etymology: the name derives from the Persian designation of the city "bad-kube" meaning "wind-pounded city" and refers to the harsh winds and severe snow storms that can hit the city note: at approximately 28 m below sea level, Baku's elevation makes it the lowest capital city in the world Administrative divisions: 66 districts (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities (saharlar; sahar - singular); rayons: Abseron, Agcabadi, Agdam, Agdas, Agstafa, Agsu, Astara, Babak, Balakan, Barda, Beylaqan, Bilasuvar, Cabrayil, Calilabad, Culfa, Daskasan, Fuzuli, Gadabay, Goranboy, Goycay, Goygol, Haciqabul, Imisli, Ismayilli, Kalbacar, Kangarli, Kurdamir, Lacin, Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli, Neftcala, Oguz, Ordubad, Qabala, Qax, Qazax, Qobustan, Quba, Qubadli, Qusar, Saatli, Sabirabad, Sabran, Sadarak, Sahbuz, Saki, Salyan, Samaxi, Samkir, Samux, Sarur, Siyazan, Susa, Tartar, Tovuz, Ucar, Xacmaz, Xizi, Xocali, Xocavand, Yardimli, Yevlax, Zangilan, Zaqatala, Zardab cities: Baku, Ganca, Lankaran, Mingacevir, Naftalan, Naxcivan (Nakhichevan), Saki, Sirvan, Sumqayit, Xankandi, Yevlax66 districts (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities (saharlar; sahar - singular);rayons: Abseron, Agcabadi, Agdam, Agdas, Agstafa, Agsu, Astara, Babak, Balakan, Barda, Beylaqan, Bilasuvar, Cabrayil, Calilabad, Culfa, Daskasan, Fuzuli, Gadabay, Goranboy, Goycay, Goygol, Haciqabul, Imisli, Ismayilli, Kalbacar, Kangarli, Kurdamir, Lacin, Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli, Neftcala, Oguz, Ordubad, Qabala, Qax, Qazax, Qobustan, Quba, Qubadli, Qusar, Saatli, Sabirabad, Sabran, Sadarak, Sahbuz, Saki, Salyan, Samaxi, Samkir, Samux, Sarur, Siyazan, Susa, Tartar, Tovuz, Ucar, Xacmaz, Xizi, Xocali, Xocavand, Yardimli, Yevlax, Zangilan, Zaqatala, Zardabcities: Baku, Ganca, Lankaran, Mingacevir, Naftalan, Naxcivan (Nakhichevan), Saki, Sirvan, Sumqayit, Xankandi, Yevlax Independence: 30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18 October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan) National holiday: Republic Day (founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan), 28 May (1918) Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 12 November 1995 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by at least 63 members of the National Assembly; passage requires at least 95 votes of Assembly members in two separate readings of the draft amendment six months apart and requires presidential approval after each of the two Assembly votes, followed by presidential signature; constitutional articles on the authority, sovereignty, and unity of the people cannot be amended; amended 2002, 2009, 2016 Legal system: civil law system International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; 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 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 (11 April 2018) 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 Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) elections: last held early on 9 February 2020 (next to be held in 2025) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - YAP 69, CSP 3, AVP 1, CUP 1, ADMP 1, PDR 1, Great Order 1, National Front Party 1, REAL 1, VP 1, Whole Azerbaijan Popular Front 1, party unknown 1, independent 41; composition - men 103, women 22, percent of women 17.6% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chairman, vice chairman, and 23 judges in plenum sessions and organized into civil, economic affairs, criminal, and rights violations chambers); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the Milli Majlis; judges appointed for 10 years; Constitutional Court chairman and deputy chairman appointed by the president; other court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the Milli Majlis to serve single 15-year terms subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (replaced the Economic Court in 2002); district and municipal courts Political parties and leaders: Azerbaijan Democratic Enlightenment Party or ADMP [Elshan MASAYEV] Civic Solidarity Party or VHP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLI] Civic Unity Party or CUP [Sabir HAJIYEV] Great Order Party [Fazil MUSTAFA] Islamic Party of Azerbaijan or AiP [Mavsum SAMADOV] Musavat [Arif HAJILI] Popular Front Party [Ali KARIMLI] Motherland Party or AVP [Fazail AGAMALI] National Front Party [Razi NURULLAYEV] National Revival Movement Party [Faraj GULIYEV] Party for Democratic Reforms or PDR [Asim MOLLAZADE] Republican Alternative Party or REAL [Ilgar MAMMADOV] Social Democratic Party [Ayaz MUTALIBOV] Social Prosperity Party [Asli KAZIMOVA] Unity Party or VP [Tahir KARIMLI] Whole Azerbaijan Popular Front Party [Gudrat HASANGULIYEV] New Azerbaijan Party (Yeni Azərbaycan Partiyasi) or YAP [Ilham ALIYEV] International organization participation: ADB, BSEC, CD, CE, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kahzar IBRAHIM (since 15 September 2021) chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500 FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911 email address and website: azerbaijan@azembassy.us; consul@azembassy.us https://washington.mfa.gov.az/en consulate(s) general: Los Angeles Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lee LITZENBERGER (since 12 March 2019) embassy: 111 Azadlig Avenue, AZ1007 Baku mailing address: 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050 telephone: [994] (12) 488-3300 FAX: [994] (12) 488-3330 email address and website: BakuACS@state.gov https://az.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of sky blue (top), red, and green; a vertical crescent moon and an eight-pointed star in white are centered in the red band; the blue band recalls Azerbaijan's Turkic heritage, red stands for modernization and progress, and green refers to Islam; the crescent moon and star are a Turkic insignia; the eight star points represent the eight Turkic peoples of the world National symbol(s): flames of fire; national colors: blue, red, green National anthem: name: "Azerbaijan Marsi" (March of Azerbaijan) lyrics/music: Ahmed JAVAD/Uzeyir HAJIBEYOV note: adopted 1992; although originally written in 1919 during a brief period of independence, "Azerbaijan Marsi" did not become the official anthem until after the dissolution of the Soviet Union National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Walled City of Baku; Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape; Historic Center of Sheki Topic: Economy Economic overview: Prior to the decline in global oil prices since 2014, Azerbaijan's high economic growth was attributable to rising energy exports and to some non-export sectors. Oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline, the Baku-Novorossiysk, and the Baku-Supsa Pipelines remain the main economic driver, but efforts to boost Azerbaijan's gas production are underway. The expected completion of the geopolitically important Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) between Azerbaijan and Europe will open up another source of revenue from gas exports. First gas to Turkey through the SGC is expected in 2018 with project completion expected by 2020-21.   Declining oil prices caused a 3.1% contraction in GDP in 2016, and a 0.8% decline in 2017, highlighted by a sharp reduction in the construction sector. The economic decline was accompanied by higher inflation, a weakened banking sector, and two sharp currency devaluations in 2015. Azerbaijan’s financial sector continued to struggle. In May 2017, Baku allowed the majority state-owed International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA), the nation’s largest bank, to default on some of its outstanding debt and file for restructuring in Azerbaijani courts; IBA also filed in US and UK bankruptcy courts to have its restructuring recognized in their respective jurisdictions.   Azerbaijan has made limited progress with market-based economic reforms. Pervasive public and private sector corruption and structural economic inefficiencies remain a drag on long-term growth, particularly in non-energy sectors. The government has, however, made efforts to combat corruption, particularly in customs and government services. Several other obstacles impede Azerbaijan's economic progress, including the need for more foreign investment in the non-energy sector and the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. While trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics remains important, Azerbaijan has expanded trade with Turkey and Europe and is seeking new markets for non-oil/gas exports - mainly in the agricultural sector - with Gulf Cooperation Council member countries, the US, and others. It is also improving Baku airport and the Caspian Sea port of Alat for use as a regional transportation and logistics hub.   Long-term prospects depend on world oil prices, Azerbaijan's ability to develop export routes for its growing gas production, and its ability to improve the business environment and diversify the economy. In late 2016, the president approved a strategic roadmap for economic reforms that identified key non-energy segments of the economy for development, such as agriculture, logistics, information technology, and tourism. In October 2017, the long-awaited Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, stretching from the Azerbaijani capital to Kars in north-eastern Turkey, began limited service.Prior to the decline in global oil prices since 2014, Azerbaijan's high economic growth was attributable to rising energy exports and to some non-export sectors. Oil exports through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline, the Baku-Novorossiysk, and the Baku-Supsa Pipelines remain the main economic driver, but efforts to boost Azerbaijan's gas production are underway. The expected completion of the geopolitically important Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) between Azerbaijan and Europe will open up another source of revenue from gas exports. First gas to Turkey through the SGC is expected in 2018 with project completion expected by 2020-21. Declining oil prices caused a 3.1% contraction in GDP in 2016, and a 0.8% decline in 2017, highlighted by a sharp reduction in the construction sector. The economic decline was accompanied by higher inflation, a weakened banking sector, and two sharp currency devaluations in 2015. Azerbaijan’s financial sector continued to struggle. In May 2017, Baku allowed the majority state-owed International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA), the nation’s largest bank, to default on some of its outstanding debt and file for restructuring in Azerbaijani courts; IBA also filed in US and UK bankruptcy courts to have its restructuring recognized in their respective jurisdictions. Azerbaijan has made limited progress with market-based economic reforms. Pervasive public and private sector corruption and structural economic inefficiencies remain a drag on long-term growth, particularly in non-energy sectors. The government has, however, made efforts to combat corruption, particularly in customs and government services. Several other obstacles impede Azerbaijan's economic progress, including the need for more foreign investment in the non-energy sector and the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. While trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics remains important, Azerbaijan has expanded trade with Turkey and Europe and is seeking new markets for non-oil/gas exports - mainly in the agricultural sector - with Gulf Cooperation Council member countries, the US, and others. It is also improving Baku airport and the Caspian Sea port of Alat for use as a regional transportation and logistics hub. Long-term prospects depend on world oil prices, Azerbaijan's ability to develop export routes for its growing gas production, and its ability to improve the business environment and diversify the economy. In late 2016, the president approved a strategic roadmap for economic reforms that identified key non-energy segments of the economy for development, such as agriculture, logistics, information technology, and tourism. In October 2017, the long-awaited Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, stretching from the Azerbaijani capital to Kars in north-eastern Turkey, began limited service. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $138.51 billion (2020 est.) $144.74 billion (2019 est.) $141.24 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 0.1% (2017 est.) -3.1% (2016 est.) 0.6% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $13,700 (2020 est.) $14,400 (2019 est.) $14,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $48.104 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (2019 est.) 2.3% (2018 est.) 12.8% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB+ (2016) Moody's rating: Ba2 (2017) Standard & Poors rating: BB+ (2016) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 6.1% (2017 est.) industry: 53.5% (2017 est.) services: 40.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 57.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 48.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -42% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, wheat, potatoes, barley, tomatoes, watermelons, cotton, apples, maize, onions Industries: petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore; cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles Industrial production growth rate: -3.8% (2017 est.) Labor force: 4.939 million (2019 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 37% industry: 14.3% services: 48.9% (2014) Unemployment rate: 5% (2017 est.) 5% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.4% male: 10.9% female: 14.2% (2019 est.) Population below poverty line: 4.9% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 33.7 (2008) 36.5 (2001) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.4% highest 10%: 27.4% (2008) Budget: revenues: 9.556 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 10.22 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 54.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 50.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 23.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $1.685 billion (2017 est.) -$1.363 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Italy 28%, Turkey 15%, Israel 7%, Germany 5%, India 5% (2017) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, tomatoes, gold (2019) Imports: $15.54 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.71 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $17.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: United Kingdom 17%, Russia 17%, Turkey 12%, China 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: gold, cars, refined petroleum, wheat, packaged medical supplies (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $6.681 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $7.142 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $17.41 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $13.83 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Azerbaijani manats (AZN) per US dollar - 1.723 (2017 est.) 1.5957 (2016 est.) 1.5957 (2015 est.) 1.0246 (2014 est.) 0.7844 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 19,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 19,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 711,700 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 107,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 679,900 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 7 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 138,900 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 46,480 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 5,576 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 23,075,077,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 11,467,681,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 11,586,357,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 1,233,225,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 1,699,008,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 35.389 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 64.416 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,652,688 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 10,344,300 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 102 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: in spite of the telecom sector being one of the major contributors to Azerbaijan’s non-oil GDP, overall development, growth, and investment in the sector has been held back by years of political and civil unrest coupled with endemic corruption; mobile subscription rates reached 100% as far back as 2011, but have largely stagnated since then; the MNOs are slowly extending the reach of their LTE networks around the country, and this increased coverage (along with access to faster data-based services) is expected to produce a moderate resurgence for both mobile and mobile broadband over the next few years as customers migrate from 3G to 4G; 5G services are still some ways off, as the demand for high-speed data and fast broadband can easily be met by existing capacity on LTE networks; fixed-line teledensity continues to drop down each year as customers consolidate their telecommunications services around the mobile platform; the rate of decline is comparatively slow to other countries, since Azerbaijan has a relatively high proportion of (87%) of fixed-line broadband customers still on DSL; fibre (12% of fixed broadband connections) is gradually being rolled out in urban areas, and this makes up the bulk of the (limited) growth being seen in the overall fixed broadband market. DSL’s predominance, however, will serve to keep Azerbaijan’s average access speeds in the sub-10Mbps range for the future. (2022) domestic: teledensity of some 16 fixed-lines per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity of 102 telephones per 100 persons; satellite service connects Baku to a modern switch in its exclave of Naxcivan (Nakhchivan) (2020) international: country code - 994; the TAE fiber-optic link transits Azerbaijan providing international connectivity to neighboring countries; the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still serviceable; satellite earth stations - 2 (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: 3 state-run and 1 public TV channels; 4 domestic commercial TV stations and about 15 regional TV stations; cable TV services are available in Baku; 1 state-run and 1 public radio network operating; a small number of private commercial radio stations broadcasting; local FM relays of Baku commercial stations are available in many localities; note - all broadcast media is pro-government, and most private broadcast media outlets are owned by entities directly linked to the government Internet country code: .az Internet users: total: 8,579,153 (2020 est.) percent of population: 85% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,995,474 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 20 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 4K Airports: total: 23 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 30 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 7 under 914 m: 7 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 89 km condensate, 3,890 km gas, 2,446 km oil (2013) Railways: total: 2,944.3 km (2017) broad gauge: 2,944.3 km (2017) 1.520-m gauge (approx. 1,767 km electrified) Roadways: total: 24,981 km (2013) note: total roadway length has increased significantly and continues to grow due to the recovery of Armenian-held territories and related reconstruction efforts. No updated figure is currently available. Merchant marine: total: 305 by type: general cargo 38, oil tanker 43, other 224 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Baku (Baki) located on the Caspian Sea Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Azerbaijan Armed Forces: Land Forces (Combined Arms Army), Air Forces, Navy Forces; Ministry of Internal Affairs: State Border Service (includes Coast Guard), Internal Security Troops (2022) Military expenditures: 5.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 5.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.8% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $3.4 billion) 3.6% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $3.2 billion) 3.8% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $3.26 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 65,000 active armed forces (55,000 Army; 2,000 Navy; 8,000 Air Force); approximately 15,000 Ministry of Internal Affairs troops (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: men age 18-35 years for compulsory military service; service obligation 18 months (non-university graduate) or 12 months (university graduates); 17 years of age for voluntary service (men and women); 17-year-olds are considered to be on active service at cadet military schools (2021) note: as of 2018, women made up an estimated 3% of the active duty military Military - note: since 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: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); 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: Local border forces struggle to control the illegal transit of goods and people across the porous, undemarcated Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian borders. Armenia-Azerbaijan: The dispute over the break-away Nagorno-Karabakh region and the Armenian military occupation of surrounding lands in Azerbaijan remains the primary focus of regional instability. Residents have evacuated the former Soviet-era small ethnic enclaves in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan-Georgia: A joint boundary commission agrees on most of the alignment, leaving only small areas at certain crossing points in dispute.  Consequently, the two states have yet to agree on a delimitation or demarcation of their common boundary. One area of contention is where the international boundary should run through the 6th-13th Century David-Gareja monastery complex. Azerbaijan-Iran: None identified Azerbaijan-Russia: Russia complains of cross-border smuggling. Azerbaijan-Turkey: None identified Caspian Sea (Maritime Boundary): Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia ratified the Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on a one-fifth slice of the sea. Bilateral talks continue with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed and contested oilfields in the middle of the Caspian.Local border forces struggle to control the illegal transit of goods and people across the porous, undemarcated Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Georgian borders. Armenia-Azerbaijan: The dispute over the break-away Nagorno-Karabakh region and the Armenian military occupation of surrounding lands in Azerbaijan remains the primary focus of regional instability. Residents have evacuated the former Soviet-era small ethnic enclaves in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan-Georgia: A joint boundary commission agrees on most of the alignment, leaving only small areas at certain crossing points in dispute.  Consequently, the two states have yet to agree on a delimitation or demarcation of their common boundary. One area of contention is where the international boundary should run through the 6th-13th Century David-Gareja monastery complex. Azerbaijan-Iran: None identified Azerbaijan-Russia: Russia complains of cross-border smuggling. Azerbaijan-Turkey: None identified Caspian Sea (Maritime Boundary): Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia ratified the Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on a one-fifth slice of the sea. Bilateral talks continue with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed and contested oilfields in the middle of the Caspian. Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 655,000 (conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh; IDPs are mainly ethnic Azerbaijanis but also include ethnic Kurds, Russians, and Turks predominantly from occupied territories around Nagorno-Karabakh; includes IDPs' descendants, returned IDPs, and people living in insecure areas and excludes people displaced by natural disasters; around half the IDPs live in the capital Baku) (2021) stateless persons: 3,585 (mid-year 2021) Trafficking in persons: current 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) Illicit drugs: limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; small government eradication program; transit point for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a lesser extent the rest of Europe

20220901

countries-solomon-islands

Topic: Photos of Solomon Islands Topic: Introduction Background: Settlers from Papua arrived on Solomon Islands around 30,000 years ago. About 6,000 years ago, Austronesian settlers came to Solomon Islands and the two groups mixed extensively. Despite significant inter-island trade, no attempts were made to unite the islands into a single political entity. In 1568, Spanish explorer Alvaro de MENDANA became the first European to spot the islands. After a failed Spanish attempt at creating a permanent European settlement on the islands in the late 1500s, Solomon Islands remained free of European contact until 1767 when British explorer Philip CARTERET sailed by the islands. The islands were regularly visited by European explorers and American and British whaling ships into the 1800s, followed by missionaries in the 1850s. Germany declared a protectorate over the northern Solomon Islands in 1885, and the UK established a protectorate over the southern islands in 1893. In 1899, Germany transferred its Solomon Islands to the UK in exchange for the UK relinquishing all claims in Samoa. The UK tried to encourage plantation farming, but few Europeans were willing to go to Solomon Islands and the UK left most services - such as education and medical services - to missionaries. In 1942, Japan invaded Solomon Islands and significant battles against Allied forces during the Guadalcanal Campaign proved a turning point in the Pacific war. World War II destroyed large parts of Solomon Islands and a nationalism movement emerged near the end of the war. By 1960, the British relented to allow for some local autonomy. The islands were granted self-government in 1976 and independence two years later under Prime Minister Sir Peter KENILOREA. In 1999, longstanding ethnic tensions between ethnic Guale in Honiara and ethnic Malaitans in Honiara’s suburbs erupted in civil war, leading thousands of Malaitans to take refuge in Honiara and Guale to flee the city. In 2000, newly-elected Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE focused on peace agreements and distributing resources equally among groups, but his actions bankrupted the government in 2001 and led to SOGAVARE’s ouster. In 2003, Solomon Islands requested international assistance to reestablish law and order. The Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, which ended in 2017, was generally effective in improving the security situation. In 2006, riots broke out in Honiara and the city’s Chinatown burned over allegations that the prime minister took money from China. SOGAVARE was reelected prime minister for a fourth time following elections in 2019 and that same year announced Solomon Islands would switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. In late November 2021, protestors, mostly from the island of Malaita, calling for SOGAVARE’s removal and more development in Malaita, sparked rioting in Honiara. Settlers from Papua arrived on Solomon Islands around 30,000 years ago. About 6,000 years ago, Austronesian settlers came to Solomon Islands and the two groups mixed extensively. Despite significant inter-island trade, no attempts were made to unite the islands into a single political entity. In 1568, Spanish explorer Alvaro de MENDANA became the first European to spot the islands. After a failed Spanish attempt at creating a permanent European settlement on the islands in the late 1500s, Solomon Islands remained free of European contact until 1767 when British explorer Philip CARTERET sailed by the islands. The islands were regularly visited by European explorers and American and British whaling ships into the 1800s, followed by missionaries in the 1850s. Germany declared a protectorate over the northern Solomon Islands in 1885, and the UK established a protectorate over the southern islands in 1893. In 1899, Germany transferred its Solomon Islands to the UK in exchange for the UK relinquishing all claims in Samoa. The UK tried to encourage plantation farming, but few Europeans were willing to go to Solomon Islands and the UK left most services - such as education and medical services - to missionaries. In 1942, Japan invaded Solomon Islands and significant battles against Allied forces during the Guadalcanal Campaign proved a turning point in the Pacific war. World War II destroyed large parts of Solomon Islands and a nationalism movement emerged near the end of the war. By 1960, the British relented to allow for some local autonomy. The islands were granted self-government in 1976 and independence two years later under Prime Minister Sir Peter KENILOREA. In 1999, longstanding ethnic tensions between ethnic Guale in Honiara and ethnic Malaitans in Honiara’s suburbs erupted in civil war, leading thousands of Malaitans to take refuge in Honiara and Guale to flee the city. In 2000, newly-elected Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE focused on peace agreements and distributing resources equally among groups, but his actions bankrupted the government in 2001 and led to SOGAVARE’s ouster. In 2003, Solomon Islands requested international assistance to reestablish law and order. The Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, which ended in 2017, was generally effective in improving the security situation. In 2006, riots broke out in Honiara and the city’s Chinatown burned over allegations that the prime minister took money from China. SOGAVARE was reelected prime minister for a fourth time following elections in 2019 and that same year announced Solomon Islands would switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. In late November 2021, protestors, mostly from the island of Malaita, calling for SOGAVARE’s removal and more development in Malaita, sparked rioting in Honiara. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea Geographic coordinates: 8 00 S, 159 00 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 28,896 sq km land: 27,986 sq km water: 910 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 5,313 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm measured from claimed archipelagic baselines Climate: tropical monsoon; few temperature and weather extremes Terrain: mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls Elevation: highest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,335 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel Land use: agricultural land: 3.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.3% (2018 est.) forest: 78.9% (2018 est.) other: 17.2% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) NA Population distribution: most of the population lives along the coastal regions; about one in five live in urban areas, and of these some two-thirds reside in Honiara, the largest town and chief port Natural hazards: tropical cyclones, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic activity; tsunamisvolcanism: Tinakula (851 m) has frequent eruption activity, while an eruption of Savo (485 m) could affect the capital Honiara on nearby Guadalcanaltropical cyclones, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic activity; tsunamisvolcanism: Tinakula (851 m) has frequent eruption activity, while an eruption of Savo (485 m) could affect the capital Honiara on nearby Guadalcanal Geography - note: strategic 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) Map description: Solomon Islands map showing the major islands of this archipelagic country in the South Pacific Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 702,694 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Solomon Islander(s) adjective: Solomon Islander Ethnic groups: Melanesian 95.3%, Polynesian 3.1%, Micronesian 1.2%, other 0.3% (2009 est.) Languages: Melanesian pidgin (in much of the country is lingua franca), English (official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population), 120 indigenous languages Religions: Protestant 73.4% (Church of Melanesia 31.9%, South Sea Evangelical 17.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 11.7%, United Church 10.1%, Christian Fellowship Church 2.5%), Roman Catholic 19.6%, other Christian 2.9%, other 4%, unspecified 0.1% (2009 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 32.99% (male 116,397/female 109,604) 15-24 years: 19.82% (male 69,914/female 65,874) 25-54 years: 37.64% (male 131,201/female 126,681) 55-64 years: 5.04% (male 17,844/female 16,704) 65 years and over: 4.51% (2020 est.) (male 14,461/female 16,417) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 77.6 youth dependency ratio: 71.1 elderly dependency ratio: 6.5 potential support ratio: 15.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 23.5 years male: 23.2 years female: 23.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.72% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 22.71 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 3.96 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -1.55 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the population lives along the coastal regions; about one in five live in urban areas, and of these some two-thirds reside in Honiara, the largest town and chief port Urbanization: urban population: 25.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 82,000 HONIARA (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 22.6 years (2015 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 Maternal mortality ratio: 104 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 20.02 deaths/1,000 live births male: 23.89 deaths/1,000 live births female: 15.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.7 years male: 74.05 years female: 79.49 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.87 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 29.3% (2015) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 95% of population rural: 65.9% of population total: 73.1% of population unimproved: urban: 5% of population rural: 34.1% of population total: 26.9% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4.8% (2019) Physicians density: 0.19 physicians/1,000 population (2016) Hospital bed density: 1.4 beds/1,000 population (2012) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 95.6% of population rural: 22.6% of population total: 40.6% of population unimproved: urban: 4.4% of population rural: 77.4% of population total: 59.4% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: malaria Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 22.5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 36.5% (2020 est.) male: 53.8% (2020 est.) female: 19.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 16.2% (2015) Education expenditures: 10.1% of GDP (2015 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 1.3% male: 1% female: 1.6% (2013) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying; effects of climate change and rising sea levels Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.67 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.17 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.43 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical monsoon; few temperature and weather extremes Land use: agricultural land: 3.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.3% (2018 est.) forest: 78.9% (2018 est.) other: 17.2% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 25.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 20.27% 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 diarrhea vectorborne diseases: malaria Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 179,972 tons (2013 est.) Total renewable water resources: 44.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Solomon Islands local long form: none local short form: Solomon Islands former: British Solomon Islands etymology: Spanish explorer Alvaro de MENDANA named the isles in 1568 after the wealthy biblical King SOLOMON in the mistaken belief that the islands contained great riches Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Honiara geographic coordinates: 9 26 S, 159 57 E time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name derives from "nagho ni ara," which in one of the Guadalcanal languages roughly translates as "facing the eastern wind" Administrative divisions: 9 provinces and 1 city*; Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira and Ulawa, Malaita, Rennell and Bellona, Temotu, Western Independence: 7 July 1978 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 7 July (1978) Constitution: history: adopted 31 May 1978, effective 7 July 1978; note - in late 2017, provincial leaders agreed to adopt a new federal constitution, with passage expected in 2018, but it has been postponed indefinitely amendments: proposed by the National Parliament; passage of constitutional sections, including those on fundamental rights and freedoms, the legal system, Parliament, alteration of the constitution and the ombudsman, requires three-fourths majority vote by Parliament and assent of the governor general; passage of other amendments requires two-thirds majority vote and assent of the governor general; amended several times, last in 2018; note - a new constitution was drafted in mid-2009 and the latest version drafted in 2013 Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law and customary law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Solomon Islands dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 3 April 2019 (next to be held in April 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - UDP 10.7%, DAP 7.8%, PAP 4.4%, other 20.8%, independent 56.3%; seats by party - DAP 7, UDP 5, PAP 3, KPSI 1, SIPFP 1, SIPRA 1, independent 32; composition - men 46, women 4, percent of women 8% Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and ex officio members including the High Court chief justice and its puisne judges); High Court (consists of the chief justice and puisne judges, as prescribed by the National Parliament) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and High Court president, chief justices, and puisne judges appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, chaired by the chief justice and includes 5 members, mostly judicial officials and legal professionals; all judges serve until retirement at age 60 subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts; Customary Land Appeal Court; local courts Political parties and leaders: Democratic Alliance Party or DAP [Steve ABANA] Kadere Party of Solomon Islands or KPSI [Peter BOYERS] People's Alliance Party or PAP [Nathaniel WAENA] Solomon Islands People First Party or SIPFP [Dr. Jimmie RODGERS] Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement or SIPRA [Manasseh MAELANGA] United Democratic Party or UDP [Sir Thomas Ko CHAN] note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid coalitions International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, EITI (candidate country), ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Janice Mose KEMAKEZA chancery: 685 Third Avenue, 11th Floor, Suite 1102, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192; [1] (212) 599-6193 FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925 email address and website: simun@solomons.com Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in the Solomon Islands; the US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands Flag description: divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lower triangle is green; blue represents the ocean, green the land, and yellow sunshine; the five stars stand for the five main island groups of the Solomon Islands National symbol(s): national colors: blue, yellow, green, white National anthem: name: "God Save Our Solomon Islands" lyrics/music: Panapasa BALEKANA and Matila BALEKANA/Panapasa BALEKANA note: adopted 1978 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: East Rennell Topic: Economy Economic overview: The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of its livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), severe ethnic violence, the closure of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI's efforts, which concluded in Jun 2017, to restore law and order and economic stability have led to modest growth as the economy rebuilds. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.71 billion (2020 est.) $1.78 billion (2019 est.) $1.76 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 3.5% (2017 est.) 3.5% (2016 est.) 2.5% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,500 (2020 est.) $2,700 (2019 est.) $2,700 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1.298 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.5% (2017 est.) 0.5% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: B3 (2015) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 34.3% (2017 est.) industry: 7.6% (2017 est.) services: 58.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: NA government consumption: NA investment in fixed capital: NA investment in inventories: NA exports of goods and services: 25.8% (2011 est.) imports of goods and services: -49.6% (2011 est.) Agricultural products: oil palm fruit, sweet potatoes, coconuts, taro, yams, fruit, pulses nes, vegetables, cocoa, cassava Industries: fish (tuna), mining, timber Industrial production growth rate: 3.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 202,500 (2007 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 75% industry: 5% services: 20% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: NANA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 1.3% male: 1% female: 1.6% (2013) Population below poverty line: 12.7% (2012 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 37.1 (2013 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 532.5 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 570.5 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 9.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 7.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 41% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$54 million (2017 est.) -$49 million (2016 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: China 65%, Italy 9%, India 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: lumber, fish, aluminum, palm oil, cocoa beans (2019) Imports: $560 million (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $750 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $750 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 24%, Australia 13%, South Korea 12%, Singapore 12%, Malaysia 10% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fish, insulated wiring, broadcasting equipment, excavation machinery (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $0 (31 December 2017 est.) $421 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $757 million (31 December 2017 est.) $643 million (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) per US dollar - 8.06126 (2020 est.) 8.10373 (2019 est.) 8.01282 (2018 est.) 7.9147 (2014 est.) 7.3754 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 66.7% (2018) electrification - urban areas: 76.7% (2018) electrification - rural areas: 63.5% (2018) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) 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: 1,577 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: 333,000 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 6.955 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 7,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 478,116 (2019) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 71 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: mobile services have continually expanded in the Solomon Islands; 3G services became available in 2010, leading to an increase in mobile broadband uptake; Solomon Islands currently host three ISPs: Solomon Telekom, Bmobile and SATSOL; fixed broadband services are largely limited to government, corporations, and educational organizations in the Solomon Islands; telecommunication infrastructure in the Solomon Islands requires significant investment due to the geographical make-up of the islands; this presents a great challenge to rural connectivity in the country; although various international organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have taken a special interest in having communication services improved in both the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region in general, internet and broadband penetration remain low; the provision of broadband infrastructure, particularly to rural areas, is also hindered by land disputes; internet services have, improved with the build-out of the Coral Sea Cable System linking Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands, as also with a connecting cable to a landing station at Sydney; the Australian government provided most of the funding for the Coral Sea Cable System, with contributions and support from the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea governments; the launch of the Kacific-1 satellite in late 2019 also improved broadband satellite capacity for the region, though for telcos in Solomon Islands satellite services are now largely used as backup for international traffic; in recent years, the country has stabilized both politically and economically and this, along with improvements to mobile infrastructure, has led to a rise in mobile services and the slow uptake of broadband services; while the first LTE services were launched in late 2017 in the capital Honiara, the main platform for mobile voice and data services remains 3G, while in outlying areas GSM is still an important technology for the provision of services; geopolitical concerns have also come to the fore as the government pursues stronger ties with China; this is a growing source of tension with Australia, which is the Solomon Islands’ largest aid donor; in April 2022, the country signed a security agreement with China, although the full details of the agreement have not been published. (2022) domestic: fixed-line is just over 1 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular telephone density is about 71 per 100 persons; domestic cable system to extend to key major islands (2019) international: country code - 677; landing points for the CSCS and ICNS2 submarine cables providing connectivity from Solomon Islands, to PNG, Vanuatu and Australia; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) does not broadcast television; multi-channel pay-TV is available; SIBC operates 2 national radio stations and 2 provincial stations; there are 2 local commercial radio stations; Radio Australia is available via satellite feed (since 2009) (2019) Internet country code: .sb Internet users: total: 80,379 (2019 est.) percent of population: 12% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: H4 Airports: total: 36 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 35 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 24 (2021) Heliports: 3 (2021) Roadways: total: 1,390 km (2011) paved: 34 km (2011) unpaved: 1,356 km (2011) note: includes 920 km of private plantation roads Merchant marine: total: 24 by type: general cargo 8, oil tanker 1, other 15 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Honiara, Malloco Bay, Viru Harbor, Tulagi Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; the Royal Solomon Islands Police is responsible for internal and external security and reports to the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the maritime branch of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force operates patrol boats provided by Australia (2021) Military - note: Australia and New Zealand provide material and training assistance to the Royal Solomon Islands Police (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: from 2003 to 2017, at the request of the Solomon Islands Governor-General, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), consisting of police, military, and civilian advisors drawn from 15 countries, assisted in reestablishing and maintaining civil and political order while reinforcing regional stability and securityfrom 2003 to 2017, at the request of the Solomon Islands Governor-General, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), consisting of police, military, and civilian advisors drawn from 15 countries, assisted in reestablishing and maintaining civil and political order while reinforcing regional stability and security

20220901

countries-afghanistan-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Afghanistan served as a buffer between the British and Russian Empires until it won independence from British control in 1919. In August 2021, the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban overran the country; the latest group to rule in this war-torn country since 1979. Topic: Geography Area: total: 652,230 sq km land: 652,230 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers Natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones, arable land Topic: People and Society Population: 38,346,720 (2022 est.) 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.) Religions: Muslim 99.7% (Sunni 84.7 - 89.7%, Shia 10 - 15%), other <0.3% (2009 est.) Population growth rate: 2.3% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: the United States does not recognize the Taliban governmentthe United States does not recognize the Taliban government Capital: name: Kabul 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 KABIRpresident (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 Topic: Economy Economic overview: extremely low-income South Asian economy; import drops, currency depreciation, disappearing central bank reserves, and increasing inflation after Taliban takeover; increasing Chinese trade; hit hard by COVID; ongoing sanctions Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $77.04 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,000 (2020 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 Exports: $1.48 billion (2020 est.) 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.) 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) Exchange rates: afghanis (AFA) per US dollar -Page last updated: Tuesday, May 10, 2022

20220901

countries-jersey

Topic: Photos of Jersey Topic: Introduction Background: Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. The Bailiwick of Jersey is a British Crown dependency, which means that it is not part of the UK but is rather a self-governing possession of the British Crown. 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, island in the English Channel, northwest of France Geographic coordinates: 49 15 N, 2 10 W Map references: Europe Area: total: 116 sq km land: 116 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about two-thirds the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 70 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Climate: temperate; mild winters and cool summers Terrain: gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast Elevation: highest point: Les Platons 136 m lowest point: English Channel 0 m Natural resources: arable land Land use: agricultural land: 66% (2018 est.) arable land: 66% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 34% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: NA Population distribution: fairly even distribution; no notable trends Natural hazards: very large tidal variation can be hazardous to navigation Geography - note: largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier Map description: Jersey map showing this British crown dependency island in the English Channel.Jersey map showing this British crown dependency island in the English Channel. Topic: People and Society Population: 102,146 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander Ethnic groups: Jersey 44.4%, British 30.5%, Portuguese/Madeiran 9.4%, Polish 3%, Irish 2.1%, other 10.6% (2021 est.) Languages: English (official) 94.5%, Portuguese 4.6%, other .9% (includes French (official) and Jerriais) (2001 est.) note: data represent main spoken language; the traditional language of Jersey is Jerriais or Jersey French (a Norman language), which was spoken by fewer than 3,000 people as of 2001;  two thirds of Jerriais speakers are aged 60 and overEnglish (official) 94.5%, Portuguese 4.6%, other .9% (includes French (official) and Jerriais) Religions: Protestant (Anglican, Baptist, Congregational New Church, Methodist, Presbyterian), Roman Catholic Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.63% (male 8,689/female 8,124) 15-24 years: 12.98% (male 6,764/female 6,354) 25-54 years: 40.12% (male 20,499/female 20,054) 55-64 years: 13.22% (male 6,515/female 6,844) 65 years and over: 17.05% (2020 est.) (male 7,324/female 9,906) 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: 37.5 years male: 36 years female: 39.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.64% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 12.41 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.75 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: fairly even distribution; no notable trends 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: 34,000 SAINT HELIER (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.87 deaths/1,000 live births male: 4.32 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 82.63 years male: 80.13 years female: 85.28 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.66 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 Guernsey Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 98.5% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1.5% 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 Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: habitat and species depletion due to human encroachment; water pollution; improper solid waste disposal Climate: temperate; mild winters and cool summers Land use: agricultural land: 66% (2018 est.) arable land: 66% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 34% (2018 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 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 Jersey conventional short form: Jersey former: Norman Isles etymology: the name is of Old Norse origin, but the meaning of the root "Jer(s)" is uncertain; the "-ey" ending means "island" Government type: parliamentary democracy (Assembly of the States of Jersey) Dependency status: British crown dependency Capital: name: Saint Helier geographic coordinates: 49 11 N, 2 06 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: named after Saint Helier, the patron saint of Jersey, who was reputedly martyred on the island in A.D. 555 Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 12 parishes; Grouville, Saint Brelade, Saint Clement, Saint Helier, Saint John, Saint Lawrence, Saint Martin, Saint Mary, Saint Ouen, Saint Peter, Saint Saviour, and Trinity Independence: none (British Crown dependency) National holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) Constitution: history: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice amendments: proposed by a government minister to the Assembly of the States of Jersey, by an Assembly member, or by an elected parish head; passage requires several Assembly readings, a majority vote by the Assembly, review by the UK Ministry of Justice, and approval of the British monarch (Royal Assent) Legal system: the laws of the UK apply where applicable; includes local statutes 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 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 Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly of the States of Jersey (49 elected members; 8 senators to serve 4-year terms, and 29 deputies and 12 connetables, or heads of parishes, to serve 4-year terms; 5 non-voting members appointed by the monarch include the bailiff, lieutenant governor, dean of Jersey, attorney general, and the solicitor general) elections: last held on 22 June 2022 (next to be held in 2026) election results: percent of vote - independents 59.1%, RJ 12.3%, JA 9.2%, BW 7.8%, PP 4.2%, JLC 4.1%, other 3.3%; seats by party - independents 31, RJ 10, JA 1, BW 4, PP 1, JLC 2; composition - men NA, women NA, percent of women NA% Judicial branch: highest courts: Jersey Court of Appeal (consists of the bailiff, deputy bailiff, and 12 judges); Royal Court (consists of the bailiff, deputy bailiff, 6 commissioners and lay people referred to as jurats, and is organized into Heritage, Family, Probate, and Samedi Divisions); appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: Jersey Court of Appeal bailiffs and judges appointed by the Crown upon the advice of the Secretary of State for Justice; bailiffs and judges appointed for "extent of good behavior;" Royal Court bailiffs appointed by the Crown upon the advice of the Secretary of State for Justice; commissioners appointed by the bailiff; jurats appointed by the Electoral College; bailiffs and commissioners appointed for "extent of good behavior;" jurats appointed until retirement at age 72 subordinate courts: Magistrate's Court; Youth Court; Petty Debts Court; Parish Hall Enquires (a process of preliminary investigation into youth and minor adult offenses to determine need for presentation before a court) Political parties and leaders: Better Way or BW (group of independent candidates) Jersey Alliance or JA [Mark BOLEAT] Jersey Liberal Conservaties or JLC [Philip BAILHACHE] Progress Party or PP [Steve PALLETT] Reform Jersey or RJ [Sam MEZEC] note: most deputies sit as independents International organization participation: UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: none (British Crown dependency) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (British Crown dependency) Flag description: white with a diagonal red cross extending to the corners of the flag; in the upper quadrant, surmounted by a yellow crown, a red shield with three lions in yellow; according to tradition, the ships of Jersey - in an attempt to differentiate themselves from English ships flying the horizontal cross of St. George - rotated the cross to the "X" (saltire) configuration; because this arrangement still resembled the Irish cross of St. Patrick, the yellow Plantagenet crown and Jersey coat of arms were added National symbol(s): Jersey cow; national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "Isle de Siez Nous" (Island Home) lyrics/music: Gerard LE FEUVRE note: adopted 2008; serves as a local anthem; as a British Crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Jersey's economy is based on international financial services, agriculture, and tourism. In 2016, the financial services sector accounted for about 41% of the island's output. Agriculture represented about 1% of Jersey’s economy in 2016. Potatoes are an important export crop, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle originated on the island and is known worldwide. The dairy industry remains important to the island with approximately $8.8 million gallons of milk produced in 2015. Tourism accounts for a significant portion of Jersey’s economy, with more than 700,000 total visitors in 2015. Living standards come close to those of the UK. All raw material and energy requirements are imported as well as a large share of Jersey's food needs. Light taxes and death duties make the island a popular offshore financial center. Jersey maintains its relationship with the EU through the UK. Therefore, in light of the UK’s decision to leave the EU, Jersey will also need to renegotiate its ties to the EU. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $5.569 billion (2016 est.) $5.514 billion (2015 est.) $4.98 billion (2014 est.) note: data are in 2015 US dollars Real GDP growth rate: 1% (2016 est.) 10.7% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $56,600 (2016 est.) $49,500 (2015 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $5.004 billion (2015 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (2006) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2% (2010) industry: 2% (2010) services: 96% (2010) Agricultural products: potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes; beef, dairy products Industries: tourism, banking and finance, dairy, electronics Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 59,950 (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 3% industry: 12% services: 85% (2014 est.) Unemployment rate: 4% (2015 est.) 4.6% (2014 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 0.3 (2014 est.) 0.3 (2013 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 829 million (2005) expenditures: 851 million (2005) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.4% (of GDP) (2005) Taxes and other revenues: 16.6% (of GDP) (2005) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Exports: NANA Exports - commodities: light industrial and electrical goods, dairy cattle, foodstuffs, textiles, flowers Imports: NANA Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: Jersey pounds (JEP) per US dollar 0.7836 (2017 est.) 0.738 (2016 est.) 0.738 (2015) 0.6542 (2012) 0.6391 (2011 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Carbon dioxide emissions: 450,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2012 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 48,310 (2019 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2019 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 83,900 (2009 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 95 (2009 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: good system with broadband access (2018) domestic: fixed-line 45 per 100 and mobile-cellular 115 per 100 subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 44; landing points for the INGRID, UK-Channel Islands-8, and Guernsey-Jersey-4, submarine cable connectivity to Guernsey, the 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 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: multiple UK terrestrial TV broadcasts are received via a transmitter in Jersey; satellite packages available; BBC Radio Jersey and 1 other radio station operating Internet country code: .je Internet users: total: 44,198 (2019 est.) percent of population: 41% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 39,699 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (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: 4 (registered in UK) Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 576 km (2010) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint Helier Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified

20220901

field-real-gdp-purchasing-power-parity

This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. A nation's GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) exchange rates is the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States in the year noted. This is the measure most economists prefer when looking at per-capita welfare and when comparing living conditions or use of resources across countries. The measure is difficult to compute, as a US dollar value has to be assigned to all goods and services in the country regardless of whether these goods and services have a direct equivalent in the United States (for example, the value of an ox-cart or non-US military equipment); as a result, PPP estimates for some countries are based on a small and sometimes different set of goods and services. In addition, many countries do not formally participate in the World Bank's PPP project that calculates these measures, so the resulting GDP estimates for these countries may lack precision. For many developing countries, PPP-based GDP measures are multiples of the official exchange rate (OER) measure. The differences between the OER- and PPP-denominated GDP values for most of the wealthy industrialized countries are generally much smaller. Topic: Afghanistan$77.04 billion (2020 est.) $78.56 billion (2019 est.) $75.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Albania$37.73 billion (2020 est.) $39.02 billion (2019 est.) $38.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Algeria$468.4 billion (2020 est.) $495.56 billion (2019 est.) $491.63 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: American Samoa$658 million (2016 est.) $674.9 million (2015 est.) $666.9 billion (2014 est.) note: data are in 2016 US dollars Topic: Andorra$3.327 billion (2015 est.) $3.363 billion (2014 est.) $3.273 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2012 US dollars Topic: Angola$203.71 billion (2020 est.) $212.29 billion (2019 est.) $213.62 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Anguilla$175.4 million (2009 est.) $191.7 million (2008 est.) $108.9 million (2004 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda$1.76 billion (2020 est.) $2.09 billion (2019 est.) $2.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Argentina$893.31 billion (2020 est.) $991.52 billion (2019 est.) $1,012,670,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Armenia$37.31 billion (2020 est.) $40.38 billion (2019 est.) $37.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Aruba$4.158 billion (2017 est.) $4.05 billion (2017 est.) $4.107 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Australia$1,250,900,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,254,480,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,227,940,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Austria$463.12 billion (2020 est.) $495.8 billion (2019 est.) $488.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Azerbaijan$138.51 billion (2020 est.) $144.74 billion (2019 est.) $141.24 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Bahamas, The$12.1 billion (2020 est.) $14.45 billion (2019 est.) $14.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Bahrain$69.65 billion (2020 est.) $73.95 billion (2019 est.) $72.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Bangladesh$793.49 billion (2020 est.) $775.08 billion (2019 est.) $716.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Barbados$3.7 billion (2020 est.) $4.49 billion (2019 est.) $4.49 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Belarus$179.97 billion (2020 est.) $181.61 billion (2019 est.) $179.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Belgium$557.11 billion (2020 est.) $594.47 billion (2019 est.) $584.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Belize$2.43 billion (2020 est.) $2.83 billion (2019 est.) $2.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Benin$40.29 billion (2020 est.) $38.79 billion (2019 est.) $36.3 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Bermuda$5.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $5.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $5.227 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bhutan$8.42 billion (2020 est.) $9.03 billion (2019 est.) $8.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Bolivia$92.59 billion (2020 est.) $100.45 billion (2019 est.) $98.27 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina$47.05 billion (2020 est.) $49.17 billion (2019 est.) $47.82 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Botswana$37.72 billion (2020 est.) $40.95 billion (2019 est.) $39.75 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Brazil$2,989,430,000,000 (2020 est.) $3,115,910,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,072,550,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: British Virgin Islands$500 million (2017 est.) $490.2 million (2016 est.) $481.1 million (2015 est.) Topic: Brunei$27.23 billion (2020 est.) $26.91 billion (2019 est.) $25.9 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Bulgaria$155.06 billion (2020 est.) $161.78 billion (2019 est.) $156.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Burkina Faso$45.16 billion (2020 est.) $44.27 billion (2019 est.) $41.88 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Burma$247.24 billion (2020 est.) $274.69 billion (2019 est.) $270.11 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Burundi$8.69 billion (2020 est.) $8.67 billion (2019 est.) $8.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Cabo Verde$3.36 billion (2020 est.) $3.94 billion (2019 est.) $3.73 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Cambodia$70.08 billion (2020 est.) $72.36 billion (2019 est.) $67.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Cameroon$94.94 billion (2020 est.) $94.25 billion (2019 est.) $90.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Canada$1,742,790,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,842,330,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,808,660,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Cayman Islands$4.78 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $4.61 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $4.409 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Central African Republic$4.483 billion (2019 est.) $4.354 billion (2018 est.) $4.195 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Chad$24.97 billion (2020 est.) $25.19 billion (2019 est.) $24.4 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Chile$445.88 billion (2020 est.) $473.19 billion (2019 est.) $468.77 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: China$23,009,780,000,000 (2020 est.) $22,492,450,000,000 (2019 est.) $21,229,360,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Christmas IslandNANA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsNANA Topic: Colombia$683.94 billion (2020 est.) $734.22 billion (2019 est.) $710.89 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Comoros$2.73 billion (2020 est.) $2.6 billion (2019 est.) $2.55 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the$96.03 billion (2020 est.) $95.29 billion (2019 est.) $91.29 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Congo, Republic of the$19.03 billion (2020 est.) $20.68 billion (2019 est.) $20.63 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Cook Islands$299.9 million (2016 est.) $183.2 million (2015 est.) Topic: Costa Rica$100.25 billion (2020 est.) $105.02 billion (2019 est.) $102.79 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Cote d'Ivoire$136.48 billion (2020 est.) $134.05 billion (2019 est.) $126.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Croatia$107.11 billion (2020 est.) $116.89 billion (2019 est.) $113.64 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Cuba$137 billion (2017 est.) $134.8 billion (2016 est.) $134.2 billion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2016 US dollars Topic: Curacao$3.86 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $3.99 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $4.08 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cyprus$33.67 billion (2020 est.) $35.48 billion (2019 est.) $34.42 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Czechia$409.97 billion (2020 est.) $434.31 billion (2019 est.) $424.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Denmark$326.2 billion (2020 est.) $335.36 billion (2019 est.) $326.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Djibouti$5.42 billion (2020 est.) $5.39 billion (2019 est.) $5 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Dominica$710 million (2020 est.) $850 million (2019 est.) $830 million (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Dominican Republic$184.45 billion (2020 est.) $197.74 billion (2019 est.) $188.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Ecuador$182.24 billion (2020 est.) $197.55 billion (2019 est.) $197.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Egypt$1,223,040,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,180,890,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,118,720,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: El Salvador$52.26 billion (2020 est.) $56.77 billion (2019 est.) $55.31 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Equatorial Guinea$23.86 billion (2020 est.) $25.09 billion (2019 est.) $26.68 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Eritrea$9.702 billion (2017 est.) $8.953 billion (2016 est.) $8.791 billion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Estonia$47.44 billion (2020 est.) $48.87 billion (2019 est.) $46.54 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Eswatini$9.74 billion (2020 est.) $9.9 billion (2019 est.) $9.68 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Ethiopia$264.05 billion (2020 est.) $248.97 billion (2019 est.) $229.76 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: European Union$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 Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)$206.4 million (2015 est.) $164.5 million (2014 est.) $167.5 million (2013 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands$2.001 billion (2014 est.) $1.89 billion (2013 est.) $1.608 billion (2012 est.) Topic: Fiji$9.86 billion (2020 est.) $12.18 billion (2019 est.) $12.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Finland$261.39 billion (2020 est.) $268.84 billion (2019 est.) $265.46 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: France$2,832,170,000,000 (2020 est.) $3,082,300,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,036,490,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: French Polynesia$5.49 billion (2017 est.) $5.383 billion (2016 est.) $6.963 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Gabon$32.05 billion (2020 est.) $32.48 billion (2019 est.) $31.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Gambia, The$5.22 billion (2020 est.) $5.22 billion (2019 est.) $4.92 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Gaza Stripsee entry for the West Banksee entry for the West Bank Topic: Georgia$52.33 billion (2020 est.) $55.76 billion (2019 est.) $53.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Germany$4,238,800,000,000 (2020 est.) $4,457,050,000,000 (2019 est.) $4,432,430,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Ghana$164.84 billion (2020 est.) $164.16 billion (2019 est.) $154.13 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Gibraltar$2.044 billion (2014 est.) $1.85 billion (2013 est.) $2 billion (2012 est.) note: data are in 2014 dollars Topic: Greece$292.4 billion (2020 est.) $318.68 billion (2019 est.) $312.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Greenland$2.413 billion (2015 est.) $2.24 billion (2014 est.) $2.203 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 US dollars Topic: Grenada$1.7 billion (2020 est.) $1.91 billion (2019 est.) $1.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Guam$5.793 billion (2016 est.) $5.697 billion (2015 est.) $5.531 billion (2014 est.) Topic: Guatemala$141.5 billion (2020 est.) $143.68 billion (2019 est.) $138.33 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Guernsey$3.465 billion (2015 est.) $3.451 billion (2014 est.) $3.42 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 dollars Topic: Guinea$35.08 billion (2020 est.) $32.78 billion (2019 est.) $31.03 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Guinea-Bissau$3.64 billion (2020 est.) $3.73 billion (2019 est.) $3.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Guyana$14.69 billion (2020 est.) $10.24 billion (2019 est.) $9.72 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Haiti$31.62 billion (2020 est.) $32.72 billion (2019 est.) $33.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)NANA Topic: Honduras$50.89 billion (2020 est.) $55.91 billion (2019 est.) $54.46 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Hong Kong$420.13 billion (2020 est.) $447.34 billion (2019 est.) $454.98 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Hungary$302.32 billion (2020 est.) $318.09 billion (2019 est.) $303.98 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Iceland$19.16 billion (2020 est.) $20.52 billion (2019 est.) $20.01 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: India$8,443,360,000,000 (2020 est.) $9,174,040,000,000 (2019 est.) $8,817,670,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Indonesia$3,130,470,000,000 (2020 est.) $3,196,620,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,043,880,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Iran$1,044,310,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,027,240,000,000 (2019 est.) $1.102 trillion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Iraq$372.27 billion (2020 est.) $415.32 billion (2019 est.) $397.64 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Ireland$447.97 billion (2020 est.) $433.17 billion (2019 est.) $410.33 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Isle of Man$6.792 billion (2015 est.) $7.428 billion (2014 est.) $6.298 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2014 US dollars Topic: Israel$353.39 billion (2020 est.) $362.23 billion (2019 est.) $350.15 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Italy$2,322,140,000,000 (2020 est.) $2,548,190,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,540,890,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Jamaica$25.89 billion (2020 est.) $28.83 billion (2019 est.) $28.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Japan$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.) Topic: Jersey$5.569 billion (2016 est.) $5.514 billion (2015 est.) $4.98 billion (2014 est.) note: data are in 2015 US dollars Topic: Jordan$100.16 billion (2020 est.) $101.74 billion (2019 est.) $99.79 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Kazakhstan$475.18 billion (2020 est.) $487.87 billion (2019 est.) $466.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Kenya$226.94 billion (2020 est.) $227.64 billion (2019 est.) $216.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Kiribati$270 million (2020 est.) $270 million (2019 est.) $260 million (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Korea, North$40 billion (2015 est.) $40 billion (2014 est.) $40 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 US dollars North Korea does not publish reliable National Income Accounts data; the data shown are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) GDP estimates that were made by Angus MADDISON in a study conducted for the OECD; his figure for 1999 was extrapolated to 2015 using estimated real growth rates for North Korea's GDP and an inflation factor based on the US GDP deflator; the results were rounded to the nearest $10 billion. Topic: Korea, South$2,187,800,000,000 (2020 est.) $2,208,960,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,164,810,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Kosovo$19.13 billion (2020 est.) $20.55 billion (2019 est.) $19.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Kuwait$209.74 billion (2019 est.) $208.85 billion (2018 est.) $206.274 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Kyrgyzstan$31.02 billion (2020 est.) $33.95 billion (2019 est.) $32.46 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Laos$56.79 billion (2020 est.) $56.54 billion (2019 est.) $53.62 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Latvia$56.92 billion (2020 est.) $59.06 billion (2019 est.) $57.88 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Lebanon$79.51 billion (2020 est.) $99.76 billion (2019 est.) $106.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Lesotho$4.88 billion (2020 est.) $5.49 billion (2019 est.) $5.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Liberia$6.85 billion (2020 est.) $7.05 billion (2019 est.) $7.21 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Libya$70.65 billion (2020 est.) $102.84 billion (2019 est.) $100.3 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Liechtenstein$4.978 billion (2014 est.) $3.2 billion (2009 est.) $3.216 billion (2008 est.) Topic: Lithuania$102.66 billion (2020 est.) $103.56 billion (2019 est.) $99.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Luxembourg$69.72 billion (2020 est.) $70.64 billion (2019 est.) $69.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Macau$35.58 billion (2020 est.) $81.44 billion (2019 est.) $83.64 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Madagascar$41.82 billion (2020 est.) $43.65 billion (2019 est.) $41.81 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Malawi$28.44 billion (2020 est.) $28.22 billion (2019 est.) $26.69 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Malaysia$855.6 billion (2020 est.) $906.24 billion (2019 est.) $868.85 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Maldives$7.05 billion (2020 est.) $10.37 billion (2019 est.) $9.69 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Mali$44.89 billion (2020 est.) $45.64 billion (2019 est.) $43.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Malta$20.6 billion (2020 est.) $22.15 billion (2019 est.) $20.99 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Marshall Islands$240 million (2019 est.) $220 million (2018 est.) $219 million (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Mauritania$23.17 billion (2020 est.) $23.52 billion (2019 est.) $22.2 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Mauritius$24.64 billion (2020 est.) $28.95 billion (2019 est.) $28.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Mexico$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 Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of$390 million (2019 est.) $390 million (2018 est.) $389 million (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Moldova$32.26 billion (2020 est.) $34.68 billion (2019 est.) $33.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Monaco$7.672 billion (2015 est.) $7.279 billion (2014 est.) $6.79 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 US dollars Topic: Mongolia$37.6 billion (2020 est.) $39.72 billion (2019 est.) $37.77 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Montenegro$11.36 billion (2020 est.) $13.39 billion (2019 est.) $12.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Montserrat$167.4 million (2011 est.) $155.9 million (2010 est.) $162.7 million (2009 est.) Topic: Morocco$259.42 billion (2020 est.) $279.3 billion (2019 est.) $272.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Mozambique$38.42 billion (2020 est.) $38.91 billion (2019 est.) $38.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Namibia$22.6 billion (2020 est.) $24.56 billion (2019 est.) $24.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Nauru$150 million (2019 est.) $150 million (2018 est.) $137 million (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Nepal$110.72 billion (2020 est.) $113.08 billion (2019 est.) $106.03 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Netherlands$945.48 billion (2020 est.) $982.22 billion (2019 est.) $966.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: New Caledonia$11.11 billion (2017 est.) $10.89 billion (2016 est.) $10.77 billion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2015 dollars Topic: New Zealand$215.6 billion (2020 est.) $213.5 billion (2019 est.) $210.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Nicaragua$34.98 billion (2020 est.) $35.68 billion (2019 est.) $37.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Niger$28.97 billion (2020 est.) $28.54 billion (2019 est.) $26.95 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Nigeria$1,013,530,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,032,050,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,009,750,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Niue$10.01 million (2003 est.) Topic: Norfolk IslandNANA Topic: North Macedonia$33.02 billion (2020 est.) $34.59 billion (2019 est.) $33.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars; Macedonia has a large informal sector that may not be reflected in these data Topic: Northern Mariana Islands$1.242 billion (2016 est.) $933 million (2015 est.) $845 million (2014 est.) note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy; data are in 2013 dollars Topic: Norway$342.06 billion (2020 est.) $344.69 billion (2019 est.) $341.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Oman$135.79 billion (2019 est.) $136.92 billion (2018 est.) $135.696 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Pakistan$1,021,130,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,015,800,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,005,850,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars data are for fiscal years Topic: Palau$320 million (2019 est.) $330 million (2018 est.) $317 million (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Panama$109.52 billion (2020 est.) $133.47 billion (2019 est.) $129.54 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Papua New Guinea$36.69 billion (2020 est.) $38.17 billion (2019 est.) $36.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Paraguay$87.98 billion (2020 est.) $88.87 billion (2019 est.) $89.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Peru$371.29 billion (2020 est.) $417.88 billion (2019 est.) $408.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Philippines$871.56 billion (2020 est.) $963.83 billion (2019 est.) $908.26 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Pitcairn IslandsNANA Topic: Poland$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 Topic: Portugal$331.64 billion (2020 est.) $358.78 billion (2019 est.) $350.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Puerto Rico$106.82 billion (2020 est.) $111.16 billion (2019 est.) $109.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Qatar$245.66 billion (2020 est.) $255.01 billion (2019 est.) $253.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Romania$556.07 billion (2020 est.) $578.39 billion (2019 est.) $555.47 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Russia$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 Topic: Rwanda$27.18 billion (2020 est.) $28.13 billion (2019 est.) $25.7 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha$31.1 million (2009 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis$1.24 billion (2020 est.) $1.39 billion (2019 est.) $1.36 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Saint Lucia$2.25 billion (2020 est.) $2.82 billion (2019 est.) $2.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Saint Martin$561.5 million (2005 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon$261.3 million (2015 est.) $215.3 million (2006 est.) note: supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines$1.34 billion (2020 est.) $1.38 billion (2019 est.) $1.37 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Samoa$1.25 billion (2020 est.) $1.28 billion (2019 est.) $1.24 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: San Marino$2.06 billion (2019 est.) $2.01 billion (2018 est.) $1.982 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Sao Tome and Principe$890 million (2020 est.) $860 million (2019 est.) $840 million (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Saudi Arabia$1,543,240,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,609,320,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,604,010,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Senegal$55.26 billion (2020 est.) $54.78 billion (2019 est.) $52.47 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Serbia$125.8 billion (2020 est.) $127.04 billion (2019 est.) $121.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Seychelles$2.4 billion (2020 est.) $2.69 billion (2019 est.) $2.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Sierra Leone$13.15 billion (2020 est.) $13.44 billion (2019 est.) $12.72 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Singapore$531.04 billion (2020 est.) $561.3 billion (2019 est.) $553.85 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Sint Maarten$1.44 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $1.436 billion (2018 est.) $1.538 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Slovakia$165.57 billion (2020 est.) $173.83 billion (2019 est.) $169.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Slovenia$76.75 billion (2020 est.) $81.25 billion (2019 est.) $78.74 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Solomon Islands$1.71 billion (2020 est.) $1.78 billion (2019 est.) $1.76 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Somalia$13.19 billion (2020 est.) $13.39 billion (2019 est.) $13.01 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 US dollars Topic: South Africa$680.04 billion (2020 est.) $730.91 billion (2019 est.) $729.8 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: South Sudan$20.01 billion (2017 est.) $21.1 billion (2016 est.) $24.52 billion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Spain$1,714,860,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,923,330,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,886,540,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Sri Lanka$274.8 billion (2020 est.) $284.97 billion (2019 est.) $278.68 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Sudan$176.4 billion (2020 est.) $179.2 billion (2019 est.) $181.61 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Suriname$9.46 billion (2020 est.) $11.07 billion (2019 est.) $10.95 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Sweden$524.75 billion (2020 est.) $539.96 billion (2019 est.) $532.67 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Switzerland$590.71 billion (2020 est.) $608.16 billion (2019 est.) $601.65 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Syria$50.28 billion (2015 est.) $55.8 billion (2014 est.) $61.9 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 US dollars the war-driven deterioration of the economy resulted in a disappearance of quality national level statistics in the 2012-13 period Topic: Taiwan$1,143,277,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,113,126,000,000 (2018 est.) $1,083,384,000,000 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2010 dollars Topic: Tajikistan$34.88 billion (2020 est.) $33.38 billion (2019 est.) $31.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Tanzania$152.79 billion (2020 est.) $149.79 billion (2019 est.) $141.59 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Thailand$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 Topic: Timor-Leste$4.19 billion (2020 est.) $4.59 billion (2019 est.) $3.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Togo$17.45 billion (2020 est.) $17.15 billion (2019 est.) $16.26 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Tokelau$7,711,583 (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars. Topic: Tonga$670 million (2019 est.) $660 million (2018 est.) $660 million (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Trinidad and Tobago$33.21 billion (2020 est.) $36.03 billion (2019 est.) $36.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Tunisia$114.97 billion (2020 est.) $125.78 billion (2019 est.) $124.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)$2,393,960,000,000 (2020 est.) $2,352,640,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,331,270,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Turkmenistan$92.33 billion (2019 est.) $86.86 billion (2018 est.) $81.787 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands$820 million (2020 est.) $1.12 billion (2019 est.) $1.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Tuvalu$50 million (2020 est.) $50 million (2019 est.) $50 million (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Uganda$99.61 billion (2020 est.) $96.84 billion (2019 est.) $90.67 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Ukraine$516.68 billion (2020 est.) $538.33 billion (2019 est.) $521.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: United Arab Emirates$655.79 billion (2019 est.) $644.97 billion (2018 est.) $637.384 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: United Kingdom$2,797,980,000,000 (2020 est.) $3,101,640,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,059,690,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: United States$19,846,720,000,000 (2020 est.) $20,563,590,000,000 (2019 est.) $20,128,580,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Uruguay$75.06 billion (2020 est.) $79.73 billion (2019 est.) $79.45 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Uzbekistan$239.42 billion (2020 est.) $235.54 billion (2019 est.) $222.63 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Vanuatu$850 million (2020 est.) $930 million (2019 est.) $910 million (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Venezuela$269.068 billion (2018 est.) $381.6 billion (2017 est.) $334.751 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Vietnam$798.21 billion (2020 est.) $775.67 billion (2019 est.) $724.81 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Virgin Islands$3.872 billion (2016 est.) $3.759 billion (2015 est.) $3.622 billion (2014 est.) note: data are in 2013 dollars Topic: Wallis and Futuna$60 million (2004 est.) Topic: West Bank$25.91 billion (2020 est.) $29.26 billion (2019 est.) $28.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars and includes Gaza Strip Topic: World$127.8 trillion (2017 est.) $123.3 trillion (2016 est.) $119.5 trillion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Yemen$73.63 billion (2017 est.) $78.28 billion (2016 est.) $90.63 billion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Zambia$60.12 billion (2020 est.) $61.99 billion (2019 est.) $61.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Topic: Zimbabwe$40.79 billion (2020 est.) $44.34 billion (2019 est.) $48.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

20220901

countries-united-states-pacific-island-wildlife-refuges

Topic: Photos of United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges Topic: Introduction Background: All of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere. Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force. Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a NWR. Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the transpacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for transpacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony. Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12-nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated a NWR in January 2001.All of the following US Pacific island territories except Midway Atoll constitute the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex and as such are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior. Midway Atoll NWR has been included in a Refuge Complex with the Hawaiian Islands NWR and also designated as part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. These remote refuges are the most widespread collection of marine- and terrestrial-life protected areas on the planet under a single country's jurisdiction. They sustain many endemic species including corals, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, seabirds, water birds, land birds, insects, and vegetation not found elsewhere.Baker Island: The US took possession of the island in 1857. Its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.Howland Island: Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the uninhabited atoll was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano deposits until about 1890. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization began on this island, similar to the effort on nearby Baker Island, but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. The famed American aviatrix Amelia EARHART disappeared while seeking out Howland Island as a refueling stop during her 1937 round-the-world flight; Earhart Light, a day beacon near the middle of the west coast, was named in her memory. The island was established as a NWR in 1974. Jarvis Island: First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858 but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889 but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. It was abandoned in 1942 during World War II. The island was established as a NWR in 1974.Johnston Atoll: Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934. Subsequently, the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s. Until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction, cleanup, and closure of the facility were completed by May 2005. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Air Force are currently discussing future management options; in the interim, Johnston Atoll and the three-mile Naval Defensive Sea around it remain under the jurisdiction and administrative control of the US Air Force.Kingman Reef: The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a NWR.Midway Islands: The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the transpacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for transpacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a NWR and are the site of the world's largest Laysan albatross colony.Palmyra Atoll: The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now partly privately owned by the Nature Conservancy with the rest owned by the Federal government and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These organizations are managing the atoll as a wildlife refuge. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12-nm US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and designated a NWR in January 2001.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: OceaniaBaker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 3,390 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 3,360 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 2,415 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Cook Islands; Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,330 km southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands; Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 1,720 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa; Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 2,335 km northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo; Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,780 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American SamoaOceaniaBaker Island: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 3,390 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Howland Island: island in the North Pacific Ocean 3,360 km southwest of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia; Jarvis Island: island in the South Pacific Ocean 2,415 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Cook Islands; Johnston Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,330 km southwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands; Kingman Reef: reef in the North Pacific Ocean 1,720 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa; Midway Islands: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 2,335 km northwest of Honolulu near the end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to Tokyo; Palmyra Atoll: atoll in the North Pacific Ocean 1,780 km south of Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa Geographic coordinates: Baker Island: 0 13 N, 176 28 W; Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W; Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W; Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W; Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W; Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W; Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 WBaker Island: 0 13 N, 176 28 W; Howland Island: 0 48 N, 176 38 W; Jarvis Island: 0 23 S, 160 01 W; Johnston Atoll: 16 45 N, 169 31 W; Kingman Reef: 6 23 N, 162 25 W; Midway Islands: 28 12 N, 177 22 W; Palmyra Atoll: 5 53 N, 162 05 W Map references: Oceania Area: land: 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 Area - comparative: Baker Island: about 2.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Howland Island: about three times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Jarvis Island: about eight times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Johnston Atoll: about 4.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Kingman Reef: a little more than 1.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Midway Islands: about nine times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Palmyra Atoll: about 20 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DCBaker Island: about 2.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Howland Island: about three times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Jarvis Island: about eight times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Johnston Atoll: about 4.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Kingman Reef: a little more than 1.5 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Midway Islands: about nine times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC; Palmyra Atoll: about 20 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: Baker Island: 4.8 km Howland Island: 6.4 km Jarvis Island: 8 km Johnston Atoll: 34 km Kingman Reef: 3 km Midway Islands: 15 km Palmyra Atoll: 14.5 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: Baker, 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 Terrain: low and nearly flat sandy coral islands with narrow fringing reefs that have developed at the top of submerged volcanic mountains, which in most cases rise steeply from the ocean floor Elevation: highest point: Baker Island, unnamed location 8 m; Howland Island, unnamed location 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location 7 m; Johnston Atoll, Sand Island 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location less than 13 m; Palmyra Atoll, unnamed location 3 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: terrestrial and aquatic wildlife Land use: other: 100% (2018 est.) Natural hazards: Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island poses a maritime hazard; Kingman Reef: wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of less than 2 m makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard; Midway Islands, Johnston, and Palmyra Atolls: NABaker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island poses a maritime hazard; Kingman Reef: wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of less than 2 m makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard; Midway Islands, Johnston, and Palmyra Atolls: NA Geography - note: Baker, 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 Map description: United States Pacific Wildlife Refuges map showing the central Pacific Ocean with seven insets highlighting the many islands that make up the United States Pacific Wildlife Refuges.United States Pacific Wildlife Refuges map showing the central Pacific Ocean with seven insets highlighting the many islands that make up the United States Pacific Wildlife Refuges. Topic: People and Society Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: public entry is only by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service and generally restricted to scientists and educators; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service Jarvis Island: Millersville settlement on western side of island occasionally used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it was abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during the International Geophysical Year by scientists who left in 1958; currently unoccupied Johnston Atoll: in previous years, an average of 1,100 US military and civilian contractor personnel were present; as of May 2005, all US Government personnel had left the island Midway Islands: approximately 40 people make up the staff of US Fish and Wildlife Service and their services contractor living at the atoll Palmyra Atoll: four to 20 Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife staff, and researchers 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 Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA 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: Baker Island: no natural freshwater resources; feral cats, introduced in 1937 during a short-lived colonization effort, ravaged the avian population and were eradicated in 1965 Howland Island: no natural freshwater resources; the island habitat has suffered from invasive exotic species; black rats, introduced in 1854, were eradicated by feral cats within a year of their introduction in 1937; the cats preyed on the bird population and were eliminated by 1985 Jarvis Island: no natural freshwater resources; feral cats, introduced in the 1930s during a short-lived colonization venture, were not completely removed until 1990 Johnston Atoll: no natural freshwater resources; the seven decades under US military administration (1934-2004) left the atoll environmentally degraded and required large-scale remediation efforts; a swarm of Anoplolepis (crazy) ants invaded the island in 2010 damaging native wildlife; eradication has been largely, but not completely, successful Midway Islands:  many exotic species introduced, 75% of the roughly 200 plant species on the island are non-native; plastic pollution harms wildlife, via entanglement, ingestion, and toxic contamination Kingman Reef: none Palmyra Atoll: black rats, believed to have been introduced to the atoll during the US military occupation of the 1940s, severely degraded the ecosystem outcompeting native species (seabirds, crabs); following a successful rat removal project in 2011, native flora and fauna have begun to recoverBaker Island: no natural freshwater resources; feral cats, introduced in 1937 during a short-lived colonization effort, ravaged the avian population and were eradicated in 1965 Howland Island: no natural freshwater resources; the island habitat has suffered from invasive exotic species; black rats, introduced in 1854, were eradicated by feral cats within a year of their introduction in 1937; the cats preyed on the bird population and were eliminated by 1985 Jarvis Island: no natural freshwater resources; feral cats, introduced in the 1930s during a short-lived colonization venture, were not completely removed until 1990 Johnston Atoll: no natural freshwater resources; the seven decades under US military administration (1934-2004) left the atoll environmentally degraded and required large-scale remediation efforts; a swarm of Anoplolepis (crazy) ants invaded the island in 2010 damaging native wildlife; eradication has been largely, but not completely, successful Midway Islands:  many exotic species introduced, 75% of the roughly 200 plant species on the island are non-native; plastic pollution harms wildlife, via entanglement, ingestion, and toxic contaminationKingman Reef: none Palmyra Atoll: black rats, believed to have been introduced to the atoll during the US military occupation of the 1940s, severely degraded the ecosystem outcompeting native species (seabirds, crabs); following a successful rat removal project in 2011, native flora and fauna have begun to recover Climate: Baker, 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 Land use: other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Palmyra Atoll etymology: self-descriptive name specifying the territories' affiliation and location Dependency status: with the exception of Palmyra Atoll, the constituent islands are unincorporated, unorganized territories of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System note: Palmyra Atoll is partly privately owned and partly federally owned; the federally owned portion is administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as an incorporated, unorganized territory of the US; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded areas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nm territorial sea or within the lagoon Legal system: the laws of the US apply where applicable Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territories of the US) Flag description: the flag of the US is used Topic: Economy Economic overview: no economic activity Topic: Transportation Airports: Baker Island: (2013) one abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m covered with vegetation and unusable Howland Island: (2013) airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the round-the-world flight of Amelia EARHART and Fred NOONAN; the aviators left Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island but were never seen again; the airstrip is no longer serviceable Johnston Atoll: (2013) one closed and not maintained Kingman Reef: (2013) lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938 Midway Islands: (2013) 3 - one operational (2,377 m paved); no fuel for sale except emergencies Palmyra Atoll: (2013) 1 - 1,846 m unpaved runway; privately owned Airports - with paved runways: 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2016) - Johnston Atoll; note - abandoned but usable Airports - with unpaved runways: 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2016) - Palmyra Atoll Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, and Kingman Reef Baker, Howland, and Jarvis Islands, and Kingman Reef: none; offshore anchorage only Johnston Atoll: Johnston Island Midway Islands: Sand Island Palmyra Atoll: West Lagoon Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified

20220901

field-government-type

This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows. (Note that for some countries more than one definition applies.): Absolute monarchy - a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, i.e., without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition. Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Authoritarian - a form of government in which state authority is imposed onto many aspects of citizens' lives. Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government. Constitutional democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Constitutional monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. Democratic republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church. Emirate - similar to a monarchy or sultanate, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of an emir (the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units. Federal republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. Islamic republic - a particular form of government adopted by some Muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with the laws of Islam. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist"dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - Communism. Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. Parliamentary government (Cabinet-Parliamentary government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. Parliamentary monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Presidential - a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable). Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation. Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite. Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority. Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population. Topic: Afghanistanthe United States does not recognize the Taliban governmentthe United States does not recognize the Taliban government Topic: Albaniaparliamentary republic Topic: Algeriapresidential republic Topic: American Samoaunincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches; Topic: Andorraparliamentary 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 Topic: Angolapresidential republic Topic: Anguillaparliamentary democracy (House of Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Topic: AntarcticaAntarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty system; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Measures, Decisions, and Resolutions adopted at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings operate by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative parties at annual Treaty meetings; by January 2022, there were 54 treaty member nations: 29 consultative and 25 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 22 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; measures adopted at these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK; nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998), China (1983/1985), Czech Republic (1962/2014), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), Iceland (2015), Kazakhstan (2015), North Korea (1987), Malaysia (2011), Monaco (2008), Mongolia (2015), Pakistan (2012), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Slovenia (2019), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes;Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 measures adopted at treaty consultative meetings and approved by governments; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment and includes five annexes that have entered into force: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management; a sixth annex addressing liability arising from environmental emergencies has yet to enter into force; the Protocol prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaAntarctic Treaty Summary - the Antarctic region is governed by a system known as the Antarctic Treaty system; the system includes: 1. the Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, which establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica, 2. Measures, Decisions, and Resolutions adopted at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, 3. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972), 4. The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980), and 5. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (1991); the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings operate by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative parties at annual Treaty meetings; by January 2022, there were 54 treaty member nations: 29 consultative and 25 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 22 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; measures adopted at these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the years in parentheses indicate when a consultative member-nation acceded to the Treaty and when it was accepted as a consultative member, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory; claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and the UK; nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1975/1983), Bulgaria (1978/1998), China (1983/1985), Czech Republic (1962/2014), Ecuador (1987/1990), Finland (1984/1989), Germany (1979/1981), India (1983/1983), Italy (1981/1987), Japan, South Korea (1986/1989), Netherlands (1967/1990), Peru (1981/1989), Poland (1961/1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1982/1988), Sweden (1984/1988), Ukraine (1992/2004), Uruguay (1980/1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Belarus (2006), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), Iceland (2015), Kazakhstan (2015), North Korea (1987), Malaysia (2011), Monaco (2008), Mongolia (2015), Pakistan (2012), Papua New Guinea (1981), Portugal (2010), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1962/1993), Slovenia (2019), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1996), and Venezuela (1999); note - Czechoslovakia acceded to the Treaty in 1962 and separated into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993; Article 1 - area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose; Article 2 - freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue; Article 3 - free exchange of information and personnel, cooperation with the UN and other international agencies; Article 4 - does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force; Article 5 - prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes;Article 6 - includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south and reserves high seas rights; Article 7 - treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all expeditions and of the introduction of military personnel must be given; Article 8 - allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states; Article 9 - frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations; Article 10 - treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty; Article 11 - disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ; Articles 12, 13, 14 - deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations; other agreements - some 200 measures adopted at treaty consultative meetings and approved by governments; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment and includes five annexes that have entered into force: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, 5) area protection and management; a sixth annex addressing liability arising from environmental emergencies has yet to enter into force; the Protocol prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; a permanent Antarctic Treaty Secretariat was established in 2004 in Buenos Aires, Argentina Topic: Antigua and Barbudaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Argentinapresidential republic Topic: Armeniaparliamentary democracy; note - constitutional changes adopted in December 2015 transformed the government to a parliamentary system Topic: Arubaparliamentary democracy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Topic: Australiafederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Austriafederal parliamentary republic Topic: Azerbaijanpresidential republic Topic: Bahamas, Theparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Bahrainconstitutional monarchy Topic: Bangladeshparliamentary republic Topic: Barbadosparliamentary republic; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Belaruspresidential republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship Topic: Belgiumfederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy Topic: Belizeparliamentary democracy (National Assembly) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Beninpresidential republic Topic: BermudaOverseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy Topic: Bhutanconstitutional monarchy Topic: Boliviapresidential republic Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaparliamentary republic Topic: Botswanaparliamentary republic Topic: Brazilfederal presidential republic Topic: British Virgin IslandsOverseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy Topic: Bruneiabsolute monarchy or sultanate Topic: Bulgariaparliamentary republic Topic: Burkina Fasopresidential republic Topic: Burmaparliamentary republic Topic: Burundipresidential republic Topic: Cabo Verdeparliamentary republic Topic: Cambodiaparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Cameroonpresidential republic Topic: Canadafederal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; federal and state authorities and responsibilities regulated in constitution Topic: Cayman Islandsparliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK Topic: Central African Republicpresidential republic Topic: Chadpresidential republic Topic: Chilepresidential republic Topic: Chinacommunist party-led state Topic: Christmas Islandnon-self-governing overseas territory of Australia Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnon-self-governing overseas territory of Australia Topic: Colombiapresidential republic Topic: Comorosfederal presidential republic Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thesemi-presidential republic Topic: Congo, Republic of thepresidential republic Topic: Cook Islandsparliamentary democracy Topic: Costa Ricapresidential republic Topic: Cote d'Ivoirepresidential republic Topic: Croatiaparliamentary republic Topic: Cubacommunist state Topic: Curacaoparliamentary democracyparliamentary democracy Topic: CyprusRepublic of Cyprus - presidential republic; "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (self-declared) - parliamentary republic with enhanced presidency Topic: Czechiaparliamentary republic Topic: Denmarkparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Djiboutipresidential republic Topic: Dominicaparliamentary republic Topic: Dominican Republicpresidential republic Topic: Ecuadorpresidential republic Topic: Egyptpresidential republic Topic: El Salvadorpresidential republic Topic: Equatorial Guineapresidential republic Topic: Eritreapresidential republic Topic: Estoniaparliamentary republic Topic: Eswatiniabsolute monarchy Topic: Ethiopiafederal parliamentary republic Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)parliamentary democracy (Legislative Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Topic: Faroe Islandsparliamentary democracy (Faroese Parliament); part of the Kingdom of Denmark Topic: Fijiparliamentary republic Topic: Finlandparliamentary republic Topic: Francesemi-presidential republic Topic: French Polynesiaparliamentary democracy (Assembly of French Polynesia); an overseas collectivity of France Topic: Gabonpresidential republic Topic: Gambia, Thepresidential republic Topic: Georgiasemi-presidential republic Topic: Germanyfederal parliamentary republic Topic: Ghanapresidential republic Topic: Gibraltarparliamentary democracy (Parliament); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Topic: Greeceparliamentary republic Topic: Greenlandparliamentary democracy (Parliament of Greenland or Inatsisartut) Topic: Grenadaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Guamunincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches Topic: Guatemalapresidential republic Topic: Guernseyparliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation) Topic: Guineapresidential republic Topic: Guinea-Bissausemi-presidential republic Topic: Guyanaparliamentary republic Topic: Haitisemi-presidential republic Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)ecclesiastical elective monarchy; self-described as an "absolute monarchy" Topic: Honduraspresidential republic Topic: Hong Kongpresidential limited democracy; a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China Topic: Hungaryparliamentary republic Topic: Icelandunitary parliamentary republic Topic: Indiafederal parliamentary republic Topic: Indonesiapresidential republic Topic: Irantheocratic republic Topic: Iraqfederal parliamentary republic Topic: Irelandparliamentary republic Topic: Isle of Manparliamentary democracy (Tynwald) Topic: Israelparliamentary democracy Topic: Italyparliamentary republic Topic: Jamaicaparliamentary democracy (Parliament) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Japanparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Jerseyparliamentary democracy (Assembly of the States of Jersey) Topic: Jordanparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Kazakhstanpresidential republic Topic: Kenyapresidential republic Topic: Kiribatipresidential republic Topic: Korea, Northdictatorship, single-party state; official state ideology of "Juche" or "national self-reliance" Topic: Korea, Southpresidential republic Topic: Kosovoparliamentary republic Topic: Kuwaitconstitutional monarchy (emirate) Topic: Kyrgyzstanparliamentary republic Topic: Laoscommunist state Topic: Latviaparliamentary republic Topic: Lebanonparliamentary republic Topic: Lesothoparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Liberiapresidential republic Topic: Libyain transition Topic: Liechtensteinconstitutional monarchy Topic: Lithuaniasemi-presidential republic Topic: Luxembourgconstitutional monarchy Topic: Macauexecutive-led limited democracy; a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China Topic: Madagascarsemi-presidential republic Topic: Malawipresidential republic Topic: Malaysiafederal parliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Maldivespresidential republic Topic: Malisemi-presidential republic Topic: Maltaparliamentary republic Topic: Marshall Islandsmixed presidential-parliamentary system in free association with the US Topic: Mauritaniapresidential republic Topic: Mauritiusparliamentary republic Topic: Mexicofederal presidential republic Topic: Micronesia, Federated States offederal republic in free association with the US Topic: Moldovaparliamentary republic Topic: Monacoconstitutional monarchy Topic: Mongoliasemi-presidential republic Topic: Montenegroparliamentary republic Topic: Montserratparliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK Topic: Moroccoparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Mozambiquepresidential republic Topic: Namibiapresidential republic Topic: Nauruparliamentary republic Topic: Nepalfederal parliamentary republic Topic: Netherlandsparliamentary constitutional monarchy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Topic: New Caledoniaparliamentary democracy (Territorial Congress); an overseas collectivity of France Topic: New Zealandparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Nicaraguapresidential republic Topic: Nigersemi-presidential republic Topic: Nigeriafederal presidential republic Topic: Niueparliamentary democracy Topic: Norfolk Islandnon-self-governing overseas territory of Australia; note - the Norfolk Island Regional Council, which began operations 1 July 2016, is responsible for planning and managing a variety of public services, including those funded by the Government of Australia Topic: North Macedoniaparliamentary republic Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsa commonwealth in political union with and under the sovereignty of the US; republican form of government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches Topic: Norwayparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Omanabsolute monarchy Topic: Pakistanfederal parliamentary republic Topic: Palaupresidential republic in free association with the US Topic: Panamapresidential republic Topic: Papua New Guineaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Paraguaypresidential republic Topic: Perupresidential republic Topic: Philippinespresidential republic Topic: Pitcairn Islandsparliamentary democracy Topic: Polandparliamentary republic Topic: Portugalsemi-presidential republic Topic: Puerto Ricounincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches Topic: Qatarabsolute monarchy Topic: Romaniasemi-presidential republic Topic: Russiasemi-presidential federation Topic: Rwandapresidential republic Topic: Saint Barthelemyparliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhaparliamentary democracy Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisfederal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Saint Luciaparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Saint Martinparliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonparliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Samoaparliamentary republic Topic: San Marinoparliamentary republic Topic: Sao Tome and Principesemi-presidential republic Topic: Saudi Arabiaabsolute monarchy Topic: Senegalpresidential republic Topic: Serbiaparliamentary republic Topic: Seychellespresidential republic Topic: Sierra Leonepresidential republic Topic: Singaporeparliamentary republic Topic: Sint Maartenparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchyparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy Topic: Slovakiaparliamentary republic Topic: Sloveniaparliamentary republic Topic: Solomon Islandsparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Somaliafederal parliamentary republic Topic: South Africaparliamentary republic Topic: South Sudanpresidential republic Topic: Spainparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Sri Lankapresidential republic Topic: Sudanpresidential republic Topic: Surinamepresidential republic Topic: Svalbardnon-self-governing territory of Norway Topic: Swedenparliamentary constitutional monarchy Topic: Switzerlandfederal republic (formally a confederation) Topic: Syriapresidential republic; highly authoritarian regime Topic: Taiwansemi-presidential republic Topic: Tajikistanpresidential republic Topic: Tanzaniapresidential republic Topic: Thailandconstitutional monarchy Topic: Timor-Lestesemi-presidential republic Topic: Togopresidential republic Topic: Tokelauparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchyparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy Topic: Tongaconstitutional monarchy Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoparliamentary republic Topic: Tunisiaparliamentary republic Topic: Turkeypresidential republic Topic: Turkmenistanpresidential republic; authoritarian Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsparliamentary democracy Topic: Tuvaluparliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: Ugandapresidential republic Topic: Ukrainesemi-presidential republic Topic: United Arab Emiratesfederation of monarchies Topic: United Kingdomparliamentary constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Topic: United Statesconstitutional federal republic Topic: Uruguaypresidential republic Topic: Uzbekistanpresidential republic; highly authoritarian Topic: Vanuatuparliamentary republic Topic: Venezuelafederal presidential republic Topic: Vietnamcommunist state Topic: Virgin Islandsunincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches Topic: Wallis and Futunaparliamentary democracy (Territorial Assembly); overseas collectivity of France Topic: Yemenin transition Topic: Zambiapresidential republic Topic: Zimbabwepresidential republic

20220901

countries-aruba-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Aruba. 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. US Embassy/Consulate: US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Aruba; US citizens may call US Dept of State (202)-501-4444 for emergencies; alternate contact is the US General Council to Curacao [599] (9) 4613066; US Consulate General in Curacao, PO Box 158, J.B. Gorsiraweg 1, Curacao Telephone Code: 297 Local Emergency Phone: 911 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical marine, little seasonal temperature variation Currency (Code): Guilders/florins (AWG); USD accepted Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, F Major Languages: Papiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, French, elements of African languages, and the language of the Arawak) 69.4%, Spanish 13.7%, English 7.1%, Dutch (official) 6.1% Major Religions: Roman Catholic 75.3%, Protestant 4.9%, other 12% Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Arikok National Park (includes Boca Prins and Natural Pool); California Dunes and Lighthouse; Alto Vista Chapel Major Sports: Soccer, windsurfing, sailing Cultural Practices: Wearing swimwear around town is considered rude. Tipping Guidelines: Some bars and restaurants already add a 10-15% service charge. If you really like the service, you can still tip. Tipping $1-2 (USD) per bag is customary for the bellhops. Souvenirs: Woodcrafts, leather goods, pottery, jewelry, aloe/skin care productsPlease 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-papua-new-guinea

Topic: Photos of Papua New Guinea Topic: Introduction Background: Papua New Guinea (PNG) was first settled between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago. PNG’s harsh geography consisting of mountains, jungles, and numerous river valleys, kept many of the arriving groups isolated, giving rise to PNG’s incredible ethnic and linguistic diversity. Agriculture was independently developed by some of these groups. Around 500 B.C., Austronesian voyagers settled along the coast. Spanish and Portuguese explorers periodically visited the island starting in the 1500s, but none made it into the country’s interior. American and British whaling ships frequented the islands off the coast of New Guinea in the mid-1800s. In 1884, Germany declared a protectorate - and eventually a colony - over the northern part of what would become PNG and named it German New Guinea; days later the UK followed suit on the southern part and nearby islands and called it Papua. Most of their focus was on the coastal regions, leaving the highlands largely unexplored. The UK put its colony under Australian administration in 1902 and formalized the act in 1906. At the outbreak of World War I, Australia occupied German New Guinea and continued to rule it after the war as a League of Nations Mandate. The discovery of gold along the Bulolo River in the 1920s, led prospectors to venture into the highlands, where they found about 1 million people living in isolated communities. Japan invaded New Guinea in 1941 and reached Papua the following year. Allied victories during the New Guinea campaign pushed out the Japanese, and after the end of the war, Australia combined the two territories into one administration. Sir Michael SOMARE won elections in 1972 on the promise of achieving independence, which was realized in 1975. A secessionist movement in Bougainville, an island well endowed in copper and gold resources, reignited in 1988 with debates about land use, profits, and an influx of outsiders at the Panguna Copper Mine. Following elections in 1992, the PNG Government took a hardline stance against Bougainville rebels and the resulting civil war led to about 20,000 deaths. In 1997, the PNG Government hired mercenaries to support its troops in Bougainville, sparking an army mutiny and forcing the prime minister to resign. PNG and Bougainville signed a truce in 1997 and a peace agreement in 2001, which granted Bougainville autonomy. An internationally-monitored nonbinding referendum asking Bougainvilleans to chose independence or greater self-rule occurred in November 2019, with 98% of voters opting for independence.Papua New Guinea (PNG) was first settled between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago. PNG’s harsh geography consisting of mountains, jungles, and numerous river valleys, kept many of the arriving groups isolated, giving rise to PNG’s incredible ethnic and linguistic diversity. Agriculture was independently developed by some of these groups. Around 500 B.C., Austronesian voyagers settled along the coast. Spanish and Portuguese explorers periodically visited the island starting in the 1500s, but none made it into the country’s interior. American and British whaling ships frequented the islands off the coast of New Guinea in the mid-1800s. In 1884, Germany declared a protectorate - and eventually a colony - over the northern part of what would become PNG and named it German New Guinea; days later the UK followed suit on the southern part and nearby islands and called it Papua. Most of their focus was on the coastal regions, leaving the highlands largely unexplored. The UK put its colony under Australian administration in 1902 and formalized the act in 1906. At the outbreak of World War I, Australia occupied German New Guinea and continued to rule it after the war as a League of Nations Mandate. The discovery of gold along the Bulolo River in the 1920s, led prospectors to venture into the highlands, where they found about 1 million people living in isolated communities. Japan invaded New Guinea in 1941 and reached Papua the following year. Allied victories during the New Guinea campaign pushed out the Japanese, and after the end of the war, Australia combined the two territories into one administration. Sir Michael SOMARE won elections in 1972 on the promise of achieving independence, which was realized in 1975. A secessionist movement in Bougainville, an island well endowed in copper and gold resources, reignited in 1988 with debates about land use, profits, and an influx of outsiders at the Panguna Copper Mine. Following elections in 1992, the PNG Government took a hardline stance against Bougainville rebels and the resulting civil war led to about 20,000 deaths. In 1997, the PNG Government hired mercenaries to support its troops in Bougainville, sparking an army mutiny and forcing the prime minister to resign. PNG and Bougainville signed a truce in 1997 and a peace agreement in 2001, which granted Bougainville autonomy. An internationally-monitored nonbinding referendum asking Bougainvilleans to chose independence or greater self-rule occurred in November 2019, with 98% of voters opting for independence.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 147 00 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 462,840 sq km land: 452,860 sq km water: 9,980 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: total: 824 km border countries (1): Indonesia 824 km Coastline: 5,152 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm measured from claimed archipelagic baselines Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills Elevation: highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 667 m Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries Land use: agricultural land: 2.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.4% (2018 est.) forest: 63.1% (2018 est.) other: 34.3% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Sepik river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,126 km; Fly river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,050 km Population distribution: population concentrated in the highlands and eastern coastal areas on the island of New Guinea; predominantly a rural distribution with only about one-fifth of the population residing in urban areas Natural hazards: active volcanism; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamisvolcanism: severe volcanic activity; Ulawun (2,334 m), one of Papua New Guinea's potentially most dangerous volcanoes, 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; Rabaul (688 m) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and 1994; Lamington erupted in 1951 killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004 eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau, Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa; see note 2 under "Geography - note"active volcanism; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamisvolcanism: severe volcanic activity; Ulawun (2,334 m), one of Papua New Guinea's potentially most dangerous volcanoes, 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; Rabaul (688 m) destroyed the city of Rabaul in 1937 and 1994; Lamington erupted in 1951 killing 3,000 people; Manam's 2004 eruption forced the island's abandonment; other historically active volcanoes include Bam, Bagana, Garbuna, Karkar, Langila, Lolobau, Long Island, Pago, St. Andrew Strait, Victory, and Waiowa; see note 2 under "Geography - note" Geography - note: note 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 Map description: Papua New Guinea map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic Pacific Ocean country as well as parts of neighboring countries.Papua New Guinea map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic Pacific Ocean country as well as parts of neighboring countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 9,593,498 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Papua New Guinean(s) adjective: Papua New Guinean Ethnic groups: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian Languages: Tok Pisin (official), English (official), Hiri Motu (official), some 839 indigenous languages spoken (about 12% of the world's total); many languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2% Religions: Protestant 64.3% (Evangelical Lutheran 18.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.9%, Pentecostal 10.4%, United Church 10.3%, Evangelical Alliance 5.9%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.8%, Salvation Army .4%), Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 5.3%, non-Christian 1.4%, unspecified 3.1% (2011 est.) note: data represent only the citizen population; roughly 0.3% of the population are non-citizens, consisting of Christian 52% (predominantly Roman Catholic), other 10.7% , none 37.3% Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.98% (male 1,182,539/female 1,139,358) 15-24 years: 19.87% (male 731,453/female 711,164) 25-54 years: 37.68% (male 1,397,903/female 1,337,143) 55-64 years: 5.83% (male 218,529/female 204,717) 65 years and over: 4.64% (2020 est.) (male 164,734/female 171,916) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 63.2 youth dependency ratio: 57.4 elderly dependency ratio: 5.8 potential support ratio: 17.2 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 24 years male: 24 years female: 24 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.35% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 29.03 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.54 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population concentrated in the highlands and eastern coastal areas on the island of New Guinea; predominantly a rural distribution with only about one-fifth of the population residing in urban areas Urbanization: urban population: 13.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 400,000 PORT MORESBY (capital) (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: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.9 years (2016/18) note: median age a first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 145 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 33.59 deaths/1,000 live births male: 36.91 deaths/1,000 live births female: 30.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.43 years male: 67.76 years female: 71.19 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.92 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 36.7% (2016/18) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 86.2% of population rural: 41.5% of population total: 47.5% of population unimproved: urban: 13.8% of population rural: 58.5% of population total: 52.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 2.3% (2019) Physicians density: 0.07 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 57.8% of population rural: 18.2% of population total: 23.5% of population unimproved: urban: 42.2% of population rural: 81.8% of population total: 76.5% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.9% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 55,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 note: estimate does not include children 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: 21.3% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 39.3% (2020 est.) male: 53.5% (2020 est.) female: 25.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 27.8% (2009/11) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 8% women married by age 18: 27.3% men married by age 18: 3.7% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 1.9% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 64.2% male: 65.6% female: 62.8% (2015) People - note: the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of the most heterogeneous in the world; PNG has several thousand separate communities, most with only a few hundred people; divided by language, customs, and tradition, some of these communities have engaged in low-scale tribal conflict with their neighbors for millennia; the advent of modern weapons and modern migrants into urban areas has greatly magnified the impact of this lawlessness Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: rain forest loss as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; unsustainable logging practices result in soil erosion, water quality degredation, and loss of habitat and biodiversity; large-scale mining projects cause adverse impacts on forests and water quality (discharge of heavy metals, cyanide, and acids into rivers); severe drought; inappropriate farming practices accelerate land degradion (soil erosion, siltation, loss of soil fertility); destructive fishing practices and coastal pollution due to run-off from land-based activities and oil spills Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, 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 signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.91 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.05 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation Land use: agricultural land: 2.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.4% (2018 est.) forest: 63.1% (2018 est.) other: 34.3% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 13.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 2.08% 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: 1 million tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 20,000 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 2% (2016 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Sepik river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,126 km; Fly river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,050 km Total water withdrawal: municipal: 223.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 167.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 801 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea conventional short form: Papua New Guinea local short form: Papuaniugini former: German New Guinea, British New Guinea, Territory of Papua and New Guinea abbreviation: PNG etymology: the word "papua" derives from the Malay "papuah" describing the frizzy hair of the Melanesians; Spanish explorer Ynigo ORTIZ de RETEZ applied the term "Nueva Guinea" to the island of New Guinea in 1545 after noting the resemblance of the locals to the peoples of the Guinea coast of Africa Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Port Moresby geographic coordinates: 9 27 S, 147 11 E time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Papua New Guinea has two time zones, including Bougainville (UTC+11) etymology: named in 1873 by Captain John Moresby (1830-1922) in honor of his father, British Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby (1786-1877) Administrative divisions: 20 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1 district**; Bougainville*, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Hela, Jiwaka, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital**, New Ireland, Northern, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain, West Sepik Independence: 16 September 1975 (from the Australia-administered UN trusteeship) National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975) Constitution: history: adopted 15 August 1975, effective at independence 16 September 1975 amendments: proposed by the National Parliament; passage has prescribed majority vote requirements depending on the constitutional sections being amended – absolute majority, two-thirds majority, or three-fourths majority; amended many times, last in 2016 Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law and customary law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Papua New Guinea dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Parliament (111 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies - 89 local, 20 provinicial, the autonomous province of Bouganville, and the National Capital District - by majority preferential vote; members serve 5-year terms); note - the constitution allows up to 126 seats elections: last held from 24 June 2017 to 8 July 2017 (next to be held in June 2022) election results: percent of vote by party - PNC 37%; NA 13%; Pangu 14%; URP 11%; PPP 4%; SDP 4%; Independents 3%; and smaller parties 14%; seats by party - NA; composition - men 108, women 3, percent of women 3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, deputy chief justice, 35 justices, and 5 acting justices); National Courts (consists of 13 courts located in the provincial capitals, with a total of 19 resident judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor general upon advice of the National Executive Council (cabinet) after consultation with the National Justice Administration minister; deputy chief justice and other justices appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body that includes the Supreme Court chief and deputy chief justices, the chief ombudsman, and a member of the National Parliament; full-time citizen judges appointed for 10-year renewable terms; non-citizen judges initially appointed for 3-year renewable terms and after first renewal can serve until age 70; appointment and tenure of National Court resident judges NA subordinate courts: district, village, and juvenile courts, military courts, taxation courts, coronial courts, mining warden courts, land courts, traffic courts, committal courts, grade five courts Political parties and leaders: National Alliance Party or NAP [Patrick PRUAITCH] Papua and Niugini Union Party or PANGU [Sam BASIL] Papua New Guinea Party or PNGP [Belden NAMAH] People's National Congress Party or PNC [Peter Paire O'NEILL] People's Party or PP [Peter IPATAS] People's Progress Party or PPP [Sir Julius CHAN] Social Democratic Party or SDP [Powes PARKOP] Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party or THE [Don POLYE] United Resources Party or URP [William DUMA] note: as of 8 July 2017, 45 political parties were registered International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CD, CP, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d’Affaires Cephas KAYO, Minister (since 31 January 2018) chancery: 1825 K Street NW, Suite 1010, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680 FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679 email address and website: info@pngembassy.org http://www.pngembassy.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Joe ZADROZNY (since 14 April 2022); note - also accredited to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu embassy: P.O. Box 1492, Port Moresby mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby Place, Washington DC  20521-4240 telephone: [675] 308-2100 email address and website: ConsularPortMoresby@state.gov https://pg.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered; red, black, and yellow are traditional colors of Papua New Guinea; the bird of paradise - endemic to the island of New Guinea - is an emblem of regional tribal culture and represents the emergence of Papua New Guinea as a nation; the Southern Cross, visible in the night sky, symbolizes Papua New Guinea's connection with Australia and several other countries in the South Pacific National symbol(s): bird of paradise; national colors: red, black National anthem: name: "O Arise All You Sons" lyrics/music: Thomas SHACKLADY note: adopted 1975 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Kuk Early Agricultural Site Topic: Economy Economic overview: Papua New Guinea (PNG) is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain, land tenure issues, and the high cost of developing infrastructure. The economy has a small formal sector, focused mainly on the export of those natural resources, and an informal sector, employing the majority of the population. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the people. The global financial crisis had little impact because of continued foreign demand for PNG's commodities.   Mineral deposits, including copper, gold, and oil, account for nearly two-thirds of export earnings. Natural gas reserves amount to an estimated 155 billion cubic meters. Following construction of a $19 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, PNG LNG, a consortium led by ExxonMobil, began exporting liquefied natural gas to Asian markets in May 2014. The project was delivered on time and only slightly above budget. The success of the project has encouraged other companies to look at similar LNG projects. French supermajor Total is hopes to begin construction on the Papua LNG project by 2020. Due to lower global commodity prices, resource revenues of all types have fallen dramatically. PNG’s government has recently been forced to adjust spending levels downward.   Numerous challenges still face the government of Peter O'NEILL, including providing physical security for foreign investors, regaining investor confidence, restoring integrity to state institutions, promoting economic efficiency by privatizing moribund state institutions, and maintaining good relations with Australia, its former colonial ruler. Other socio-cultural challenges could upend the economy including chronic law and order and land tenure issues. In August, 2017, PNG launched its first-ever national trade policy, PNG Trade Policy 2017-2032. The policy goal is to maximize trade and investment by increasing exports, to reduce imports, and to increase foreign direct investment (FDI).Papua New Guinea (PNG) is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain, land tenure issues, and the high cost of developing infrastructure. The economy has a small formal sector, focused mainly on the export of those natural resources, and an informal sector, employing the majority of the population. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the people. The global financial crisis had little impact because of continued foreign demand for PNG's commodities. Mineral deposits, including copper, gold, and oil, account for nearly two-thirds of export earnings. Natural gas reserves amount to an estimated 155 billion cubic meters. Following construction of a $19 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, PNG LNG, a consortium led by ExxonMobil, began exporting liquefied natural gas to Asian markets in May 2014. The project was delivered on time and only slightly above budget. The success of the project has encouraged other companies to look at similar LNG projects. French supermajor Total is hopes to begin construction on the Papua LNG project by 2020. Due to lower global commodity prices, resource revenues of all types have fallen dramatically. PNG’s government has recently been forced to adjust spending levels downward. Numerous challenges still face the government of Peter O'NEILL, including providing physical security for foreign investors, regaining investor confidence, restoring integrity to state institutions, promoting economic efficiency by privatizing moribund state institutions, and maintaining good relations with Australia, its former colonial ruler. Other socio-cultural challenges could upend the economy including chronic law and order and land tenure issues. In August, 2017, PNG launched its first-ever national trade policy, PNG Trade Policy 2017-2032. The policy goal is to maximize trade and investment by increasing exports, to reduce imports, and to increase foreign direct investment (FDI). Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $36.69 billion (2020 est.) $38.17 billion (2019 est.) $36.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.5% (2017 est.) 1.6% (2016 est.) 5.3% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $4,100 (2020 est.) $4,300 (2019 est.) $4,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $19.82 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.4% (2017 est.) 6.7% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: B2 (2016) Standard & Poors rating: B- (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 22.1% (2017 est.) industry: 42.9% (2017 est.) services: 35% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 43.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 10% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 49.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -22.3% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: oil palm fruit, bananas, coconuts, fruit, sweet potatoes, game meat, yams, roots/tubers nes, vegetables, taro Industries: copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production; mining (gold, silver, copper); crude oil and petroleum products; construction, tourism, livestock (pork, poultry, cattle), dairy products, spice products (turmeric, vanilla, ginger, cardamom, chili, pepper, citronella, and nutmeg), fisheries products Industrial production growth rate: 3.3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 3.681 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 85% industry: NA services: NA Unemployment rate: 2.5% (2017 est.) 2.5% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: 37% (2002 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 50.9 (1996) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.7% highest 10%: 40.5% (1996) Budget: revenues: 3.638 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.591 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -4.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 36.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 36.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 18.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $4.859 billion (2017 est.) $4.569 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $10.6 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.224 billion (2016 est.) Exports - partners: Australia 26%, China 26%, Japan 22%, Taiwan 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: natural gas, gold, copper, lumber, crude petroleum, nickel, palm oil, fish, coffee (2019) Imports: $4.84 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.077 billion (2016 est.) Imports - partners: Australia 33%, China 19%, Singapore 14%, Malaysia 9% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, excavation machinery, crude petroleum, foodstuffs, delivery trucks (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $1.735 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.656 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $17.94 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $18.28 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: kina (PGK) per US dollar - 3.5131 (2020 est.) 3.4042 (2019 est.) 3.36915 (2018 est.) 2.7684 (2014 est.) 2.4614 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 58.9% (2018) electrification - urban areas: 82% (2018) electrification - rural areas: 55.4% (2018) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) 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: 37,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 38,200 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 60,300 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 27,400 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 159.7 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 22,170 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 17,110 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 11,784,065,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 166.984 million cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 11,764,498,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 183.125 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 6.491 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 11.316 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 166,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4.818 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 54 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: fixed-line teledensity in Papua New Guinea has seen little change over the past two decades; progress in the country’s telecom sector has come primarily from mobile networks, where accessibility has expanded considerably in recent years, with population coverage increasing from less than 3% in 2006 to more than 90% by early 2021; Digitec Communications ,operating under the Vodafone PNG banner, launched services in April 2022, becoming the country’s third mobile network operator (MNO), and joining Digicel and Bmobile; the three MNOs operate networks offering services based on GSM, 3G, and LTE, depending on location; GSM is prevalent in many rural and remote areas, while 3G and LTE are centred more on urban areas. MNOs’ investments in 4G are growing, though GSM still represents the bulk of all mobile connections owing to the low penetration of smartphones and the concentration of high-speed data networks predominantly in high value urban areas; a lack of sufficient competition and investment in the wire line segment has driven up prices and hampered network coverage and quality; infrastructure deployment costs are high, partly due to the relatively low subscriber base, the difficult terrain, and the high proportion of the population living in rural areas; fixed telecom infrastructure is almost non-existent outside urban centers, leaving most of the population unserved; PNG is the Pacific region’s largest poorly developed telecom market, with only around 22% of its people connected to the internet; this falls far behind the recommended targets set in the country’s National Broadband Policy drafted in 2013, which aimed to provide broadband access to 90% of the total population by 2018; the existing submarine cable infrastructure is insufficient to serve the country’s needs; low international capacity has meant that internet services are expensive and slow; internet access has improved, however, with the Coral Sea Cable System which came online in 2019; the cable links PNG to the Solomon Islands and Australia (landing at Sydney); despite the improvement in recent years, the country is still impacted by a connectivity infrastructure deficit, making it reliant on more expensive alternatives such as satellites, also weighing on the affordability of services for end-users; after Chinese investors expressed their interest in acquiring the financially troubled Digicel Pacific, the Australian government decided to back Telstra’s purchase of the operator, in a bid to limit Chinese expansion and influence in the region; the transaction will include Digicel’s units in Fiji, Nauru, PNG (its largest market), Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu; as part of its efforts to promote itself in the region, and to counter the growing influence of China’s telcos, the Australian government provided the bulk of the funds to complete the deal; in June 2021, the National Executive Council voted to abolish Kumul Telikom Holdings, and in September 2021 the government announced its decision to merge the state-owned telcos Bmobile and Telikom, creating a more efficient vertically integrated operator. (2022) domestic: access to telephone services is not widely available; fixed-line nearly 2 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 48 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 675; landing points for the Kumul Domestic Submarine Cable System, PNG-LNG, APNG-2, CSCS and the PPC-1 submarine cables to Australia, Guam, PNG and Solomon Islands; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 4 TV stations: 1 commercial station operating since 1987, 1 state-run station launched in 2008, 1 digital free-to-view network launched in 2014, and 1 satellite network Click TV (PNGTV) launched in 2015; the state-run National Broadcasting Corporation operates 3 radio networks with multiple repeaters and about 20 provincial stations; several commercial radio stations with multiple transmission points as well as several community stations; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible (2018) Internet country code: .pg Internet users: total: 965,373 (2019 est.) percent of population: 11% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 21,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: P2 Airports: total: 561 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 21 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 540 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 53 under 914 m: 476 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Pipelines: 264 km oil (2013) Roadways: total: 9,349 km (2011) paved: 3,000 km (2011) unpaved: 6,349 km (2011) Waterways: 11,000 km (2011) Merchant marine: total: 177 by type: container ship 6, general cargo 81, oil tanker 3, other 87 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Kimbe, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Wewak LNG terminal(s) (export): Port Moresby Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF; includes land, maritime, and air elements); Ministry of Police: Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (2022) Military expenditures: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 0.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $100 million) 0.3% of GDP (2018) (approximately $100 million) 0.3% of GDP (2017) (approximately $110 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 3,000 active duty troops (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 16 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (2021) Military - note: as 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Papua New Guinea-Australia: relies on assistance from Australia to keep out illegal cross-border activities from primarily Indonesia, including goods smuggling, illegal narcotics trafficking, and squatters and secessionistsPapua New Guinea-Australia: relies on assistance from Australia to keep out illegal cross-border activities from primarily Indonesia, including goods smuggling, illegal narcotics trafficking, and squatters and secessionists Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 11,601 (Indonesia) (mid-year 2021) IDPs: 24,000 (natural disasters, tribal conflict, inter-communal violence, development projects) (2021) stateless persons: 9 (mid-year 2021) Trafficking in persons: current 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) Illicit drugs: transit point for smuggling drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine; major consumer of cannabistransit point for smuggling drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine; major consumer of cannabis

20220901

field-population-below-poverty-line

National estimates of the percentage of the population falling below the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the results weighted by the number of people in each group. Definitions of poverty vary considerably among nations. For example, rich nations generally employ more generous standards of poverty than poor nations. Topic: Afghanistan54.5% (2016 est.) Topic: Albania14.3% (2012 est.) Topic: Algeria5.5% (2011 est.) Topic: American SamoaNA Topic: Angola32.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Anguilla23% (2002 est.) Topic: Antigua and BarbudaNA Topic: Argentina35.5% (2019 est.) Topic: Armenia26.4% (2019 est.) Topic: ArubaNA Topic: Austria13.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan4.9% (2015 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The9.3% (2010 est.) Topic: BahrainNA Topic: Bangladesh24.3% (2016 est.) Topic: BarbadosNA Topic: Belarus5% (2019 est.) Topic: Belgium14.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Belize41% (2013 est.) Topic: Benin38.5% (2019 est.) Topic: Bermuda11% (2008 est.) Topic: Bhutan8.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Bolivia37.2% (2019 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina16.9% (2015 est.) Topic: Botswana19.3% (2009 est.) Topic: Brazil4.2% (2016 est.) note: approximately 4% of the population are below the "extreme" poverty line Topic: British Virgin IslandsNA Topic: BruneiNA Topic: Bulgaria23.8% (2019 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso41.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Burma24.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Burundi64.6% (2014 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde35% (2015 est.) Topic: Cambodia16.5% (2016 est.) Topic: Cameroon37.5% (2014 est.) Topic: Canada9.4% (2008 est.) note: this figure is the Low Income Cut-Off, a calculation that results in higher figures than found in many comparable economies; Canada does not have an official poverty line Topic: Cayman IslandsNA Topic: Central African Republic62% (2008 est.) NA Topic: Chad42.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Chile8.6% (2017 est.) Topic: China0.6% (2019 est.) Topic: Colombia35.7% (2019 est.) Topic: Comoros42.4% (2013 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the63% (2014 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the40.9% (2011 est.) Topic: Cook IslandsNA Topic: Costa Rica21% (2019 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire39.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Croatia18.3% (2018 est.) Topic: CubaNA Topic: Cyprus14.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Czechia10.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Denmark12.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Djibouti21.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Dominica29% (2009 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic21% (2019 est.) Topic: Ecuador25% (2019 est.) Topic: Egypt32.5% (2017 est.) Topic: El Salvador22.8% (2019 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea44% (2011 est.) Topic: Eritrea50% (2004 est.) Topic: Estonia21.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Eswatini58.9% (2016 est.) Topic: Ethiopia23.5% (2015 est.) Topic: European Union9.8% (2013 est.) note: see individual country entries of member states Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)NA Topic: Faroe Islands10% (2015 est.) Topic: Fiji29.9% (2019 est.) Topic: Finland12.2% (2019 est.) Topic: France13.6% (2018 est.) Topic: French Polynesia19.7% (2009 est.) Topic: Gabon33.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, The48.6% (2015 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip30% (2011 est.) note: data exclude the West Bank Topic: Georgia19.5% (2019 est.) Topic: Germany14.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Ghana23.4% (2016 est.) Topic: GibraltarNA Topic: Greece17.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Greenland16.2% (2015 est.) Topic: Grenada38% (2008 est.) Topic: Guam23% (2001 est.) Topic: Guatemala59.3% (2014 est.) Topic: GuernseyNA Topic: Guinea43.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau67% (2015 est.) Topic: Guyana35% (2006 est.) Topic: Haiti58.5% (2012 est.) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)NA Topic: Honduras48.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Hong Kong19.9% (2016 est.) Topic: Hungary12.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Iceland8.8% (2017 est.) Topic: India21.9% (2011 est.) Topic: Indonesia9.4% (2019 est.) Topic: Iran18.7% (2007 est.) Topic: Iraq23% (2014 est.) Topic: Ireland13.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Isle of ManNA Topic: Israel22% (2014 est.) note: Israel's poverty line is $7.30 per person per day Topic: Italy20.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Jamaica17.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Japan16.1% (2013 est.) Topic: JerseyNA Topic: Jordan15.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan4.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Kenya36.1% (2015 est.) Topic: KiribatiNA Topic: Korea, NorthNA Topic: Korea, South14.4% (2016 est.) Topic: Kosovo17.6% (2015 est.) Topic: KuwaitNA Topic: Kyrgyzstan20.1% (2019 est.) Topic: Laos18.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Latvia22.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Lebanon27.4% (2011 est.) Topic: Lesotho49.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Liberia50.9% (2016 est.) Topic: Libyanote: 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 Topic: LiechtensteinNA Topic: Lithuania20.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Luxembourg17.5% (2018 est.) Topic: MacauNA Topic: Madagascar70.7% (2012 est.) Topic: Malawi51.5% (2016 est.) Topic: Malaysia5.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Maldives8.2% (2016 est.) Topic: Mali42.1% (2019 est.) Topic: Malta17.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Marshall IslandsNA Topic: Mauritania31% (2014 est.) Topic: Mauritius10.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Mexico41.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of41.2% (2013 est.) Topic: Moldova7.3% (2018 est.) Topic: MonacoNA Topic: Mongolia28.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Montenegro24.5% (2018 est.) Topic: MontserratNA Topic: Morocco4.8% (2013 est.) Topic: Mozambique46.1% (2014 est.) Topic: Namibia17.4% (2015 est.) Topic: NauruNA Topic: Nepal25.2% (2011 est.) Topic: Netherlands13.6% (2019 est.) Topic: New Caledonia17% (2008) Topic: New ZealandNA Topic: Nicaragua24.9% (2016 est.) Topic: Niger40.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Nigeria40.1% (2018 est.) Topic: NiueNA Topic: North Macedonia21.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsNA Topic: Norway12.7% (2018 est.) Topic: OmanNA Topic: Pakistan24.3% (2015 est.) Topic: Palau24.9% (2006) NA Topic: Panama22.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea37% (2002 est.) Topic: Paraguay23.5% (2019 est.) Topic: Peru20.2% (2019 est.) Topic: Philippines16.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Poland15.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Portugal17.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Puerto RicoNA Topic: QatarNA Topic: Romania23.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Russia12.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Rwanda38.2% (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaNA Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisNA Topic: Saint Lucia25% (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonNA Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesNA Topic: Samoa20.3% (2013 est.) Topic: San MarinoNA Topic: Sao Tome and Principe66.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Saudi ArabiaNA Topic: Senegal46.7% (2011 est.) Topic: Serbia23.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Seychelles25.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone56.8% (2018 est.) Topic: SingaporeNA Topic: Slovakia11.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Slovenia12% (2018 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands12.7% (2012 est.) Topic: SomaliaNA Topic: South Africa55.5% (2014 est.) Topic: South Sudan76.4% (2016 est.) Topic: Spain20.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka4.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Sudan46.5% (2009 est.) Topic: Suriname70% (2002 est.) Topic: Sweden17.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Switzerland16% (2018 est.) Topic: Syria82.5% (2014 est.) Topic: Taiwan1.5% (2012 est.) Topic: Tajikistan26.3% (2019 est.) Topic: Tanzania26.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Thailand9.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste41.8% (2014 est.) Topic: Togo55.1% (2015 est.) Topic: TokelauNA Topic: Tonga22.5% (2010 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago20% (2014 est.) Topic: Tunisia15.2% (2015 est.) Topic: Turkey14.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan0.2% (2012 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsNA Topic: Tuvalu26.3% (2010 est.) Topic: Uganda21.4% (2016 est.) Topic: Ukraine1.1% (2019 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates19.5% (2003 est.) Topic: United Kingdom18.6% (2017 est.) Topic: United States15.1% (2010 est.) Topic: Uruguay8.8% (2019 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan14.1% (2013 est.) Topic: VanuatuNA Topic: Venezuela33.1% (2015 est.) Topic: Vietnam6.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands28.9% (2002 est.) Topic: Wallis and FutunaNA Topic: West Bank18% (2011 est.) Topic: Yemen48.6% (2014 est.) Topic: Zambia54.4% (2015 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe38.3% (2019 est.)

20220901

field-religions

This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. The core characteristics and beliefs of the world's major religions are described below. Baha'i - Founded by Mirza Husayn-Ali (known as Baha'u'llah) in Iran in 1852, Baha'i faith emphasizes monotheism and believes in one eternal transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to encourage the unity of all peoples on the earth so that justice and peace may be achieved on earth. Baha'i revelation contends the prophets of major world religions reflect some truth or element of the divine, believes all were manifestations of God given to specific communities in specific times, and that Baha'u'llah is an additional prophet meant to call all humankind. Bahais are an open community, located worldwide, with the greatest concentration of believers in South Asia. Buddhism - Religion or philosophy inspired by the 5th century B.C. teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Gautama Buddha "the enlightened one"). Buddhism focuses on the goal of spiritual enlightenment centered on an understanding of Gautama Buddha's Four Noble Truths on the nature of suffering, and on the Eightfold Path of spiritual and moral practice, to break the cycle of suffering of which we are a part. Buddhism ascribes to a karmic system of rebirth. Several schools and sects of Buddhism exist, differing often on the nature of the Buddha, the extent to which enlightenment can be achieved (for one or for all) and by whom (religious orders or laity). Basic Groupings    Theravada Buddhism: The oldest Buddhist school, Theravada is practiced mostly in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, with minority representation elsewhere in Asia and the West. Theravadans follow the Pali Canon of Buddha's teachings, and believe that one may escape the cycle of rebirth, worldly attachment, and suffering for oneself; this process may take one or several lifetimes.    Mahayana Buddhism, including subsets Zen and Tibetan (Lamaistic) Buddhism: Forms of Mahayana Buddhism are common in East Asia and Tibet, and parts of the West. Mahayanas have additional scriptures beyond the Pali Canon and believe the Buddha is eternal and still teaching. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana schools maintain the Buddha-nature is present in all beings and all will ultimately achieve enlightenment.     Hoa Hao: a minority tradition of Buddhism practiced in Vietnam that stresses lay participation, primarily by peasant farmers; it eschews expensive ceremonies and temples and relocates the primary practices into the home. Christianity - Descending from Judaism, Christianity's central belief maintains Jesus of Nazareth is the promised messiah of the Hebrew Scriptures, and that his life, death, and resurrection are salvific for the world. Christianity is one of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, along with Islam and Judaism, which traces its spiritual lineage to Abraham of the Hebrew Scriptures. Its sacred texts include the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament (or the Christian Gospels). Basic Groupings    Catholicism (or Roman Catholicism): This is the oldest established western Christian church and the world's largest single religious body. It is supranational, and recognizes a hierarchical structure with the Pope, or Bishop of Rome, as its head, located at the Vatican. Catholics believe the Pope is the divinely ordered head of the Church from a direct spiritual legacy of Jesus' apostle Peter. Catholicism is comprised of 23 particular Churches, or Rites - one Western (Roman or Latin-Rite) and 22 Eastern. The Latin Rite is by far the largest, making up about 98% of Catholic membership. Eastern-Rite Churches, such as the Maronite Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church, are in communion with Rome although they preserve their own worship traditions and their immediate hierarchy consists of clergy within their own rite. The Catholic Church has a comprehensive theological and moral doctrine specified for believers in its catechism, which makes it unique among most forms of Christianity.    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: The Church was organized in 1830 and teaches that it is the restoration of Jesus Christ's original church. It embraces salvation through Christ, personal revelation, and has an open canon, including the King James Bible and the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Christ's divinity. The Book of Mormon maintains there was an appearance of Jesus in the New World following the Christian account of his resurrection, and that the Americas are uniquely blessed continents. The Church has a centralized doctrine and leadership structure, but has volunteer, lay clergy who oversee local congregations in 176 countries and territories.     Jehovah's Witnesses structure their faith on the Christian Bible, but their rejection of the Trinity is distinct from mainstream Christianity. They believe that a Kingdom of God, the Theocracy, will emerge following Armageddon and usher in a new earthly society. Adherents are required to evangelize and to follow a strict moral code.    Orthodox Christianity: The oldest established eastern form of Christianity, the Holy Orthodox Church, has a ceremonial head in the Bishop of Constantinople (Istanbul), also known as a Patriarch, but its various regional forms (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox) are autocephalous (independent of Constantinople's authority, and have their own Patriarchs). Orthodox churches are highly nationalist and ethnic. The Orthodox Christian faith shares many theological tenets with the Roman Catholic Church, but diverges on some key premises and does not recognize the governing authority of the Pope.    Protestant Christianity: Protestant Christianity originated in the 16th century as an attempt to reform Roman Catholicism's practices, dogma, and theology. It encompasses several forms or denominations which are extremely varied in structure, beliefs, relationship to national governments, clergy, and governance. Many protestant theologies emphasize the primary role of scripture in their faith, advocating individual interpretation of Christian texts without the mediation of a final religious authority such as the Roman Pope. The oldest Protestant denominations include Lutheranism, Calvinism (Presbyterianism), and Anglican Christianity (Episcopalianism), which have established liturgies, governing structure, and formal clergy. Other variants on Protestant Christianity, including Pentecostal movements and independent churches, may lack one or more of these elements, and their leadership and beliefs are individualized and dynamic. Hinduism - Originating in the Vedic civilization of India (second and first millennium B.C.), Hinduism is an extremely diverse set of beliefs and practices with no single founder or religious authority. Hinduism has many scriptures; the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita are among some of the most important. Hindus may worship one or many deities, usually with prayer rituals within their own home. The most common figures of devotion are the gods Vishnu, Shiva, and a mother goddess, Devi. Most Hindus believe the soul, or atman, is eternal, and goes through a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) determined by one's positive or negative karma, or the consequences of one's actions. The goal of religious life is to learn to act so as to finally achieve liberation (moksha) of one's soul, escaping the rebirth cycle. Islam - One of the three monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, Islam originated with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that the Qu'ran, which is the Islamic scripture, was revealed to him by God. Islam derives from the word submission, and obedience to God is a primary theme in this religion. In order to live an Islamic life, believers must follow the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, which are the testimony of faith (shahada), daily prayer (salah), giving alms (zakah), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Basic Groupings    The two primary branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia, which split from each other over a religio-political leadership dispute about the rightful successor to Muhammad. The Shia believe Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was the only divinely ordained Imam (religious leader), while the Sunni maintain the first three caliphs after Muhammad were also legitimate authorities. In modern Islam, Sunnis and Shia continue to have different views of acceptable schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and who is a proper Islamic religious authority. Islam also has an active mystical branch, Sufism, with various Sunni and Shia subsets.     Sunni Islam accounts for over 87-90% of the world's Muslim population. It recognizes the Abu Bakr as the first caliph after Muhammad. Sunni has four schools of Islamic doctrine and law - Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali - which uniquely interpret the Hadith, or recorded oral traditions of Muhammad. A Sunni Muslim may elect to follow any one of these schools, as all are considered equally valid.     Shia Islam represents 10-13% of Muslims worldwide, and its distinguishing feature is its reverence for Ali as an infallible, divinely inspired leader, and as the first Imam of the Muslim community after Muhammad. A majority of Shia are known as "Twelvers," because they believe that the 11 familial successor imams after Muhammad culminate in a 12th Imam (al-Mahdi) who is hidden in the world and will reappear at its end to redeem the righteous. Variants    Ismaili faith: A sect of Shia Islam, its adherents are also known as "Seveners," because they believe that the rightful seventh Imam in Islamic leadership was Isma'il, the elder son of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq. Ismaili tradition awaits the return of the seventh Imam as the Mahdi, or Islamic messianic figure. Ismailis are located in various parts of the world, particularly South Asia and the Levant.    Alawi faith: Another Shia sect of Islam, the name reflects followers' devotion to the religious authority of Ali. Alawites are a closed, secretive religious group who assert they are Shia Muslims, although outside scholars speculate their beliefs may have a syncretic mix with other faiths originating in the Middle East. Alawis live mostly in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.    Druze faith: A highly secretive tradition and a closed community that derives from the Ismaili sect of Islam; its core beliefs are thought to emphasize a combination of Gnostic principles believing that the Fatimid caliph, al-Hakin, is the one who embodies the key aspects of goodness of the universe, which are, the intellect, the word, the soul, the preceder, and the follower. The Druze have a key presence in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Jainism - Originating in India, Jain spiritual philosophy believes in an eternal human soul, the eternal universe, and a principle of "the own nature of things." It emphasizes compassion for all living things, seeks liberation of the human soul from reincarnation through enlightenment, and values personal responsibility due to the belief in the immediate consequences of one's behavior. Jain philosophy teaches non-violence and prescribes vegetarianism for monks and laity alike; its adherents are a highly influential religious minority in Indian society. Judaism - One of the first known monotheistic religions, likely dating to between 2000-1500 B.C., Judaism is the native faith of the Jewish people, based upon the belief in a covenant of responsibility between a sole omnipotent creator God and Abraham, the patriarch of Judaism's Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh. Divine revelation of principles and prohibitions in the Hebrew Scriptures form the basis of Jewish law, or halakhah, which is a key component of the faith. While there are extensive traditions of Jewish halakhic and theological discourse, there is no final dogmatic authority in the tradition. Local communities have their own religious leadership. Modern Judaism has three basic categories of faith: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Liberal. These differ in their views and observance of Jewish law, with the Orthodox representing the most traditional practice, and Reform/Liberal communities the most accommodating of individualized interpretations of Jewish identity and faith. Shintoism - A native animist tradition of Japan, Shinto practice is based upon the premise that every being and object has its own spirit or kami. Shinto practitioners worship several particular kamis, including the kamis of nature, and families often have shrines to their ancestors' kamis. Shintoism has no fixed tradition of prayers or prescribed dogma, but is characterized by individual ritual. Respect for the kamis in nature is a key Shinto value. Prior to the end of World War II, Shinto was the state religion of Japan, and bolstered the cult of the Japanese emperor. Sikhism - Founded by the Guru Nanak (born 1469), Sikhism believes in a non-anthropomorphic, supreme, eternal, creator God; centering one's devotion to God is seen as a means of escaping the cycle of rebirth. Sikhs follow the teachings of Nanak and nine subsequent gurus. Their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib - also known as the Adi Granth - is considered the living Guru, or final authority of Sikh faith and theology. Sikhism emphasizes equality of humankind and disavows caste, class, or gender discrimination. Taoism - Chinese philosophy or religion based upon Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, which centers on belief in the Tao, or the way, as the flow of the universe and the nature of things. Taoism encourages a principle of non-force, or wu-wei, as the means to live harmoniously with the Tao. Taoists believe the esoteric world is made up of a perfect harmonious balance and nature, while in the manifest world - particularly in the body - balance is distorted. The Three Jewels of the Tao - compassion, simplicity, and humility - serve as the basis for Taoist ethics. Zoroastrianism - Originating from the teachings of Zoroaster in about the 9th or 10th century B.C., Zoroastrianism may be the oldest continuing creedal religion. Its key beliefs center on a transcendent creator God, Ahura Mazda, and the concept of free will. The key ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism expressed in its scripture, the Avesta, are based on a dualistic worldview where one may prevent chaos if one chooses to serve God and exercises good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrianism is generally a closed religion and members are almost always born to Zoroastrian parents. Prior to the spread of Islam, Zoroastrianism dominated greater Iran. Today, though a minority, Zoroastrians remain primarily in Iran, India (where they are known as Parsi), and Pakistan. Traditional beliefs     Animism: the belief that non-human entities contain souls or spirits.     Badimo: a form of ancestor worship of the Tswana people of Botswana.     Confucianism: an ideology that humans are perfectible through self-cultivation and self-creation; developed from teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Confucianism has strongly influenced the culture and beliefs of East Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.     Inuit beliefs: a form of shamanism (see below) based on the animistic principles of the Inuit or Eskimo peoples.     Kirant: the belief system of the Kirat, a people who live mainly in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is primarily a form of polytheistic shamanism, but includes elements of animism and ancestor worship.     Pagan is a blanket term used to describe many unconnected belief practices throughout history, usually in reference to religions outside of the Abrahamic category (monotheistic faiths including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).     Shamanism: beliefs and practices promoting communication with the spiritual world. Shamanistic beliefs are organized around a shaman or medicine man who - as an intermediary between the human and spirit world - is believed to be able to heal the sick (by healing their souls), communicate with the spirit world, and help souls into the afterlife through the practice of entering a trance. In shaman-based religions, the shaman is also responsible for leading sacred rites.     Spiritualism: the belief that souls and spirits communicate with the living usually through intermediaries called mediums. Syncretic (fusion of diverse religious beliefs and practices)     Cao Dai: a nationalistic Vietnamese sect, officially established in 1926, that draws practices and precepts from Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Catholicism.     Chondogyo: or the religion of the Heavenly Way, is based on Korean shamanism, Buddhism, and Korean folk traditions, with some elements drawn from Christianity. Formulated in the 1860s, it holds that God lives in all of us and strives to convert society into a paradise on earth, populated by believers transformed into intelligent moral beings with a high social conscience.     Kimbanguism: a puritan form of the Baptist denomination founded by Simon Kimbangu in the 1920s in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Adherents believe that salvation comes through Jesus' death and resurrection, like Christianity, but additionally that living a spiritually pure life following strict codes of conduct is required for salvation.     Modekngei: a hybrid of Christianity and ancient Palauan culture and oral traditions founded around 1915 on the island of Babeldaob. Adherents simultaneously worship Jesus Christ and Palauan goddesses.     Rastafarianism: an afro-centrist ideology and movement based on Christianity that arose in Jamaica in the 1930s; it believes that Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-74, was the incarnation of the second coming of Jesus.     Santeria: practiced in Cuba, the merging of the Yoruba religion of Nigeria with Roman Catholicism and native Indian traditions. Its practitioners believe that each person has a destiny and eventually transcends to merge with the divine creator and source of all energy, Olorun.     Voodoo/Vodun: a form of spirit and ancestor worship combined with some Christian faiths, especially Catholicism. Haitian and Louisiana Voodoo, which have included more Catholic practices, are separate from West African Vodun, which has retained a focus on spirit worship. Non-religious     Agnosticism: the belief that most things are unknowable. In regard to religion, it is usually characterized as neither a belief nor non-belief in a deity.     Atheism: the belief that there are no deities of any kind. Topic: AfghanistanMuslim 99.7% (Sunni 84.7 - 89.7%, Shia 10 - 15%), other <0.3% (2009 est.) Topic: AlbaniaMuslim 56.7%, Roman Catholic 10%, Orthodox 6.8%, atheist 2.5%, Bektashi (a Sufi order) 2.1%, other 5.7%, unspecified 16.2% (2011 est.) note: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice Topic: AlgeriaMuslim (official; predominantly Sunni) 99%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Ahmadi Muslims, Shia Muslims, Ibadi  Muslims) <1% (2012 est.) Topic: American SamoaChristian 98.3%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.) Topic: AndorraChristian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 89.5, other 8.8%, unaffiliated 1.7% (2020 est.) Topic: AngolaRoman Catholic 41.1%, Protestant 38.1%, other 8.6%, none 12.3% (2014 est.) Topic: AnguillaProtestant 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.) Topic: Antigua and BarbudaProtestant 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.) Topic: ArgentinaRoman Catholic 62.9%, Evangelical 15.3% (Pentecostal 13%, other Evangelical 2.3%), Jehovah's Witness and Church of Jesus Christ 1.4%, other 1.2% (includes Muslim, Jewish), none 18.9% (includes agnostic and atheist), unspecified 0.3% (2019 est.) Topic: ArmeniaArmenian Apostolic 92.6%, Evangelical 1%, other 2.4%, none 1.1%, unspecified 2.9% (2011 est.) Topic: ArubaRoman Catholic 75.3%, Protestant 4.9% (includes Methodist 0.9%, Adventist 0.9%, Anglican 0.4%, other Protestant 2.7%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 12%, none 5.5%, unspecified 0.5% (2010 est.) Topic: AustraliaProtestant 23.1% (Anglican 13.3%, Uniting Church 3.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 2.3%, Baptist 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.1%, Lutheran .7%, other Protestant .5%), Roman Catholic 22.6%, other Christian 4.2%, Muslim 2.6%, Buddhist 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3% (Eastern Orthodox 2.1%, Oriental Orthodox .2%), Hindu 1.9%, other 1.3%, none 30.1%, unspecified 9.6% (2016 est.) Topic: AustriaCatholic 57%, Eastern Orthodox 8.7%, Muslim 7.9%, Evangelical Christian 3.3%, other/none/unspecified 23.1% (2018 est.) note:  data on Muslim is a 2016 estimate; data on other/none/unspecified are from 2012-2018 estimates Topic: AzerbaijanMuslim 97.3% (predominantly Shia), Christian 2.6%, other <0.1, unaffiliated <0.1 (2020 est.) note: religious affiliation for the majority of Azerbaijanis is largely nominal, percentages for actual practicing adherents are probably much lower Topic: Bahamas, TheProtestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant .9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.) Topic: BahrainMuslim 73.7%, Christian 9.3%, Jewish 0.1%, other 16.9% (2017 est.) Topic: BangladeshMuslim 88.4%, other 11.6% (2020 est.) Topic: BarbadosProtestant 66.4% (includes Anglican 23.9%, other Pentecostal 19.5%, Adventist 5.9%, Methodist 4.2%, Wesleyan 3.4%, Nazarene 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Baptist 1.8%, Moravian 1.2%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 3.8%, other Christian 5.4% (includes Jehovah's Witness 2.0%, other 3.4%), Rastafarian 1%, other 1.5%, none 20.6%, unspecified 1.2% (2010 est.) Topic: BelarusOrthodox 48.3%, Catholic 7.1%, other 3.5%, non-believers 41.1% (2011 est.) Topic: BelgiumRoman 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.) Topic: BelizeRoman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Church of Jesus Christ, Muslim, Rastafarian, Salvation Army), unspecified 0.6%, none 15.5% (2010 est.) Topic: BeninMuslim 27.7%, Roman Catholic 25.5%, Protestant 13.5% (Celestial 6.7%, Methodist 3.4%, other Protestant 3.4%), Vodoun 11.6%, other Christian 9.5%, other traditional religions 2.6%, other 2.6%, none 5.8% (2013 est.) Topic: BermudaProtestant 46.2% (includes Anglican 15.8%, African Methodist Episcopal 8.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.7, Pentecostal 3.5%, Methodist 2.7%, Presbyterian 2.0%, Church of God 1.6%, Baptist 1.2%, Salvation Army 1.1%, Brethren 1.0%, other Protestant 2.0%), Roman Catholic 14.5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, other Christian 9.1%, Muslim 1%, other 3.9%, none 17.8%, unspecified 6.2% (2010 est.) Topic: BhutanLamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepali-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.) Topic: BoliviaRoman 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.) Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaMuslim 50.7%, Orthodox 30.7%, Roman Catholic 15.2%, atheist 0.8%, agnostic 0.3%, other 1.2%, undeclared/no answer 1.1% (2013 est.) Topic: BotswanaChristian 79.1%, Badimo 4.1%, other 1.4% (includes Baha'i, Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarian), none 15.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.) Topic: BrazilRoman Catholic 64.6%, other Catholic 0.4%, Protestant 22.2% (includes Adventist 6.5%, Assembly of God 2.0%, Christian Congregation of Brazil 1.2%, Universal Kingdom of God 1.0%, other Protestant 11.5%), other Christian 0.7%, Spiritist 2.2%, other 1.4%, none 8%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) Topic: British Virgin IslandsProtestant 70.2% (Methodist 17.6%, Church of God 10.4%, Anglican 9.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 9.0%, Pentecostal 8.2%, Baptist 7.4%, New Testament Church of God 6.9%, other Protestant 1.2%), Roman Catholic 8.9%, Jehovah's Witness 2.5%, Hindu 1.9%, other 6.2%, none 7.9%, unspecified 2.4% (2010 est.) Topic: BruneiMuslim (official) 80.9%, Christian 7.1%, Buddhist 7.1%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 5% (2016 est.) Topic: BulgariaEastern Orthodox 59.4%, Muslim 7.8%, other (including Catholic, Protestant, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox, and Jewish) 1.7%, none 3.7%, unspecified 27.4% (2011 est.) Topic: Burkina FasoMuslim 63.2%, Roman Catholic 24.6%, Protestant 6.9%, traditional/animist 4.2%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.4% (2017-18 est.) Topic: BurmaBuddhist 87.9%, Christian 6.2%, Muslim 4.3%, Animist 0.8%, Hindu 0.5%, other 0.2%, none 0.1% (2014 est.) note: religion estimate is based on the 2014 national census, including an estimate for the non-enumerated population of Rakhine State, which is assumed to mainly affiliate with the Islamic faith; as of December 2019, Muslims probably make up less than 3% of Burma's total population due to the large outmigration of the Rohingya population since 2017 Topic: BurundiRoman 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.) Topic: Cabo VerdeRoman Catholic 77.3%, Protestant 4.6% (includes Church of the Nazarene 1.7%, Adventist 1.5%, Assembly of God 0.9%, Universal Kingdom of God 0.4%, and God and Love 0.1%), other Christian 3.4% (includes Christian Rationalism 1.9%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, and New Apostolic 0.5%), Muslim 1.8%, other 1.3%, none 10.8%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.) Topic: CambodiaBuddhist (official) 97.1%, Muslim 2%, Christian 0.3%, other 0.5% (2019 est.) Topic: CameroonRoman Catholic 38.3%, Protestant 25.5%, other Christian 6.9%, Muslim 24.4%, animist 2.2%, other 0.5%, none 2.2% (2018 est.) Topic: CanadaCatholic 39% (includes Roman Catholic 38.8%, other Catholic .2%), Protestant 20.3% (includes United Church 6.1%, Anglican 5%, Baptist 1.9%, Lutheran 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.5%, Presbyterian 1.4%, other Protestant 2.9%), Orthodox 1.6%, other Christian 6.3%, Muslim 3.2%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 1.4%, Buddhist 1.1%, Jewish 1%, other 0.6%, none 23.9% (2011 est.) Topic: Cayman IslandsProtestant 67.8% (includes Church of God 22.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 9.4%, Presbyterian/United Church 8.6%, Baptist 8.3%, Pentecostal 7.1%, non-denominational 5.3%, Anglican 4.1%, Wesleyan Holiness 2.4%), Roman Catholic 14.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other 7%, none 9.3%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.) Topic: Central African RepublicChristian 89%, Muslim 9%, folk religion 1%, unaffiliated 1% (2020 est.) note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority Topic: ChadMuslim 52.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Roman Catholic 20%, animist 0.3%, other Christian 0.2%, none 2.8%, unspecified 0.7% (2014-15 est.) Topic: ChileRoman Catholic 60%, Evangelical 18%, atheist or agnostic 4%, none 17% (2018 est.) Topic: Chinafolk religion 21.9%, Buddhist 18.2%, Christian 5.1%, Muslim 1.8%, Hindu < 0.1%, Jewish < 0.1%, other 0.7% (includes Daoist (Taoist)), unaffiliated 52.1% (2021 est.) note: officially atheist Topic: Christmas IslandMuslim 19.4%, Buddhist 18.3%, Roman Catholic 8.8%, Protestant 6.5% (includes Anglican 3.6%, Uniting Church 1.2%, other 1.7%), other Christian 3.3%, other 0.6%, none 15.3%, unspecified 27.7% (2016 est.) Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsMuslim (predominantly Sunni) 75%, Anglican 3.5%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, none 12.9%, unspecified 6.3% (2016 est.) Topic: ColombiaChristian 92.3% (predominantly Roman Catholic), other 1%, unspecified 6.7% (2020 est.) Topic: ComorosSunni Muslim 98%, other (including Shia Muslim, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant) 2% note: Sunni Islam is the state religion Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theRoman Catholic 29.9%, Protestant 26.7%, other Christian 36.5%, Kimbanguist 2.8%, Muslim 1.3%, other (includes syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs) 1.2%, none 1.3%, unspecified 0.2% (2014 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theRoman Catholic 33.1%, Awakening Churches/Christian Revival 22.3%, Protestant 19.9%, Salutiste 2.2%, Muslim 1.6%, Kimbanguiste 1.5%, other 8.1%, none 11.3% (2007 est.) Topic: Cook IslandsProtestant 62.8% (Cook Islands Christian Church 49.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 7.9%, Assemblies of God 3.7%, Apostolic Church 2.1%), Roman Catholic 17%, Church of Jesus Christ 4.4%, other 8%, none 5.6%, no response 2.2% (2011 est.) Topic: Costa RicaRoman Catholic 47.5%, Evangelical and Pentecostal 19.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Protestant 1.2%, other 3.1%, none 27% (2021 est.) Topic: Cote d'IvoireMuslim 42.9%, Catholic 17.2%, Evangelical 11.8%, Methodist 1.7%, other Christian 3.2%, animist 3.6%, other religion 0.5%, none 19.1% (2014 est.) note: the majority of foreign migrant workers are Muslim (72.7%) and Christian (17.7%) Topic: CroatiaRoman Catholic 86.3%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.5%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.5%, not religious or atheist 3.8% (2011 est.) Topic: CubaChristian 58.9%, folk religion 17.6%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%, Muslim <1%, other <1%, none 23.2% (2020 est.) note: folk religions include religions of African origin, spiritualism, and others intermingled with Catholicism or Protestantism; data is estimative because no authoritative source on religious affiliation exists for Cuba Topic: CuracaoRoman Catholic 72.8%, Pentecostal 6.6%, Protestant 3.2%, Adventist 3%, Jehovah's Witness 2%, Evangelical 1.9%, other 3.8%, none 6%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.) Topic: CyprusOrthodox Christian 89.1%, Roman Catholic 2.9%, Protestant/Anglican 2%, Muslim 1.8%, Buddhist 1%, other (includes Maronite, Armenian Church, Hindu) 1.4%, unknown 1.1%, none/atheist 0.6% (2011 est.) note: data represent only the government-controlled area of Cyprus Topic: CzechiaRoman Catholic 7%, other believers belonging to a church or religious society 6% (includes Evangelical United Brethren Church and Czechoslovak Hussite Church), believers unaffiliated with a religious society 9.1%, none 47.8%, unspecified 30.1% (2021 est.) Topic: DenmarkEvangelical 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.) Topic: DjiboutiSunni Muslim 94% (nearly all Djiboutians), other 6% (mainly foreign-born residents - Shia Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Baha'i, and atheist) Topic: DominicaRoman Catholic 52.7%, Protestant 29.7% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 6.7%, Pentecostal 6.1%, Baptist 5.2%, Christian Union Church 3.9%, Methodist 2.6%, Gospel Mission 2.1%, other Protestant 3.1%), Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, other 4.3%, none 9.4%, unspecified 1.4% (2011 est.) Topic: Dominican RepublicRoman Catholic 44.3%, Evangelical 13%, Protestant 7.9%, Adventist 1.4%, other 1.8%, atheist 0.2%, none 29.4%, unspecified 2% (2018 est.) Topic: EcuadorRoman Catholic 68.8%, Evangelical 15.4%, Adventist 1.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, other 1.3%, agnostic or atheist 1.4%, none 10.1%, don't know/no response 1% (2020 est.) note: data represent persons at least 16 years of age from five Ecuadoran cities Topic: EgyptMuslim (predominantly Sunni) 90%, Christian (majority Coptic Orthodox, other Christians include Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Maronite, Orthodox, and Anglican) 10% Topic: El SalvadorRoman Catholic 50%, Protestant 36%, other 2%, none 12% (2014 est.) Topic: Equatorial GuineaRoman Catholic 88%, Protestant 5%, Muslim 2%, other 5% (animist, Baha'i, Jewish) (2015 est.) Topic: EritreaEritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Sunni Muslim Topic: EstoniaOrthodox 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.) Topic: EswatiniChristian 90% (Zionist - a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship - 40%, Roman Catholic 20%, other 30% - includes Anglican, Methodist, Church of Jesus Christ, Jehovah's Witness), Muslim 2%, other 8% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, indigenous, Jewish) (2015 est.) Topic: EthiopiaEthiopian Orthodox 43.8%, Muslim 31.3%, Protestant 22.8%, Catholic 0.7%, traditional 0.6%, other 0.8% (2016 est.) Topic: European UnionRoman 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.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Christian 57.1%, other 1.6%, none 35.4%, unspecified 6% (2016 est.) Topic: Faroe IslandsChristian 89.3% (predominantly Evangelical Lutheran), other 1%, none 3.8%, unspecified 6% (2011 est.) Topic: FijiProtestant 45% (Methodist 34.6%, Assembly of God 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.9%, and Anglican 0.8%), Hindu 27.9%, other Christian 10.4%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3%, other 0.3%, none 0.8% (2007 est.) Topic: FinlandLutheran 66.6%, Greek Orthodox 1.1%, other 1.7%, none 30.6% (2021 est.) Topic: FranceRoman Catholic 47%, Muslim 4%, Protestant 2%, Buddhists 2%, Orthodox 1%, Jewish 1%, other 1%, none 33%, unspecified 9% note: France maintains a tradition of secularism and has not officially collected data on religious affiliation since the 1872 national census, which complicates assessments of France's religious composition; an 1872 law prohibiting state authorities from collecting data on individuals' ethnicity or religious beliefs was reaffirmed by a 1978 law emphasizing the prohibition of the collection or exploitation of personal data revealing an individual's race, ethnicity, or political, philosophical, or religious opinions; a 1905 law codified France's separation of church and state Topic: French PolynesiaProtestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6% Topic: GabonRoman Catholic 42.3%, Protestant 12.3%, other Christian 27.4%, Muslim 9.8%, animist 0.6%, other 0.5%, none/no answer 7.1% (2012 est.) Topic: Gambia, TheMuslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, other or none 0.1% (2019-20 est.) Topic: Gaza StripMuslim 98.0 - 99.0% (predominantly Sunni), Christian <1.0%, other, unaffiliated, unspecified <1.0% (2012 est.) note:  Israel dismantled its settlements in September 2005; Gaza has had no Jewish population since then Topic: GeorgiaOrthodox (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.) Topic: GermanyRoman Catholic 26.7%, Protestant 24.3%, Muslim 3.5%, other 4.8%, none 40.7% (2020 est.) Topic: GhanaChristian 71.3% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 31.6%, Protestant 17.4%, Catholic 10%, other 12.3%), Muslim 19.9%, traditionalist 3.2%, other 4.5%, none 1.1% (2021 est.) Topic: GibraltarRoman Catholic 72.1%, Church of England 7.7%, other Christian 3.8%, Muslim 3.6%, Jewish 2.4%, Hindu 2%, other 1.1%, none 7.1%, unspecified 0.1% (2012 est.) Topic: GreeceGreek Orthodox 81-90%, Muslim 2%, other 3%, none 4-15%, unspecified 1% (2015 est.) Topic: GreenlandEvangelical Lutheran, traditional Inuit spiritual beliefs Topic: GrenadaProtestant 49.2% (includes Pentecostal 17.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 13.2%, Anglican 8.5%, Baptist 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Evangelical 1.9%, Methodist 1.6%, other 1.2%), Roman Catholic 36%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, Rastafarian 1.2%, other 5.5%, none 5.7%, unspecified 1.3% (2011 est.) Topic: GuamChristian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 94.2%, folk religions 1.5%, Buddhist 1.1%, other 1.6%, unaffiliated 1.7% (2020 est.) Topic: GuatemalaRoman Catholic 41.7%, Evangelical 38.8%, other 2.7%, atheist 0.1%, none 13.8%, unspecified 2.9% (2018 est.) Topic: GuernseyProtestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic Topic: GuineaMuslim 89.1%, Christian 6.8%, animist 1.6%, other 0.1%, none 2.4% (2014 est.) Topic: Guinea-BissauMuslim 46.1%, folk religions 30.6%, Christian 18.9%, other or unaffiliated 4.4% (2020 est.) Topic: GuyanaProtestant 34.8% (Pentecostal 22.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 5.2%, Methodist 1.4%), Hindu 24.8%, Roman Catholic 7.1%, Muslim 6.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 0.5%, other Christian 20.8%, other 0.9%, none 3.1% (2012 est.) Topic: HaitiCatholic 55%, Protestant 29%, Vodou 2.1%, other 4.6%, none 10% (2018 est.) note: 50-80% of Haitians incorporate some elements of Vodou culture or practice in addition to another religion, most often Roman Catholicism; Vodou was recognized as an official religion in 2003 Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)Roman Catholic Topic: HondurasEvangelical/Protestant 48%, Roman Catholic 34%, other 1%, none 17% (2020 est.) Topic: Hong KongBuddhist or Taoist 27.9%, Protestant 6.7%, Roman Catholic 5.3%, Muslim 4.2%, Hindu 1.4%, Sikh 0.2%, other or none 54.3% (2016 est.) note: many people practice Confucianism, regardless of their religion or not having a religious affiliation Topic: HungaryRoman Catholic 37.2%, Calvinist 11.6%, Lutheran 2.2%, Greek Catholic 1.8%, other 1.9%, none 18.2%, no response 27.2% (2011 est.) Topic: IcelandEvangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (official) 62.3%, Roman Catholic 4%, Independent Congregation of Reykjavik 2.7%, Independent Congregation of Hafnarfjordur 2%, pagan worship 1.4%, Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association 1.1%, other (includes Zuist and Pentecostal) or unspecified 19%, none 7.6% (2021 est.) Topic: IndiaHindu 79.8%, Muslim 14.2%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.7%, other and unspecified 2% (2011 est.) Topic: IndonesiaMuslim 87.2%, Protestant 7%, Roman Catholic 2.9%, Hindu 1.7%, other 0.9% (includes Buddhist and Confucian), unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) Topic: IranMuslim (official) 99.6% (Shia 90-95%, Sunni 5-10%), other (includes Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian) 0.3%, unspecified 0.2% (2016 est.) Topic: IraqMuslim (official) 95-98% (Shia 61-64%, Sunni 29-34%), Christian 1% (includes Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Assyrian Church of the East), other 1-4% (2015 est.) note: the last census in Iraq was in 1997; while there has been voluntary relocation of many Christian families to northern Iraq, the overall Christian population has decreased at least 50% and perhaps as high as 90% since the fall of the SADDAM Husayn regime in 2003, according to US Embassy estimates, with many fleeing to Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon Topic: IrelandRoman Catholic 78.3%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Orthodox 1.3%, Muslim 1.3%, other 2.4%, none 9.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2016 est.) Topic: Isle of ManChristian 54.7%, Muslim 0.5%, Buddhist 0.5%, Hindu 0.4%, Jewish 0.2%, none 43.8% (2021 est.) Topic: IsraelJewish 74%, Muslim 18%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6%, other 4.5% (2020 est.) Topic: ItalyChristian 80.8% (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic with very small groups of Jehovah's Witnesses and Protestants), Muslim 4.9%, unaffiliated 13.4%, other 0.9% (2020 est.) Topic: JamaicaProtestant 64.8% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 12.0%, Pentecostal 11.0%, Other Church of God 9.2%, New Testament Church of God 7.2%, Baptist 6.7%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of Prophecy 4.5%, Anglican 2.8%, United Church 2.1%, Methodist 1.6%, Revived 1.4%, Brethren 0.9%, and Moravian 0.7%), Roman Catholic 2.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.9%, Rastafarian 1.1%, other 6.5%, none 21.3%, unspecified 2.3% (2011 est.) Topic: JapanShintoism 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 Topic: JerseyProtestant (Anglican, Baptist, Congregational New Church, Methodist, Presbyterian), Roman Catholic Topic: JordanMuslim 97.1% (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.1% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, folk <0.1%, other <0.1%, unaffiliated <0.1% (2020 est.) Topic: KazakhstanMuslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%, unspecified 0.5% (2009 est.) Topic: KenyaChristian 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.) Topic: KiribatiRoman Catholic 58.9%, Kiribati Uniting Church 21.2%, Kiribati Protestant Church 8.4%, Church of Jesus Christ 5.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.1%, Baha'i 2.1%, other 1.7% (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Northtraditionally Buddhist and Confucian, some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way) note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom Topic: Korea, SouthProtestant 19.7%, Buddhist 15.5%, Catholic 7.9%, none 56.9% (2015 est.) note: many people also carry on at least some Confucian traditions and practices Topic: KosovoMuslim 95.6%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Orthodox 1.5%, other 0.1%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.) Topic: KuwaitMuslim (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 Topic: KyrgyzstanMuslim 90% (majority Sunni), Christian 7% (Russian Orthodox 3%), other 3% (includes Jewish, Buddhist, Baha'i) (2017 est.) Topic: LaosBuddhist 64.7%, Christian 1.7%, none 31.4%, other/not stated 2.1% (2015 est.) Topic: LatviaLutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.) Topic: LebanonMuslim 67.8% (31.9% Sunni, 31.2% Shia, smaller percentages of Alawites and Ismailis), Christian 32.4% (Maronite Catholics are the largest Christian group), Druze 4.5%, very small numbers of Jews, Baha'is, Buddhists, and Hindus (2020 est.) note: data represent the religious affiliation of the citizen population (data do not include Lebanon's sizable Syrian and Palestinian refugee populations); 18 religious sects recognized Topic: LesothoProtestant 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.) Topic: LiberiaChristian 85.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Traditional 0.6%, other 0.2%, none 1.5% (2008 est.) Topic: LibyaMuslim (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 Topic: LiechtensteinRoman Catholic (official) 73.4%, Protestant Reformed 6.3%, Muslim 5.9%,  Christian Orthodox 1.3%, Lutheran 1.2%, other Protestant .7%, other Christian .3%, other .8%, none 7%, unspecified 3.3% (2015 est.) Topic: LithuaniaRoman Catholic 74.2%, Russian Orthodox 3.7%, Old Believer 0.6%, Evangelical Lutheran 0.6%, Evangelical Reformist 0.2%, other (including Sunni Muslim Jewish, Greek Catholic, and Karaite) 0.9%, none 6.1%, unspecified 13.7% (2021 est.) Topic: LuxembourgChristian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 70.6%, Muslim 2.3%, other (includes Buddhist, folk religions, Hindu, Jewish) 0.4%, unaffiliated 26.7% (2020 est.) Topic: Macaufolk religion 58.9%, Buddhist 17.3%, Christian 7.2%, other 1.2%, none 15.4% (2020 est.) Topic: MadagascarChristian, indigenous, Muslim Topic: MalawiProtestant 33.5% (includes Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 14.2%, Seventh Day Adventist/Baptist 9.4%, Pentecostal 7.6%, Anglican 2.3%), Roman Catholic 17.2%, other Christian 26.6%, Muslim 13.8%, traditionalist 1.1%, other 5.6%, none 2.1% (2018 est.) Topic: MalaysiaMuslim (official) 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions 1.3%, other 0.4%, none 0.8%, unspecified 1% (2010 est.) Topic: MaldivesSunni Muslim (official) Topic: MaliMuslim 93.9%, Christian 2.8%, animist 0.7%, none 2.5% (2018 est.) Topic: MaltaRoman Catholic (official) more than 90% (2006 est.) Topic: Marshall IslandsProtestant 80.5% (United Church of Christ 47%, Assembly of God 16.2%, Bukot Nan Jesus 5.4%, Full Gospel 3.3%, Reformed Congressional Church 3%, Salvation Army 1.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, Meram in Jesus 1.2%, other Protestant 1.1%), Roman Catholic 8.5%, Church of Jesus Christ 7%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%,  other 1.2%, none 1.1% (2011 est.) Topic: MauritaniaMuslim (official) 100% Topic: MauritiusHindu 48.5%, Roman Catholic 26.3%, Muslim 17.3%, other Christian 6.4%, other 0.6%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) Topic: MexicoRoman Catholic 78%, Protestant/evangelical Christian 11.2%, other 0.002%, unaffiliated (includes atheism) 10.6% (2020 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofRoman Catholic 54.7%, Protestant 41.1% (includes Congregational 38.5%, Baptist 1.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 0.8%, Assembly of God 0.7%), Church of Jesus Christ 1.5%, other 1.9%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.) Topic: MoldovaOrthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%, other 0.1%, agnostic <.1%, atheist 0.2%, unspecified 6.9% (2014 est.) Topic: MonacoRoman Catholic 90% (official), other 10% Topic: MongoliaBuddhist 51.7%, Muslim 3.2%, Shamanist 2.5%, Christian 1.3%, other 0.7%, none 40.6% (2020 est.) Topic: MontenegroOrthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2011 est.) Topic: MontserratProtestant 71.4% (includes Anglican 17.7%, Pentecostal/Full Gospel 16.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 15%, Methodist 13.9%, Church of God 6.7%, other Protestant 2%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Rastafarian 1.4%, Hindu 1.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, Muslim 0.4%, other/not stated 5.1%, none 7.9% (2018 est.) Topic: MoroccoMuslim 99% (official; virtually all Sunni, <0.1% Shia), other 1% (includes Christian, Jewish, and Baha'i); note - Jewish about 3,000-3,500 (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: MozambiqueRoman Catholic 27.2%, Muslim 18.9%, Zionist Christian 15.6%, Evangelical/Pentecostal 15.3%, Anglican 1.7%, other 4.8%, none 13.9%, unspecified 2.5% (2017 est.) Topic: NamibiaChristian 97.5%, other 0.6% (includes Muslim, Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist), unaffiliated 1.9% (2020 est.) Topic: NauruProtestant 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.) Topic: NepalHindu 81.3%, Buddhist 9%, Muslim 4.4%, Kirant 3.1%, Christian 1.4%, other 0.5%, unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.) Topic: NetherlandsRoman Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.8% (includes Dutch Reformed, Protestant Church of The Netherlands, Calvinist), Muslim 5%, other 5.9% (includes Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish), none 54.1% (2019 est.) Topic: New CaledoniaChristian 85.2%, Muslim 2.8%, other 1.6%, unaffiliated 10.4% (2020 est.) Topic: New ZealandChristian 37.3% (Catholic 10.1%, Anglican 6.8%, Presbyterian and Congregational 5.2%, Pentecostal 1.8%, Methodist 1.6%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.2%, other 10.7%), Hindu 2.7%, Maori 1.3%, Muslim, 1.3%, Buddhist 1.1%, other religion 1.6% (includes Judaism, Spiritualism and New Age religions, Baha'i, Asian religions other than Buddhism), no religion 48.6%, objected to answering 6.7% (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 religion Topic: NicaraguaRoman Catholic 50%, Evangelical 33.2%, other 2.9%, none 0.7%, unspecified 13.2% (2017 est.) Topic: NigerMuslim 99.3%, Christian 0.3%, animist 0.2%, none 0.1% (2012 est.) Topic: NigeriaMuslim 53.5%, Roman Catholic 10.6%, other Christian 35.3%, other .6% (2018 est.) Topic: NiueEkalesia Niue (Congregational Christian Church of Niue - a Protestant church founded by missionaries from the London Missionary Society) 61.7%, Church of Jesus Christ 8.7%, Roman Catholic 8.4%, Jehovah's Witness 2.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.4%, other 8.2%, none 8.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Norfolk IslandProtestant 46.8% (Anglican 29.2%, Uniting Church in Australia 9.8%, Presbyterian 2.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.7%, other 2.2%), Roman Catholic 12.6%, other Christian 2.9%, other 1.4%, none 26.7%, unspecified 9.5% (2016 est.) Topic: North MacedoniaMacedonian Orthodox 46.1%, Muslim 32.2%, other Christian 13.8%, other and non-believers 0.5%, unspecified 0.2%, persons for whom data were taken from administrative sources and no religious affiliation data was available 7.2% (2021 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsChristian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found) Topic: NorwayChurch 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.) Topic: OmanMuslim 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 Topic: PakistanMuslim (official) 96.5% (Sunni 85-90%, Shia 10-15%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 3.5% (2020 est.) Topic: PalauRoman Catholic 45.3%, Protestant 34.9% (includes Evangelical 26.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.9%, Assembly of God .9%, Baptist .7%), Modekngei 5.7% (indigenous to Palau), Muslim 3%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.5%, other 9.7% (2015 est.) Topic: PanamaRoman Catholic 48.6%, Evangelical 30.2%, other 4.7%, agnostic 0.2%, atheist 0.2%, none 12.3%, unspecified 3.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Papua New GuineaProtestant 64.3% (Evangelical Lutheran 18.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.9%, Pentecostal 10.4%, United Church 10.3%, Evangelical Alliance 5.9%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.8%, Salvation Army .4%), Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 5.3%, non-Christian 1.4%, unspecified 3.1% (2011 est.) note: data represent only the citizen population; roughly 0.3% of the population are non-citizens, consisting of Christian 52% (predominantly Roman Catholic), other 10.7% , none 37.3% Topic: ParaguayRoman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 est.) Topic: PeruRoman Catholic 60%, Christian 14.6% (includes Evangelical 11.1%, other 3.5%), other 0.3%, none 4%, unspecified 21.1% (2017 est.) Topic: PhilippinesRoman Catholic 79.5%, Muslim 6%, Iglesia ni Cristo 2.6%, Evangelical 2.4%, National Council of Churches in the Philippines 1.1%, other 7.4%, none <0.1% (2015 est.) Topic: Pitcairn IslandsSeventh Day Adventist 100% Topic: PolandCatholic 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.) Topic: PortugalRoman Catholic 81%, other Christian 3.3%, other (includes Jewish, Muslim) 0.6%, none 6.8%, unspecified 8.3% (2011 est.) note: data represent population 15 years of age and older Topic: Puerto RicoRoman Catholic 56%, Protestant 33% (largely Pentecostal), other 2%, atheist 1%, none 7% (2014 est.) Topic: QatarMuslim 65.2%, Christian 13.7%, Hindu 15.9%, Buddhist 3.8%, folk religion <0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.) Topic: RomaniaEastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 81.9%, Protestant (various denominations including Reformed and Pentecostal) 6.4%, Roman Catholic 4.3%, other (includes Muslim) 0.9%, none or atheist 0.2%, unspecified 6.3% (2011 est.) Topic: RussiaRussian 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 Topic: RwandaProtestant 57.7% (includes Adventist 12.6%), Roman Catholic 38.2%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1% (includes traditional, Jehovah's Witness), none 1.1% (2019-20 est.) Topic: Saint BarthelemyRoman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witnesses Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaProtestant 75.9% (includes Anglican 68.9, Baptist 2.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.8%, Salvation Army 1.7%, New Apostolic 1.4%), Jehovah's Witness 4.1%, Roman Catholic 1.2%, other 2.5% (includes Baha'i), unspecified 0.8%, none 6.1%, no response 9.4% (2016 est.) note: data represent Saint Helena only Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisProtestant 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.) Topic: Saint LuciaRoman Catholic 61.5%, Protestant 25.5% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 10.4%, Pentecostal 8.9%, Baptist 2.2%, Anglican 1.6%, Church of God 1.5%, other Protestant 0.9%), other Christian 3.4% (includes Evangelical 2.3% and Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), Rastafarian 1.9%, other 0.4%, none 5.9%, unspecified 1.4% (2010 est.) Topic: Saint MartinRoman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonRoman Catholic 99%, other 1% Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesProtestant 75% (Pentecostal 27.6%, Anglican 13.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 11.6%,  Baptist 8.9%, Methodist 8.7%, Evangelical 3.8%, Salvation Army 0.3%, Presbyterian/Congregational 0.3%), Roman Catholic 6.3%,  Rastafarian 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 0.8%, other 4.7%, none 7.5%, unspecified 4.7% (2012 est.) Topic: SamoaProtestant 54.9% (Congregationalist 29%, Methodist 12.4%, Assembly of God 6.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, other Protestant 2.3%), Roman Catholic 18.8%, Church of Jesus Christ 16.9%, Worship Centre 2.8%, other Christian 3.6%, other 2.9% (includes Baha'i, Muslim), none 0.2% (2016 est.) Topic: San MarinoRoman Catholic Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipeCatholic 55.7%, Adventist 4.1%, Assembly of God 3.4%, New Apostolic 2.9%, Mana 2.3%, Universal Kingdom of God 2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 6.2%, none 21.2%, unspecified 1% (2012 est.) Topic: Saudi ArabiaMuslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.) note: despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths (more than 30% of the population), most forms of public religious expression inconsistent with the government-sanctioned interpretation of Sunni Islam are restricted; non-Muslims are not allowed to have Saudi citizenship and non-Muslim places of worship are not permitted (2013) Topic: SenegalMuslim 97.2% (most adhere to one of the four main Sufi brotherhoods), Christian 2.7% (mostly Roman Catholic) (2019 est.) Topic: SerbiaOrthodox 84.6%, Catholic 5%, Muslim 3.1%, Protestant 1%, atheist 1.1%, other 0.8% (includes agnostics, other Christians, Eastern, Jewish), undeclared or unknown 4.5% (2011 est.) note: most ethnic Albanians boycotted the 2011 census Topic: SeychellesRoman Catholic 76.2%, Protestant 10.5% (Anglican 6.1%, Pentecostal Assembly 1.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.2%, other Protestant 1.7%), other Christian 2.4%, Hindu 2.4%, Muslim 1.6%, other non-Christian 1.1%, unspecified 4.8%, none 0.9% (2010 est.) Topic: Sierra LeoneMuslim 77.1%, Christian 22.9% (2019 est.) Topic: SingaporeBuddhist 31.1%, Christian 18.9%, Muslim 15.6%, Taoist 8.8%, Hindu 5%, other 0.6%, none 20% (2020 est.) Topic: Sint MaartenProtestant 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.) Topic: SlovakiaRoman 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.) Topic: SloveniaCatholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 1%, unaffiliated 3.5%, no response or unspecified 22.8%, none 10.1% (2002 est.) Topic: Solomon IslandsProtestant 73.4% (Church of Melanesia 31.9%, South Sea Evangelical 17.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 11.7%, United Church 10.1%, Christian Fellowship Church 2.5%), Roman Catholic 19.6%, other Christian 2.9%, other 4%, unspecified 0.1% (2009 est.) Topic: SomaliaSunni Muslim (Islam) (official, according to the 2012 Transitional Federal Charter) Topic: South AfricaChristian 86%, ancestral, tribal, animist, or other traditional African religions 5.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other 1.5%, nothing in particular 5.2% (2015 est.) Topic: South SudanChristian 60.5%, folk religion 32.9%, Muslim 6.2%, other <1%, unaffiliated <1% (2020 est.) Topic: SpainRoman Catholic 58.2%, atheist 16.2%, agnostic 10.8%, other 2.7%, non-believer 10.5%, unspecified 1.7% (2021 est.) Topic: Sri LankaBuddhist (official) 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3%, other 0.05% (2012 est.) Topic: SudanSunni Muslim, small Christian minority Topic: SurinameProtestant 23.6% (includes Evangelical 11.2%, Moravian 11.2%, Reformed .7%, Lutheran .5%), Hindu 22.3%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Muslim 13.8%, other Christian 3.2%, Winti 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, other 1.7%, none 7.5%, unspecified 3.2% (2012 est.) Topic: SwedenChurch of Sweden (Lutheran) 57.6%, other (includes Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist) 8.9%, none or unspecified 33.5% (2019 est.) note: estimates reflect registered members of faith communities eligible for state funding (not all religions are state-funded and not all people who identify with a particular religion are registered members) and the Church of Sweden Topic: SwitzerlandRoman Catholic 34.4%, Protestant 22.5%, other Christian 5.7%, Muslim 5.4%, other 1.5%, none 29.4%, unspecified 1.1% (2020 est.) Topic: SyriaMuslim 87% (official; includes Sunni 74% and Alawi, Ismaili, and Shia 13%), Christian 10% (includes Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian), Druze 3% note:  the Christian population may be considerably smaller as a result of Christians fleeing the country during the ongoing civil war Topic: TaiwanBuddhist 35.3%, Taoist 33.2%, Christian 3.9%, folk religion (includes Confucian) approximately 10%, none or unspecified 18.2% (2005 est.) Topic: TajikistanMuslim 98% (Sunni 95%, Shia 3%) other 2% (2014 est.) Topic: TanzaniaChristian 63.1%, Muslim 34.1%, folk religion 1.1%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%, other <1%, unspecified 1.6% (2020 est.) note: Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim Topic: ThailandBuddhist 94.6%, Muslim 4.3%, Christian 1%, other <0.1%, none <0.1% (2015 est.) Topic: Timor-LesteRoman Catholic 97.6%, Protestant/Evangelical 2%, Muslim 0.2%, other 0.2% (2015 est.) Topic: TogoChristian 42.3%, folk religion 36.9%, Muslim 14%, Hindu <1%, Buddhist <1%, Jewish <1%, other <1%, none 6.2% (2020 est.) Topic: TokelauCongregational Christian Church 50.4%, Roman Catholic 38.7%, Presbyterian 5.9%, other Christian 4.2%, unspecified 0.8% (2016 est.) Topic: TongaProtestant 64.1% (includes Free Wesleyan Church 35%, Free Church of Tonga 11.9%, Church of Tonga 6.8%, Assembly of God 2.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.2%, Tokaikolo Christian Church 1.6%, other 4.3%), Church of Jesus Christ 18.6%, Roman Catholic 14.2%, other 2.4%, none 0.5%, unspecified 0.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Trinidad and TobagoProtestant 32.1% (Pentecostal/Evangelical/Full Gospel 12%, Baptist 6.9%, Anglican 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 4.1%, Presbyterian/Congregational 2.5%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 21.6%, Hindu 18.2%, Muslim 5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 8.4%, none 2.2%, unspecified 11.1% (2011 est.) Topic: TunisiaMuslim (official; Sunni) 99%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Shia Muslim, and Baha'i) <1% Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews) Topic: TurkmenistanMuslim 93%, Christian 6.4%, Buddhist <1%, folk religion <1%, Jewish <1%, other <1%, unspecified <1% (2020 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsProtestant 72.8% (Baptist 35.8%, Church of God 11.7%, Anglican 10%, Methodist 9.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%, other 14% (2006 est.) Topic: TuvaluProtestant 92.7% (Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu 85.9%, Brethren 2.8%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.5%, Assemblies of God 1.5%), Baha'i 1.5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 3.9%, none or refused 0.4% (2017 est.) Topic: UgandaProtestant 45.1% (Anglican 32.0%, Pentecostal/Born Again/Evangelical 11.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.7%, Baptist .3%), Roman Catholic 39.3%, Muslim 13.7%, other 1.6%, none 0.2% (2014 est.) Topic: UkraineOrthodox (includes the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC), and the Ukrainian Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP)), Ukrainian Greek Catholic, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish (2013 est.) note: Ukraine's population is overwhelmingly Christian; the vast majority - up to two thirds - identify themselves as Orthodox, but many do not specify a particular branch; the OCU and the UOC-MP each represent less than a quarter of the country's population, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church accounts for 8-10%, and the UAOC accounts for 1-2%; Muslim and Jewish adherents each compose less than 1% of the total population Topic: United Arab EmiratesMuslim (official) 76%, Christian 9%, other (primarily Hindu and Buddhist, less than 5% of the population consists of Parsi, Baha'i, Druze, Sikh, Ahmadi, Ismaili, Dawoodi Bohra Muslim, and Jewish) 15% (2005 est.) note: data represent the total population; as of 2020, immigrants make up about 88.1% of the total population, according to UN data Topic: United KingdomChristian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, unspecified 7.2%, none 25.7% (2011 est.) Topic: United StatesProtestant 46.5%, Roman Catholic 20.8%, Jewish 1.9%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.6%, other Christian 0.9%, Muslim 0.9%, Jehovah's Witness 0.8%, Buddhist 0.7%, Hindu 0.7%, other 1.8%, unaffiliated 22.8%, don't know/refused 0.6% (2014 est.) Topic: UruguayRoman Catholic 42%, Protestant 15%, other 6%, agnostic 3%, atheist 10%, unspecified 24% (2014 est.) Topic: UzbekistanMuslim 88% (mostly Sunni), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3% Topic: VanuatuProtestant 70% (includes Presbyterian 27.9%, Anglican 15.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.5%, Assemblies of God 4.7%, Church of Christ 4.5%, Neil Thomas Ministry 3.1%, and Apostolic 2.2%), Roman Catholic 12.4%, customary beliefs 3.7% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 12.6%, none 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2009 est.) Topic: VenezuelaRoman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2% Topic: VietnamCatholic 6.1%, Buddhist 5.8%, Protestant 1%, other 0.8%, none 86.3% (2019 est.) note: most Vietnamese are culturally Buddhist Topic: Virgin IslandsProtestant 65.5%, Roman Catholic 27.1%, other Christians 2.2%, other 1.5%, none 3.7% (2010 est.) Topic: Wallis and FutunaRoman Catholic 99%, other 1% Topic: West BankMuslim 80-85% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 12-14%, Christian 1-2.5% (mainly Greek Orthodox), other, unaffiliated, unspecified <1% (2012 est.) Topic: WorldChristian 31.1%, Muslim 24.9%, Hindu 15.2%, Buddhist 6.6%, folk religions 5.6%, Jewish <1%, other <1%, unaffiliated 15.6% (2020 est.) Topic: YemenMuslim 99.1% (official; virtually all are citizens, an estimated 65% are Sunni and 35% are Shia), other 0.9% (includes Jewish, Baha'i, Hindu, and Christian; many are refugees or temporary foreign residents) (2020 est.) Topic: ZambiaProtestant 75.3%, Roman Catholic 20.2%, other 2.7% (includes Muslim Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha'i), none 1.8% (2010 est.) Topic: ZimbabweProtestant 74.8% (includes Apostolic 37.5%, Pentecostal 21.8%, other 15.5%), Roman Catholic 7.3%, other Christian 5.3%, traditional 1.5%, Muslim 0.5%, other 0.1%, none 10.5% (2015 est.)

20220901

countries-eritrea

Topic: Photos of Eritrea Topic: Introduction Background: After independence from Italian colonial control in 1941 and 10 years of British administrative control, the UN established Eritrea as an autonomous region within the Ethiopian federation in 1952. Ethiopia's full annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a violent 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean rebels defeating government forces. Eritreans overwhelmingly approved independence in a 1993 referendum. ISAIAS Afwerki has been Eritrea's only president since independence; his rule, particularly since 2001, has been highly autocratic and repressive. His government has created a highly militarized society by pursuing an unpopular program of mandatory conscription into national service – divided between military and civilian service – of indefinite length. A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in December 2000. A subsequent 2007 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) demarcation was rejected by Ethiopia. More than a decade of a tense “no peace, no war” stalemate ended in 2018 after the newly elected Ethiopian prime minister accepted the EEBC’s 2007 ruling, and the two countries signed declarations of peace and friendship. Following the July 2018 peace agreement with Ethiopia, Eritrean leaders engaged in intensive diplomacy around the Horn of Africa, bolstering regional peace, security, and cooperation, as well as brokering rapprochements between governments and opposition groups. In November 2018, the UN Security Council lifted an arms embargo that had been imposed on Eritrea since 2009, after the UN Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group reported they had not found evidence of Eritrean support in recent years for Al-Shabaab. The country’s rapprochement with Ethiopia has led to a steady resumption of economic ties, with increased air transport, trade, tourism, and port activities, but the economy remains agriculture-dependent, and Eritrea is still one of Africa’s poorest nations. Despite the country's improved relations with its neighbors, ISAIAS has not let up on repression and conscription and militarization continue.After independence from Italian colonial control in 1941 and 10 years of British administrative control, the UN established Eritrea as an autonomous region within the Ethiopian federation in 1952. Ethiopia's full annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a violent 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean rebels defeating government forces. Eritreans overwhelmingly approved independence in a 1993 referendum. ISAIAS Afwerki has been Eritrea's only president since independence; his rule, particularly since 2001, has been highly autocratic and repressive. His government has created a highly militarized society by pursuing an unpopular program of mandatory conscription into national service – divided between military and civilian service – of indefinite length. A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices in December 2000. A subsequent 2007 Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC) demarcation was rejected by Ethiopia. More than a decade of a tense “no peace, no war” stalemate ended in 2018 after the newly elected Ethiopian prime minister accepted the EEBC’s 2007 ruling, and the two countries signed declarations of peace and friendship. Following the July 2018 peace agreement with Ethiopia, Eritrean leaders engaged in intensive diplomacy around the Horn of Africa, bolstering regional peace, security, and cooperation, as well as brokering rapprochements between governments and opposition groups. In November 2018, the UN Security Council lifted an arms embargo that had been imposed on Eritrea since 2009, after the UN Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group reported they had not found evidence of Eritrean support in recent years for Al-Shabaab. The country’s rapprochement with Ethiopia has led to a steady resumption of economic ties, with increased air transport, trade, tourism, and port activities, but the economy remains agriculture-dependent, and Eritrea is still one of Africa’s poorest nations. Despite the country's improved relations with its neighbors, ISAIAS has not let up on repression and conscription and militarization continue.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan Geographic coordinates: 15 00 N, 39 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 117,600 sq km land: 101,000 sq km water: 16,600 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total: 1,840 km border countries (3): Djibouti 125 km; Ethiopia 1,033 km; Sudan 682 km Coastline: 2,234 km (mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red Sea 1,083 km) Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: hot, 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 Terrain: dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains Elevation: highest point: Soira 3,018 m lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m mean elevation: 853 m Natural resources: gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, possibly oil and natural gas, fish Land use: agricultural land: 75.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 68.3% (2018 est.) forest: 15.1% (2018 est.) other: 9.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 210 sq km (2012) Population distribution: density is highest in the center of the country in and around the cities of Asmara (capital) and Keren; smaller settlements exist in the north and south as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: frequent droughts, rare earthquakes and volcanoes; locust swarmsvolcanism: Dubbi (1,625 m), which last erupted in 1861, was the country's only historically active volcano until Nabro (2,218 m) came to life on 12 June 2011frequent droughts, rare earthquakes and volcanoes; locust swarmsvolcanism: Dubbi (1,625 m), which last erupted in 1861, was the country's only historically active volcano until Nabro (2,218 m) came to life on 12 June 2011 Geography - note: strategic 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 Map description: Eritrea map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Red Sea.Eritrea map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Red Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 6,209,262 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Eritrean(s) adjective: Eritrean Ethnic groups: Tigrinya 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 Languages: Tigrinya (official), Arabic (official), English (official), Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages Religions: Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Sunni Muslim Demographic profile: Eritrea is a persistently poor country that has made progress in some socioeconomic categories but not in others. Education and human capital formation are national priorities for facilitating economic development and eradicating poverty. To this end, Eritrea has made great strides in improving adult literacy – doubling the literacy rate over the last 20 years – in large part because of its successful adult education programs. The overall literacy rate was estimated to be almost 74% in 2015; more work needs to be done to raise female literacy and school attendance among nomadic and rural communities. Subsistence farming fails to meet the needs of Eritrea’s growing population because of repeated droughts, dwindling arable land, overgrazing, soil erosion, and a shortage of farmers due to conscription and displacement. The government’s emphasis on spending on defense over agriculture and its lack of foreign exchange to import food also contribute to food insecurity.Eritrea has been a leading refugee source country since at least the 1960s, when its 30-year war for independence from Ethiopia began. Since gaining independence in 1993, Eritreans have continued migrating to Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Egypt, or Israel because of a lack of basic human rights or political freedom, educational and job opportunities, or to seek asylum because of militarization. Eritrea’s large diaspora has been a source of vital remittances, funding its war for independence and providing 30% of the country’s GDP annually since it became independent.In the last few years, Eritreans have increasingly been trafficked and held hostage by Bedouins in the Sinai Desert, where they are victims of organ harvesting, rape, extortion, and torture. Some Eritrean trafficking victims are kidnapped after being smuggled to Sudan or Ethiopia, while others are kidnapped from within or around refugee camps or crossing Eritrea’s borders. Eritreans composed approximately 90% of the conservatively estimated 25,000-30,000 victims of Sinai trafficking from 2009-2013, according to a 2013 consultancy firm report.Eritrea is a persistently poor country that has made progress in some socioeconomic categories but not in others. Education and human capital formation are national priorities for facilitating economic development and eradicating poverty. To this end, Eritrea has made great strides in improving adult literacy – doubling the literacy rate over the last 20 years – in large part because of its successful adult education programs. The overall literacy rate was estimated to be almost 74% in 2015; more work needs to be done to raise female literacy and school attendance among nomadic and rural communities. Subsistence farming fails to meet the needs of Eritrea’s growing population because of repeated droughts, dwindling arable land, overgrazing, soil erosion, and a shortage of farmers due to conscription and displacement. The government’s emphasis on spending on defense over agriculture and its lack of foreign exchange to import food also contribute to food insecurity.Eritrea has been a leading refugee source country since at least the 1960s, when its 30-year war for independence from Ethiopia began. Since gaining independence in 1993, Eritreans have continued migrating to Sudan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Egypt, or Israel because of a lack of basic human rights or political freedom, educational and job opportunities, or to seek asylum because of militarization. Eritrea’s large diaspora has been a source of vital remittances, funding its war for independence and providing 30% of the country’s GDP annually since it became independent.In the last few years, Eritreans have increasingly been trafficked and held hostage by Bedouins in the Sinai Desert, where they are victims of organ harvesting, rape, extortion, and torture. Some Eritrean trafficking victims are kidnapped after being smuggled to Sudan or Ethiopia, while others are kidnapped from within or around refugee camps or crossing Eritrea’s borders. Eritreans composed approximately 90% of the conservatively estimated 25,000-30,000 victims of Sinai trafficking from 2009-2013, according to a 2013 consultancy firm report. Age structure: 0-14 years: 38.23% (male 1,169,456/female 1,155,460) 15-24 years: 20.56% (male 622,172/female 627,858) 25-54 years: 33.42% (male 997,693/female 1,034,550) 55-64 years: 3.8% (male 105,092/female 125,735) 65 years and over: 4% (2020 est.) (male 99,231/female 143,949) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 83.9 youth dependency ratio: 75.6 elderly dependency ratio: 8.3 potential support ratio: 12.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 20.3 years male: 19.7 years female: 20.8 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.03% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 27.04 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.69 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -10.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: density is highest in the center of the country in and around the cities of Asmara (capital) and Keren; smaller settlements exist in the north and south as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 42.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.035 million ASMARA (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.3 years (2010 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 Maternal mortality ratio: 480 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 41.5 deaths/1,000 live births male: 48.36 deaths/1,000 live births female: 34.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.85 years male: 64.25 years female: 69.53 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.58 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 8.4% (2010) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 73.2% of population rural: 53.3% of population total: 57.8% of population unimproved: urban: 26.8% of population rural: 46.7% of population total: 42.2% of population (2015 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4.5% (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: 44.5% of population rural: 7.3% of population total: 15.7% of population unimproved: urban: 55.5% of population rural: 92.7% of population total: 84.3% of population (2017 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.5% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 13,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 7.5% (2020 est.) male: 14.7% (2020 est.) female: 0.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 76.6% male: 84.4% female: 68.9% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 8 years male: 8 years female: 7 years (2015) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 42.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.71 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.48 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: hot, 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 Land use: agricultural land: 75.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 68.3% (2018 est.) forest: 15.1% (2018 est.) other: 9.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 42.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 726,957 tons (2011 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 31 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 550 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 7.315 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: State of Eritrea conventional short form: Eritrea local long form: Hagere Ertra local short form: Ertra former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia etymology: the country name derives from the ancient Greek appellation "Erythra Thalassa" meaning Red Sea, which is the major water body bordering the country Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Asmara geographic coordinates: 15 20 N, 38 56 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name means "they [women] made them unite," which according to Tigrinya oral tradition refers to the women of the four clans in the Asmara area who persuaded their menfolk to unite and defeat their common enemy; the name has also been translated as "live in peace" Administrative divisions: 6 regions (zobatat, singular - zoba); 'Anseba, Debub (South), Debubawi K'eyyih Bahri (Southern Red Sea), Gash-Barka, Ma'ikel (Central), Semienawi K'eyyih Bahri (Northern Red Sea) Independence: 24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia) National holiday: Independence Day, 24 May (1991) Constitution: history: ratified by the Constituent Assembly 23 May 1997 (not fully implemented) amendments: proposed by the president of Eritrea or by assent of at least one half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least an initial three-quarters majority vote by the Assembly and, after one year, final passage by at least four-fifths majority vote by the Assembly Legal system: mixed legal system of civil, customary, and Islamic 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: at least one parent must be a citizen of Eritrea dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 20 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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: 1993: ISAIAS Afwerki elected president by the transitional National Assembly; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS  Afwerki (PFDJ) 95%, other 5% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly (Hagerawi Baito) (150 seats; 75 members indirectly elected by the ruling party and 75 directly elected by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: in May 1997, following the adoption of the new constitution, 75 members of the PFDJ Central Committee (the old Central Committee of the EPLF), 60 members of the 527-member Constituent Assembly, which had been established in 1997 to discuss and ratify the new constitution, and 15 representatives of Eritreans living abroad were formed into a Transitional National Assembly to serve as the country's legislative body until countrywide elections to form a National Assembly were held; although only 75 of 150 members of the Transitional National Assembly were elected, the constitution stipulates that once past the transition stage, all members of the National Assembly will be elected by secret ballot of all eligible voters; National Assembly elections scheduled for December 2001 were postponed indefinitely due to the war with Ethiopia, and as of late 2021, there was no sitting legislative body (2021) election results: NA Judicial branch: highest courts: High Court (consists of 20 judges and organized into civil, commercial, criminal, labor, administrative, and customary sections) judge selection and term of office: High Court judges appointed by the president subordinate courts: regional/zonal courts; community courts; special courts; sharia courts (for issues dealing with Muslim marriage, inheritance, and family); military courts Political parties and leaders: People's Front for Democracy and Justice or PFDJ [ISAIAS Afwerki] (the only party recognized by the government) International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Berhane Gebrehiwet SOLOMON (since 15 March 2011) chancery: 1708 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 319-1991 FAX: [1] (202) 319-1304 email address and website: embassyeritrea@embassyeritrea.org https://us.embassyeritrea.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Steven C. WALKER (since December 2019) embassy: 179 Alaa Street, Asmara mailing address: 7170 Asmara Place, Washington DC  20521-7170 telephone: [291] (1) 12-00-04 FAX: [291] (1) 12-75-84 email address and website: consularasmara@state.gov https://er.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered on the hoist side of the red triangle; green stands for the country's agriculture economy, red signifies the blood shed in the fight for freedom, and blue symbolizes the bounty of the sea; the wreath-olive branch symbol is similar to that on the first flag of Eritrea from 1952; the shape of the red triangle broadly mimics the shape of the country note: one of several flags where a prominent component of the design reflects the shape of the country; other such flags are those of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Vanuatu National symbol(s): camel; national colors: green, red, blue National anthem: name: "Ertra, Ertra, Ertra" (Eritrea, Eritrea, Eritrea) lyrics/music: SOLOMON Tsehaye Beraki/Isaac Abraham MEHAREZGI and ARON Tekle Tesfatsion note: adopted 1993; upon independence from Ethiopia National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Asmara: A Modernist African City Topic: Economy Economic overview: Since formal independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea has faced many economic problems, including lack of financial resources and chronic drought. Eritrea has a command economy under the control of the sole political party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice. Like the economies of many African nations, a large share of the population - nearly 80% in Eritrea - is engaged in subsistence agriculture, but the sector only produces a small share of the country's total output. Mining accounts for the lion's share of output.   The government has strictly controlled the use of foreign currency by limiting access and availability; new regulations in 2013 aimed at relaxing currency controls have had little economic effect. Few large private enterprises exist in Eritrea and most operate in conjunction with government partners, including a number of large international mining ventures, which began production in 2013. In late 2015, the Government of Eritrea introduced a new currency, retaining the name nakfa, and restricted the amount of hard currency individuals could withdraw from banks per month. The changeover has resulted in exchange fluctuations and the scarcity of hard currency available in the market.   While reliable statistics on Eritrea are difficult to obtain, erratic rainfall and the large percentage of the labor force tied up in military service continue to interfere with agricultural production and economic development. Eritrea's harvests generally cannot meet the food needs of the country without supplemental grain purchases. Copper, potash, and gold production are likely to continue to drive limited economic growth and government revenue over the next few years, but military spending will continue to compete with development and investment plans.Since formal independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Eritrea has faced many economic problems, including lack of financial resources and chronic drought. Eritrea has a command economy under the control of the sole political party, the People's Front for Democracy and Justice. Like the economies of many African nations, a large share of the population - nearly 80% in Eritrea - is engaged in subsistence agriculture, but the sector only produces a small share of the country's total output. Mining accounts for the lion's share of output. The government has strictly controlled the use of foreign currency by limiting access and availability; new regulations in 2013 aimed at relaxing currency controls have had little economic effect. Few large private enterprises exist in Eritrea and most operate in conjunction with government partners, including a number of large international mining ventures, which began production in 2013. In late 2015, the Government of Eritrea introduced a new currency, retaining the name nakfa, and restricted the amount of hard currency individuals could withdraw from banks per month. The changeover has resulted in exchange fluctuations and the scarcity of hard currency available in the market. While reliable statistics on Eritrea are difficult to obtain, erratic rainfall and the large percentage of the labor force tied up in military service continue to interfere with agricultural production and economic development. Eritrea's harvests generally cannot meet the food needs of the country without supplemental grain purchases. Copper, potash, and gold production are likely to continue to drive limited economic growth and government revenue over the next few years, but military spending will continue to compete with development and investment plans. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $9.702 billion (2017 est.) $8.953 billion (2016 est.) $8.791 billion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5% (2017 est.) 1.9% (2016 est.) 2.6% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $1,600 (2017 est.) $1,500 (2016 est.) $1,500 (2015 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $5.813 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (2017 est.) 9% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 11.7% (2017 est.) industry: 29.6% (2017 est.) services: 58.7% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 80.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 6.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 10.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -22.5% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sorghum, milk, vegetables, barley, cereals, pulses nes, roots/tubers nes, wheat, millet, beef Industries: food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light manufacturing, salt, cement Industrial production growth rate: 5.4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 2.71 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 80% industry: 20% (2004 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.8% (2017 est.) 10% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: 50% (2004 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 2.029 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.601 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -9.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 131.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 132.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 34.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$137 million (2017 est.) -$105 million (2016 est.) Exports: $624.3 million (2017 est.) $485.4 million (2016 est.) Exports - partners: China 62%, South Korea 28.3% (2017) Exports - commodities: gold and other minerals, livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small industry manufactures Imports: $1.127 billion (2017 est.) $1.048 billion (2016 est.) Imports - partners: UAE 14.5%, China 13.2%, Saudi Arabia 13.2%, Italy 12.9%, Turkey 5.6%, South Africa 4.6% (2017) Imports - commodities: machinery, petroleum products, food, manufactured goods Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $236.7 million (31 December 2017 est.) $218.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $792.7 million (31 December 2017 est.) $875.6 million (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: nakfa (ERN) per US dollar - 15.38 (2017 est.) 15.375 (2016 est.) 15.375 (2015 est.) 15.375 (2014 est.) 15.375 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 47% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 95% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 13% (2019) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) 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: 5,200 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: 3,897 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: 798,000 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 3.217 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 66,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1.801 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 51 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Eritrea’s telecom sector operates under a state-owned monopoly for fixed and mobile services; the country has the least developed telecommunications market in Africa; mobile subscriptions stands at only about 20%, while fixed-line internet use barely registers; this is exacerbated by the very low use of computers, with only about 4% of households having a computer, and most of these being in the capital, Asmara; the provision of internet services is open to competition, about 2% of households have access to the internet; the national telco, the Eritrean Telecommunication Services Corporation (EriTel), continues to roll out a 3G network which provides basic internet access to the majority or Eritreans; considerable investment in telecom infrastructure is still required to improve the quality of services; the government has embarked on a work program aimed at extending services to remote areas, improving the quality of services, and ensuring that more telecoms infrastructure is supported by solar power to compensate for the poor state of the electricity network; additional foreign investment in telecom infrastructure, as well as introduction of more competition, would help transform what remains a virtually untapped market. (2021) domestic: fixed-line subscribership is less than 2 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular is just over 20 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 291 (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: government controls broadcast media with private ownership prohibited; 1 state-owned TV station; state-owned radio operates 2 networks; purchases of satellite dishes and subscriptions to international broadcast media are permitted (2019) Internet country code: .er Internet users: total: 53,200 (2019 est.) percent of population: 1% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 5,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: E3 Airports: total: 13 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Railways: total: 306 km (2018) narrow gauge: 306 km (2018) 0.950-m gauge Roadways: total: 16,000 km (2018) paved: 1,600 km (2000) unpaved: 14,400 km (2000) Merchant marine: total: 9 by type: general cargo 4, oil tanker 1, other 4 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Assab, Massawa Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Eritrean Defense Forces: Eritrean Ground Forces, Eritrean Navy, Eritrean Air Force (includes Air Defense Force) (2022) Military expenditures: 10% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $640 million) 10.2% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $630 million) 10.3% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $630 million) 10.4% of GDP (2016 est.) (approximately $640 million) 10.6% of GDP (2015 est.) (approximately $600 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: limited available information; estimated 150,000-200,000 personnel, including about 2,000 in the naval and air forces (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18-40 years of age for male and female voluntary and compulsory military service (18-27 for female conscription); 18-month conscript service obligation, which includes 4-6 months of military training and one‐year of military or other national service (military service is most common); note - in practice, military service reportedly is often extended indefinitely (2021) note: as of 2020, women reportedly made up as much as 30% of the Eritrean military Military - note: in 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Eritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision, but neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; Sudan accuses Eritrea of supporting eastern Sudanese rebel groups; in 2008, Eritrean troops moved across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupied Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red SeaEritrea and Ethiopia agreed to abide by 2002 Ethiopia-Eritrea Boundary Commission's (EEBC) delimitation decision, but neither party responded to the revised line detailed in the November 2006 EEBC Demarcation Statement; Sudan accuses Eritrea of supporting eastern Sudanese rebel groups; in 2008, Eritrean troops moved across the border on Ras Doumera peninsula and occupied Doumera Island with undefined sovereignty in the Red Sea Trafficking in persons: current 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)

20220901

field-national-symbols

A national symbol is a faunal, floral, or other abstract representation - or some distinctive object - that over time has come to be closely identified with a country or entity. Not all countries have national symbols; a few countries have more than one. Topic: Afghanistanlion; national colors: red, green, black Topic: Albaniablack double-headed eagle; national colors: red, black Topic: Algeriafive-pointed star between the extended horns of a crescent moon, fennec fox; national colors: green, white, red Topic: American Samoaa fue (coconut fiber fly whisk; representing wisdom) crossed with a to'oto'o (staff; representing authority); national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Andorrared cow (breed unspecified); national colors: blue, yellow, red Topic: AngolaPalanca Negra Gigante (giant black sable antelope); national colors: red, black, yellow Topic: Anguilladolphin Topic: Antigua and Barbudafallow deer; national colors: red, white, blue, black, yellow Topic: ArgentinaSun of May (a sun-with-face symbol); national colors: sky blue, white Topic: ArmeniaMount Ararat, eagle, lion; national colors: red, blue, orange Topic: ArubaHooiberg (Haystack) Hill; national colors: blue, yellow, red, white Topic: AustraliaCommonwealth Star (seven-pointed Star of Federation), golden wattle tree (Acacia pycnantha Benth), kangaroo, emu; national colors: green, gold Topic: Austriaeagle, edelweiss, Alpine gentian; national colors: red, white Topic: Azerbaijanflames of fire; national colors: blue, red, green Topic: Bahamas, Theblue marlin, flamingo, Yellow Elder flower; national colors: aquamarine, yellow, black Topic: Bahraina red field surmounted by a white serrated band with five white points; national colors: red, white Topic: BangladeshBengal tiger, water lily; national colors: green, red Topic: BarbadosNeptune's trident, pelican, Red Bird of Paradise flower (also known as Pride of Barbados); national colors: blue, yellow, black Topic: Belarusno clearly defined current national symbol, the mounted knight known as Pahonia (the Chaser) is the traditional Belarusian symbol; national colors: green, red, white Topic: Belgiumgolden rampant lion; national colors: red, black, yellow Topic: BelizeBaird's tapir (a large, browsing, forest-dwelling mammal), keel-billed toucan, Black Orchid; national colors: red, blue Topic: Beninleopard; national colors: green, yellow, red Topic: Bermudared lion Topic: Bhutanthunder dragon known as Druk Gyalpo; national colors: orange, yellow Topic: Boliviallama, Andean condor, two national flowers: the cantuta and the patuju; national colors: red, yellow, green Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinagolden lily; national colors: blue, yellow, white Topic: Botswanazebra; national colors: blue, white, black Topic: BrazilSouthern Cross constellation; national colors: green, yellow, blue Topic: British Virgin Islandszenaida dove, white cedar flower; national colors: yellow, green, red, white, blue Topic: Bruneiroyal parasol; national colors: yellow, white, black Topic: Bulgarialion; national colors: white, green, red Topic: Burkina Fasowhite stallion; national colors: red, yellow, green Topic: Burmachinthe (mythical lion); national colors: yellow, green, red, white Topic: Burundilion; national colors: red, white, green Topic: Cabo Verdeten, five-pointed, yellow stars; national colors: blue, white, red, yellow Topic: CambodiaAngkor Wat temple, kouprey (wild ox); national colors: red, blue Topic: Cameroonlion; national colors: green, red, yellow Topic: Canadamaple leaf, beaver; national colors: red, white Topic: Cayman Islandsgreen sea turtle Topic: Central African Republicelephant; national colors: blue, white, green, yellow, red Topic: Chadgoat (north), lion (south); national colors: blue, yellow, red Topic: Chilehuemul (mountain deer), Andean condor; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Chinadragon, giant panda; national colors: red, yellow Topic: Christmas Islandgolden bosun bird Topic: ColombiaAndean condor; national colors: yellow, blue, red Topic: Comorosfour five-pointed stars and crescent moon; national colors: green, white Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theleopard; national colors: sky blue, red, yellow Topic: Congo, Republic of thelion, elephant; national colors: green, yellow, red Topic: Cook Islandsa circle of 15, five-pointed, white stars on a blue field, Tiare maori (Gardenia taitensis) flower; national colors: green, white Topic: Costa Ricayiguirro (clay-colored robin); national colors: blue, white, red Topic: Cote d'Ivoireelephant; national colors: orange, white, green Topic: Croatiared-white checkerboard; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Cubaroyal palm; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Curacaolaraha (citrus tree); national colors: blue, yellow, white Topic: CyprusCypriot mouflon (wild sheep), white dove; national colors: blue, white Topic: Czechiasilver (or white), double-tailed, rampant lion; national colors: white, red, blue Topic: Denmarklion, mute swan; national colors: red, white Topic: Djiboutired star; national colors: light blue, green, white, red Topic: DominicaSisserou parrot, Carib Wood flower; national colors: green, yellow, black, white, red Topic: Dominican Republicpalmchat (bird); national colors: red, white, blue Topic: EcuadorAndean condor; national colors: yellow, blue, red Topic: Egyptgolden eagle, white lotus; national colors: red, white, black Topic: El Salvadorturquoise-browed motmot (bird); national colors: blue, white Topic: Equatorial Guineasilk cotton tree; national colors: green, white, red, blue Topic: Eritreacamel; national colors: green, red, blue Topic: Estoniabarn swallow, cornflower; national colors: blue, black, white Topic: Eswatinilion, elephant; national colors: blue, yellow, red Topic: EthiopiaAbyssinian lion (traditional), yellow pentagram with five rays of light on a blue field (promoted by current government); national colors: green, yellow, red Topic: European Uniona circle of 12, five-pointed, golden yellow stars on a blue field; union colors: blue, yellow Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)ram Topic: Faroe Islandsram; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: FijiFijian canoe; national color: light blue Topic: Finlandlion; national colors: blue, white Topic: FranceGallic rooster, fleur-de-lis, Marianne (female personification); national colors: blue, white, red Topic: French Polynesiaoutrigger canoe, Tahitian gardenia (Gardenia taitensis) flower; national colors: red, white Topic: Gabonblack panther; national colors: green, yellow, blue Topic: Gambia, Thelion; national colors: red, blue, green, white Topic: GeorgiaSaint George, lion; national colors: red, white Topic: Germanyeagle; national colors: black, red, yellow Topic: Ghanablack star, golden eagle; national colors: red, yellow, green, black Topic: GibraltarBarbary macaque; national colors: red, white, yellow Topic: GreeceGreek cross (white cross on blue field, arms equal length); national colors: blue, white Topic: Greenlandpolar bear; national colors: red, white Topic: GrenadaGrenada dove, bougainvillea flower; national colors: red, yellow, green Topic: Guamcoconut tree; national colors: deep blue, red Topic: Guatemalaquetzal (bird); national colors: blue, white Topic: GuernseyGuernsey cow, donkey; national colors: red, white, yellow Topic: Guineaelephant; national colors: red, yellow, green Topic: Guinea-Bissaublack star; national colors: red, yellow, green, black Topic: GuyanaCanje pheasant (hoatzin), jaguar, Victoria Regia water lily; national colors: red, yellow, green, black, white Topic: HaitiHispaniolan trogon (bird), hibiscus flower; national colors: blue, red Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)crossed keys beneath a papal tiara; national colors: yellow, white Topic: Hondurasscarlet macaw, white-tailed deer; national colors: blue, white Topic: Hong Kongorchid tree flower; national colors: red, white Topic: HungaryHoly Crown of Hungary (Crown of Saint Stephen); national colors: red, white, green Topic: Icelandgyrfalcon; national colors: blue, white, red Topic: Indiathe Lion Capital of Ashoka, which depicts four Asiatic lions standing back to back mounted on a circular abacus, is the official emblem; Bengal tiger; lotus flower; national colors: saffron, white, green Topic: Indonesiagaruda (mythical bird); national colors: red, white Topic: Iranlion; national colors: green, white, red Topic: Iraqgolden eagle; national colors: red, white, black Topic: Irelandharp, shamrock (trefoil); national colors: blue, green Topic: Isle of Mantriskelion (a motif of three legs); national colors: red, white Topic: IsraelStar of David (Magen David), menorah (seven-branched lampstand); national colors: blue, white Topic: Italywhite, five-pointed star (Stella d'Italia); national colors: red, white, green Topic: Jamaicagreen-and-black streamertail (bird), Guaiacum officinale (Guaiacwood); national colors: green, yellow, black Topic: Japanred sun disc, chrysanthemum; national colors: red, white Topic: JerseyJersey cow; national colors: red, white Topic: Jordaneagle; national colors: black, white, green, red Topic: Kazakhstangolden eagle; national colors: blue, yellow Topic: Kenyalion; national colors: black, red, green, white Topic: Kiribatifrigatebird; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow Topic: Korea, Northred star, chollima (winged horse); national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Korea, Southtaegeuk (yin yang symbol), Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), Siberian tiger; national colors: red, white, blue, black Topic: Kosovosix, five-pointed, white stars; national colors: blue, gold, white Topic: Kuwaitgolden falcon; national colors: green, white, red, black Topic: Kyrgyzstanwhite falcon; national colors: red, yellow Topic: Laoselephant; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Latviawhite wagtail (bird); national colors: maroon, white Topic: Lebanoncedar tree; national colors: red, white, green Topic: Lesothomokorotio (Basotho hat); national colors: blue, white, green, black Topic: Liberiawhite star; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Libyastar and crescent, hawk; national colors: red, black, green Topic: Liechtensteinprincely hat (crown); national colors: blue, red Topic: Lithuaniamounted knight known as Vytis (the Chaser), white stork; national colors: yellow, green, red Topic: Luxembourgred, rampant lion; national colors: red, white, light blue Topic: Macaulotus blossom; national colors: green, white, yellow Topic: Madagascartraveller's palm, zebu; national colors: red, green, white Topic: Malawilion; national colors: black, red, green Topic: Malaysiatiger, hibiscus; national colors: gold, black Topic: Maldivescoconut palm, yellowfin tuna; national colors: red, green, white Topic: MaliGreat Mosque of Djenne; national colors: green, yellow, red Topic: MaltaMaltese eight-pointed cross; national colors: red, white Topic: Marshall Islandsa 24-rayed star; national colors: blue, white, orange Topic: Mauritaniafive-pointed star between the horns of a horizontal crescent moon; national colors: green, yellow Topic: Mauritiusdodo bird, Trochetia Boutoniana flower; national colors: red, blue, yellow, green Topic: Mexicogolden eagle; national colors: green, white, red Topic: Micronesia, Federated States offour, five-pointed, white stars on a light blue field, hibiscus flower; national colors: light blue, white Topic: Moldovaaurochs (a type of wild cattle); national colors: blue, yellow, red Topic: Monacored and white lozenges (diamond shapes); national colors: red, white Topic: Mongoliasoyombo emblem; national colors: red, blue, yellow Topic: Montenegrodouble-headed eagle; national colors: red, gold Topic: Moroccopentacle symbol, lion; national colors: red, green Topic: Mozambiquenational colors: green, black, yellow, white, red Topic: Namibiaoryx (antelope); national colors: blue, red, green, white, yellow Topic: Naurufrigatebird, calophyllum flower; national colors: blue, yellow, white Topic: Nepalrhododendron blossom; national color: red Topic: Netherlandslion, tulip; national color: orange Topic: New Caledoniafleche faitiere (native rooftop adornment), kagu bird; national colors: gray, red Topic: New ZealandSouthern Cross constellation (four, five-pointed stars), kiwi (bird), silver fern; national colors: black, white, red (ochre) Topic: Nicaraguaturquoise-browed motmot (bird); national colors: blue, white Topic: Nigerzebu; national colors: orange, white, green Topic: Nigeriaeagle; national colors: green, white Topic: Niueyellow, five-pointed star; national color: yellow Topic: Norfolk IslandNorfolk Island pine Topic: North Macedoniaeight-rayed sun; national colors: red, yellow Topic: Northern Mariana Islandslatte stone; national colors: blue, white Topic: Norwaylion; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Omankhanjar dagger superimposed on two crossed swords; national colors: red, white, green Topic: Pakistanfive-pointed star between the horns of a waxing crescent moon, jasmine; national colors: green, white Topic: Palaubai (native meeting house); national colors: blue, yellow Topic: Panamaharpy eagle; national colors: blue, white, red Topic: Papua New Guineabird of paradise; national colors: red, black Topic: Paraguaylion; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Peruvicuna (a camelid related to the llama); national colors: red, white Topic: Philippinesthree stars and sun, Philippine eagle; national colors: red, white, blue, yellow Topic: Polandwhite crowned eagle; national colors: white, red Topic: Portugalarmillary sphere (a spherical astrolabe modeling objects in the sky and representing the Republic); national colors: red, green Topic: Puerto RicoPuerto Rican spindalis (bird), coqui (frog); national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Qatara maroon field surmounted by a white serrated band with nine white points; national colors: maroon, white Topic: Romaniagolden eagle; national colors: blue, yellow, red Topic: Russiabear, double-headed eagle; national colors: white, blue, red Topic: Rwandatraditional woven basket with peaked lid; national colors: blue, yellow, green Topic: Saint Barthelemypelican Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena plover (bird) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisbrown pelican, royal poinciana (flamboyant) tree; national colors: green, yellow, red, black, white Topic: Saint Luciatwin pitons (volcanic peaks), Saint Lucia parrot; national colors: cerulean blue, gold, black, white Topic: Saint Martinbrown pelican Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon16th-century sailing ship Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSaint Vincent parrot; national colors: blue, gold, green Topic: SamoaSouthern Cross constellation (five, five-pointed stars); national colors: red, white, blue Topic: San Marinothree peaks each displaying a tower; national colors: white, blue Topic: Sao Tome and Principepalm tree; national colors: green, yellow, red, black Topic: Saudi Arabiapalm tree surmounting two crossed swords; national colors: green, white Topic: Senegallion; national colors: green, yellow, red Topic: Serbiawhite double-headed eagle; national colors: red, blue, white Topic: Seychellescoco de mer (sea coconut); national colors: blue, yellow, red, white, green Topic: Sierra Leonelion; national colors: green, white, blue Topic: Singaporelion, merlion (mythical half lion-half fish creature), orchid; national colors: red, white Topic: Sint Maartenbrown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, bluebrown pelican, yellow sage (flower); national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Slovakiadouble-barred cross (Cross of St. Cyril and St. Methodius) surmounting three peaks; national colors: white, blue, red Topic: SloveniaMount Triglav; national colors: white, blue, red Topic: Solomon Islandsnational colors: blue, yellow, green, white Topic: Somalialeopard; national colors: blue, white Topic: South Africaspringbok (antelope), king protea flower; national colors: red, green, blue, yellow, black, white Topic: South SudanAfrican fish eagle; national colors: red, green, blue, yellow, black, white Topic: SpainPillars of Hercules; national colors: red, yellow Topic: Sri Lankalion, water lily; national colors: maroon, yellow Topic: Sudansecretary bird; national colors: red, white, black, green Topic: Surinameroyal palm, faya lobi (flower); national colors: green, white, red, yellow Topic: Swedenthree crowns, lion; national colors: blue, yellow Topic: SwitzerlandSwiss cross (white cross on red field, arms equal length); national colors: red, white Topic: Syriahawk; national colors: red, white, black, green Topic: Taiwanwhite, 12-rayed sun on blue field; national colors: blue, white, red Topic: Tajikistancrown surmounted by an arc of seven, five-pointed stars; snow leopard; national colors: red, white, green Topic: TanzaniaUhuru (Freedom) torch, giraffe; national colors: green, yellow, blue, black Topic: Thailandgaruda (mythical half-man, half-bird figure), elephant; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: Timor-LesteMount Ramelau; national colors: red, yellow, black, white Topic: Togolion; national colors: green, yellow, red, white Topic: Tokelautuluma (fishing tackle box); national colors: blue, yellow, white Topic: Tongared cross on white field, arms equal length; national colors: red, white Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoscarlet ibis (bird of Trinidad), cocrico (bird of Tobago), Chaconia flower; national colors: red, white, black Topic: Tunisiaencircled red crescent moon and five-pointed star; national colors: red, white Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)vertical crescent moon with adjacent five-pointed star; national colors: red, white Topic: TurkmenistanAkhal-Teke horse; national colors: green, white Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsconch shell, Turk's cap cactus Topic: Tuvalumaneapa (native meeting house); national colors: light blue, yellow Topic: Ugandagrey crowned crane; national colors: black, yellow, red Topic: Ukrainetryzub (trident), sunflower; national colors: blue, yellow Topic: United Arab Emiratesgolden falcon; national colors: green, white, black, red Topic: United Kingdomlion (Britain in general); lion, Tudor rose, oak (England); lion, unicorn, thistle (Scotland); dragon, daffodil, leek (Wales); shamrock, flax (Northern Ireland); national colors: red, white, blue (Britain in general); red, white (England); blue, white (Scotland); red, white, green (Wales) Topic: United Statesbald eagle; national colors: red, white, blue Topic: UruguaySun of May (a sun-with-face symbol); national colors: blue, white, yellow Topic: Uzbekistankhumo (mythical bird); national colors: blue, white, red, green Topic: Vanuatuboar's tusk with crossed fern fronds; national colors: red, black, green, yellow Topic: Venezuelatroupial (bird); national colors: yellow, blue, red Topic: Vietnamyellow, five-pointed star on red field; lotus blossom; national colors: red, yellow Topic: Wallis and Futunared saltire (Saint Andrew's Cross) on a white square on a red field; national colors: red, white Topic: Yemengolden eagle; national colors: red, white, black Topic: ZambiaAfrican fish eagle; national colors: green, red, black, orange Topic: ZimbabweZimbabwe bird symbol, African fish eagle, flame lily; national colors: green, yellow, red, black, white

20220901

countries-eritrea-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Eritrea due to COVID-19, travel restrictions, limited consular assistance, and landmines. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp 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: [291] (1) 120004; US Embassy Asmara, 179 Alaa Street, Asmara, Eritrea; https://er.usembassy.gov/; consularasmara@state.gov Telephone Code: 291 Local Emergency Phone: Local numbers only 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: Hot, 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 Currency (Code): Nakfa (ERN) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, L Major Languages: Trigrinya, Arabic, English, Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages Major Religions: Sunni Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant Time Difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Asmara (includes St. Mariam Cathedral, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Kulafah Al Rashidin Mosque); Dahlak Marine National Park Major Sports: Soccer, cycling, volleyball Cultural Practices: Unlike in western countries where raised eyebrows indicate puzzlement, in Eretria they signal affirmation or approval. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping up to 10% of the bill in restaurants is appreciated, but not always expected; this amount may sometimes be included as a service charge. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon.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-exports-commodities

This entry provides a listing of the highest-valued exported commodities. Topic: Afghanistangold, grapes, opium, fruits and nuts, insect resins, cotton, handwoven carpets, soapstone, scrap metal (2019) Topic: Albanialeather footwear and parts, crude petroleum, iron alloys, clothing, electricity, perfumes (2019) Topic: Algeriacrude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, fertilizers, ammonia (2019) Topic: American Samoacanned tuna Topic: Andorraintegrated circuits, medical supplies, essential oils, cars, tanned hides (2019) Topic: Angolacrude petroleum, diamonds, natural gas, refined petroleum, ships (2019) Topic: Anguillalobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum Topic: Antigua and Barbudaships, refined petroleum, precious/semi-precious metal scraps, rice, corn (2019) Topic: Argentinasoybean products, corn, delivery trucks, wheat, frozen meat, gold (2019) Topic: Armeniacopper ore, gold, tobacco, liquors, iron alloys (2019) Topic: Arubarefined petroleum, liquors, scrap iron, soap, tobacco (2019) Topic: Australiairon ore, coal, natural gas, gold, aluminum oxide (2019) Topic: Austriacars, packaged medical supplies, vehicle parts, medical vaccines/cultures, flavored water (2019) Topic: Azerbaijancrude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, tomatoes, gold (2019) Topic: Bahamas, Theships, refined petroleum, nitrogen compounds, crustaceans, styrene polymers (2019) Topic: Bahrainrefined petroleum, aluminum and plating, crude petroleum, iron ore, gold (2019) Topic: Bangladeshclothing, knitwear, leather footwear (2019) Topic: Barbadosrums and other hard liquor, ships, orthopedic appliances, cement, packaged medicines (2019) Topic: Belarusrefined petroleum, fertilizers, cheese, delivery trucks, crude petroleum (2019) Topic: Belgiumcars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, diamonds, natural gas (2019) Topic: Belizeraw sugar, bananas, fruit juice, fish products, crude petroleum (2019) Topic: Benincotton, refined petroleum, gold, cashews, copper (2019) Topic: Bermudare-exports of pharmaceuticals Topic: Bhutaniron alloys, dolomite, refined iron, cement, silicon carbides (2019) Topic: Bolivianatural gas, gold, zinc, soybean oil and soy products, tin, silver, lead (2019) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaelectricity, seating, leather shoes, furniture, insulated wiring (2019) Topic: Botswanadiamonds, insulated wiring, gold, beef, carbonates (2019) Topic: Brazilsoybeans, crude petroleum, iron, corn, wood pulp products (2019) Topic: British Virgin Islandsrecreational boats, aircraft, diamonds, paintings, precious stones (2019) Topic: Bruneinatural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, industrial alcohols, industrial hydrocarbons (2019) Topic: Bulgariarefined petroleum, packaged medicines, copper, wheat, electricity (2019) Topic: Burkina Fasogold, cotton, zinc, cashews, sesame seeds (2019) Topic: Burmanatural gas, clothing products, rice, copper, dried legumes (2019) Topic: Burundigold, coffee, tea, raw earth metal ores, wheat flours (2019) Topic: Cabo Verdeprocessed and frozen fish, mollusks, clothing, scrap iron (2019) Topic: Cambodiaclothing, precious metal scraps, trunks/cases, gold, leather footwear (2019) Topic: Camerooncrude petroleum, cocoa beans, lumber, gold, natural gas, bananas (2019) Topic: Canadacrude petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, gold, refined petroleum, natural gas (2019) Topic: Cayman Islandsrecreational boats, gold, broadcasting equipment, sulfates, collector's items (2019) Topic: Central African Republiclumber, gold, diamonds, sea vessels, cocoa paste (2019) Topic: Chadcrude petroleum, gold, livestock, sesame seeds, gum arabic, insect resins (2019) Topic: Chilecopper, wood pulp, fish fillets, pitted fruits, wine (2019) Topic: Chinabroadcasting equipment, computers, integrated circuits, office machinery and parts, telephones (2019) Topic: Christmas Islandcalcium phosphates, fertilizers, valves, air pumps, industrial printers (2019) Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandscomputers, packaged medicines, precious metal watches, office machinery/parts, chemical analysis instruments (2019) Topic: Colombiacrude petroleum, coal, refined petroleum, coffee, gold (2019) Topic: Comoroscloves, essential oils, vacuum flask, vanilla, scrap vessels (2019) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thecopper, cobalt, crude petroleum, diamonds (2019) Topic: Congo, Republic of thecrude petroleum, copper, lumber, ships, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Cook Islandsfish products, recreational boats, precious metal scraps, fruit juice, chemical analysis instruments (2019) Topic: Costa Ricamedical instruments, bananas, tropical fruits, orthopedic appliances, food preparations (2019) Topic: Cote d'Ivoirecocoa beans, gold, rubber, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2019) Topic: Croatiarefined petroleum, packaged medicines, cars, medical cultures/vaccines, lumber (2019) Topic: Cubacigars, raw sugar, nickel products, rum, zinc (2019) Topic: Curacaogold, precious metal scraps, petroleum coke, frozen fish, coal tar oil (2019) Topic: Cyprusships, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cheese, crude petroleum (2019) Topic: Czechiacars and vehicle parts, computers, broadcasting equipment, office machinery/parts, seating (2019) Topic: Denmarkpackaged medicines, electric generators, pork, refined petroleum, medical cultures/vaccines (2019) Topic: Djiboutivarious animals, chlorides, dried legumes, industrial fatty acids/oils, coffee, chickpeas (2019) Topic: Dominicamedical instruments, pharmaceuticals, low-voltage protection equipment, tropical fruits, bandages (2019) Topic: Dominican Republicgold, medical instruments, cigars, low-voltage protection equipment, bananas (2019) Topic: Ecuadorcrude petroleum, crustaceans, bananas, fish, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Egyptcrude petroleum, refined petroleum, gold, natural gas, fertilizers (2019) Topic: El Salvadortextiles and apparel, electrical capacitors, plastic lids, raw sugar, toilet paper (2019) Topic: Equatorial Guineacrude petroleum, natural gas, industrial alcohols, lumber, veneer sheeting (2019) Topic: Eritreagold and other minerals, livestock, sorghum, textiles, food, small industry manufactures Topic: Estoniabroadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, prefabricated buildings (2019) Topic: Eswatinisoft drink concentrates, sugar, timber, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus, and canned fruit Topic: Ethiopiacoffee, sesame seeds, gold, cut flowers, zinc (2019) Topic: European Unionmachinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, fuels, aircraft, plastics, iron and steel, wood pulp and paper products, alcoholic beverages, furniture Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)mollusks, fish, wool, sheep/goat meats, engine parts (2019) Topic: Faroe Islandsfish and fish products (97%) (2017 est.) Topic: Fijiwater, refined petroleum, fish, raw sugar, gold (2019) Topic: Finlandrefined petroleum, paper and wood pulp products, cars, stainless steel, lumber (2019) Topic: Franceaircraft, packaged medicines, cars and vehicle parts, gas turbines, wine (2019) Topic: French Polynesiacultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, shark meat Topic: Gaboncrude petroleum, manganese, lumber, veneer sheeting, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Gambia, Thelumber, cashews, refined petroleum, fish oil, ground nut oil (2019) Topic: Gaza Stripstrawberries, carnations, vegetables, fish (small and irregular shipments, as permitted to transit the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing) Topic: Georgiacopper, cars, iron alloys, wine, packaged medicines (2019) Topic: Germanycars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, aircraft, medical cultures/vaccines, industrial machinery (2019) Topic: Ghanagold, crude petroleum, cocoa products, manganese, cashews (2019) Topic: Gibraltarcars, ships, refined petroleum, fish, recreational boats (2019) Topic: Greecerefined petroleum, packaged medicines, aluminum plating, computers, cotton (2019) Topic: Greenlandfish, crustaceans, fishing ships (2019) Topic: Grenadafish, nutmeg, cocoa beans, fruits, wheat, toilet paper (2019) Topic: Guamscrap iron, electric batteries, gas turbines, scrap copper, beauty products (2019) Topic: Guatemalabananas, raw sugar, coffee, cardamom, palm oil (2019) Topic: Guernseytomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables Topic: Guineaaluminum, gold, bauxite, diamonds, fish, cashews (2019) Topic: Guinea-Bissaucashews, gold, fish, lumber, aluminum ores (2019) Topic: Guyanaships, gold, shipping containers, excavation machinery, aluminum ores, rice (2019) Topic: Haiticlothing and apparel, eels, essential oils, perfumes, mangoes, cocoa beans (2019) Topic: Hondurasclothing and apparel, coffee, insulated wiring, bananas, palm oil (2019) Topic: Hong Konggold, broadcasting equipment, integrated circuits, diamonds, telephones (2019) Topic: Hungarycars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, spark-ignition engines, video displays, broadcasting equipment (2019) Topic: Icelandaluminum and aluminum products, fish products, aircraft, iron alloys, animal meal (2019) Topic: Indiarefined petroleum, diamonds, packaged medicines, jewelry, cars (2019) Topic: Indonesiacoal, palm oil, natural gas, cars, gold (2019) Topic: Irancrude petroleum, polymers, industrial alcohols, iron, pistachios (2019) Topic: Iraqcrude petroleum, refined petroleum, gold, dates, petroleum coke (2019) Topic: Irelandmedical cultures/vaccines, nitrogen compounds, packaged medicines, integrated circuits, scented mixtures (2019) Topic: Isle of Mantweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb Topic: Israeldiamonds, packaged medicines, medical instruments, integrated circuits, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Italypackaged medicines, cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, valves, trunks/cases, wine (2019) Topic: Jamaicabauxite, refined petroleum, aluminum, rum, fruits, nuts (2019) Topic: Japancars and vehicle parts, integrated circuits, personal appliances, ships (2019) Topic: Jerseylight industrial and electrical goods, dairy cattle, foodstuffs, textiles, flowers Topic: Jordanfertilizers, calcium phosphates, packaged medicines, clothing and apparel, phosphoric acid (2019) Topic: Kazakhstancrude petroleum, natural gas, copper, iron alloys, radioactive chemicals (2019) Topic: Kenyatea, cut flowers, refined petroleum, coffee, titanium (2019) Topic: Kiribatifish and fish produces, ships, coconut oil, copra (2019) Topic: Korea, Northwatch components, fake hair, iron alloys, instructional models, tungsten (2019) Topic: Korea, Southintegrated circuits, cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, ships, office machinery (2019) Topic: Kosovomining and processed metal products, scrap metals, leather products, machinery, appliances, prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco, vegetable products, textiles and apparel Topic: Kuwaitcrude petroleum, refined petroleum, aircraft, natural gas, industrial hydrocarbon products (2019) Topic: Kyrgyzstangold, precious metals, various beans, refined petroleum, scrap copper (2019) Topic: Laoselectricity, copper, rubber, gold, flavored water (2019) Topic: Latvialumber, broadcasting equipment, whiskey and other hard liquors, wheat, packaged medicines (2019) Topic: Lebanongold, jewelry, shotguns, diamonds, scrap copper (2019) Topic: Lesothodiamonds, clothing and apparel, low-voltage protection equipment, wheat products, footwear (2019) Topic: Liberiaships, iron, gold, rubber, crude petroleum (2019) Topic: Libyacrude petroleum, natural gas, gold, refined petroleum, scrap iron (2019) Topic: Liechtensteinsmall specialty machinery, connectors for audio and video, parts for motor vehicles, dental products, hardware, prepared foodstuffs, electronic equipment, optical products Topic: Lithuaniarefined petroleum, furniture, cigarettes, wheat, polyethylene (2019) Topic: Luxembourgiron and iron products, tires, cars, broadcasting equipment, clothing and apparel  (2019) Topic: Macaubroadcasting equipment, jewelry, watches, trunks/cases, telephones (2019) Topic: Madagascarvanilla, nickel, gold, clothing and apparel, gemstones (2019) Topic: Malawitobacco, tea, raw sugar, beans, soybean products, clothing and apparel (2019) Topic: Malaysiaintegrated circuits, refined petroleum, natural gas, semiconductors, palm oil (2019) Topic: Maldivesfish products, natural gas, scrap iron, jewelry, liquid pumps (2019) Topic: Maligold, cotton, sesame seeds, lumber, vegetable oils/residues (2019) Topic: Maltaintegrated circuits, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, children's toys and stuffed animals, postage stamps  (2019) Topic: Marshall Islandsships, fish, recreational boats, broadcasting equipment, coal tar oil (2019) Topic: Mauritaniairon ore, fish products, gold, mollusks, processed crustaceans (2019) Topic: Mauritiusfish products, raw sugar, clothing and apparel, diamonds, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Mexicocars and vehicle parts, computers, delivery trucks, crude petroleum, insulated wiring (2019) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States offish and fish products, coral/shells, scrap metals, mollusks, office machinery/parts (2019) Topic: Moldovainsulated wiring, sunflower seeds, wine, corn, seats (2019) Topic: Monacojewelry, perfumes, watches, packaged medicines, plastic products (2019) Topic: Mongoliacoal, copper, gold, iron, crude petroleum (2019) Topic: Montenegroaluminum, packaged medicines, cars, zinc, wine (2019) Topic: Montserratsand, iron products, seats, medical instruments, fish (2019) Topic: Moroccocars, insulated wiring, fertilizers, phosphoric acid, clothing and apparel (2019) Topic: Mozambiquecoal, aluminum, natural gas, tobacco, electricity, gold, lumber (2019) Topic: Namibiacopper, diamonds, uranium, thorium, gold, radioactive chemicals, fish (2019) Topic: Naurufish, calcium phosphates, low-voltage protection equipment, air conditioners, leather apparel (2019) Topic: Nepalpalm oil, clothing and apparel, carpets, soybean oil, flavored water (2019) Topic: Netherlandsrefined petroleum, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment, photography equipment, computers (2019) Topic: New Caledoniairon alloys, nickel, cobalt, carbonates, essential oils (2019) Topic: New Zealanddairy products, sheep/goat meats, lumber, beef products, fresh fruits (2019) Topic: Nicaraguaclothing and apparel, gold, insulated wiring, coffee, beef (2019) Topic: Nigergold, sesame seeds, uranium, natural gas, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Nigeriacrude petroleum, natural gas, scrap vessels, flexible metal tubing, cocoa beans (2019) Topic: Niuetanker ships, fruit juice, thermostats, textiles, measurement devices/appliances (2019) Topic: Norfolk Islandsoybean meal, Norfolk Island pine seeds, Kentia palm seeds, activated carbon, centrifuges, pesticides, postage stamps (2019) Topic: North Macedoniasupport catalysts, centrifuges, insulated wiring, vehicle parts, buses, seats (2019) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsscrap iron, scrap copper, scrap aluminum, computers, laboratory diagnostic equipment (2019) Topic: Norwaycrude petroleum, natural gas, fish, refined petroleum, aluminum (2019) Topic: Omancrude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, iron products, fertilizers (2019) Topic: Pakistantextiles, clothing and apparel, rice, leather goods, surgical instruments (2019) Topic: Palaufish, computers, broadcasting equipment, office machinery/parts, scrap vessels (2019) Topic: Panamarefined petroleum, copper, bananas, ships, coal tar oil, packaged medicines (2019) Topic: Papua New Guineanatural gas, gold, copper, lumber, crude petroleum, nickel, palm oil, fish, coffee (2019) Topic: Paraguaysoybeans and soybean products, electricity, beef, corn, insulated wiring (2019) Topic: Perucopper, gold, refined petroleum, zinc, fishmeal, tropical fruits, lead, iron, molybdenum (2019) Topic: Philippinesintegrated circuits, office machinery/parts, insulated wiring, semiconductors, transformers (2019) Topic: Pitcairn Islandsleather footwear, gas turbine parts, precious metal ores, clothing and apparel, beef (2019) Topic: Polandcars and vehicle parts, seats, furniture, computers, video displays (2019) Topic: Portugalcars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, leather footwear, paper products, tires (2019) Topic: Puerto Ricopackaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, hormones, orthopedic and medical appliances, sulfur compounds (2019) Topic: Qatarnatural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, ethylene polymers, fertilizers (2019) Topic: Romaniacars and vehicle parts, insulated wiring, refined petroleum, electrical control boards, seats (2019) Topic: Russiacrude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, coal, wheat, iron (2019) Topic: Rwandagold, refined petroleum, coffee, tea, tin (2019) Topic: Saint Barthelemybeauty products, broadcasting equipment, sunflower seed oil, plastics, cars (2019) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhacrustaceans, fish, integrated circuits, air conditioners, clothing and apparel (2019) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevislow-voltage protection equipment, broadcasting equipment, measuring instruments, electric motor parts, electrical transformers (2019) Topic: Saint Luciacrude petroleum, beer, jewelry, bananas, refined petroleum, rum (2019) Topic: Saint Martingold, special use vessels, furniture, scrap aluminum, rum (2019) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miqueloncrustaceans, fish, medical instruments, electrical parts, pasta (2019) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesnatural gas, drilling platforms and ships, recreational boats, collector's items, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch (2019) Topic: Samoarefined petroleum, fish, fruit juice, coconut oil, beer (2019) Topic: San Marinoindustrial washing/bottling machinery, packaged medicines, woodworking machinery, foodstuffs, aircraft (2019) Topic: Sao Tome and Principegas turbines, cocoa beans, aircraft parts, iron products, chocolate (2019) Topic: Saudi Arabiacrude petroleum, refined petroleum, polymers, industrial alcohols, natural gas (2019) Topic: Senegalgold, refined petroleum, phosphoric acid, fish, ground nuts (2019) Topic: Serbiainsulated wiring, tires, corn, cars, iron products, copper (2019) Topic: Seychellesrefined petroleum, fish, recreational boats, cigarettes, animal meal (2019) Topic: Sierra Leonetitanium, lumber, diamonds, aluminum, cocoa beans (2019) Topic: Singaporeintegrated circuits, refined petroleum, gold, gas turbines, packaged medicines (2019) Topic: Sint Maartensugar Topic: Slovakiacars and vehicle parts, video displays, broadcasting equipment, tires, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Sloveniapackaged medicines, cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, electrical lighting/signaling equipment, electricity (2019) Topic: Solomon Islandslumber, fish, aluminum, palm oil, cocoa beans (2019) Topic: Somaliagold, sheep, goats, sesame seeds, insect resins, cattle (2019) Topic: South Africagold, platinum, cars, iron products, coal, manganese, diamonds  (2019) Topic: South Sudancrude petroleum, gold, forage crops, lumber, insect resins (2019) Topic: Spaincars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, delivery trucks, clothing and apparel (2019) Topic: Sri Lankaclothing and apparel, tea, used tires, rubber products, precious stones, cinnamon (2019) Topic: Sudangold, crude petroleum, sesame seeds, sheep, goats, cotton, ground nuts (2019) Topic: Surinamegold, lumber, refined petroleum, fish, cigarettes (2019) Topic: Swedencars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, lumber (2019) Topic: Switzerlandgold, packaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, watches, jewelry (2019) Topic: Syriaolive oil, cumin seeds, pistachios, tomatoes, apples, pears, spices, pitted fruits (2019) Topic: Taiwanintegrated circuits, office machinery/parts, computers, refined petroleum, liquid crystal displays (2019) Topic: Tajikistangold, aluminum, cotton, zinc, antimony, lead (2019) Topic: Tanzaniagold, tobacco, cashews, sesame seeds, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Thailandoffice machinery/parts, cars and vehicle parts, integrated circuits, delivery trucks, gold (2019) Topic: Timor-Lestecrude petroleum, natural gas, coffee, various vegetables, scrap iron (2019) Topic: Togorefined petroleum, crude petroleum, electricity, calcium phosphates, cotton (2019) Topic: Tokelauoscilloscopes, house linens, fruits, nuts, recreational boats, iron products (2019) Topic: Tongasquash, fish, various fruits and nuts, antiques, coral and shells (2019) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagonatural gas, industrial alcohols, crude petroleum, ammonia, iron products, refined petroleum (2019) Topic: Tunisiainsulated wiring, clothing and apparel, crude petroleum, olive oil, vehicle parts (2019) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, jewelry, clothing and apparel (2019) Topic: Turkmenistannatural gas, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cotton fibers, fertilizers (2019) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsplastic building materials, stone processing machinery, iron structures, crustaceans, integrated circuits (2019) Topic: Tuvalufish, ships, coins, metal-clad products, electrical power accessories (2019) Topic: Ugandagold, coffee, milk, fish and fish products, tobacco (2019) Topic: Ukrainecorn, sunflower seed oils, iron and iron products, wheat, insulated wiring, rapeseed (2019) Topic: United Arab Emiratescrude petroleum, refined petroleum, gold, jewelry, broadcasting equipment (2019) Topic: United Kingdomcars, gas turbines, gold, crude petroleum, packaged medicines (2019) Topic: United Statesrefined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, integrated circuits, aircraft (2019) Topic: Uruguaysulfate wood pulp, beef, soybeans, concentrated milk, rice (2019) Topic: Uzbekistangold, natural gas, cotton fibers, copper, ethylene polymers (2019) Topic: Vanuatufish and fish products, tug boats, perfume plants, mollusks, cocoa beans (2019) Topic: Venezuelacrude petroleum, refined petroleum, industrial alcohols, gold, iron (2019) Topic: Vietnambroadcasting equipment, telephones, integrated circuits, footwear, furniture (2019) Topic: Virgin Islandsrefined petroleum, jewelry, recreational boats, watches, rum (2019) Topic: Wallis and Futunaintegrated circuits, jewelry, cars, aircraft parts, polyacetals (2019) Topic: West Bankstone, olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone Topic: Worldthe whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services top ten - share of world trade: 14.8 electrical machinery, including computers; 14.4 mineral fuels, including oil, coal, gas, and refined products; 14.2 nuclear reactors, boilers, and parts; 8.9 cars, trucks, and buses; 3.5 scientific and precision instruments; 3.4 plastics; 2.7 iron and steel; 2.6 organic chemicals; 2.6 pharmaceutical products; 1.9 diamonds, pearls, and precious stones (2007 est.) Topic: Yemencrude petroleum, gold, fish, industrial chemical liquids, scrap iron (2019) Topic: Zambiacopper, gold, gemstones, sulfuric acid, raw sugar, tobacco (2019) Topic: Zimbabwegold, tobacco, iron alloys, nickel, diamonds, jewelry (2019)

20220901

countries-chad

Topic: Photos of Chad Topic: Introduction Background: Chad emerged from a collection of powerful states that controlled the Sahelian belt starting around the 9th century. These states focused on controlling trans-Saharan trade routes and profited mostly from the slave trade. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, centered around the Lake Chad Basin, existed between the 9th and 19th centuries, and during its peak, the empire controlled territory stretching from southern Chad to southern Libya and included portions of modern-day Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, and Sudan. The Sudanese warlord Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR used an army comprised largely of slaves to conquer the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the late 19th century. In southeastern Chad, the Bagirmi and Ouaddai (Wadai) kingdoms emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries and lasted until the arrival of the French in the 19th and 20th centuries. France began moving into the region in the late 1880s and defeated the Bagirmi kingdom in 1897, Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR in 1900, and the Ouddai kingdom in 1909. In the arid regions of northern Chad and southern Libya, an Islamic order called the Sanusiyya (Sanusi) relied heavily on the trans-Saharan slave trade and had upwards of 3 million followers by the 1880s. The French arrived in the region in the early 1900s and defeated the Sanusiyya in 1910 after years of intermittent war. By 1910, France had incorporated the northern arid region, the Lake Chad Basin, and southeastern Chad into French Equatorial Africa.   Chad achieved its independence in 1960 and saw three decades of instability, oppressive rule, civil war, and a Libyan invasion. With the help of the French military and several African countries, Chadian leaders expelled Libyan forces during the 1987 "Toyota War," so named for the use of Toyota pickup trucks as fighting vehicles. In 1990, Chadian general Idriss DEBY led a rebellion against President Hissene HABRE. Under DEBY, Chad drafted and approved a constitution and held elections in 1996. DEBY led the country until April 2021 when he was killed during a rebel incursion. Shortly after his death, a group of military officials - led by former President DEBY’s son, Mahamat Idriss DEBY - took control of the government. The military officials dismissed the National Assembly, suspended the Constitution, and formed a Transitional Military Council while pledging to hold democratic elections in October 2022. Chad faces widespread poverty, an economy severely weakened by low international oil prices, and rebel and terrorist-led insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, northern Chad has seen several waves of rebellions since 1998. In late 2015, the government imposed a state of emergency in the Lake Chad Basin following multiple attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram, now known as ISIS-West Africa. In mid-2015, Boko Haram conducted bombings in N'Djamena. In late 2019, the Chadian government also declared a state of emergency in the Sila and Ouaddai regions bordering Sudan and in the Tibesti region bordering Niger where rival ethnic groups are still fighting. The army has suffered heavy losses to Islamic terror groups in the Lake Chad Basin. In March 2020, Islamic militants attacked a Chadian military camp in the Lake Chad Basin and killed nearly 100 soldiers; it was the deadliest attack in the history of the Chadian military.Chad emerged from a collection of powerful states that controlled the Sahelian belt starting around the 9th century. These states focused on controlling trans-Saharan trade routes and profited mostly from the slave trade. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, centered around the Lake Chad Basin, existed between the 9th and 19th centuries, and during its peak, the empire controlled territory stretching from southern Chad to southern Libya and included portions of modern-day Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, and Sudan. The Sudanese warlord Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR used an army comprised largely of slaves to conquer the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the late 19th century. In southeastern Chad, the Bagirmi and Ouaddai (Wadai) kingdoms emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries and lasted until the arrival of the French in the 19th and 20th centuries. France began moving into the region in the late 1880s and defeated the Bagirmi kingdom in 1897, Rabih AZ-ZUBAYR in 1900, and the Ouddai kingdom in 1909. In the arid regions of northern Chad and southern Libya, an Islamic order called the Sanusiyya (Sanusi) relied heavily on the trans-Saharan slave trade and had upwards of 3 million followers by the 1880s. The French arrived in the region in the early 1900s and defeated the Sanusiyya in 1910 after years of intermittent war. By 1910, France had incorporated the northern arid region, the Lake Chad Basin, and southeastern Chad into French Equatorial Africa.  Chad achieved its independence in 1960 and saw three decades of instability, oppressive rule, civil war, and a Libyan invasion. With the help of the French military and several African countries, Chadian leaders expelled Libyan forces during the 1987 "Toyota War," so named for the use of Toyota pickup trucks as fighting vehicles. In 1990, Chadian general Idriss DEBY led a rebellion against President Hissene HABRE. Under DEBY, Chad drafted and approved a constitution and held elections in 1996. DEBY led the country until April 2021 when he was killed during a rebel incursion. Shortly after his death, a group of military officials - led by former President DEBY’s son, Mahamat Idriss DEBY - took control of the government. The military officials dismissed the National Assembly, suspended the Constitution, and formed a Transitional Military Council while pledging to hold democratic elections in October 2022.Chad faces widespread poverty, an economy severely weakened by low international oil prices, and rebel and terrorist-led insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin. Additionally, northern Chad has seen several waves of rebellions since 1998. In late 2015, the government imposed a state of emergency in the Lake Chad Basin following multiple attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram, now known as ISIS-West Africa. In mid-2015, Boko Haram conducted bombings in N'Djamena. In late 2019, the Chadian government also declared a state of emergency in the Sila and Ouaddai regions bordering Sudan and in the Tibesti region bordering Niger where rival ethnic groups are still fighting. The army has suffered heavy losses to Islamic terror groups in the Lake Chad Basin. In March 2020, Islamic militants attacked a Chadian military camp in the Lake Chad Basin and killed nearly 100 soldiers; it was the deadliest attack in the history of the Chadian military.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Africa, south of Libya Geographic coordinates: 15 00 N, 19 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 1.284 million sq km land: 1,259,200 sq km water: 24,800 sq km Area - comparative: almost nine times the size of New York state; slightly more than three times the size of California Land boundaries: total: 6,406 km border countries (6): Cameroon 1,116 km; Central African Republic 1,556 km; Libya 1,050 km; Niger 1,196 km; Nigeria 85 km; Sudan 1,403 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: tropical in south, desert in north Terrain: broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south Elevation: highest point: Emi Koussi 3,445 m lowest point: Djourab 160 m mean elevation: 543 m Natural resources: petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold, limestone, sand and gravel, salt Land use: agricultural land: 39.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 35.7% (2018 est.) forest: 9.1% (2018 est.) other: 51.3% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 300 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Chad (endorheic lake shared with Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon) - 10,360-25,900 sq km note - area varies by season and year to year Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Major aquifers: Lake Chad Basin, Nubian Aquifer System Population distribution: the population is unevenly distributed due to contrasts in climate and physical geography; the highest density is found in the southwest, particularly around Lake Chad and points south; the dry Saharan zone to the north is the least densely populated as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues Geography - note: note 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 Map description: Chad map showing major cities and towns as well as parts of surrounding countries.Chad map showing major cities and towns as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 17,963,211 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Chadian(s) adjective: Chadian 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 major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. 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.) Demographic profile: Despite the start of oil production in 2003, 40% of Chad’s population lives below the poverty line. The population will continue to grow rapidly because of the country’s very high fertility rate and large youth cohort – more than 65% of the populace is under the age of 25 – although the mortality rate is high and life expectancy is low. Chad has the world’s third highest maternal mortality rate. Among the primary risk factors are poverty, anemia, rural habitation, high fertility, poor education, and a lack of access to family planning and obstetric care. Impoverished, uneducated adolescents living in rural areas are most affected. To improve women’s reproductive health and reduce fertility, Chad will need to increase women’s educational attainment, job participation, and knowledge of and access to family planning. Only about a quarter of women are literate, less than 5% use contraceptives, and more than 40% undergo genital cutting.As of October 2017, more than 320,000 refugees from Sudan and more than 75,000 from the Central African Republic strain Chad’s limited resources and create tensions in host communities. Thousands of new refugees fled to Chad in 2013 to escape worsening violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. The large refugee populations are hesitant to return to their home countries because of continued instability. Chad was relatively stable in 2012 in comparison to other states in the region, but past fighting between government forces and opposition groups and inter-communal violence have left nearly 60,000 of its citizens displaced in the eastern part of the country.Despite the start of oil production in 2003, 40% of Chad’s population lives below the poverty line. The population will continue to grow rapidly because of the country’s very high fertility rate and large youth cohort – more than 65% of the populace is under the age of 25 – although the mortality rate is high and life expectancy is low. Chad has the world’s third highest maternal mortality rate. Among the primary risk factors are poverty, anemia, rural habitation, high fertility, poor education, and a lack of access to family planning and obstetric care. Impoverished, uneducated adolescents living in rural areas are most affected. To improve women’s reproductive health and reduce fertility, Chad will need to increase women’s educational attainment, job participation, and knowledge of and access to family planning. Only about a quarter of women are literate, less than 5% use contraceptives, and more than 40% undergo genital cutting.As of October 2017, more than 320,000 refugees from Sudan and more than 75,000 from the Central African Republic strain Chad’s limited resources and create tensions in host communities. Thousands of new refugees fled to Chad in 2013 to escape worsening violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. The large refugee populations are hesitant to return to their home countries because of continued instability. Chad was relatively stable in 2012 in comparison to other states in the region, but past fighting between government forces and opposition groups and inter-communal violence have left nearly 60,000 of its citizens displaced in the eastern part of the country. Age structure: 0-14 years: 47.43% (male 4,050,505/female 3,954,413) 15-24 years: 19.77% (male 1,676,495/female 1,660,417) 25-54 years: 27.14% (male 2,208,181/female 2,371,490) 55-64 years: 3.24% (male 239,634/female 306,477) 65 years and over: 2.43% (2020 est.) (male 176,658/female 233,087) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 96 youth dependency ratio: 91.1 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 16.1 years male: 15.6 years female: 16.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 3.09% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 40.45 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 9.45 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the population is unevenly distributed due to contrasts in climate and physical geography; the highest density is found in the southwest, particularly around Lake Chad and points south; the dry Saharan zone to the north is the least densely populated as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 24.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.533 million N'DJAMENA (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.77 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 18.1 years (2014/15 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 20-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 1,140 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 65.48 deaths/1,000 live births male: 71.21 deaths/1,000 live births female: 59.52 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 59.15 years male: 57.32 years female: 61.06 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.46 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 8.1% (2019) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 90.2% of population rural: 51.9% of population total: 60.9% of population unimproved: urban: 9.8% of population rural: 48.1% of population total: 39.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4.4% (2019) Physicians density: 0.06 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 57.5% of population rural: 4.9% of population total: 17.3% of population unimproved: urban: 42.5% of population rural: 95.1% of population total: 82.7% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.1% (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 E, 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; Chad 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: 6.1% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 8.3% (2020 est.) male: 13.8% (2020 est.) female: 2.7% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 29.2% (2019) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 24.2% women married by age 18: 60.6% men married by age 18: 8.1% (2019 est.) Education expenditures: 2.4% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic total population: 22.3% male: 31.3% female: 14% (2016) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 7 years male: 9 years female: 6 years (2015) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 1.5% male: 2.4% female: 0.7% (2018) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas and poor farming practices contribute to soil and water pollution; desertification 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, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Convention Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 53.01 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 30.69 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical in south, desert in north Land use: agricultural land: 39.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 35.7% (2018 est.) forest: 9.1% (2018 est.) other: 51.3% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 24.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 3.81% 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 E, 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; Chad 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 civil insecurity and shortfall in cereal production - according to the latest analysis, about 965 000 people were estimated to be in "Crisis" and above, between October and December 2021 due to persisting insecurity in Lac and Tibesti regions that disrupted livelihood activities and caused population displacements; domestic cereal production was estimated at a below-average level in 2021 due to adverse weather and the civil conflict; as a result, between June and August 2022, 1.74 million people are projected to face severe food insecurity (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,358,851 tons (2010 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Chad (endorheic lake shared with Niger, Nigeria, and Cameroon) - 10,360-25,900 sq km note - area varies by season and year to year Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Major aquifers: Lake Chad Basin, Nubian Aquifer System Total water withdrawal: municipal: 103.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 103.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 672.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 45.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Chad conventional short form: Chad local long form: Republique du Tchad/Jumhuriyat Tshad local short form: Tchad/Tshad etymology: named for Lake Chad, which lies along the country's western border; the word "tsade" means "large body of water" or "lake" in several local native languages note: the only country whose name is composed of a single syllable with a single vowel Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: N'Djamena geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 15 02 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: name taken from the Arab name of a nearby village, Nijamina, meaning "place of rest" Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (provinces, singular - province); Barh-El-Gazel, Batha, Borkou, Chari-Baguirmi, Ennedi-Est, Ennedi-Ouest, Guera, Hadjer-Lamis, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Kebbi-Est, Mayo-Kebbi-Ouest, Moyen-Chari, N'Djamena, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile, Tibesti, Wadi-Fira Independence: 11 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 11 August (1960) Constitution: history: several previous; latest approved 30 April 2018 by the National Assembly, entered into force 4 May 2018; suspended 21 April 2021 and remained so through April 2022 amendments: proposed as a revision by the president of the republic after a Council of Ministers (cabinet) decision or by the National Assembly; approval for consideration of a revision requires at least three-fifths majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires approval by referendum or at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly Legal system: mixed legal system of civil and customary law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Chad dual citizenship recognized: Chadian law does not address dual citizenship residency requirement for naturalization: 15 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal 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 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: 2021: 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) 3.2%, other 7.2% 2016: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY Itno reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (MPS) 61.6%, Saleh KEBZABO (UNDR) 12.8%, Laokein Kourayo MEDAR (CTPD) 10.7%, Djimrangar DADNADJI (CAP-SUR) 5.1%, other 9.8% 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 elections: members of the so called "National Transitional Council" were installed by Interim President DEBY on 24 September 2021 (next election NA) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition - men 64, women 29, percent of women 31.2% note: the National Assembly mandate was extended to 2020, reportedly due to a lack of funding for the scheduled 2015 election; the MPS has held a majority in the NA since 1997members of the so called "National Transitional Council" were installed by Interim President DEBY on 24 September 2021 (next election NA) Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice, 3 chamber presidents, and 12 judges or councilors and divided into 3 chambers); Constitutional Council (consists of 3 judges and 6 jurists) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice selected by the president; councilors - 8 designated by the president and 7 by the speaker of the National Assembly; chief justice and councilors appointed for life; Constitutional Council judges - 2 appointed by the president and 1 by the speaker of the National Assembly; jurists - 3 each by the president and by the speaker of the National Assembly; judges appointed for 9-year terms subordinate courts: High Court of Justice; Courts of Appeal; tribunals; justices of the peace Political parties and leaders: Chadian Convention for Peace and Development or CTPD [Laoukein Kourayo MEDARD] Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarledjy YORONGAR] Framework of Popular Action for Solidarity and Unity of the Republic or CAP-SUR [Joseph Djimrangar DADNADJI] National Rally for Development and Progress or Viva-RNDP [Dr. Nouradine Delwa Kassire COUMAKOYE] National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh KEBZABO] Party for Liberty and Development or PLD [Ahmat ALHABO] Party for Unity and Reconciliation Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Idriss DEBY] Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Mahamat Allahou TAHER] RNDT/Le Reveil [Albert Pahimi PADACKE] Social Democratic Party for a Change-over of Power or PDSA [Malloum YOBODA] Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Felix Romadoumngar NIALBE] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, MINUSMA, MNJTF, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador NGOTE GALI Koutou (since 22 June 2018) chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 652-1312 FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937 email address and website: info@chadembassy.us https://chadembassy.us/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Ellen THORBURN (since 8 November 2021) embassy: Rond-Point Chagoua, B.P. 413, N’Djamena mailing address: 2410 N'Djamena Place, Washington DC  20521-2410 telephone: [235] 2251-5017 FAX: [235] 2253-9102 email address and website: NdjamenaACS@state.gov https://td.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and red; the flag combines the blue and red French (former colonial) colors with the red and yellow (gold) of the Pan-African colors; blue symbolizes the sky, hope, and the south of the country, which is relatively well-watered; gold represents the sun, as well as the desert in the north of the country; red stands for progress, unity, and sacrifice note: almost identical to the flag of Romania but with a darker shade of blue; also similar to the flags of Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; design based on the flag of France National symbol(s): goat (north), lion (south); national colors: blue, yellow, red National anthem: name: "La Tchadienne" (The Chadian) lyrics/music: Louis GIDROL and his students/Paul VILLARD note: adopted 1960 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (1 natural, 1 mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Lakes of Ounianga (n); Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape (m) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Chad’s landlocked location results in high transportation costs for imported goods and dependence on neighboring countries. Oil and agriculture are mainstays of Chad’s economy. Oil provides about 60% of export revenues, while cotton, cattle, livestock, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export earnings. The services sector contributes less than one-third of GDP and has attracted foreign investment mostly through telecommunications and banking.   Nearly all of Chad’s fuel is provided by one domestic refinery, and unanticipated shutdowns occasionally result in shortages. The country regulates the price of domestic fuel, providing an incentive for black market sales.   Although high oil prices and strong local harvests supported the economy in the past, low oil prices now stress Chad’s fiscal position and have resulted in significant government cutbacks. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most of its public and private sector investment. Investment in Chad is difficult due to its limited infrastructure, lack of trained workers, extensive government bureaucracy, and corruption. Chad obtained a three-year extended credit facility from the IMF in 2014 and was granted debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in April 2015.   In 2018, economic policy will be driven by efforts that started in 2016 to reverse the recession and to repair damage to public finances and exports. The government is implementing an emergency action plan to counterbalance the drop in oil revenue and to diversify the economy. Chad’s national development plan (NDP) cost just over $9 billion with a financing gap of $6.7 billion. The NDP emphasized the importance of private sector participation in Chad’s development, as well as the need to improve the business environment, particularly in priority sectors such as mining and agriculture.   The Government of Chad reached a deal with Glencore and four other banks on the restructuring of a $1.45 billion oil-backed loan in February 2018, after a long negotiation. The new terms include an extension of the maturity to 2030 from 2022, a two-year grace period on principal repayments, and a lower interest rate of the London Inter-bank Offer Rate (Libor) plus 2% - down from Libor plus 7.5%. The original Glencore loan was to be repaid with crude oil assets, however, Chad's oil sales were hit by the downturn in the price of oil. Chad had secured a $312 million credit from the IMF in June 2017, but release of those funds hinged on restructuring the Glencore debt. Chad had already cut public spending to try to meet the terms of the IMF program, but that prompted strikes and protests in a country where nearly 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Multinational partners, such as the African Development Bank, the EU, and the World Bank are likely to continue budget support in 2018, but Chad will remain at high debt risk, given its dependence on oil revenue and pressure to spend on subsidies and security.Chad’s landlocked location results in high transportation costs for imported goods and dependence on neighboring countries. Oil and agriculture are mainstays of Chad’s economy. Oil provides about 60% of export revenues, while cotton, cattle, livestock, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's non-oil export earnings. The services sector contributes less than one-third of GDP and has attracted foreign investment mostly through telecommunications and banking. Nearly all of Chad’s fuel is provided by one domestic refinery, and unanticipated shutdowns occasionally result in shortages. The country regulates the price of domestic fuel, providing an incentive for black market sales. Although high oil prices and strong local harvests supported the economy in the past, low oil prices now stress Chad’s fiscal position and have resulted in significant government cutbacks. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most of its public and private sector investment. Investment in Chad is difficult due to its limited infrastructure, lack of trained workers, extensive government bureaucracy, and corruption. Chad obtained a three-year extended credit facility from the IMF in 2014 and was granted debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative in April 2015. In 2018, economic policy will be driven by efforts that started in 2016 to reverse the recession and to repair damage to public finances and exports. The government is implementing an emergency action plan to counterbalance the drop in oil revenue and to diversify the economy. Chad’s national development plan (NDP) cost just over $9 billion with a financing gap of $6.7 billion. The NDP emphasized the importance of private sector participation in Chad’s development, as well as the need to improve the business environment, particularly in priority sectors such as mining and agriculture. The Government of Chad reached a deal with Glencore and four other banks on the restructuring of a $1.45 billion oil-backed loan in February 2018, after a long negotiation. The new terms include an extension of the maturity to 2030 from 2022, a two-year grace period on principal repayments, and a lower interest rate of the London Inter-bank Offer Rate (Libor) plus 2% - down from Libor plus 7.5%. The original Glencore loan was to be repaid with crude oil assets, however, Chad's oil sales were hit by the downturn in the price of oil. Chad had secured a $312 million credit from the IMF in June 2017, but release of those funds hinged on restructuring the Glencore debt. Chad had already cut public spending to try to meet the terms of the IMF program, but that prompted strikes and protests in a country where nearly 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. Multinational partners, such as the African Development Bank, the EU, and the World Bank are likely to continue budget support in 2018, but Chad will remain at high debt risk, given its dependence on oil revenue and pressure to spend on subsidies and security. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $24.97 billion (2020 est.) $25.19 billion (2019 est.) $24.4 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -3.1% (2017 est.) -6.4% (2016 est.) 1.8% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $1,500 (2020 est.) $1,600 (2019 est.) $1,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $10.912 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.9% (2019 est.) 4.2% (2018 est.) -1.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 52.3% (2017 est.) industry: 14.7% (2017 est.) services: 33.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 75.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 4.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 35.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -39.4% (2017 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 Industrial production growth rate: -4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 5.654 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 80% industry: 20% (2006 est.) Unemployment rate: NANA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 1.5% male: 2.4% female: 0.7% (2018) Population below poverty line: 42.3% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 43.3 (2011 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 30.8% (2003) Budget: revenues: 1.337 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.481 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 52.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 52.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 13.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$558 million (2017 est.) -$926 million (2016 est.) Exports: $2.464 billion (2017 est.) $2.187 billion (2016 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.) $1.997 billion (2016 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) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $22.9 million (31 December 2017 est.) $20.92 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $1.724 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.281 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) 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: 9% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 32% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 1% (2019) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) 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: 87,900 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 12,600 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 116,000 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 1.5 billion 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: 2,285 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: 1.771 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 1.575 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 5,340 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 8,687,151 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 53 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the telecom infrastructure is particularly poor; fixed, mobile and internet is well below African averages; Chad’s telecom market offers some potential for investors to develop services given the low starting base; the two main operators Moov Africa Chad and Airtel Chad have invested in infrastructure and have become the main providers of voice and data services; the mobile sector has developed steadily under the auspices of these two operators; the national telco and fixed-line operator Sotel Tchad operates the country’s third mobile network, as Salam Mobile, though it is mainly focused on voice services since it depends on GPRS and EDGE technologies (which can provide only basic mobile data services); the country’s first 3G/LTE mobile license was awarded in April 2014; Chad finally gained access to international fiber bandwidth in 2012 its national backbone infrastructure remains underdeveloped; the World Bank-funded Central African Backbone (CAB) project takes in Chad, while the country is also party to a Trans-Saharan Backbone project which will link a fiber cable to Nigeria and Algeria. (2022) domestic: fixed-line connections less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership base of about 53 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 235; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic 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 state-owned TV station; 2 privately-owned TV stations; state-owned radio network, Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne (RNT), operates national and regional stations; over 10 private radio stations; some stations rebroadcast programs from international broadcasters (2017) Internet country code: .td Internet users: total: 1,642,586 (2020 est.) percent of population: 10% (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: TT Airports: total: 59 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 50 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 22 under 914 m: 11 (2021) Pipelines: 582 km oil (2013) Roadways: total: 40,000 km (2018) note: consists of 25,000 km of national and regional roads and 15,000 km of local roads; 206 km of urban roads are paved Waterways: 12,400 km (2022) (Chari and Logone Rivers are navigable only in wet season) Chari is 11,400 km Legone is 1,000 km Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Chadian National Army (Armee Nationale du Tchad, ANT): Ground Forces (l'Armee de Terre, AdT), Chadian Air Force (l'Armee de l'Air Tchadienne, AAT), General Direction of the Security Services of State Institutions (Direction Generale des Services de Securite des Institutions de l'Etat, GDSSIE); National Gendarmerie; Ministry of Public Security and Immigration: National Nomadic Guard of Chad (GNNT), Chadian National Police (2022) note: the GDSSIE, formerly known as the Republican Guard, is the presidential guard force and is considered to be Chad's elite military unit; it is reportedly a division-size unit with infantry, armor, and special forces/anti-terrorism regiments (known as the Special Anti-Terrorist Group or SATG, aka Division of Special Anti-Terrorist Groups or DGSAT) Military expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.9% of GDP (2020 est.) 2% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $320 million) 2% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $310 million) 2% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $310 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: limited and varied information; estimated to have up to 35,000 active ANT personnel (25-30,000 Ground Forces; 300 Air Force; approximately 5,000 GDSSIE); approximately 5,000 National Gendarmerie; approximately 3,000 Nomadic Guard (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 20 is the legal minimum age for compulsory military service, with a 3-year service obligation; 18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary service; no minimum age restriction for volunteers with consent from a parent or guardian; women are subject to 1 year of compulsory military or civic service at age 21 (2021) Military deployments: 1,450 Mali (MINUSMA) (May 2022) note 1: Chad has committed approximately 1,000-1,500 troops to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the general area of the Lake Chad Basin and along Nigeria's northeast border; national MNJTF troop contingents are deployed within their own territories, although cross‐border operations are conducted periodically; in 2019, Chad sent more than 1,000 troops to Nigeria’s Borno State to fight Boko Haram as part of the MNJTF mission note 2: Chad is also part of a four (formerly five)-nation anti-jihadist task force known as the G4 Sahel Group, set up in 2014 with Chad, Mali (withdrew in 2022), Mauritania, and Niger; it has committed 550 troops and 100 gendarmes to the force; as of 2020, defense forces from each of the participating states were allowed to pursue terrorist fighters up to 100 km into neighboring countries; the force is backed by France, the UN, and the US Military - note: as 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: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Boko Haram; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - West Africa (ISIS-WA) 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: since 2003, ad hoc armed militia groups and the Sudanese military have driven hundreds of thousands of Darfur residents into Chad; Chad wishes to be a helpful mediator in resolving the Darfur conflict, and in 2010 established a joint border monitoring force with Sudan, which has helped to reduce cross-border banditry and violence; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundariessince 2003, ad hoc armed militia groups and the Sudanese military have driven hundreds of thousands of Darfur residents into Chad; Chad wishes to be a helpful mediator in resolving the Darfur conflict, and in 2010 established a joint border monitoring force with Sudan, which has helped to reduce cross-border banditry and violence; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 391,601 (Sudan), 124,488 (Central African Republic), 42,543 (Cameroon), 20,103 (Nigeria) (2022) IDPs: 381,289 (majority are in the east) (2022) Trafficking in persons: current 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)

20220901

field-union-name

This entry, which appears only in the European Union, Government category, provides the full name and abbreviation for the European Union. Topic: European Unionconventional long form: European Union abbreviation: EU

20220901

countries-guam-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: A foreign national or alien entering the US is generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a US Consular Official, unless they are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or are a lawful permanent resident of the US or a citizen of Canada. The VWP allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the US under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa. The foreign national must arrive on an approved carrier (if coming by air or sea), stay no more than 90 days (for pleasure, medical purposes, and/or business), and be able to prove they are not inadmissible. The foreign national is still required to have a passport. To obtain a list of VWP-eligible countries and VWP passport requirements, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program. Note: all travelers transiting the US are subject to US customs and/or immigration laws. US Embassy/Consulate: N/A Telephone Code: 671 Local Emergency Phone: 911 (USA) Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation Currency (Code): US $ (USD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B Major Languages: English, Filipino, Chamorro, other Pacific island languages, Asian languages Major Religions: Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) 94.2%, folk religions 1.5%, Buddhist 1.1% Time Difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested for non-US citizens. Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Chamorro Village; Guam Museum; Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica; Fort Apugan; Latte Stone Park; Ritidian Point; Two Lover's Point; War in the Pacific National Historic Park (includes Apaca Point) Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, rugby Cultural Practices: Respect for family, community, and elders are major components of traditional Chamorro culture. Island culture has also been heavily influenced by both Spanish and American customs. The latter are pervasive in government and the media. Korean, Micronesian, Filipino, Chinese and Japanese immigrants have also enriched Guam's culture. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is common practice in the same way as it is in the US.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-hungary

Topic: Photos of Hungary Topic: Introduction Background: Hungary became a Christian kingdom in A.D. 1000 and for many centuries served as a bulwark against Ottoman Turkish expansion in Europe. The kingdom eventually became part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and an announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU five years later.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Europe, northwest of Romania Geographic coordinates: 47 00 N, 20 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 93,028 sq km land: 89,608 sq km water: 3,420 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Virginia; about the same size as Indiana Land boundaries: total: 2,106 km border countries (7): Austria 321 km; Croatia 348 km; Romania 424 km; Serbia 164 km; Slovakia 627 km; Slovenia 94 km; Ukraine 128 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers Terrain: mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the Slovakian border Elevation: highest point: Kekes 1,014 m lowest point: Tisza River 78 m mean elevation: 143 m Natural resources: bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 58.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 48.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.4% (2018 est.) forest: 22.5% (2018 est.) other: 18.6% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1,721 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Balaton - 590 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, 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, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations Geography - note: landlocked; 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 Map description: Hungary map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Hungary map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 9,699,577 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Hungarian(s) adjective: Hungarian Ethnic groups: Hungarian 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 Languages: Hungarian (official) 99.6%, English 16%, German 11.2%, Russian 1.6%, Romanian 1.3%, French 1.2%, other 4.2%; note - shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; Hungarian is the mother tongue of 98.9% of Hungarian speakers (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): A World Factbook nélkülözhetetlen forrása az alapvető információnak.  (Hungarian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 37.2%, Calvinist 11.6%, Lutheran 2.2%, Greek Catholic 1.8%, other 1.9%, none 18.2%, no response 27.2% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.54% (male 731,542/female 689,739) 15-24 years: 10.43% (male 526,933/female 492,388) 25-54 years: 42.17% (male 2,075,763/female 2,044,664) 55-64 years: 12.17% (male 552,876/female 636,107) 65 years and over: 20.69% (2020 est.) (male 773,157/female 1,248,658) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 46.9 youth dependency ratio: 22 elderly dependency ratio: 30.8 potential support ratio: 3.2 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 43.6 years male: 41.5 years female: 45.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.3% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.65 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 12.88 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.23 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: 72.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.775 million BUDAPEST (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.88 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.51 male(s)/female total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 28.4 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 12 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.62 deaths/1,000 live births male: 4.95 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.2 years male: 73.55 years female: 81.06 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.48 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: 6.4% (2019) Physicians density: 6.06 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 7 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: (2018 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 3,700 (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018 est.) <100 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2016) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis (2016) Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 26.4% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 31.8% (2020 est.) male: 35.8% (2020 est.) female: 27.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 4.6% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.1% male: 99.1% female: 99% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years male: 12 years female: 14 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.8% male: 11.9% female: 14% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air and water pollution are some of Hungary's most serious environmental problems; water quality in the Hungarian part of the Danube has improved but is still plagued by pollutants from industry and large-scale agriculture; soil 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, 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: 15.62 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 45.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 7.25 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers Land use: agricultural land: 58.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 48.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.4% (2018 est.) forest: 22.5% (2018 est.) other: 18.6% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 72.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.01% 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: 3.712 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 962,893 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 25.9% (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Balaton - 590 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, 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: 624.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 3.358 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 518.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 104 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Hungary local long form: none local short form: Magyarorszag former: Kingdom of Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic, Hungarian Soviet Republic, Hungarian Republic etymology: the Byzantine Greeks refered to the tribes that arrived on the steppes of Eastern Europe in the 9th century as the "Oungroi," a name that was later Latinized to "Ungri" and which became "Hungari"; the name originally meant an "[alliance of] ten tribes"; the Hungarian name "Magyarorszag" means "Country of the Magyars"; the term may derive from the most prominent of the Hungarian tribes, the Megyer Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Budapest geographic coordinates: 47 30 N, 19 05 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 Hungarian capital city was formed in 1873 from the merger of three cities on opposite banks of the Danube: Buda and Obuda (Old Buda) on the western shore and Pest on the eastern; the origins of the original names are obscure, but according to the second century A.D. geographer, Ptolemy, the settlement that would become Pest was called "Pession" in ancient times; "Buda" may derive from either a Slavic or Turkic personal name Administrative divisions: 19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 23 cities with county rights (megyei jogu varosok, singular - megyei jogu varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros) counties: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Csongrad-Csanad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala cities with county rights: Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor, Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar, Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszeg capital city: Budapest19 counties (megyek, singular - megye), 23 cities with county rights (megyei jogu varosok, singular - megyei jogu varos), and 1 capital city (fovaros)counties: Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Csongrad-Csanad, Fejer, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komarom-Esztergom, Nograd, Pest, Somogy, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zalacities with county rights: Bekescsaba, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Erd, Gyor, Hodmezovasarhely, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Salgotarjan, Sopron, Szeged, Szekesfehervar, Szekszard, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Veszprem, Zalaegerszegcapital city: Budapest Independence: 16 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional founding date); 30 March 1867 (Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy established) National holiday: Saint Stephen's Day, 20 August (1083); note - commemorates his canonization and the transfer of his remains to Buda (now Budapest) in 1083 Constitution: history: previous 1949 (heavily amended in 1989 following the collapse of communism); latest approved 18 April 2011, signed 25 April 2011, effective 1 January 2012 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by parliamentary committee, or by Parliament members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament members and approval by the president; amended several times, last in 2018 Legal system: civil legal system influenced by the German model International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICC jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Hungary dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years Suffrage: 18 years of age, 16 if married and marriage is registered in Hungary; universal Executive branch: chief 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 2010: Viktor ORBAN (Fidesz) reelected prime minister Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Orszaggyules (199 seats; 106 members directly elected in single-member constituencies by simple majority vote and 93 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by party-list proportional representation vote, using the d’Hondt method; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 3 April 2022 (next to be held in April 2026) election results: percent of vote by party list - Fidesz-KDNP 54.1%, United for Hungary 34.5%, Mi Hazank 5.9%, other 5.5%; seats by party - Fidesz-KDNP 135, United for Hungary 57, Mi Hazank 6, independent 1; composition - men 175, women 24, percent of women 12.1% Judicial branch: highest courts: Curia or Supreme Judicial Court (consists of the president, vice president, department heads, and has a maximum of 113 judges, and is organized into civil, criminal, and administrative-labor departments; Constitutional Court (consists of 15 judges, including the court president and vice president) judge selection and term of office: Curia president elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the president of the republic; other Curia judges appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, a separate 15-member administrative body; judge tenure based on interim evaluations until normal retirement at age 62; Constitutional Court judges, including the president of the court, elected by the National Assembly; court vice president elected by the court itself; members serve 12-year terms with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: 5 regional courts of appeal; 19 regional or county courts (including Budapest Metropolitan Court); 20 administrative-labor courts; 111 district or local courts Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic People's Party or KDNP [Zsolt SEMJEN] Democratic Coalition or DK [Ferenc GYURCSANY] Dialogue for Hungary (Parbeszed) or PM [Gergely KARACSONY, Timea SZABO] Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Alliance or Fidesz [Viktor ORBAN] Hungarian Socialist Party or MSZP [Bertalan TOTH, Agnes KUNHALMI] LMP-Hungary's Green Party [Mate KANASZ-NAGY, Erzsebet SCHMUCK] Mi Hazank [Laszlo TOROCZKAI] Momentum Movement (Momentum Mozgalom) [Anna DONATH] Movement for a Better Hungary or Jobbik [Peter JAKAB] National Self-Government of Germans in Hungary or LdU [Olivia SCHUBERT] Together (Egyutt) United for Hungary (a coalition of Jobbik, MSZP, Dialogue, DK, LMP, and Momentum) International organization participation: Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Szabolcs Ferenc TAKACS (since 23 December 2020) chancery: 3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 362-6730 FAX: [1] (202) 966-8135 email address and website: info@mfa.gov.hu https://washington.mfa.gov.hu/eng consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Marc DILLARD (since 30 October 2020) embassy: Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest mailing address: 5270 Budapest Place, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270 telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400 FAX: [36] (1) 475-4248 email address and website: acs.budapest@state.gov https://hu.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green; the flag dates to the national movement of the 18th and 19th centuries, and fuses the medieval colors of the Hungarian coat of arms with the revolutionary tricolor form of the French flag; folklore attributes virtues to the colors: red for strength, white for faithfulness, and green for hope; alternatively, the red is seen as being for the blood spilled in defense of the land, white for freedom, and green for the pasturelands that make up so much of the country National symbol(s): Holy Crown of Hungary (Crown of Saint Stephen); national colors: red, white, green National anthem: name: "Himnusz" (Hymn) lyrics/music: Ferenc KOLCSEY/Ferenc ERKEL note: adopted 1844 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 8 (7 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue (c); Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings (c); Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst (n); Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment (c); Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta (c); Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae) (c); Fertö / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape (c); Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Hungary has transitioned from a centrally planned to a market-driven economy with a per capita income approximately two thirds of the EU-28 average; however, in recent years the government has become more involved in managing the economy. Budapest has implemented unorthodox economic policies to boost household consumption and has relied on EU-funded development projects to generate growth.   Following the fall of communism in 1990, Hungary experienced a drop-off in exports and financial assistance from the former Soviet Union. Hungary embarked on a series of economic reforms, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and reduction of social spending programs, to shift from a centrally planned to a market-driven economy, and to reorient its economy towards trade with the West. These efforts helped to spur growth, attract investment, and reduce Hungary’s debt burden and fiscal deficits. Despite these reforms, living conditions for the average Hungarian initially deteriorated as inflation increased and unemployment reached double digits. Conditions slowly improved over the 1990s as the reforms came to fruition and export growth accelerated. Economic policies instituted during that decade helped position Hungary to join the European Union in 2004. Hungary has not yet joined the euro-zone. Hungary suffered a historic economic contraction as a result of the global economic slowdown in 2008-09 as export demand and domestic consumption dropped, prompting it to take an IMF-EU financial assistance package.   Since 2010, the government has backpedaled on many economic reforms and taken a more populist approach towards economic management. The government has favored national industries and government-linked businesses through legislation, regulation, and public procurements. In 2011 and 2014, Hungary nationalized private pension funds, which squeezed financial service providers out of the system, but also helped Hungary curb its public debt and lower its budget deficit to below 3% of GDP, as subsequent pension contributions have been channeled into the state-managed pension fund. Hungary’s public debt (at 74.5% of GDP) is still high compared to EU peers in Central Europe. Real GDP growth has been robust in the past few years due to increased EU funding, higher EU demand for Hungarian exports, and a rebound in domestic household consumption. To further boost household consumption ahead of the 2018 election, the government embarked on a six-year phased increase to minimum wages and public sector salaries, decreased taxes on foodstuffs and services, cut the personal income tax from 16% to 15%, and implemented a uniform 9% business tax for small and medium-sized enterprises and large companies. Real GDP growth slowed in 2016 due to a cyclical decrease in EU funding, but increased to 3.8% in 2017 as the government pre-financed EU funded projects ahead of the 2018 election.   Systemic economic challenges include pervasive corruption, labor shortages driven by demographic declines and migration, widespread poverty in rural areas, vulnerabilities to changes in demand for exports, and a heavy reliance on Russian energy imports.Hungary has transitioned from a centrally planned to a market-driven economy with a per capita income approximately two thirds of the EU-28 average; however, in recent years the government has become more involved in managing the economy. Budapest has implemented unorthodox economic policies to boost household consumption and has relied on EU-funded development projects to generate growth. Following the fall of communism in 1990, Hungary experienced a drop-off in exports and financial assistance from the former Soviet Union. Hungary embarked on a series of economic reforms, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and reduction of social spending programs, to shift from a centrally planned to a market-driven economy, and to reorient its economy towards trade with the West. These efforts helped to spur growth, attract investment, and reduce Hungary’s debt burden and fiscal deficits. Despite these reforms, living conditions for the average Hungarian initially deteriorated as inflation increased and unemployment reached double digits. Conditions slowly improved over the 1990s as the reforms came to fruition and export growth accelerated. Economic policies instituted during that decade helped position Hungary to join the European Union in 2004. Hungary has not yet joined the euro-zone. Hungary suffered a historic economic contraction as a result of the global economic slowdown in 2008-09 as export demand and domestic consumption dropped, prompting it to take an IMF-EU financial assistance package. Since 2010, the government has backpedaled on many economic reforms and taken a more populist approach towards economic management. The government has favored national industries and government-linked businesses through legislation, regulation, and public procurements. In 2011 and 2014, Hungary nationalized private pension funds, which squeezed financial service providers out of the system, but also helped Hungary curb its public debt and lower its budget deficit to below 3% of GDP, as subsequent pension contributions have been channeled into the state-managed pension fund. Hungary’s public debt (at 74.5% of GDP) is still high compared to EU peers in Central Europe. Real GDP growth has been robust in the past few years due to increased EU funding, higher EU demand for Hungarian exports, and a rebound in domestic household consumption. To further boost household consumption ahead of the 2018 election, the government embarked on a six-year phased increase to minimum wages and public sector salaries, decreased taxes on foodstuffs and services, cut the personal income tax from 16% to 15%, and implemented a uniform 9% business tax for small and medium-sized enterprises and large companies. Real GDP growth slowed in 2016 due to a cyclical decrease in EU funding, but increased to 3.8% in 2017 as the government pre-financed EU funded projects ahead of the 2018 election. Systemic economic challenges include pervasive corruption, labor shortages driven by demographic declines and migration, widespread poverty in rural areas, vulnerabilities to changes in demand for exports, and a heavy reliance on Russian energy imports. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $302.32 billion (2020 est.) $318.09 billion (2019 est.) $303.98 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.58% (2019 est.) 5.44% (2018 est.) 4.45% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $31,000 (2020 est.) $32,600 (2019 est.) $31,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $163.251 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (2019 est.) 2.8% (2018 est.) 2.3% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB (2019) Moody's rating: Baa3 (2016) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.9% (2017 est.) industry: 31.3% (2017 est.) services: 64.8% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 49.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 90.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -82.4% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: maize, wheat, milk, sunflower seed, barley, rapeseed, sugar beet, apples, pork, grapes Industries: mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles, chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), motor vehicles Industrial production growth rate: 7.4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 4.414 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 4.9% industry: 30.3% services: 64.5% (2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.45% (2019 est.) 3.71% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 12.8% male: 11.9% female: 14% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 12.3% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 30.6 (2017 est.) 28.6 (2014) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.3% highest 10%: 22.4% (2015) Budget: revenues: 61.98 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 64.7 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) note: Hungary has been under the EU Excessive Deficit Procedure since it joined the EU in 2004; in March 2012, the EU elevated its Excessive Deficit Procedure against Hungary and proposed freezing 30% of the country's Cohesion Funds because 2011 deficit reductions were not achieved in a sustainable manner; in June 2012, the EU lifted the freeze, recognizing that steps had been taken to reduce the deficit; the Hungarian deficit increased above 3% both in 2013 and in 2014 due to sluggish growth and the government's fiscal tightening Public debt: 73.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 76% of GDP (2016 est.) note: general government gross debt is defined in the Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities: currency and deposits, securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives, and national, state, and local government and social security funds. Taxes and other revenues: 44.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$392 million (2019 est.) $510 million (2018 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Germany 27%, Romania 5%, Italy 5%, Slovakia 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, spark-ignition engines, video displays, broadcasting equipment (2019) Imports: $120.25 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $129.9 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $127.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Germany 25%, China 6%, Poland 6%, Austria 6%, Czechia 5%, Slovakia 5%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, integrated circuits, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment, crude petroleum (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $28 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $25.82 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $123.256 billion (2019 est.) $125.29 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: forints (HUF) per US dollar - 295.3276 (2020 est.) 299.4939 (2019 est.) 283.5923 (2018 est.) 279.33 (2014 est.) 232.6 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 6.956 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 8.079 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 230,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 1.395 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 2.909 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 35,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 180,600 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 8,000 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 134,800 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 12.1 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 152,400 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 58,720 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 82,110 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 1,685,020,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 10,545,459,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 3,757,583,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 11,677,990,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 3.738 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 48.589 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 108.212 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 2,970,347 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 10,332,660 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 107 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Hungary benefits from having a developed telecom infrastructure, with a focus among operators to develop the 5G sector and upgrade fixed networks to provide a 1Gb/s service; services based on 5G have been supported by the January 2021 multi-spectrum auction for spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands; Digi Mobile failed to secure spectrum, which prompted the operator’s parent company to sell the unit to 4iG; the number of fixed-lines continues to fall as subscribers migrate to the mobile platform for voice and data services; operators have bundled packages to boost revenue and retain subscribers; this strategy encouraged Vodafone Group to acquire UPC Hungary in mid-2019; the broadband market has effective infrastructure-based competition, with an extensive cable network competing against DSL services and a vibrant and rapidly expanding fiber sector.; the regulator has also introduced a number of measures aimed at promoting market competition, which is pushing the drive for higher speed platforms and encouraging operators to invest in technology upgrades; Hungary now has the highest fixed broadband penetration rate in Eastern Europe; by the beginning of 2021, the incumbent telco Maygar Telekom provided a 1Gb/s service to about 2.5 million premises across the country; the number of superfast broadband connections (above 30Mb/s) accounted for 78% of all fixed broadband connections; Maygar Telekom is at the forefront of 5G developments, supported by the government, universities, other telcos and vendors forming the Hungarian 5G Coalition; by March 2021, Vodafone Hungary managed about 300 5G base stations in Budapest and its surrounds, as well as in a number of other cities. (2021) domestic: competition among mobile-cellular service providers has led to a sharp increase in the use of mobile-cellular phones, and a decrease in the number of fixed-line connections, with just under 31 fixed per 100 persons and 107 mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 (2020) international: country code - 36; Hungary has fiber-optic cable connections with all neighboring countries; the international switch is in Budapest; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean regions), 1 Inmarsat, 1 (very small aperture terminal) VSAT system of ground terminals 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: mixed system of state-supported public service broadcast media and private broadcasters; the 5 publicly owned TV channels and the 2 main privately owned TV stations are the major national broadcasters; a large number of special interest channels; highly developed market for satellite and cable TV services with about two-thirds of viewers utilizing their services; 4 state-supported public-service radio networks; a large number of local stations including commercial, public service, nonprofit, and community radio stations; digital transition completed at the end of 2013; government-linked businesses have greatly consolidated ownership in broadcast and print media (2019) Internet country code: .hu Internet users: total: 8,287,626 (2020 est.) percent of population: 85% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 3,265,308 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 34 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: HA Airports: total: 41 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 21 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 11 (2021) Heliports: 3 (2021) Pipelines: 5,874 km gas (high-pressure transmission system), 83,732 km gas (low-pressure distribution network), 850 km oil, 1,200 km refined products (2018) Railways: total: 8,049 km (2014) standard gauge: 7,794 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (2,889 km electrified) narrow gauge: 219 km (2014) 0.760-m gauge broad gauge: 36 km (2014) 1.524-m gauge Roadways: total: 203,601 km (2014) paved: 77,087 km (2014) (includes 1,582 km of expressways) unpaved: 126,514 km (2014) Waterways: 1,622 km (2011) (most on Danube River) Merchant marine: total: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Baja, Csepel (Budapest), Dunaujvaros, Gyor-Gonyu, Mohacs (Danube) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: the Hungarian Defense Forces are a unified force (Joint Force Command) with Land Forces, Air Forces, and Logistics components (2022) Military expenditures: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2020) 1.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $3.02 billion) 1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $2.4 billion) 1.2% of GDP (2017) (approximately $2.21 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 21,000 active duty troops (16,000 Army; 5,000 Air Force) (2022) note: in 2017, Hungary announced plans to increase the number of active soldiers to around 37,000, but did not give a timeline Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 2005); 6-month service obligation (2021) note: as of 2019, women comprised approximately 20% of Hungary's full-time military personnel Military deployments: 160 Bosnia-Herzegovina (EUFOR stabilization force); 150 Iraq (NATO); 470 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR) (2022) Military - note: Hungary 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: 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: bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continue in 2006 with Slovakia over Hungary's failure to complete its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary has implemented the strict Schengen border rulesbilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continue in 2006 with Slovakia over Hungary's failure to complete its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Hungary has implemented the strict Schengen border rules Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 27,861 (Ukraine) (as of 11 August 2022) stateless persons: 130 (mid-year 2021) note: 432,744 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-December 2018); Hungary is predominantly a transit country and hosts 137 migrants and asylum seekers as of the end of June 2018; 1,626 migrant arrivals in 2017 Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and cannabis and for South American cocaine destined for Western Europe; limited producer of precursor chemicals, particularly for amphetamine and methamphetamine; efforts to counter money laundering, related to organized crime and drug trafficking are improving but remain vulnerable; significant consumer of ecstasy

20220901

countries-grenada-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when Christopher COLUMBUS landed on the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century and Britain took the island in 1762 establishing sugar, cacao, and then nutmeg plantations. Independence was attained in 1974, making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere.Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when Christopher COLUMBUS landed on the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century and Britain took the island in 1762 establishing sugar, cacao, and then nutmeg plantations. Independence was attained in 1974, making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Topic: Geography Area: total: 344 sq km land: 344 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds Natural resources: timber, tropical fruit Topic: People and Society Population: 113,949 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: African descent 82.4%, mixed 13.3%, East Indian 2.2%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) Languages: English (official), French patois Religions: Protestant 49.2% (includes Pentecostal 17.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 13.2%, Anglican 8.5%, Baptist 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Evangelical 1.9%, Methodist 1.6%, other 1.2%), Roman Catholic 36%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, Rastafarian 1.2%, other 5.5%, none 5.7%, unspecified 1.3% (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 0.32% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Saint George's Executive branch: chief 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) Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (13 seats; members appointed by the governor general - 10 on the advice of the prime minister and 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition party; members serve 5-year terms) House of Representatives (15 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: small OECS service-based economy; large tourism, construction, transportation, and education sectors; major spice exporter; shrinking but still high public debt; vulnerable to hurricanes; declining remittancessmall OECS service-based economy; large tourism, construction, transportation, and education sectors; major spice exporter; shrinking but still high public debt; vulnerable to hurricanes; declining remittances Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.7 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $15,100 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: bananas, watermelons, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, tomatoes, plantains, coconuts, melons, cucumbers, cabbages Industries: food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction, education, call-center operations Exports: $650 million (2018 est.) Exports - partners: United States 40%, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7%, Saint Lucia 7%, France 6%, Netherlands 5%, Germany 5%, Ireland 5%, Antigua and Barbuda 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: fish, nutmeg, cocoa beans, fruits, wheat, toilet paper (2019) Imports: $640 million (2018 est.) Imports - partners: United States 35%, Canada 24%, China 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: aircraft, poultry meat, cars, refined petroleum, food preparation materials (2019) Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -Page last updated: Tuesday, May 17, 2022

20220901

about-whats-new

Topic: August 11, 2022A new The World of the CIA page has been added under the About tab to let visitors learn more about the Factbook‘s home world at CIA headquarters. This portfolio of outstanding photographs also contains links to still further photos of the CIA compound. Check it out. Topic: August 4, 2022This month marks The World Factbook’s 60th birthday! To celebrate, a special 60th anniversary cover has been commissioned.Although the Factbook ceased publication in 2017, new annual cover designs have continued to be made as they help brand the publication and online audiences look forward to seeing what each new cover will highlight. This year’s special design – appearing on the Gallery of Covers page – subtly shows the progression and expansion of the Factbook over time; it becomes more graphic heavy “read” from left to right. Also added to the Gallery this week are selected examples of some of the plain covers from the Factbook‘s first two decades, which further underscore the publication’s development over the past sixty years. Topic: July 28, 2022The World Factbook’s Energy category was recently restructured; while most data has been retained, various former fields have now been combined as subfields under the broad headings of “Electricity,” “Coal,” “Petroleum,” and “Natural gas.” Explanations of some of these revisions will appear below and in What’s New statements in coming weeks.To improve readability and address user feedback, The World Factbook has revised its natural gas data by combining the five former fields into a singular “Natural gas” field, with production, consumption, exports, imports, and proven reserves sub-fields. All data reflect only dry natural gas and exclude non-hydrocarbon gases, as well as vented, flared, and reinjected natural gas. Topic: July 21, 2022The 2021 edition of The World Factbook has been added to the Archives page (under About). All previous versions of The World Factbook – from 2000 to 2021 – are now available on that page. Topic: July 14, 2022In Appendix D: Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes, the old two-character GEC codes in the first column have been replaced by the new standard three-character GENC codes being adopted by the US Government as the authoritative codes for countries and their subdivisions. GENC stands for Geopolitical Entities, Names, and Codes and is the authoritative set of country names and codes for use by the Federal Government for information exchange. Further details about various types of country codes may be found in the introductory paragraphs of Appendix D. Topic: July 7, 2022A common question asked of The World Factbook is: How many countries are there? The answer is 195. Based on the seven-continent model, and grouping islands with adjacent continents, Africa has the most countries with 54. Europe contains 49 countries and Asia 48, but these two continents share five countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkey. North America consists of 23 sovereign states, Oceania has 14, and South America 12. Topic: June 30, 2022Have you ever travelled abroad and wondered about a country’s traditional foods? Now you can turn to a country’s Travel Facts and learn about one of its popular national dishes in a new “Traditional Cuisine” entry. In Egypt, for example, ful medames is a stew of cooked fava beans with olive oil, cumin, and other herbs and spices that is served from a large metal jug. Topic: June 23, 2022The World Factbook has added a new “Tobacco use” field to the People and Society category providing the latest estimates of tobacco use, whether smoked or smokeless or both. According to the World Health Organization, 23% of the US population uses tobacco products, 28.4% among men and 17.5% among women.  This usage rate ranks the US in 66th position among countries, below Italy but above the Philippines. Topic: June 16, 2022Did you know that Antarctica contains more water than any other continent? The only problem is that it is all ice! Some 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 ocean by 58 m (190 ft). Topic: June 9, 2022For the five World oceans – Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern – a “Volume” entry was recently added that not only presents the estimated volume of each of the oceans in million cubic kilometers, but also the percent of the World Ocean total volume. For example, the Indian Ocean’s 264 million cu km volume represents 19.8% of the volume of all of the World’s oceans. Topic: June 2, 2022You are visiting a new country and trying to determine what would be a perfect memento of your trip. The World Factbook can help you decide. The Travel Facts page for every country now includes a Souvenirs section that lists favorite items that visitors like to procure. For example, in Nepal common souvenirs include: knotted/woven carpets and hemp items, wool pashminas, sheepskin slippers, woven caps, kukri knives, precious metal and turquoise jewelry, sacred scroll paintings, wood instruments, lokta bark paper, tea, and kitchen spices. Topic: May 26, 2022In the Environment category, the “Food insecurity” field was recently updated with first quarter 2022 information for 44 – mostly African and Asian – countries where access to food supplies remains a concern. While there have been no significant changes, lingering effects of COVID-19 restrictions are still apparent. More ominously, the ongoing Ukraine war is preventing grain deliveries and raising warnings of an impending global food crisis. Topic: May 19, 2022A second batch of larger and more detailed country maps was recently added to the Factbook. The new countries include: The Bahamas, Benin, Cameroon, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, and North Korea. Topic: May 12, 2022Several key demographic fields in the People and Society category have been updated with 2022 data.  These fields are:  “Life expectancy at birth,” “Total fertility rate,” “Infant mortality rate,” and “Sex ratio.” Topic: May 5, 2022In late March of this year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa, as well as for a few Middle Eastern countries. While wild or naturally occurring polio has been virtually eradicated worldwide, a vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) has become a concern. VDPV is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine and that has changed over time and behaves like the wild or naturally occurring virus. This means that it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come into 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 vaccination series. The CDC recommendations may be found in the “Major infectious diseases” entry in the People and Society section of the 24 Sub-Saharan African (and miscellaneous other) countries where VDPV is a threat. Topic: April 28, 2022An important new field providing data on the prevalence of “Child marriage” has been added to the People and Society category. Girls who marry early tend to drop out of school and often have early, higher-risk pregnancies. Child brides are also at risk of abuse, exploitation, and separation from relatives and family. Topic: April 21, 2022In the Military and Security section, the “Maritime threat” entry – which describes piracy threats – was recently updated with 2021 numbers. Overall, there was a significant drop in incidents world-wide over 2020 (195) to 132 for 2021; this is the lowest number since 1994.  The Gulf of Aden remained quiet and West African incidents were down considerably. Areas that showed an increase in attacks were the Singapore Straits and the Western Hemisphere. Topic: April 14, 2022Several population-growth-related fields in the People and Society category have been updated with 2022 data.  These fields are: “Population,” “Population growth rate,” “Birth rate,” “Death rate,” and “Net migration rate.” Topic: April 7, 2022In the Military and Security category, the “Military equipment inventories and acquisitions” field was recently updated with the latest available information from 2021. Topic: March 31, 2022Appendix H: Strategic Materials, which lists all of the compounds, metals, non-metals, and rare earth elements deemed to be of critical importance to US national security, has been updated. The US is 100% import reliant for 14 of the 59 elements listed as Strategic Materials. The US gets between 19-25 commodities from China, 13-18 commodities from Canada, 10 from South Africa, 9 from Brazil, 8 from India, and 6 from Russia. The economic slowdown associated with COVID-19 affected global production of many commodities in 2020, but that slackening began to recover in 2021. Topic: March 24, 2022The World Factbook is delighted to announce the inclusion of 24 new country maps – the first tranche in what will be a series of cartographic updates. The new maps, larger in size and more detailed than previous versions, may be found for the following countries/territories: Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Antarctica, Australia, China, Republic of the Congo, Iceland, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. Topic: March 17, 2022In the Military and Security category, the “Military expenditures” field was recently updated with the latest available information. Topic: March 10, 2022Information on drinking water and sanitation has been updated for 2020; both of these subjects are key indicators of social and economic development.  Both the “Drinking water source” and “Sanitation facility access” fields (in the People and Society section) are categorized as ‘improved’ or ‘unimproved’ and include data for rural, urban, and total populations.  Over 90% of the world’s population has access to improved drinking water sources, while almost 70% of the world’s population has access to improved sanitation facilities. Topic: March 3, 2022Have a look this week at the population pyramids (under People and Society > “Age structure”) all of which have recently been updated for 2022. Population pyramids illustrate the age and sex structure of a country’s population. Pyramids that are wider at the bottom and get progressively narrower toward the top are typical of youthful populations, while pyramids that are barrel-shaped characterize more mature populations. Population pyramids can provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. Topic: February 24, 2022Substantial quantities of new photos have recently been added to the following World Factbook entries: Angola, Cuba, Djibouti, Liberia, Nepal, Rwanda, Serbia, and Taiwan. Topic: February 17, 2022In the People and Society category, the “Urbanization” field, which shows the estimated proportion of a country’s population living in urban areas, has been updated with 2022 data. The “Major urban areas – population” field, which provides the estimated population of up to six of a country’s largest urban centers over 750,000 people, has also been updated. For those countries with no metropolis  of 750,000 or more, the estimated population of only the capital has been provided. Topic: February 10, 2022The World Factbook is delighted to unveil its latest field this week entitled “National heritage,” which introduces a country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first subfield in this new entry – found in the Government section – lists how many sites are present in a country and whether they are cultural or natural or both. The second subfield lists up to 10 or so selected sites in a country. Most countries have fewer than 10 or 12 sites, but some (mostly larger) countries contain many dozen. The United States currently has 24 inscribed sites. Where possible, links have been set up from a listed site to a photo from The World Factbook‘s photo collection. Topic: February 3, 2022The “Military service age and obligation” field has been expanded where possible with information on the approximate numbers or percentages of conscripts in a country’s military. Additionally, the percentages of women in the military have been added where that data is available. Topic: January 27, 2022There are 195 independent countries in the World; amazingly, 80 of them (41% !) have names beginning with one of only four letters (at least in the English language): B (18, Bahamas to Burundi), C (18, Cambodia to Czechia), M (18, Macedonia to Mozambique), and S (24, Saint Kitts and Nevis to Syria). All other letters except W and X begin the name of at least one country. Topic: January 20, 2022Last week the uninhabited island of Hunga Tonga in the Tongan archipelago began to erupt. Located 65 km (40 mi) north of Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island, it is part of the highly active Tonga–Kermadec Islands volcanic arc in the South Pacific. The eruption caused damaging tsunamis along the entire rim of the Pacific Ocean but, fortunately, loss of life has been low. The explosion is the largest of the 21st century to date. Topic: January 13, 2022Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups has been completely updated and includes several new entries (e.g., Forum for the Progress of South America and Wassenaar Arrangement), as well as their contact information (address, phone, fax). In addition, email and website addresses have been added for most organizations. Topic: January 06, 2022Appendix T: Terrorist Organizations has been updated with the latest information from the US State Department’s just-published Country Terrorism Review. All Appendix T entries are now up to at least 2020 and most are 2021. Included are two new foreign terrorist organizations: the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) and Segunda Marquetalia. Topic: December 30, 2021Have you ever heard of AOSIS? The acronym stands for the Alliance of Small Island States. Established in 1990, it is an intergovernmental organization of 39 small island and low-lying coastal countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. AOSIS has been very active from its inception and has played a leading role in global forums in raising awareness on climate change and in advocating for action to address climate change. To find out more about AOSIS, or about any of more than 200 other international organizations, go to References and click on Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups. Topic: December 16, 2021In the five Oceans entries, the “Marine fisheries” field – in the Environment category – has been updated with the latest available 2019 FAO numbers. Overall, the rankings did not change significantly. The Pacific Ocean remains the largest fishery with 57.8% of total global catch, followed by the Atlantic (26.4%), and Indian Oceans (15.3%). Herrings, sardines, and anchovies make up 24% of the global catch of marine fishes. Topic: December 9, 2021In the Transportation category, the “Merchant marine” entry has been updated for all countries that have a merchant fleet. Topic: December 2, 2021On 30 November 2021, the Caribbean island nation of Barbados became a republic, transitioning from a parliamentary constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary republic with a ceremonial elected president as head of state. The prime minister remains head of government and the country continues its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. The date marked the 55th anniversary of Barbados achieving its independence from the UK in 1966. Topic: November 18, 2021Are you interested in education and youth employment trends? Please see our newly updated entries for “Education expenditures,” “Literacy,” and “Youth unemployment” in the People and Society section for all countries. Topic: November 11, 2021The “Illicit drugs” entry in the Transnational Issues section was recently updated for all countries with the latest available information and data. Topic: November 4, 2021The World Factbook has added its latest water-related fields, “Major lakes” and “Major rivers,” which appear in both the Geography and Environment categories. “Major aquifers” and “Major watersheds” were introduced last month. The “Major lakes” entry includes natural lakes larger that 500 sq km and designates them as either fresh water or salt water. The “Major rivers” field includes rivers longer than 1,000 km – 87 of them in 84 countries. Several large countries have multiple river entries: Brazil with 7, Canada 10, China 10, India 9, Russia 9, and the US 11. Topic: October 28, 2021The World Factbook is pleased to announce an enhancement to its 223 One-Page Summaries, which now include a brief country/territory Introduction and an Economic Overview snapshot to accompany the latest economic data. In addition, the Government, Geography, and People and Society fields have all been updated where possible. Topic: October 21, 2021The US Government designates 16 countries as Major Non-NATO Allies (MNNA) with which it has strategic working relationships in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation. The countries are: Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia. While MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments. Information on MNNA status has been added to the “Military – note” for each of these countries. Topic: October 14, 2021The World Factbook is introducing four new water-related fields, to appear in both the Geography and Environment categories. “Major aquifers” and “Major watersheds” are being launched this week; “Major lakes” and “Major rivers” will be added in the not-too-distant future. Topic: October 7, 2021The “Military expenditures” entry was recently updated for all countries with the latest available data – mostly with 2020 numbers, but a few with 2021 or 2019 figures. Topic: September 30, 2021In the Government category, the “Diplomatic representation in the US” and the “Diplomatic representation from the US” entries were recently updated for all countries. Additionally, email and website addresses were included for all foreign embassies in the US, as well as for US embassies abroad. Topic: September 23, 2021Did you know there really is a Robinson Crusoe Island? From 1704 to 1709, the island was home to a marooned sailor, Alexander Selkirk, who at least partially inspired novelist Daniel Defoe’s fictional Robinson Crusoe in his 1719 novel. Today some 850 people live on the island, which received its current name in 1966 to reflect its literary connection and to promote tourism. To find out where the island is located, what it was formerly called, and to what country it belongs, check the Factbook‘s Appendix F: Geographic Names. Topic: September 16, 2021The troy weight system is primarily used in the precious metals industry (e.g., the troy ounce is a traditional unit of gold weight). So, how would someone convert from troy pounds to kilograms? Find out by visiting The World Factbook‘s Weights and Measures page (Appendix G) and scrolling down to either kilograms or pounds, troy. Topic: September 9, 2021Rare earth elements or REEs are 17 chemical elements that are critical in many of today’s high-tech industries. Typical applications for REEs include batteries in hybrid cars, fiber optic cables, flat panel displays, and permanent magnets, as well as some defense and medical products. Appendix H: Strategic Materials includes detailed information on 16 of these elements, including facts describing the elements, their uses, import sources and import quantities, world resources, and any available substitutes. (The only REE not included is Promethium, which exists only in miniscule, economically insignificant quantities.) Topic: September 2, 2021In the Government category, under the “Legislative branch” entry, the descriptions for all Central and South Asian countries, as well as all South American, Mesoamerican, and Greater Antilles countries, have been reviewed and updated where necessary. Topic: August 26, 2021 Topic: August 19, 2021 Topic: August 12, 2021 Topic: August 5, 2021 Topic: July 29, 2021 Topic: July 22, 2021In the Environment category, all the “Food insecurity” entries have been updated with the latest available UN Food and Agriculture Organization data (July 2021). Topic: July 15, 2021 Topic: July 8, 2021 Topic: June 30, 2021 Topic: June 17, 2021 Topic: June 10, 2021In the Transnational Issues category, the “Trafficking in persons” entry was recently updated for the roughly five dozen countries where this situation continues to be a serious problem and is not being adequately addressed. Topic: June 3, 2021Many World Factbook users are aware that the Government section for every country contains a “National anthem” entry as well as a musical link. Did you know that the World entry also has national anthem information? Listed in that entry are distinctive or exceptional anthems, such as the world’s oldest anthem, the world’s shortest anthem, the countries with two official anthems, etc. Visit the World entry to learn what all these remarkable anthems are. Topic: May 27, 2021Did you know that the oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level? Find out what these three levels are by going to any of the five ocean entries (Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, Southern), then the “Elevation” field and checking out the new ‘ocean zones’ entry. A link to a helpful chart is also included. Topic: May 20, 2021The “Marine fisheries” field in the Environment section of the five Oceans entries was recently updated. The link found in each of these fields displays the Major Fishing Areas of the world as delineated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Topic: May 13, 2021Trade data fields for “Imports – commodities,” “Exports – commodities,” “Imports – partners,” and “Exports – partners” have been updated for all countries and territories. This update includes trade data for smaller territories that The World Factbook had not previously reported. Topic: May 6, 2021In the World entry, the airport traffic numbers in the Transportation category have been updated with preliminary 2020 data and they present a dramatically different scenario due to COVID-19 restrictions. Passenger traffic through the top ten airports declined 45.7% in 2020 and for all airports globally dropped am amazing 64.6%. Atlanta, which had been the busiest passenger airport for more than 20 years, is now number two. Seven of the top ten airports for passenger traffic are in China and the other three are in the US. Most of the new rankings are due to domestic flights in China; when global traffic opens up again the old passenger patterns should reemerge.In contrast, air cargo traffic in the top ten airports grew by 3% in 2020 and the rank order was largely unchanged. Memphis, TN surpassed Hong Kong to become the busiest cargo airport. All told, the top ten cargo airports handled 28% of global air cargo. Topic: April 29, 2021In the Military and Security category, the following fields have been updated with the latest 2020 or 2021 data/information: “Military and security forces,” “Military and security service personnel strengths,” “Military deployments,” and “Military equipment inventories and acquisitions.” Topic: April 22, 2021In honor of Earth Day, The World Factbook is introducing a new Environment category, with newly compiled entries that include information on air pollution, water supplies, revenues from natural resources, food insecurity, and waste and recycling. A few of the new category’s fields have appeared in other Factbook sections before (climate, land use, urbanization, major infectious diseases) and they are now gathered in this new section. The new category may be found after ‘People and Society’ but before ‘Government’ under every country listing. Topic: April 15, 2021 Topic: April 8, 2021 Topic: April 1, 2021 Topic: March 25, 2021 Topic: March 18, 2021 Topic: March 11, 2021 Topic: March 4, 2021 Topic: February 25, 2021 Topic: February 18, 2021 Topic: February 8, 2021 Topic: February 4, 2021 Topic: January 28, 2021 Topic: January 21, 2021 Topic: January 14, 2021 Topic: January 7, 2021 Topic: December 31, 2020 Topic: December 17, 2020 Topic: December 10, 2020 Topic: December 03, 2020 Topic: November 25, 2020 Topic: November 19, 2020 Topic: November 12, 2020 Topic: November 05, 2020 Topic: October 28, 2020 Topic: October 22, 2020 Topic: October 15, 2020 Topic: October 08, 2020 Topic: September 24, 2020 Topic: September 17, 2020 Topic: September 10, 2020 Topic: August 26, 2020 Topic: August 20, 2020Continuing this month’s cartography spotlight: Did you know that you can find multiple maps to almost a hundred countries under  the References tab>Regional and World Maps>Maps at CIA? The maps usually include two, and frequently all three, of the following country maps: Administrative, Physiographic, and Transportation – in both PDF and JPG formats. Topic: August 13, 2020 Topic: August 06, 2020 Topic: July 30, 2020 Topic: July 23, 2020 Topic: July 09, 2020 Topic: July 02, 2020 Topic: June 26, 2020 Topic: June 18, 2020 Topic: June 11, 2020 Topic: June 04, 2020 Topic: May 28, 2020 Topic: May 21, 2020Did you know that more than three-quarters of the world’s countries have a maritime boundary of some sort. As such, they have an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which is a sea zone – set forth by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea – over which a country has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources. An EEZ stretches from a country’s mean-low tide baseline at its coast out to 200 nautical miles. Most maps do not show EEZs, but The World Factbook’s World Oceans map does (under the References tab>Regional and World Maps>World Oceans; the PDF version is the most informative, particularly when enlarged). More than one-third of the world’s ocean area falls within an EEZ. Topic: May 14, 2020 Topic: May 07, 2020The “Capital” entry (under Government) is where visitors to The World Factbook will find information related to time. This placement is because the Factbook indicates the time difference in a country relative to the time observed in Washington, DC. The “Capital” entry is also where information on daylight savings time and time zones may be found.Did you know that only about a third of all countries – and only about one-fifth of the world’s inhabitants – use daylight savings time? Find more detailed information on time zones and daylight savings time under World>Government>Capital. Topic: April 30, 2020 Topic: April 23, 2020 Topic: April 16, 2020 Topic: April 09, 2020 Topic: April 02, 2020 Topic: March 19, 2020 Topic: March 12, 2020 Topic: March 05, 2020 Topic: February 27, 2020 Topic: February 20, 2020 Topic: February 13, 2020 Topic: February 06, 2020 Topic: January 31, 2020 Topic: January 28, 2020 Topic: January 23, 2020 Topic: January 16, 2020 Topic: January 09, 2020 Topic: December 19, 2019 Topic: December 12, 2019 Topic: December 05, 2019 Topic: November 21, 2019 Topic: November 14, 2019 Topic: November 07, 2019 Topic: October 31, 2019 Topic: October 24, 2019 Topic: October 17, 2019 Topic: October 10, 2019 Topic: October 03, 2019 Topic: September 24, 2019 Topic: September 19, 2019 Topic: September 12, 2019 Topic: September 03, 2019 Topic: August 29, 2019 Topic: August 22, 2019 Topic: August 15, 2019 Topic: August 08, 2019 Topic: August 01, 2019 Topic: July 25, 2019 Topic: July 18, 2019 Topic: July 11, 2019 Topic: July 03, 2019 Topic: June 26, 2019 Topic: June 21, 2019The World Factbook is proud to unveil its new Travel Facts feature!144 country pages – ranging from Afghanistan to Yemen – now have an embedded Travel Facts icon, which visitors can click to reveal a downloadable one-page summary of important facts to know before traveling to that country. Travel Facts include: Passport/Visa requirements, US State Dept. Travel Warnings, Vaccination Requirements, Climate, Currency, Major Languages, Religions, Time Difference, Potable Water, International Driving Permit requirement, Road Driving Side, Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s), Cultural Practices, Telephone Code, Local Emergency Phone Numbers, and US Embassy/Consulate Information.Travel Facts for the remainder of the world’s countries will become available in the months to come. Topic: June 13, 2019 Topic: June 06, 2019 Topic: May 30, 2019 Topic: May 23, 2019 Topic: May 16, 2019 Topic: May 09, 2019 Topic: May 02, 2019 Topic: April 25, 2019 Topic: April 18, 2019 Topic: April 16, 2019 Topic: April 11, 2019 Topic: April 04, 2019 Topic: March 28, 2019 Topic: March 21, 2019 Topic: March 14, 2019 Topic: March 07, 2019 Topic: February 28, 2019 Topic: February 21, 2019 Topic: February 14, 2019Greece and its northern neighbor Macedonia recently resolved a nearly-three-decade-old naming dispute in which both countries claimed historical rights to the name “Macedonia.” The Republic of Macedonia agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia and this renaming was officially promulgated on 12 February 2019. The World Factbook will incorporate the new name throughout its database after the US State Department receives an official diplomatic notification from the Macedonian Government and after the name has been approved by the US Board on Geographic Names – all of which should take place within the next few days.Other country name changes of the 21st century include last year’s name change of Swaziland to Eswatini, the Czech Republic adopting the short-form name of Czechia in 2016, Cape Verde formalizing the Portuguese use of its name Cabo Verde for all official purposes in 2013, and East Timor adopting the name of Timor-Leste shortly after attaining independence in 2002. Topic: February 07, 2019 Topic: January 31, 2019 Topic: January 24, 2019 Topic: January 16, 2019 Topic: January 10, 2019 Topic: January 03, 2019 Topic: December 31, 2018 Topic: December 20, 2018 Topic: December 14, 2018 Topic: December 06, 2018 Topic: November 28, 2018 Topic: November 21, 2018 Topic: November 14, 2018 Topic: November 08, 2018 Topic: November 01, 2018 Topic: October 25, 2018 Topic: October 18, 2018 Topic: October 11, 2018 Topic: October 04, 2018 Topic: September 27, 2018 Topic: September 20, 2018 Topic: September 13, 2018 Topic: September 06, 2018 Topic: August 30, 2018 Topic: August 23, 2018 Topic: August 16, 2018 Topic: August 09, 2018 Topic: August 02, 2018 Topic: July 26, 2018 Topic: July 19, 2018 Topic: July 12, 2018 Topic: July 05, 2018 Topic: June 28, 2018 Topic: June 21, 2018 Topic: June 14, 2018 Topic: June 07, 2018 Topic: May 31, 2018 Topic: May 16, 2018 Topic: May 10, 2018 Topic: May 03, 2018 Topic: April 26, 2018 Topic: April 19, 2018 Topic: April 11, 2018 Topic: April 05, 2018 Topic: March 29, 2018 Topic: March 22, 2018 Topic: March 15, 2018 Topic: March 09, 2018 Topic: March 05, 2018 Topic: February 23, 2018 Topic: February 16, 2018 Topic: February 09, 2018 Topic: February 01, 2018 Topic: January 26, 2018 Topic: January 19, 2018 Topic: January 11, 2018 Topic: January 05, 2018 Topic: December 22, 2017 Topic: December 15, 2017 Topic: December 08, 2017 Topic: December 01, 2017 Topic: November 17, 2017 Topic: November 09, 2017 Topic: November 03, 2017 Topic: October 27, 2017 Topic: October 20, 2017 Topic: October 13, 2017 Topic: October 06, 2017 Topic: September 22, 2017 Topic: September 18, 2017 Topic: September 08, 2017 Topic: September 01, 2017 Topic: August 25, 2017 Topic: August 18, 2017 Topic: August 04, 2017 Topic: July 28, 2017 Topic: July 21, 2017 Topic: July 14, 2017 Topic: July 07, 2017 Topic: June 30, 2017 Topic: June 23, 2017 Topic: June 09, 2017 Topic: June 02, 2017 Topic: May 25, 2017 Topic: May 16, 2017 Topic: May 11, 2017 Topic: April 26, 2017 Topic: April 20, 2017 Topic: April 12, 2017 Topic: April 06, 2017 Topic: March 30, 2017 Topic: March 23, 2017 Topic: March 16, 2017 Topic: March 09, 2017 Topic: March 02, 2017 Topic: February 23, 2017 Topic: February 13, 2017 Topic: February 02, 2017 Topic: January 26, 2017 Topic: January 13, 2017 Topic: January 06, 2017 Topic: December 23, 2016 Topic: December 16, 2016 Topic: December 09, 2016 Topic: December 02, 2016 Topic: November 23, 2016 Topic: November 17, 2016 Topic: November 10, 2016 Topic: November 04, 2016 Topic: October 28, 2016 Topic: October 21, 2016 Topic: October 14, 2016 Topic: October 07, 2016 Topic: September 30, 2016 Topic: September 23, 2016 Topic: September 16, 2016 Topic: September 08, 2016 Topic: August 26, 2016 Topic: August 19, 2016 Topic: August 12, 2016 Topic: August 05, 2016 Topic: July 29, 2016 Topic: July 22, 2016 Topic: July 15, 2016 Topic: July 08, 2016 Topic: July 01, 2016 Topic: June 24, 2016 Topic: June 17, 2016 Topic: June 10, 2016 Topic: June 03, 2016 Topic: May 27, 2016 Topic: May 19, 2016 Topic: May 12, 2016 Topic: May 06, 2016 Topic: April 29, 2016 Topic: April 22, 2016 Topic: April 15, 2016 Topic: April 08, 2016 Topic: April 01, 2016 Topic: March 17, 2016 Topic: March 10, 2016 Topic: February 25, 2016 Topic: February 19, 2016 Topic: February 12, 2016 Topic: February 05, 2016 Topic: January 29, 2016 Topic: January 21, 2016 Topic: January 15, 2016 Topic: January 08, 2016 Topic: December 30, 2015 Topic: December 17, 2015 Topic: December 10, 2015 Topic: November 20, 2015 Topic: November 13, 2015 Topic: November 06, 2015 Topic: October 30, 2015 Topic: October 22, 2015 Topic: October 16, 2015 Topic: October 09, 2015 Topic: October 02, 2015 Topic: September 25, 2015 Topic: September 18, 2015 Topic: September 11, 2015 Topic: September 02, 2015 Topic: August 27, 2015 Topic: August 20, 2015 Topic: August 13, 2015 Topic: August 07, 2015 Topic: July 31, 2015 Topic: July 24, 2015 Topic: July 17, 2015 Topic: July 10, 2015 Topic: July 02, 2015 Topic: June 26, 2015 Topic: June 19, 2015 Topic: June 12, 2015 Topic: May 29, 2015 Topic: May 22, 2015 Topic: May 15, 2015 Topic: May 08, 2015 Topic: April 30, 2015 Topic: April 21, 2015 Topic: April 13, 2015 Topic: August 15, 2014 Topic: July 10, 2014 Topic: June 26, 2014 Topic: June 19, 2014 Topic: June 12, 2014 Topic: June 05, 2014 Topic: May 29, 2014 Topic: May 15, 2014 Topic: May 08, 2014 Topic: April 30, 2014 Topic: April 17, 2014 Topic: April 10, 2014 Topic: April 03, 2014 Topic: March 27, 2014 Topic: March 20, 2014 Topic: March 06, 2014 Topic: February 27, 2014 Topic: February 20, 2014 Topic: February 13, 2014 Topic: February 06, 2014 Topic: January 30, 2014 Topic: January 16, 2014 Topic: January 09, 2014 Topic: December 19, 2013 Topic: December 10, 2013 Topic: December 05, 2013 Topic: November 21, 2013 Topic: November 14, 2013 Topic: November 06, 2013 Topic: October 31, 2013 Topic: October 24, 2013 Topic: September 26, 2013 Topic: September 12, 2013 Topic: August 29, 2013 Topic: August 22, 2013 Topic: August 15, 2013 Topic: August 08, 2013 Topic: August 01, 2013 Topic: July 11, 2013 Topic: July 03, 2013 Topic: June 27, 2013 Topic: June 20, 2013 Topic: June 13, 2013 Topic: June 06, 2013 Topic: May 23, 2013 Topic: May 16, 2013 Topic: May 09, 2013 Topic: May 02, 2013 Topic: April 25, 2013 Topic: April 18, 2013 Topic: April 11, 2013 Topic: April 04, 2013 Topic: March 28, 2013 Topic: March 21, 2013 Topic: March 14, 2013 Topic: February 28, 2013 Topic: February 21, 2013 Topic: February 14, 2013 Topic: February 07, 2013 Topic: January 31, 2013 Topic: January 24, 2013 Topic: January 17, 2013 Topic: January 10, 2013 Topic: January 03, 2013 Topic: December 20, 2012 Topic: December 13, 2012 Topic: December 06, 2012 Topic: November 29, 2012 Topic: November 21, 2012 Topic: November 15, 2012 Topic: November 08, 2012 Topic: October 26, 2012 Topic: October 18, 2012 Topic: October 11, 2012 Topic: October 04, 2012 Topic: September 27, 2012 Topic: September 20, 2012 Topic: September 13, 2012 Topic: September 05, 2012 Topic: August 29, 2012 Topic: August 22, 2012 Topic: August 08, 2012 Topic: August 01, 2012 Topic: July 25, 2012 Topic: July 18, 2012 Topic: July 04, 2012 Topic: June 27, 2012 Topic: June 21, 2012 Topic: June 13, 2012 Topic: May 30, 2012 Topic: May 23, 2012 Topic: May 16, 2012 Topic: May 09, 2012 Topic: May 02, 2012 Topic: April 17, 2012 Topic: April 11, 2012 Topic: April 04, 2012 Topic: March 21, 2012 Topic: March 14, 2012 Topic: March 07, 2012 Topic: February 29, 2012 Topic: February 15, 2012 Topic: February 08, 2012 Topic: January 26, 2012 Topic: January 18, 2012

20220901

field-energy-consumption-per-capita

This entry refers to a country's total energy consumption per capita, including the consumption of petroleum, dry natural gas, coal, net nuclear, hydroelectric, and non-hydroelectric renewable electricity. Data are reported in British thermal Units per person (Btu/person). Topic: Afghanistan3.227 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Albania38.442 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Algeria61.433 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: American Samoa88.796 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Angola11.693 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Antarctica0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda107.154 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Argentina79.083 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Armenia53.019 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Aruba174.629 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Australia241.004 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Austria171.299 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan64.416 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The140.505 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bahrain547.976 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bangladesh9.917 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Barbados83.723 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Belarus102.558 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Belgium234.216 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Belize31.552 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Benin8.468 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bermuda176.312 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bhutan100.135 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bolivia27.094 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina71.815 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Botswana34.095 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Brazil59.444 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islands80.136 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Brunei415.184 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Bulgaria103.924 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso3.23 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Burma10.679 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Burundi1.087 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde26.539 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cambodia13.629 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cameroon6.187 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Canada403.7 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cayman Islands175.578 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Central African Republic1.121 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Chad1.575 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Chile81.953 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: China105.687 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Colombia34.703 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Comoros5.346 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the1.371 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the16.156 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cook Islands0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Costa Rica44.899 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire8.225 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Croatia89.733 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cuba32.785 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Cyprus133.92 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Czechia161.972 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Denmark124.163 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Djibouti8.869 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Dominica37.513 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic39.016 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Ecuador42.564 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Egypt40.063 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: El Salvador24.124 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea57.596 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Eritrea3.217 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Estonia76.329 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Eswatini19.371 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Ethiopia3.219 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Fiji32.901 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Finland216.571 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: France151.053 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: French Polynesia0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Gabon26.786 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Gambia, The3.547 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip13.604 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: Georgia63.286 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Germany161.174 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Ghana11.239 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Gibraltar0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Greece108.022 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Grenada39.799 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Guam152.767 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Guatemala19.411 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Guinea4.133 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau2.46 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Guyana48.608 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Haiti3.97 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Honduras19.8 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Hong Kong172.009 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Hungary108.212 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: India23.231 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Indonesia29.68 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Iran145.54 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Iraq63.174 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Ireland133.674 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Israel113.273 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Italy112.606 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Jamaica49.7 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Japan147.107 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Jordan39.331 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan180.726 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Kenya6.31 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Kiribati9.335 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Korea, North12.61 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Korea, South242.346 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Kosovo51.462 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Kuwait381.985 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstan35.059 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Laos73.187 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Latvia86.645 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Lebanon53.528 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Lesotho7.823 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Liberia3.79 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Libya107.118 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Lithuania101.651 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Luxembourg310.068 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Macau81.407 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Madagascar2.307 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Malawi1.809 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Malaysia123.755 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Maldives59.69 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Mali4.396 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Malta267.739 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Mauritania13.558 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Mauritius79.448 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Mexico61.597 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Moldova40.398 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Mongolia83.045 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Montenegro77.286 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Montserrat0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Morocco24.59 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Mozambique8.107 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Namibia29.811 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Nauru0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Nepal5.219 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Netherlands219.606 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: New Caledonia0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: New Zealand186.804 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Nicaragua14.916 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Niger1.54 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Nigeria8.466 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Niue0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: North Macedonia53.572 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Norway333.833 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Oman292.022 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Pakistan15.859 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Panama98.946 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea11.316 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Paraguay62.775 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Peru36.465 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Philippines19.261 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Poland112.831 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Portugal101.734 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico94.379 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Qatar723.582 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Romania71.736 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Russia227.898 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Rwanda1.704 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis71.96 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia50.872 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines27.821 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Samoa27.111 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe11.636 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia296.949 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Senegal9.221 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Serbia98.195 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Seychelles163.06 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone1.803 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Singapore639.951 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Slovakia129.665 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Slovenia134.836 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands6.955 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Somalia802,000 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: South Africa98.474 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: South Sudan2.404 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Spain122.673 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka17.268 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Sudan8.047 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Suriname82.356 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Sweden210.882 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Switzerland137.918 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Syria24.567 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Taiwan160.669 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Tajikistan27.651 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Tanzania3.334 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Thailand76.714 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste5.74 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Togo4.113 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Tonga22.841 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Tunisia35.62 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)79.126 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan330.507 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Tuvalu0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Uganda2.943 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Ukraine82.571 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates471.788 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: United Kingdom119.894 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: United States304.414 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Uruguay66.909 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan57.709 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Vanuatu10.878 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Venezuela85.829 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Vietnam36.392 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Wake Island0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: West Bank13.604 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Data represented includes both the Gaza Strip and West Bank Topic: Yemen5.453 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Zambia11.595 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe11.516 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

20220901

field-death-rate-country-comparison

20220901

countries-dhekelia

Topic: Photos of Dhekelia Topic: Introduction Background: By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers - Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The larger of these is the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Mediterranean, on the southeast coast of Cyprus near Famagusta Geographic coordinates: 34 59 N, 33 45 E Map references: Middle East Area: total: 131 sq km note: area surrounds three Cypriot enclaves Area - comparative: about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 108 km border countries (1): Cyprus 108 km Coastline: 27.5 km Climate: temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters Geography - note: British 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 Map description: Dhekelia map showing the UK Sovereign Base Area as well as the adjacent part of southeast Cyprus.Dhekelia map showing the UK Sovereign Base Area as well as the adjacent part of southeast Cyprus. Topic: People and Society Population: approximately 15,500 on the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia including 9,700 Cypriots and 5,800 Service and UK-based contract personnel and dependents Languages: English, Greek major-language sample(s): Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek) 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 Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA 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: netting and trapping of small migrant songbirds in the spring and autumn Climate: temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Dhekelia Dependency status: a special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus Capital: name: Episkopi Cantonment (base administrative center for Akrotiri and Dhekelia); located in Akrotiri geographic coordinates: 34 40 N, 32 51 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: "Episkopi" means "episcopal" in Greek and stems from the fact that the site previously served as the bishop's seat of an Orthodox diocese Constitution: history: presented 3 August 1960, effective 16 August 1960 (The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council 1960, serves as a basic legal document); amended 1966 (2021) Legal system: laws applicable to the Cypriot population are, as far as possible, the same as the laws of the Republic of Cyprus; note - the Sovereign Base Area Administration has its own court system to deal with civil and criminal matters Executive branch: chief 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 Judicial branch: highest courts: Senior Judges' Court (consists of several visiting judges from England and Wales) judge selection and term of office: see entry for United Kingdom subordinate courts: Resident Judges' Court; military courts Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Flag description: the flag of the UK is used National anthem: note: as a United Kingdom area of special sovereignty, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)note: as a United Kingdom area of special sovereignty, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Economic activity is limited to providing services to the military and their families located in Dhekelia. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Industries: none Exchange rates: note: uses the euronote: uses the euro Topic: Communications Broadcast media: British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides multi-channel satellite TV service as well as BFBS radio broadcasts to the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense of Dhekelia (aka Eastern Sovereign Base Area) is the responsibility of the UK; includes Dhekelia Garrison and Ayios Nikolaos Station connected by a roadway

20220901

countries-jarvis-island

20220901

countries-albania-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of isolated communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. A large informal economy and a weak energy and transportation infrastructure remain obstacles Topic: Geography Area: total: 28,748 sq km land: 27,398 sq km water: 1,350 sq km Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower, arable land Topic: People and Society Population: 3,095,344 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Albanian 82.6%, Greek 0.9%, other 1% (including Vlach, Romani, Macedonian, Montenegrin, and Egyptian), unspecified 15.5% (2011 est.) Languages: Albanian 98.8% (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek 0.5%, other 0.6% (including Macedonian, Romani, Vlach, Turkish, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian), unspecified 0.1% (2011 est.) Religions: Muslim 56.7%, Roman Catholic 10%, Orthodox 6.8%, atheist 2.5%, Bektashi (a Sufi order) 2.1%, other 5.7%, unspecified 16.2% (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 0.22% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Tirana (Tirane) Executive branch: chief 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) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly or Kuvendi (140 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: future hopeful EU member state; oil and gas exporter but investing toward a “blue economy”; COVID-19 and earthquake economic disruptions and declines; experiencing high debt and account balances; strengthening private sector growth and public sector trustfuture hopeful EU member state; oil and gas exporter but investing toward a “blue economy”; COVID-19 and earthquake economic disruptions and declines; experiencing high debt and account balances; strengthening private sector growth and public sector trust Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $37.73 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $13,300 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: milk, maize, tomatoes, potatoes, watermelons, wheat, grapes, cucumbers, onions, apples Industries: food; footwear, apparel and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower Exports: $3.47 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: Italy 45%, Spain 8%, Germany 6%, Greece 5%, France 4%, China 4% (2019) Exports - commodities: leather footwear and parts, crude petroleum, iron alloys, clothing, electricity, perfumes (2019) Imports: $5.67 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: Italy 28%, Greece 12%, China 11%, Turkey 9%, Germany 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, tanned hides, packaged medical supplies, footwear parts (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, Jun 15, 2022

20220901

countries-bhutan

Topic: Photos of Bhutan Topic: Introduction Background: Following Britain’s victory in the 1865 Duar War, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding land to British India. Ugyen WANGCHUCK - who had served as the de facto ruler of an increasingly unified Bhutan and had improved relations with the British toward the end of the 19th century - was named king in 1907. Three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Bhutan negotiated a similar arrangement with independent India in 1949. The Indo-Bhutanese Treaty of Friendship returned to Bhutan a small piece of the territory annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Under a succession of modernizing monarchs beginning in the 1950s, Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and slowly continued its engagement beyond its borders. In 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the draft of Bhutan's first constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and held a national referendum for its approval. The King abdicated the throne in 2006 in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK. In 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty, eliminating the clause that stated that Bhutan would be "guided by" India in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate closely with New Delhi. In 2008, Bhutan held its first parliamentary election in accordance with the constitution. Bhutan experienced a peaceful turnover of power following a parliamentary election in 2013, which resulted in the defeat of the incumbent party. In 2018, the incumbent party again lost the parliamentary election. Of the more than 100,000 ethnic Nepali - predominantly Lhotshampa - refugees who fled or were forced out of Bhutan in the 1990s, about 6,500 remain displaced in Nepal.Following Britain’s victory in the 1865 Duar War, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding land to British India. Ugyen WANGCHUCK - who had served as the de facto ruler of an increasingly unified Bhutan and had improved relations with the British toward the end of the 19th century - was named king in 1907. Three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Bhutan negotiated a similar arrangement with independent India in 1949. The Indo-Bhutanese Treaty of Friendship returned to Bhutan a small piece of the territory annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Under a succession of modernizing monarchs beginning in the 1950s, Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and slowly continued its engagement beyond its borders.In 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the draft of Bhutan's first constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and held a national referendum for its approval. The King abdicated the throne in 2006 in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK. In 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty, eliminating the clause that stated that Bhutan would be "guided by" India in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate closely with New Delhi. In 2008, Bhutan held its first parliamentary election in accordance with the constitution. Bhutan experienced a peaceful turnover of power following a parliamentary election in 2013, which resulted in the defeat of the incumbent party. In 2018, the incumbent party again lost the parliamentary election. Of the more than 100,000 ethnic Nepali - predominantly Lhotshampa - refugees who fled or were forced out of Bhutan in the 1990s, about 6,500 remain displaced in Nepal.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Asia, between China and India Geographic coordinates: 27 30 N, 90 30 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 38,394 sq km land: 38,394 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Maryland; about one-half the size of Indiana Land boundaries: total: 1,136 km border countries (2): China 477 km; India 659 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna Elevation: highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m mean elevation: 2,220 m Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate Land use: agricultural land: 13.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.) forest: 85.5% (2018 est.) other: 0.9% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 320 sq km (2012) Natural hazards: violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's Bhutanese name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season Geography - note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes Map description: Bhutan map showing major towns as well as parts of surrounding countries.Bhutan map showing major towns as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 867,775 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural) adjective: Bhutanese Ethnic groups: Ngalop (also known as Bhote) 50%, ethnic Nepali 35% (predominantly Lhotshampas), indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Languages: Sharchopkha 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.) Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepali-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 24.52% (male 98,113/female 93,740) 15-24 years: 17.77% (male 70,768/female 68,211) 25-54 years: 44.72% (male 184,500/female 165,374) 55-64 years: 6.39% (male 26,714/female 23,280) 65 years and over: 6.6% (2020 est.) (male 26,797/female 24,821) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 45.1 youth dependency ratio: 36.1 elderly dependency ratio: 9 potential support ratio: 11.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 29.1 years male: 29.6 years female: 28.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.97% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 15.94 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.22 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 43.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 203,000 THIMPHU (capital) (2018) 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: 1.12 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 183 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 27.04 deaths/1,000 live births male: 27.22 deaths/1,000 live births female: 26.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.31 years male: 71.19 years female: 73.49 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.79 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 100% of population total: 99.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0.2% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3.6% (2019) Physicians density: 0.5 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 1.7 beds/1,000 population (2012) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 90.8% of population rural: 83.1% of population total: 86.4% of population unimproved: urban: 9.2% of population rural: 16.9% of population total: 13.6% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.2% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,300 (2020) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 6.4% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 6.9% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 66.6% male: 75% female: 57.1% (2017) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years male: 13 years female: 13 years (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.7% male: 8.2% female: 12.7% (2015 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: soil erosion; limited access to potable water; wildlife conservation; industrial pollution; waste disposal Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 35.32 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.26 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.11 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Land use: agricultural land: 13.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.) forest: 85.5% (2018 est.) other: 0.9% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 43.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.89% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 111,314 tons (2007 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 957 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 0.9% (2016 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 17 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 3 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 318 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 78 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan conventional short form: Bhutan local long form: Druk Gyalkhap local short form: Druk Yul etymology: named after the Bhotia, the ethnic Tibetans who migrated from Tibet to Bhutan; "Bod" is the Tibetan name for their land; the Bhutanese name "Druk Yul" means "Land of the Thunder Dragon" Government type: constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Thimphu geographic coordinates: 27 28 N, 89 38 E time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the origins of the name are unclear; the traditional explanation, dating to the 14th century, is that "thim" means "dissolve" and "phu" denotes "high ground" to express the meaning of "dissolving high ground," in reference to a local deity that dissolved before a traveler's eyes, becoming a part of the rock on which the present city stands Administrative divisions: 20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Dagana, Gasa, Haa, Lhuentse, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatshel, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Sarpang, Thimphu, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Trongsa, Tsirang, Wangdue Phodrang, Zhemgang Independence: 17 December 1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king); 8 August 1949 (Treaty of Friendship with India maintains Bhutanese independence) National holiday: National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Constitution: history: previous governing documents were various royal decrees; first constitution drafted November 2001 to March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008 amendments: proposed as a motion by simple majority vote in a joint session of Parliament; passage requires at least a three-fourths majority vote in a joint session of the next Parliament and assent by the king Legal system: civil law based on Buddhist 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: the father must be a citizen of Bhutan dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Chi Tshog consists of: non-partisan National Council or Gyelyong Tshogde (25 seats; 20 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 5 members appointed by the king; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly or Tshogdu (47 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies in a two-round majoritarian voting system; members serve 5-year terms) elections: National Council election last held on 20 April 2018 (next to be held in 2023) National Assembly - first round held on 15 September 2018 and second round held on 18 October 2018 (next to be held in 2023) election results: National Council - seats by party - independent 20 (all candidates ran as independents); composition - men 23, women 2, percent of women 8% National Assembly - first round - percent of vote by party - DNT 31.9%, DPT 30.9%, PDP 27.4%, BKP 9.8%; second round - percent of vote by party -  NA; seats by party - DNT 30, DPT 17; composition - men 40, women 7, percent of women 14.9%; note - total Parliament percent of women 12.5% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 4 associate justices); note - the Supreme Court has sole jurisdiction in constitutional matters judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch upon the advice of the National Judicial Commission, a 4-member body to include the Legislative Committee of the National Assembly, the attorney general, the Chief Justice of Bhutan and the senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; other judges (drangpons) appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; chief justice serves a 5-year term or until reaching age 65 years, whichever is earlier; the 4 other judges serve 10-year terms or until age 65, whichever is earlier subordinate courts: High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts Political parties and leaders: Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party or BKP Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT [Dorji WANGDI] (Druk Chirwang Tshogpa or DCT merged with DPT in March 2018) People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY] United Party of Bhutan (Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa) or DNT [Lotay TSHERING] International organization participation: ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Doma TSHERING (since 13 September 2017) note - also the Permanent Representative to the UN telephone: [1] (212) 682-2268 FAX: [1] (212) 661-0551 email address and website: email - consulate.pmbny@mfa.gov.bt web address - https://www.mfa.gov.bt/pmbny/ consulate(s) general: New York embassy: 343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017 note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none; frequent informal contact is maintained via the US embassy in New Delhi (India) and Bhutan's Permanent Mission to the UN Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the orange is associated with Buddhism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty National symbol(s): thunder dragon known as Druk Gyalpo; national colors: orange, yellow National anthem: name: "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom) lyrics/music: Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI note: adopted 1953 Topic: Economy Economic overview: Bhutan's small economy is based largely on hydropower, agriculture, and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than half the population. Because rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive, industrial production is primarily of the cottage industry type. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and is dependent on India for financial assistance and migrant laborers for development projects, especially for road construction. Bhutan signed a pact in December 2014 to expand duty-free trade with Bangladesh.   Multilateral development organizations administer most educational, social, and environment programs, and take into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government is cautious in its expansion of the tourist sector, restricing visits to environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.   Bhutan’s largest export - hydropower to India - could spur sustainable growth in the coming years if Bhutan resolves chronic delays in construction. Bhutan’s hydropower exports comprise 40% of total exports and 25% of the government’s total revenue. Bhutan currently taps only 6.5% of its 24,000-megawatt hydropower potential and is behind schedule in building 12 new hydropower dams with a combined capacity of 10,000 megawatts by 2020 in accordance with a deal signed in 2008 with India. The high volume of imported materials to build hydropower plants has expanded Bhutan's trade and current account deficits. Bhutan also signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh and India in July 2017 to jointly construct a new hydropower plant for exporting electricity to Bangladesh.Bhutan's small economy is based largely on hydropower, agriculture, and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than half the population. Because rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive, industrial production is primarily of the cottage industry type. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and is dependent on India for financial assistance and migrant laborers for development projects, especially for road construction. Bhutan signed a pact in December 2014 to expand duty-free trade with Bangladesh. Multilateral development organizations administer most educational, social, and environment programs, and take into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government is cautious in its expansion of the tourist sector, restricing visits to environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Bhutan’s largest export - hydropower to India - could spur sustainable growth in the coming years if Bhutan resolves chronic delays in construction. Bhutan’s hydropower exports comprise 40% of total exports and 25% of the government’s total revenue. Bhutan currently taps only 6.5% of its 24,000-megawatt hydropower potential and is behind schedule in building 12 new hydropower dams with a combined capacity of 10,000 megawatts by 2020 in accordance with a deal signed in 2008 with India. The high volume of imported materials to build hydropower plants has expanded Bhutan's trade and current account deficits. Bhutan also signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh and India in July 2017 to jointly construct a new hydropower plant for exporting electricity to Bangladesh. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $8.42 billion (2020 est.) $9.03 billion (2019 est.) $8.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 7.4% (2017 est.) 7.3% (2016 est.) 6.2% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $10,900 (2020 est.) $11,800 (2019 est.) $11,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $2.405 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.8% (2017 est.) 7.6% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 16.2% (2017 est.) industry: 41.8% (2017 est.) services: 42% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 58% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 47.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -48% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, rice, maize, potatoes, roots/tubers, oranges, areca nuts, chillies/peppers, spices, ginger Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 397,900 (2017 est.) note: major shortage of skilled labor Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 58% industry: 20% services: 22% (2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.2% (2017 est.) 3.2% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.7% male: 8.2% female: 12.7% (2015 est.) Population below poverty line: 8.2% (2017 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 37.4 (2017 est.) 38.1 (2007) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 30.6% (2012) Budget: revenues: 655.3 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 737.4 million (2017 est.) note: the Government of India finances nearly one-quarter of Bhutan's budget expenditures Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 106.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 114.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 27.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Current account balance: -$547 million (2017 est.) -$621 million (2016 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: India 94% (2019) Exports - commodities: iron alloys, dolomite, refined iron, cement, silicon carbides (2019) Imports: $1.19 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.23 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $1.25 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: India 85%, Thailand 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, iron products, delivery trucks, cars, wood charcoal (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $1.206 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.127 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $2.671 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.355 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 64.97 (2017 est.) 67.2 (2016 est.) 67.2 (2015 est.) 64.15 (2014 est.) 61.03 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) 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: 174,000 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 211,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 37,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 4,400 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 (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 3,120 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: 934,000 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 100.135 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 22,987 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 745,137 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the small land-locked Kingdom of Bhutan has only recently emerged from decades of isolation from the modern world; that, and its mountainous terrain, left the country far back in the field in terms of teledensity as well as access to the Internet; over the last decade, the country has undergone a significant transformation due to the opening of its borders, liberalization of its telecom sector, and the active support from the government towards increased competition in the mobile, broadband, and ISP segments; a lack of investment in fixed-line infrastructure over the years by the national (state-owned) telco Bhutan Telecom means that fixed-line telephony and fixed broadband subscripotions will forever stay low (estimated to be 3.0% and 0.4%, respectively, in 2021); the relatively widespread availability of the mobile platform has caused an explosion in mobile broadband subscriber numbers, growing from zero to over 100% penetration in just ten years (between 2010 and 2019).; the onset of the Covid-19 crisis in 2020 caused the subscription rates to drop back a little – even though Bhutan has successfully managed to keep its case numbers and mortality very low; growth is projected to return in 2022 (along with the broader mobile market) as the overall economy recovers; the government opens up more to foreign investment, trade, and tourism; and network expansion continues – the recent (December 2021) launch of 5G services by both of the country’s mobile operators being particularly noteworthy (2022) domestic: approximately 3 to 100 fixed-line and 97 to 100 mobile cellular; domestic service inadequate, notably in rural areas (2020) international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat 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 station established in 1999; cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 5 private radio stations are currently broadcasting (2012) Internet country code: .bt Internet users: total: 416,671 (2020 est.) percent of population: 54% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 3,189 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.4 (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: 275,849 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 690,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: A5 Airports: total: 2 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012) Roadways: total: 12,205 km (2017) urban: 437 km (2017) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and an air wing); National Militia; Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs: Royal Bhutan Police (2022) note: the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) agency is responsible for internal security; the Army is responsible for external threats but also has responsibility for some internal security functions, including conducting counterinsurgency operations, guarding forests, and providing security for prominent persons Military and security service personnel strengths: the Royal Bhutan Army has an estimated 8,000 personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: India has provided most of the Royal Bhutan Army's equipment (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; militia training is compulsory for males aged 20-25, over a 3-year period; in 2021, the Royal Bhutan Army graduated from a year-long training course the first batch of 150 women to be allowed to serve in combat roles; previously, women were allowed to serve in medical and other non-combat roles (2022) Military - note: India is responsible for military training, arms supplies, and the air defense of Bhutan (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Bhutan-China: Lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the most contentious of which lie in Bhutan's west along China’s Chumbi salient. Bhutan-India: none identifiedBhutan-China: Lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the most contentious of which lie in Bhutan's west along China’s Chumbi salient. Bhutan-India: none identified Trafficking in persons: current 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)

20220901

countries-comoros

Topic: Photos of Comoros Topic: Introduction Background: The archipelago of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean, composed of the islands of Mayotte, Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore declared independence from France on 6 July 1975. Residents of Mayotte voted to remain in France, and France now has classified it as a department of France. Since independence, Comoros has endured political instability through realized and attempted coups. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI Assoumani seized power of the entire government in a bloodless coup; he initiated the 2000 Fomboni Accords, a power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its local government. AZALI won the 2002 federal presidential election as president of the Union of the Comoros from Grande Comore Island, which held the first four-year term. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed SAMBI was elected as president from Anjouan. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan's de-facto secession from the Union of the Comoros, refusing to step down when Comoros' other islands held legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and a naval blockade to Anjouan, but in March 2008 the AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The island's inhabitants generally welcomed the move. In 2009, the Comorian population approved a constitutional referendum extending the term of the president from four years to five years. In May 2011, Ikililou DHOININE won the presidency in peaceful elections widely deemed to be free and fair. In closely contested elections in 2016, former President AZALI Assoumani won a second term, when the rotating presidency returned to Grande Comore. A new July 2018 constitution removed the presidential term limits and the requirement for the presidency to rotate between the three main islands. In August 2018, President AZALI formed a new government and subsequently ran and was elected president in March 2019.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique Geographic coordinates: 12 10 S, 44 15 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 2,235 sq km land: 2,235 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 340 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May) Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills Elevation: highest point: Karthala 2,360 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Natural resources: fish Land use: agricultural land: 84.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 46.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 29.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.1% (2018 est.) forest: 1.4% (2018 est.) other: 14.2% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1.3 sq km (2012) Population distribution: the capital city of Maroni, located on the western side of the island of Grande Comore, is the country's largest city; however, of the three islands that comprise Comoros, it is Anjouan that is the most densely populated as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); volcanic activity on Grand Comorevolcanism: Karthala (2,361 m) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloudcyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); volcanic activity on Grand Comorevolcanism: Karthala (2,361 m) on Grand Comore Island last erupted in 2007; a 2005 eruption forced thousands of people to be evacuated and produced a large ash cloud Geography - note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel; the only Arab League country that lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere Map description: Comoros map showing the three major islands that make up the country in the Indian Ocean.Comoros map showing the three major islands that make up the country in the Indian Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 876,437 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Comoran(s) adjective: Comoran Ethnic groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (official; similar to Swahili) (Comorian) Religions: Sunni Muslim 98%, other (including Shia Muslim, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant) 2% note: Sunni Islam is the state religion Demographic profile: Comoros’ population is a melange of Arabs, Persians, Indonesians, Africans, and Indians, and the much smaller number of Europeans that settled on the islands between the 8th and 19th centuries, when they served as a regional trade hub. The Arab and Persian influence is most evident in the islands’ overwhelmingly Muslim majority – about 98% of Comorans are Sunni Muslims. The country is densely populated, averaging nearly 350 people per square mile, although this varies widely among the islands, with Anjouan being the most densely populated.Given the large share of land dedicated to agriculture and Comoros’ growing population, habitable land is becoming increasingly crowded. The combination of increasing population pressure on limited land and resources, widespread poverty, and poor job prospects motivates thousands of Comorans each year to attempt to illegally migrate using small fishing boats to the neighboring island of Mayotte, which is a French territory. The majority of legal Comoran migration to France came after Comoros’ independence from France in 1975, with the flow peaking in the mid-1980s.At least 150,000 to 200,000 people of Comoran citizenship or descent live abroad, mainly in France, where they have gone seeking a better quality of life, job opportunities, higher education (Comoros has no universities), advanced health care, and to finance elaborate traditional wedding ceremonies (aada). Remittances from the diaspora are an economic mainstay, in 2013 representing approximately 25% of Comoros’ GDP and significantly more than the value of its exports of goods and services (only 15% of GDP). Grand Comore, Comoros’ most populous island, is both the primary source of emigrants and the main recipient of remittances. Most remittances are spent on private consumption, but this often goes toward luxury goods and the aada and does not contribute to economic development or poverty reduction. Although the majority of the diaspora is now French-born with more distant ties to Comoros, it is unclear whether they will sustain the current level of remittances.Comoros’ population is a melange of Arabs, Persians, Indonesians, Africans, and Indians, and the much smaller number of Europeans that settled on the islands between the 8th and 19th centuries, when they served as a regional trade hub. The Arab and Persian influence is most evident in the islands’ overwhelmingly Muslim majority – about 98% of Comorans are Sunni Muslims. The country is densely populated, averaging nearly 350 people per square mile, although this varies widely among the islands, with Anjouan being the most densely populated.Given the large share of land dedicated to agriculture and Comoros’ growing population, habitable land is becoming increasingly crowded. The combination of increasing population pressure on limited land and resources, widespread poverty, and poor job prospects motivates thousands of Comorans each year to attempt to illegally migrate using small fishing boats to the neighboring island of Mayotte, which is a French territory. The majority of legal Comoran migration to France came after Comoros’ independence from France in 1975, with the flow peaking in the mid-1980s.At least 150,000 to 200,000 people of Comoran citizenship or descent live abroad, mainly in France, where they have gone seeking a better quality of life, job opportunities, higher education (Comoros has no universities), advanced health care, and to finance elaborate traditional wedding ceremonies (aada). Remittances from the diaspora are an economic mainstay, in 2013 representing approximately 25% of Comoros’ GDP and significantly more than the value of its exports of goods and services (only 15% of GDP). Grand Comore, Comoros’ most populous island, is both the primary source of emigrants and the main recipient of remittances. Most remittances are spent on private consumption, but this often goes toward luxury goods and the aada and does not contribute to economic development or poverty reduction. Although the majority of the diaspora is now French-born with more distant ties to Comoros, it is unclear whether they will sustain the current level of remittances. Age structure: 0-14 years: 36.68% (male 154,853/female 155,602) 15-24 years: 20.75% (male 85,208/female 90,422) 25-54 years: 33.99% (male 136,484/female 151,178) 55-64 years: 4.49% (male 17,237/female 20,781) 65 years and over: 4.08% (2020 est.) (male 15,437/female 19,079) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 75.5 youth dependency ratio: 67.4 elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 potential support ratio: 18.6 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 20.9 years male: 20.2 years female: 21.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.37% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 22.52 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.55 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -2.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the capital city of Maroni, located on the western side of the island of Grande Comore, is the country's largest city; however, of the three islands that comprise Comoros, it is Anjouan that is the most densely populated as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 29.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 62,000 MORONI (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 23 years (2012 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 273 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 57.1 deaths/1,000 live births male: 67.17 deaths/1,000 live births female: 46.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.2 years male: 64.93 years female: 69.54 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.78 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 19.4% (2012) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 97.4% of population rural: 88.5% of population total: 91% of population unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population rural: 11.5% of population total: 8.9% of population (2017 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.2% (2019) Physicians density: 0.26 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 62.4% of population rural: 43.6% of population total: 49% of population unimproved: urban: 37.6% of population rural: 56.4% of population total: 51% of population (2017 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2020 est.) <200 HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 7.8% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 20.3% (2020 est.) male: 29.5% (2020 est.) female: 11.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 16.9% (2012) Education expenditures: 2.5% of GDP (2015 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 58.8% male: 64.6% female: 53% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 11 years male: 11 years female: 11 years (2014) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.5% male: 20% female: 18.8% (2014) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil degradation and erosion results from forest loss and from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; marine biodiversity affected as soil erosion leads to the silting of coral reefs 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: 18.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.2 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.19 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May) Land use: agricultural land: 84.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 46.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 29.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.1% (2018 est.) forest: 1.4% (2018 est.) other: 14.2% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 29.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 1.39% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 91,013 tons (2015 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 4.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 500,000 cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 4.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 1.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Union of the Comoros conventional short form: Comoros local long form: Udzima wa Komori (Comorian)/ Union des Comores (French)/ Al Ittihad al Qumuri (Arabic) local short form: Komori (Comorian)/ Les Comores (French)/ Juzur al Qamar (Arabic) former: Comorian State, Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros etymology: name derives from the Arabic designation "Juzur al Qamar" meaning "Islands of the Moon" Government type: federal presidential republic Capital: name: Moroni geographic coordinates: 11 42 S, 43 14 E time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Moroni derives from "mroni," which means "at the river" in Shingazidja, the Comorian language spoken on Grande Comore (N'gazidja) Administrative divisions: 3 islands; Anjouan (Ndzuwani), Grande Comore (N'gazidja), Moheli (Mwali) Independence: 6 July 1975 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1975) Constitution: history: previous 1996, 2001; newest adopted 30 July 2018 amendments: proposed by the president of the union or supported by at least one third of the Assembly of the Union membership; adoption requires approval by at least three-quarters majority of the total Assembly membership or approval in a referendum note: a referendum held on 30 July 2018 - boycotted by the opposition - overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that allows for 2 consecutive 5-year presidential terms and revises the rotating presidency within the islands Legal system: mixed legal system of Islamic religious law, the French civil code of 1975, and customary law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Comoros dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2016); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government 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: 2019: AZALI Assoumani (CRC) elected president in first round - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 60.8%, Ahamada MAHAMOUDOU (PJ) 14.6%, Mouigni Baraka Said SOILIHI (Independent) 5.6%, other 19% 2016: AZALI Assoumani (CRC) elected president in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Mohamed Ali SOILIHI (UPDC) 17.6%, Mouigni BARAKA (RDC) 15.1%, AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 15%, Fahmi Said IBRAHIM (PEC) 14.5%, other 37.8%; percent of vote in second round - AZALI Assoumani (CRC) 41.4%, Mohamed Ali SOILIHI (UPDC) 39.7%; Mouigni BARAKA (RDC) 19% Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 24 members directly elected by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed and 9 members indirectly elected by the 3 island assemblies; members serve 5-year terms) (2017) elections: last held on 19 January 2020 with a runoff on 23 February 2020 (next to be held in 2025) (2020) election results: seats by party -1st round - Boycotting parties 16, Independent 3, CRC 2, RDC 2, RADHI 1, Orange party 0; note -  9 additional seats filled by the 3 island assemblies; 2nd round - CRC 20, Orange Party 2, Independents 2; composition for elected members as of 2022 - men 20, women 4, percent of women 16.7%   (2019)  : Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of 7 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges - selection and term of office NA subordinate courts: Court of Appeals (in Moroni); Tribunal de premiere instance; island village (community) courts; religious courts     Political parties and leaders: Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros or CRC [AZALI Assoumani] Democratic Rally of the Comoros or RDC [Mouigni BARAKA] Independent Party Juwa Party or PJ [Ahmed Abdallah SAMBI, Mahamoudou AHAMADA] Orange Party [Mohamed DAOUDOU] Party for the Comorian Agreement (Partie Pour l'Entente Commorienne) or PEC [Fahmi Said IBRAHIM] Rally for an Alternative of Harmonious and Integrated Development or RADHI [Mohamed AHMED] Rally with a Development Initiative for Enlightened Youth or RIDJA [Said LARIFOU] Union for the Development of the Comoros or UPDC [Mohamed HALIFA] (2018) International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, CAEU (candidates), COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Issimail CHANFI (since 23 December 2020) chancery: Mission to the UN, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 495, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 750-1637 FAX: [1] (212) 750-1657 email address and website: comoros@un.int https://www.un.int/comoros/ Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the US Ambassador to Madagascar is accredited to Comoros Flag description: four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue, with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered within the triangle is a vertical white crescent moon with the convex side facing the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, N'gazidja, Ndzuwani, and Mahore (Mayotte - department of France, but claimed by Comoros) note: the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam National symbol(s): four five-pointed stars and crescent moon; national colors: green, white National anthem: name: "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (The Union of the Great Islands) lyrics/music: Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE/Said Hachim SIDI ABDEREMANE and Kamildine ABDALLAH note: adopted 1978 Topic: Economy Economic overview: One of the world's poorest and smallest economies, the Comoros is made up of three islands that are hampered by inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, accounts for about 50% of GDP, employs a majority of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang ylang (perfume essence); and the Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires and extreme weather. Despite agriculture’s importance to the economy, the country imports roughly 70% of its food; rice, the main staple, and other dried vegetables account for more than 25% of imports. Remittances from about 300,000 Comorans contribute about 25% of the country’s GDP. France, Comoros’s colonial power, remains a key trading partner and bilateral donor.   Comoros faces an education system in need of upgrades, limited opportunities for private commercial and industrial enterprises, poor health services, limited exports, and a high population growth rate. Recurring political instability, sometimes initiated from outside the country, and an ongoing electricity crisis have inhibited growth. The government, elected in mid-2016, has moved to improve revenue mobilization, reduce expenditures, and improve electricity access, although the public sector wage bill remains one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. In mid-2017, Comoros joined the Southern African Development Community with 15 other regional member states.One of the world's poorest and smallest economies, the Comoros is made up of three islands that are hampered by inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, accounts for about 50% of GDP, employs a majority of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang ylang (perfume essence); and the Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires and extreme weather. Despite agriculture’s importance to the economy, the country imports roughly 70% of its food; rice, the main staple, and other dried vegetables account for more than 25% of imports. Remittances from about 300,000 Comorans contribute about 25% of the country’s GDP. France, Comoros’s colonial power, remains a key trading partner and bilateral donor. Comoros faces an education system in need of upgrades, limited opportunities for private commercial and industrial enterprises, poor health services, limited exports, and a high population growth rate. Recurring political instability, sometimes initiated from outside the country, and an ongoing electricity crisis have inhibited growth. The government, elected in mid-2016, has moved to improve revenue mobilization, reduce expenditures, and improve electricity access, although the public sector wage bill remains one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. In mid-2017, Comoros joined the Southern African Development Community with 15 other regional member states. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.73 billion (2020 est.) $2.6 billion (2019 est.) $2.55 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: $3,100 (2020 est.) $3,100 (2019 est.) $3,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1.186 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1% (2017 est.) 1.8% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 47.7% (2017 est.) industry: 11.8% (2017 est.) services: 40.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 92.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -3.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 17.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -47.1% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: coconuts, cassava, rice, bananas, pulses nes, milk, taro, sweet potatoes, maize, cloves Industries: fishing, tourism, perfume distillation Industrial production growth rate: 1% (2017 est.) Labor force: 278,500 (2016 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 80% industry: 20% (1996 est.) industry and services: 20% (1996 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.5% (2014 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.5% male: 20% female: 18.8% (2014) Population below poverty line: 42.4% (2013 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 45.3 (2014 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.9% highest 10%: 55.2% (2004) Budget: revenues: 165.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 207.3 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 32.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 27.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 25.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$27 million (2017 est.) -$45 million (2016 est.) Exports: $140 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $150 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: France 32%, India 23%, Germany 10%, Turkey 9%, Madagascar 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: cloves, essential oils, vacuum flask, vanilla, scrap vessels (2019) Imports: $350 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $360 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 22%, United Arab Emirates 16%, France 11%, Pakistan 9%, India 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: rice, chicken products, refined petroleum, cement, cars (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $208 million (31 December 2017 est.) $159.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $199.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $132 million (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 458.2 (2017 est.) 444.76 (2016 est.) 444.76 (2015 est.) 443.6 (2014 est.) 370.81 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 70% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 89% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 62% (2019) Electricity: installed 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.) 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: 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: 1,241 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: 326,000 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 5.346 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 7,573 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 781,579 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 90 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Qatar launched a special program for the construction of a wireless network to inter connect the 3 islands of the archipelago; telephone service limited to the islands' few towns (2020) domestic: fixed-line connections less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage about 54 per 100 persons; 2 companies provide domestic and international mobile service and wireless data (2020) international: country code - 269; landing point for the EASSy, Comoros Domestic Cable System, Avassa, and FLY-LION3 fiber-optic submarine cable system connecting East Africa with Europe; HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and Reunion (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: national state-owned TV station and a TV station run by Anjouan regional government; national state-owned radio; regional governments on the islands of Grande Comore and Anjouan each operate a radio station; a few independent and small community radio stations operate on the islands of Grande Comore and Moheli, and these two islands have access to Mayotte Radio and French TV Internet country code: .km Internet users: total: 69,568 (2020 est.) percent of population: 8% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,066 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 9 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: D6 Airports: total: 4 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2021) Roadways: total: 880 km (2002) paved: 673 km (2002) unpaved: 207 km (2002) Merchant marine: total: 236 by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 7, general cargo 112, oil tanker 31, other 78 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Moroni, Moutsamoudou Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: National Army for Development (l'Armee Nationale de Developpement, AND): Comoran Security Force (also called Comoran Defense Force (Force Comorienne de Defense, FCD), includes Gendarmerie); Ministry of Interior: Coast Guard, Federal Police, National Directorate of Territorial Safety (2022) note: when the Gendarmerie serves as the judicial police, it reports to the Minister of Justice Military and security service personnel strengths: estimated 600 Defense Force personnel; estimated 500 Federal Police (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for 2-year voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (2021) Military - note: the 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces assisted the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels who seized it in 2001claims French-administered Mayotte and challenges France's and Madagascar's claims to Banc du Geyser, a drying reef in the Mozambique Channel; in May 2008, African Union forces assisted the Comoros military recapture Anjouan Island from rebels who seized it in 2001 Trafficking in persons: current 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)

20220901

field-constitution

This entry provides information on a country’s constitution and includes two subfields. The history subfield includes the dates of previous constitutions and the main steps and dates in formulating and implementing the latest constitution. For countries with 1-3 previous constitutions, the years are listed; for those with 4-9 previous, the entry is listed as “several previous,” and for those with 10 or more, the entry is “many previous.” The amendments subfield summarizes the process of amending a country’s constitution – from proposal through passage – and the dates of amendments, which are treated in the same manner as the constitution dates. Where appropriate, summaries are composed from English-language translations of non-English constitutions, which derive from official or non-official translations or machine translators. The main steps in creating a constitution and amending it usually include the following steps: proposal, drafting, legislative and/or executive branch review and approval, public referendum, and entry into law. This process is lengthy in many countries. Terms commonly used to describe constitutional changes are “amended,” “revised,” or “reformed.” In countries such as South Korea and Turkmenistan, sources differ as to whether changes are stated as new constitutions or are amendments/revisions to existing ones. A few countries including Canada, Israel, and the UK, have no single constitution document, but have various written and unwritten acts, statutes, common laws, and practices that, when taken together, describe a body of fundamental principles or established precedents as to how their countries are governed. Some special regions (Hong Kong, Macau) and countries (Oman, Saudi Arabia) use the term “basic law” instead of constitution. A number of self-governing dependencies and territories, such as the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and Gibraltar (UK), Greenland and Faroe Islands (Denmark), Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten (Netherlands), and Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (US), have their own constitutions. Topic: Afghanistanhistory: 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 Topic: Akrotirihistory: presented 3 August 1960, effective 16 August 1960 (The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council 1960 serves as a basic legal document) amendments: amended 1966 Topic: Albaniahistory: several previous; latest approved by the Assembly 21 October 1998, adopted by referendum 22 November 1998, promulgated 28 November 1998 amendments: proposed by at least one-fifth of the Assembly membership; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; referendum required only if approved by two-thirds of the Assembly; amendments approved by referendum effective upon declaration by the president of the republic; amended several times, last in 2020 Topic: Algeriahistory: several previous; latest approved by referendum November 2020 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or through the president with the support of three fourths of the members of both houses of Parliament in joint session; passage requires approval by both houses, approval by referendum, and promulgation by the president; the president can forego a referendum if the Constitutional Council determines the proposed amendment does not conflict with basic constitutional principles; articles including the republican form of government, the integrity and unity of the country, and fundamental citizens’ liberties and rights cannot be amended; amended 2002, 2008, 2016; last in 2020 Topic: American Samoahistory: adopted 17 October 1960; revised 1 July 1967 amendments: proposed by either house of the Legislative Assembly; passage requires three-fifths majority vote by the membership of each house, approval by simple majority vote in a referendum, approval by the US Secretary of the Interior, and only by an act of  the US Congress; amended several times, last in 2021 Topic: Andorrahistory: 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 Topic: Angolahistory: previous 1975, 1992; latest passed by National Assembly 21 January 2010, adopted 5 February 2010 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or supported by at least one third of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly subject to prior Constitutional Court review if requested by the president of the republic Topic: Anguillahistory: several previous; latest 1 April 1982 amendments: amended 1990, 2012, 2017, 2019 Topic: Antigua and Barbudahistory: several previous; latest presented 31 July 1981, effective 31 October 1981 (The Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981) amendments: proposed by either house of Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, the establishment, power, and authority of the executive and legislative branches, the Supreme Court Order, and the procedure for amending the constitution requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the membership of both houses, approval by at least two-thirds majority in a referendum, and assent to by the governor general; passage of other amendments requires only two-thirds majority vote by both houses; amended 2009, 2011, 2018 Topic: Argentinahistory: several previous; latest effective 11 May 1853 amendments: a declaration of proposed amendments requires two-thirds majority vote by both houses of the National Congress followed by approval by an ad hoc, multi-member constitutional convention; amended several times, last significant amendment in 1994 Topic: Armeniahistory: previous 1915, 1978; latest adopted 5 July 1995 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; passage requires approval by the president, by the National Assembly, and by a referendum with at least 25% registered voter participation and more than 50% of votes; constitutional articles on the form of government and democratic procedures are not amendable; amended 2005, 2015, last in 2020; note - a constitutional referendum originally scheduled for 4 May 2020 was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in early 2020, the Nagorno-Karabakh war in the fall of 2020, and the postwar political crisis of early 2021 Topic: Arubahistory: previous 1947, 1955; latest drafted and approved August 1985, enacted 1 January 1986 (regulates governance of Aruba but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands); in 1986, Aruba became a semi-autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands Topic: Australiahistory: approved in a series of referenda from 1898 through 1900 and became law 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires approval of a referendum bill by absolute majority vote in both houses of Parliament, approval in a referendum by a majority of voters in at least four states and in the territories, and Royal Assent; proposals that would reduce a state’s representation in either house or change a state’s boundaries require that state’s approval prior to Royal Assent; amended several times, last in 1977 Topic: Austriahistory: several previous; latest adopted 1 October 1920, revised 1929, replaced May 1934, replaced by German Weimar constitution in 1938 following German annexation, reinstated 1 May 1945 amendments: proposed through laws designated "constitutional laws" or through the constitutional process if the amendment is part of another law; approval required by at least a two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly and the presence of one half of the members; a referendum is required only if requested by one third of the National Council or Federal Council membership; passage by referendum requires absolute majority vote; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Azerbaijanhistory: several previous; latest adopted 12 November 1995 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by at least 63 members of the National Assembly; passage requires at least 95 votes of Assembly members in two separate readings of the draft amendment six months apart and requires presidential approval after each of the two Assembly votes, followed by presidential signature; constitutional articles on the authority, sovereignty, and unity of the people cannot be amended; amended 2002, 2009, 2016 Topic: Bahamas, Thehistory: previous 1964 (preindependence); latest adopted 20 June 1973, effective 10 July 1973 amendments: proposed as an "Act" by Parliament; passage of amendments to articles such as the organization and composition of the branches of government requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of the membership of both houses of Parliament and majority approval in a referendum; passage of amendments to constitutional articles such as fundamental rights and individual freedoms, the powers, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, or changes to the Bahamas Independence Act 1973 requires approval by at least three-fourths majority of the membership of both houses and majority approval in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2016 Topic: Bahrainhistory: adopted 14 February 2002 amendments: proposed by the king or by at least 15 members of either chamber of the National Assembly followed by submission to an Assembly committee for review and, if approved, submitted to the government for restatement as drafts; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both chambers and validation by the king; constitutional articles on the state religion (Islam), state language (Arabic), and the monarchy and "inherited rule" cannot be amended; amended 2012, 2017 Topic: Bangladeshhistory: previous 1935, 1956, 1962 (preindependence); latest enacted 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended March 1982, restored November 1986 amendments: proposed by the House of the Nation; approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the House membership and assent of the president of the republic; amended many times, last in 2018 Topic: Barbadoshistory: adopted 22 November 1966, effective 30 November 1966;  Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021 establishes Barbados as a republic and revokes the earlier Order in Council amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the organization and authorities of the branches of government requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of Parliament; passage of other amendments only requires a majority vote of both houses; amended several times, last in 2021 note - following the transition to a republic on 30 November 2021, the Government of Barbados plans a consultation on drafting a new constitution Topic: Belarushistory: 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 Topic: Belgiumhistory: 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 Topic: Belizehistory: previous 1954, 1963 (preindependence); latest signed and entered into force 21 September 1981 amendments: proposed and adopted by two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly House of Representatives except for amendments relating to rights and freedoms, changes to the Assembly, and to elections and judiciary matters, which require at least three-quarters majority vote of the House; both types of amendments require assent of the governor general; amended several times, last in 2017 Topic: Beninhistory: previous 1946, 1958 (preindependence); latest adopted by referendum 2 December 1990, promulgated 11 December 1990 amendments: proposed concurrently by the president of the republic (after a decision in the Council of Ministers) and the National Assembly; consideration of drafts or proposals requires at least three-fourths majority vote of the Assembly membership; passage requires approval in a referendum unless approved by at least four-fifths majority vote of the Assembly membership; constitutional articles affecting territorial sovereignty, the republican form of government, and secularity of Benin cannot be amended; amended 2019 Topic: Bermudahistory: several previous (dating to 1684); latest entered into force 8 June 1968 (Bermuda Constitution Order 1968) amendments: proposal procedure - NA; passage by an Order in Council in the UK; amended several times, last in 2012 Topic: Bhutanhistory: previous governing documents were various royal decrees; first constitution drafted November 2001 to March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008 amendments: proposed as a motion by simple majority vote in a joint session of Parliament; passage requires at least a three-fourths majority vote in a joint session of the next Parliament and assent by the king Topic: Boliviahistory: 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 Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahistory: 14 December 1995 (constitution included as part of the Dayton Peace Accords); note - each of the political entities has its own constitution amendments: decided by the Parliamentary Assembly, including a two-thirds majority vote of members present in the House of Representatives; the constitutional article on human rights and fundamental freedoms cannot be amended; amended several times, last in 2009 Topic: Botswanahistory: previous 1960 (preindependence); latest adopted March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval in two successive Assembly votes with at least two-thirds majority in the final vote; proposals to amend constitutional provisions on fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and branches of government, and public services also requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and assent by the president of the republic; amended several times, last in 2016 Topic: Brazilhistory: several previous; latest ratified 5 October 1988 amendments: proposed by at least one third of either house of the National Congress, by the president of the republic, or by simple majority vote by more than half of the state legislative assemblies; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote by both houses in each of two readings; constitutional provisions affecting the federal form of government, separation of powers, suffrage, or individual rights and guarantees cannot be amended; amended many times, last in 2021 (2021) Topic: British Virgin Islandshistory: several previous; latest effective 15 June 2007 (The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007) amendments: initiated by any elected member of the House of Assembly; passage requires simple majority vote by the elected members of the Assembly and assent by the governor on behalf of the monarch; amended 2015 Topic: Bruneihistory: drafted 1954 to 1959, signed 29 September 1959; note - some constitutional provisions suspended since 1962 under a State of Emergency, others suspended since independence in 1984 amendments: proposed by the monarch; passage requires submission to the Privy Council for Legislative Council review and finalization takes place by proclamation; the monarch can accept or reject changes to the original proposal provided by the Legislative Council; amended several times, last in 2010 Topic: Bulgariahistory: several previous; latest drafted between late 1990 and early 1991, adopted 13 July 1991 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; passage requires three-fourths majority vote of National Assembly members in three ballots; signed by the National Assembly chairperson; note - under special circumstances, a "Grand National Assembly" is elected with the authority to write a new constitution and amend certain articles of the constitution, including those affecting basic civil rights and national sovereignty; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in each of several readings; amended several times, last in 2015 Topic: Burkina Fasohistory: several previous; latest approved by referendum 2 June 1991, adopted 11 June 1991, temporarily suspended late October to mid-November 2014; initial draft of a new constitution to usher in the new republic was completed in January 2017 and a final draft was submitted to the government in December 2017; a constitutional referendum originally scheduled for adoption in March 2019 was postponed amendments: proposed by the president, by a majority of National Assembly membership, or by petition of at least 30,000 eligible voters submitted to the Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in the Assembly; failure to meet that threshold requires majority voter approval in a referendum; constitutional provisions on the form of government, the multiparty system, and national sovereignty cannot be amended; 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. Topic: Burmahistory: previous 1947, 1974 (suspended until 2008); latest drafted 9 April 2008, approved by referendum 29 May 2008 amendments: proposals require at least 20% approval by the Assembly of the Union membership; passage of amendments to sections of the constitution on basic principles, government structure, branches of government, state emergencies, and amendment procedures requires 75% approval by the Assembly and approval in a referendum by absolute majority of registered voters; passage of amendments to other sections requires only 75% Assembly approval; military granted 25% of parliamentary seats by default; amended 2015 Topic: Burundihistory: 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) Topic: Cabo Verdehistory: previous 1981; latest effective 25 September 1992 amendments: proposals require support of at least four fifths of the active National Assembly membership; amendment drafts require sponsorship of at least one third of the active Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership; constitutional sections, including those on national independence, form of government, political pluralism, suffrage, and human rights and liberties, cannot be amended; revised 1995, 1999, 2010 Topic: Cambodiahistory: previous 1947; latest promulgated 21 September 1993 amendments: proposed by the monarch, by the prime minister, or by the president of the National Assembly if supported by one fourth of the Assembly membership; passage requires two-thirds majority of the Assembly membership; constitutional articles on the multiparty democratic form of government and the monarchy cannot be amended; amended 1999, 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2021 Topic: Cameroonhistory: several previous; latest effective 18 January 1996 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; amendment drafts require approval of at least one third of the membership in either house of Parliament; passage requires absolute majority vote of the Parliament membership; passage of drafts requested by the president for a second reading in Parliament requires two-thirds majority vote of its membership; the president can opt to submit drafts to a referendum, in which case passage requires a simple majority; constitutional articles on Cameroon’s unity and territorial integrity and its democratic principles cannot be amended; amended 2008 Topic: Canadahistory: consists of unwritten and written acts, customs, judicial decisions, and traditions dating from 1763; the written part of the constitution consists of the Constitution Act of 29 March 1867, which created a federation of four provinces, and the Constitution Act of 17 April 1982 amendments: proposed by either house of Parliament or by the provincial legislative assemblies; there are 5 methods for passage though most require approval by both houses of Parliament, approval of at least two thirds of the provincial legislative assemblies and assent and formalization as a proclamation by the governor general in council; the most restrictive method is reserved for amendments affecting fundamental sections of the constitution, such as the office of the monarch or the governor general, and the constitutional amendment procedures, which require unanimous approval by both houses and by all the provincial assemblies, and assent of the governor general in council; amended 11 times, last in 2011 (Fair Representation Act, 2011) Topic: Cayman Islandshistory: several previous; latest approved 10 June 2009, entered into force 6 November 2009 (The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009) amendments: amended 2016, 2020 Topic: Central African Republichistory: several previous; latest (interim constitution) approved by the Transitional Council 30 August 2015, adopted by referendum 13-14 December 2015, ratified 27 March 2016 amendments: proposals require support of the government, two thirds of the National Council of Transition, and assent by the "Mediator of the Central African" crisis; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the National Council membership; non-amendable constitutional provisions include those on the secular and republican form of government, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, or changes to the authorities of various high-level executive, parliamentary, and judicial officials Topic: Chadhistory: several previous; latest approved 30 April 2018 by the National Assembly, entered into force 4 May 2018; suspended 21 April 2021 (2021) amendments: proposed as a revision by the president of the republic after a Council of Ministers (cabinet) decision or by the National Assembly; approval for consideration of a revision requires at least three-fifths majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires approval by referendum or at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly (2021) Topic: Chilehistory: many previous; latest adopted 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; a referendum held on 25 October 2020 approved forming a convention to draft a new constitution, and on 15-16 May 2021, a referendum was held to elect members to the convention; the convention will finalize in July 2022, and Chileans will vote on the new constitution in a 4 September referendum  amendments: proposed by members of either house of the National Congress or by the president of the republic; passage requires at least three-fifths majority vote of the membership in both houses and approval by the president; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as the republican form of government, basic rights and freedoms, the Constitutional Tribunal, electoral justice, the Council of National Security, or the constitutional amendment process, requires at least two-third majority vote by both houses of Congress and approval by the president; the president can opt to hold a referendum when Congress and the president disagree on an amendment; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Chinahistory: several previous; latest promulgated 4 December 1982 amendments: proposed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress or supported by more than one fifth of the National People’s Congress membership; passage requires more than two-thirds majority vote of the Congress membership; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Christmas Islandhistory: 1 October 1958 (Christmas Island Act 1958) amendments: amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandshistory: 23 November 1955 (Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act 1955) amendments: amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Colombiahistory: several previous; latest promulgated 4 July 1991 amendments: proposed by the government, by Congress, by a constituent assembly, or by public petition; passage requires a majority vote by Congress in each of two consecutive sessions; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on citizen rights, guarantees, and duties also require approval in a referendum by over one half of voters and participation of over one fourth of citizens registered to vote; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Comoroshistory: previous 1996, 2001; newest adopted 30 July 2018 amendments: proposed by the president of the union or supported by at least one third of the Assembly of the Union membership; adoption requires approval by at three-quarters majority of the total Assembly membership or approval in a referendum note: a referendum held on 30 July 2018 - boycotted by the opposition - overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that allows for 2 consecutive 5-year presidential terms and revises the rotating presidency within the islands Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thehistory: several previous; latest adopted 13 May 2005, approved by referendum 18-19 December 2005, promulgated 18 February 2006 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by either house of Parliament, or by public petition; agreement on the substance of a proposed bill requires absolute majority vote in both houses; passage requires a referendum only if both houses in joint meeting fail to achieve three-fifths majority vote; constitutional articles, including the form of government, universal suffrage, judicial independence, political pluralism, and personal freedoms, cannot be amended; amended 2011 Topic: Congo, Republic of thehistory: several previous; latest approved by referendum 25 October 2015 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; passage of presidential proposals requires Supreme Court review followed by approval in a referendum; such proposals may also be submitted directly to Parliament, in which case passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote of both houses in joint session; proposals by Parliament require three-fourths majority vote of both houses in joint session; constitutional articles including those affecting the country’s territory, republican form of government, and secularity of the state are not amendable Topic: Cook Islandshistory: 4 August 1965 (Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964) amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Parliament membership in each of several readings and assent of the chief of state’s representative; passage of amendments relating to the chief of state also requires two-thirds majority approval in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2004 Topic: Costa Ricahistory: many previous; latest effective 8 November 1949 amendments: proposals require the signatures of at least 10 Legislative Assembly members or petition of at least 5% of qualified voters; consideration of proposals requires two-thirds majority approval in each of three readings by the Assembly, followed by preparation of the proposal as a legislative bill and its approval by simple majority of the Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership; a referendum is required only if approved by at least two thirds of the Assembly; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Cote d'Ivoirehistory: previous 1960, 2000; latest draft completed 24 September 2016, approved by the National Assembly 11 October 2016, approved by referendum 30 October 2016, promulgated 8 November 2016 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of drafts or proposals requires an absolute majority vote by the parliamentary membership; passage of amendments affecting presidential elections, presidential term of office and vacancies, and amendment procedures requires approval by absolute majority in a referendum; passage of other proposals by the president requires at least four-fifths majority vote by Parliament; constitutional articles on the sovereignty of the state and its republican and secular form of government cannot be amended; amended 2020 Topic: Croatiahistory: several previous; latest adopted 22 December 1990 amendments: proposed by at least one fifth of the Assembly membership, by the president of the republic, by the Government of Croatia, or through petition by at least 10% of the total electorate; proceedings to amend require majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; passage by petition requires a majority vote in a referendum and promulgation by the Assembly; amended several times, last in 2014 (2021) Topic: Cubahistory: several previous; latest drafted 14 July 2018, approved by the National Assembly 22 December 2018, approved by referendum 24 February 2019 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly of People’s Power; passage requires approval of at least two-thirds majority of the National Assembly membership; amendments to constitutional articles on the authorities of the National Assembly, Council of State, or any rights and duties in the constitution also require approval in a referendum; constitutional articles on the Cuban political, social, and economic system cannot be amended Topic: Curacaohistory: previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 5 September 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Curacao but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands); note - in October 2010, with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao became a semi-autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands Topic: Cyprushistory: ratified 16 August 1960; note - in 1963, the constitution was partly suspended as Turkish Cypriots withdrew from the government; Turkish-held territory in 1983 was declared the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"); in 1985, the "TRNC" approved its own constitution amendments: constitution of the Republic of Cyprus - proposed by the House of Representatives; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership of the "Greek Community" and the "Turkish Community"; however, all seats of Turkish Cypriot members have remained vacant since 1964; amended many times, last in 2020; constitution of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” - proposed by at least 10 members of the "Assembly of the Republic"; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total Assembly membership and approval by referendum; amended 2014 Topic: Czechiahistory: previous 1960; latest ratified 16 December 1992, effective 1 January 1993 amendments: passage requires at least three-fifths concurrence of members present in both houses of Parliament; amended several times, last in 2021 Topic: Denmarkhistory: 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) Topic: Dhekeliahistory: presented 3 August 1960, effective 16 August 1960 (The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council 1960, serves as a basic legal document); amended 1966 (2021) Topic: Djiboutihistory: 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 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 Topic: Dominicahistory: previous 1967 (preindependence); latest presented 25 July 1978, entered into force 3 November 1978 amendments: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as fundamental rights and freedoms, the government structure, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by three fourths of the Assembly membership in the final reading of the amendment bill, approval by simple majority in a referendum, and assent of the president; amended several times, last in 2015 Topic: Dominican Republichistory: many previous (38 total); latest proclaimed 13 June 2015 amendments: proposed by a special session of the National Congress called the National Revisory Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval by at least one half of those present in both houses of the Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as fundamental rights and guarantees, territorial composition, nationality, or the procedures for constitutional reform, also requires approval in a referendum Topic: Ecuadorhistory: many previous; latest approved 20 October 2008 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic through a referendum, by public petition of at least 1% of registered voters, or by agreement of at least one-third membership of the National Assembly; passage requires two separate readings a year apart and approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, and approval by absolute majority in a referendum; amendments such as changes to the structure of the state, constraints on personal rights and guarantees, or constitutional amendment procedures are not allowed; amended 2011, 2015, 2018 Topic: Egypthistory: several previous; latest approved by a constitutional committee in December 2013, approved by referendum held on 14-15 January 2014, ratified by interim president on 19 January 2014 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by one fifth of the House of Representatives members; a decision to accept the proposal requires majority vote by House members; passage of amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote by House members and passage by majority vote in a referendum; articles of reelection of the president and principles of freedom are not amendable unless the amendment "brings more guarantees;" amended 2019 (2021) Topic: El Salvadorhistory: many previous; latest drafted 16 December 1983, enacted 23 December 1983 amendments: proposals require agreement by absolute majority of the Legislative Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on basic principles, and citizen rights and freedoms cannot be amended; amended 2003, 2009, 2014 Topic: Equatorial Guineahistory: previous 1968, 1973, 1982; approved by referendum 17 November 1991 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or supported by three fourths of the membership in either house of the National Assembly; passage requires three-fourths majority vote by both houses of the Assembly and approval in a referendum if requested by the president; amended several times, last in 2012 Topic: Eritreahistory: ratified by the Constituent Assembly 23 May 1997 (not fully implemented) amendments: proposed by the president of Eritrea or by assent of at least one half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least an initial three-quarters majority vote by the Assembly and, after one year, final passage by at least four-fifths majority vote by the Assembly Topic: Estoniahistory: 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 Topic: Eswatinihistory: previous 1968, 1978; latest signed by the king 26 July 2005, effective 8 February 2006 amendments: proposed at a joint sitting of both houses of Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both houses and/or majority vote in a referendum, and assent of the king; passage of amendments affecting "specially entrenched" constitutional provisions requires at least three-fourths majority vote by both houses, passage by simple majority vote in a referendum, and assent of the king; passage of "entrenched" provisions requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses, passage in a referendum, and assent of the king Topic: Ethiopiahistory: several previous; latest drafted June 1994, adopted 8 December 1994, entered into force 21 August 1995 amendments: proposals submitted for discussion require two-thirds majority approval in either house of Parliament or majority approval of one-third of the State Councils; passage of amendments other than constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms and the initiation and amendment of the constitution requires two-thirds majority vote in a joint session of Parliament and majority vote by two thirds of the State Councils; passage of amendments affecting rights and freedoms and amendment procedures requires two-thirds majority vote in each house of Parliament and majority vote by all the State Councils Topic: European Unionhistory: 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 Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)history: previous 1985; latest entered into force 1 January 2009 (The Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008) Topic: Faroe Islandshistory: 5 June 1953 (Danish Constitution), 23 March 1948 (Home Rule Act), and 24 June 2005 (Takeover Act) serve as the Faroe Islands' constitutional position in the Unity of the Realm amendments: see entry for Denmark Topic: Fijihistory: several previous; latest signed into law 6 September 2013 amendments: proposed as a bill by Parliament and supported by at least three quarters of its members, followed by referral to the president and then to the Electoral Commission, which conducts a referendum; passage requires approval by at least three-quarters of registered voters and assent by the president Topic: Finlandhistory: previous 1906, 1919; latest drafted 17 June 1997, approved by Parliament 11 June 1999, entered into force 1 March 2000 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage normally requires simple majority vote in two readings in the first parliamentary session and at least two-thirds majority vote in a single reading by the newly elected Parliament; proposals declared "urgent" by five-sixths of Parliament members can be passed by at least two-thirds majority vote in the first parliamentary session only; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Francehistory: many previous; latest effective 4 October 1958 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic (upon recommendation of the prime minister and Parliament) or by Parliament; proposals submitted by Parliament members require passage by both houses followed by approval in a referendum; passage of proposals submitted by the government can bypass a referendum if submitted by the president to Parliament and passed by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament’s National Assembly; amended many times, last in 2008; note - in May 2018, the prime minister submitted a bill to the National Assembly to amend several provisions of the constitution Topic: French Polynesiahistory: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) amendments: French constitution amendment procedures apply Topic: Gabonhistory: previous 1961; latest drafted May 1990, adopted 15 March 1991, promulgated 26 March 1991 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic, by the Council of Ministers, or by one third of either house of Parliament; passage requires Constitutional Court evaluation, at least two-thirds majority vote of two thirds of the Parliament membership convened in joint session, and approval in a referendum; constitutional articles on Gabon’s democratic form of government cannot be amended; amended several times, last in 2020 Topic: Gambia, Thehistory: 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 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 Topic: Georgiahistory: 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) Topic: Germanyhistory: previous 1919 (Weimar Constitution); latest drafted 10-23 August 1948, approved 12 May 1949, promulgated 23 May 1949, entered into force 24 May 1949 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage and enactment into law require two-thirds majority vote by both the Bundesrat (upper house) and the Bundestag (lower house) of Parliament; articles including those on basic human rights and freedoms cannot be amended; amended many times, last in 2020; note - in early 2021, the German federal government introduced a bill to incorporate children’s rights into the constitution Topic: Ghanahistory: several previous; latest drafted 31 March 1992, approved and promulgated 28 April 1992, entered into force 7 January 1993 amendments: proposed by Parliament; consideration requires prior referral to the Council of State, a body of prominent citizens who advise the president of the republic; passage of amendments to "entrenched" constitutional articles (including those on national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, the structure and authorities of the branches of government, and amendment procedures) requires approval in a referendum by at least 40% participation of eligible voters and at least 75% of votes cast, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote in Parliament, and assent of the president; amendments to non-entrenched articles do not require referenda; amended 1996 Topic: Gibraltarhistory: previous 1969; latest passed by referendum 30 November 2006, entered into effect 14 December 2006, entered into force 2 January 2007 amendments: proposed by Parliament and requires prior consent of the British monarch (through the Secretary of State); passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in Parliament followed by simple majority vote in a referendum; note – only sections 1 through 15 in Chapter 1 (Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms) can be amended by Parliament Topic: Greecehistory: many previous; latest entered into force 11 June 1975 amendments: proposed by at least 50 members of Parliament and agreed by three-fifths majority vote in two separate ballots at least 30 days apart; passage requires absolute majority vote by the next elected Parliament; entry into force finalized through a "special parliamentary resolution"; articles on human rights and freedoms and the form of government cannot be amended; amended 1986, 2001, 2008, 2019 Topic: Greenlandhistory: previous 1953 (Greenland established as a constituency in the Danish constitution), 1979 (Greenland Home Rule Act); latest 21 June 2009 (Greenland Self-Government Act) (2021) Topic: Grenadahistory: previous 1967; latest presented 19 December 1973, effective 7 February 1974, suspended 1979 following a revolution but restored in 1983 amendments: proposed by either house of Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership in both houses and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to constitutional sections, such as personal rights and freedoms, the structure, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, the delimitation of electoral constituencies, or the procedure for amending the constitution, also requires two-thirds majority approval in a referendum; amended 1991, 1992 Topic: Guamhistory: effective 1 July 1950 (Guam Act of 1950 serves as a constitution) amendments: amended many times, last in 2015 Topic: Guatemalahistory: several previous; latest adopted 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended and reinstated in 1994 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic, by agreement of 10 or more deputies of Congress, by the Constitutional Court, or by public petition of at least 5,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Congress membership and approval by public referendum, referred to as "popular consultation"; constitutional articles such as national sovereignty, the republican form of government, limitations on those seeking the presidency, or presidential tenure cannot be amended; amended 1993 Topic: Guernseyhistory: 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 Topic: Guineahistory: currently suspended on September 5, 2021 via t coup d’etat. On September 27, 2021 the Transitional Charter was released.  It supersedes the constitution until a new constitution is promulgated. previous 1958, 1990, and 2010 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; consideration of proposals requires approval by simple majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires approval in referendum; the president can opt to submit amendments directly to the Assembly, in which case approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote; revised in 2020 Topic: Guinea-Bissauhistory: 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 Topic: Guyanahistory: several previous; latest promulgated 6 October 1980 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles, such as national sovereignty, government structure and powers, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires approval by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum, and assent of the president; other amendments only require Assembly approval; amended many times, last in 2016 Topic: Haitihistory: many previous; latest adopted 10 March 1987, with substantial revisions in June 2012; note – the constitution is commonly referred to as the “amended 1987 constitution”   amendments: proposed by the executive branch or by either the Senate or the Chamber of Deputies; consideration of proposed amendments requires support by at least two-thirds majority of both houses; passage requires at least two-thirds majority of the membership present and at least two-thirds majority of the votes cast; approved amendments enter into force after installation of the next president of the republic; constitutional articles on the democratic and republican form of government cannot be amended; amended many times, last in 2012  Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)history: previous 1929, 1963; latest adopted 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (Fundamental Law of Vatican City State); note - in October 2013, Pope Francis instituted a 9-member Council of Cardinal Advisors to reform the administrative apparatus of the Holy See (Roman Curia) to include writing a new constitution; on 13 June 2018, Pope Francis approved the Council of Cardinals' first draft of the new constitution, Predicatae Evangelium, which will replace "Pastor Bonus, the current 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 Topic: Hondurashistory: several previous; latest approved 11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982 amendments: proposed by the National Congress with at least two-thirds majority vote of the membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Congress in its next annual session; constitutional articles, such as the form of government, national sovereignty, the presidential term, and the procedure for amending the constitution, cannot be amended; amended several times, last in 2021 Topic: Hong Konghistory: several previous (governance documents while under British authority); latest drafted April 1988 to February 1989, approved March 1990, effective 1 July 1997 (Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China serves as the constitution); note - since 1990, China's National People's Congress has interpreted specific articles of the Basic Law amendments: proposed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the People’s Republic of China State Council, or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong; submittal of proposals to the NPC requires two-thirds majority vote by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, approval by two thirds of Hong Kong’s deputies to the NPC, and approval by the Hong Kong chief executive; final passage requires approval by the NPC Topic: Hungaryhistory: previous 1949 (heavily amended in 1989 following the collapse of communism); latest approved 18 April 2011, signed 25 April 2011, effective 1 January 2012 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by parliamentary committee, or by Parliament members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament members and approval by the president; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Icelandhistory: several previous; latest ratified 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944 (at independence) amendments: proposed by the Althingi; passage requires approval by the Althingi and by the next elected Althingi, and confirmation by the president of the republic; proposed amendments to Article 62 of the constitution – that the Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the state church of Iceland – also require passage by referendum; amended many times, last in 2013 Topic: Indiahistory: previous 1935 (preindependence); latest draft completed 4 November 1949, adopted 26 November 1949, effective 26 January 1950 amendments: proposed by either the Council of States or the House of the People; passage requires majority participation of the total membership in each house and at least two-thirds majority of voting members of each house, followed by assent of the president of India; proposed amendments to the constitutional amendment procedures also must be ratified by at least one half of the India state legislatures before presidential assent; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Indonesiahistory: drafted July to August 1945, effective 18 August 1945, abrogated by 1949 and 1950 constitutions; 1945 constitution restored 5 July 1959 amendments: proposed by the People’s Consultative Assembly, with at least two thirds of its members present; passage requires simple majority vote by the Assembly membership; constitutional articles on the unitary form of the state cannot be amended; amended several times, last in 2002 Topic: Iranhistory: previous 1906; latest adopted 24 October 1979, effective 3 December 1979 amendments: proposed by the supreme leader – after consultation with the Exigency Council – and submitted as an edict to the "Council for Revision of the Constitution," a body consisting of various executive, legislative, judicial, and academic leaders and members; passage requires absolute majority vote in a referendum and approval of the supreme leader; articles including Iran’s political system, its religious basis, and its form of government cannot be amended; amended 1989 Topic: Iraqhistory: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 15 October 2005 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic and the Council of Minsters collectively, or by one fifth of the Council of Representatives members; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Council of Representatives, approval by referendum, and ratification by the president; passage of amendments to articles on citizen rights and liberties requires two-thirds majority vote of Council of Representatives members after two successive electoral terms, approval in a referendum, and ratification by the president Topic: Irelandhistory: previous 1922; latest drafted 14 June 1937, adopted by plebiscite 1 July 1937, effective 29 December 1937 amendments: proposed as bills by Parliament; passage requires majority vote by both the Senate and House of Representatives, majority vote in a referendum, and presidential signature; amended many times, last in 2019 Topic: Isle of Manhistory: development of the Isle of Man constitution dates to at least the 14th century amendments: proposed as a bill in the House of Keys, by the "Government," by a "Member of the House," or through petition to the House or Legislative Council; passage normally requires three separate readings and approval of at least 13 House members; following both House and Council agreement, assent is required by the lieutenant governor on behalf of the Crown; the constitution has been expanded and amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Israelhistory: no formal constitution; some functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws, and the Law of Return (as amended) amendments: proposed by Government of Israel ministers or by the Knesset; passage requires a majority vote of Knesset members and subject to Supreme Court judicial review; 11 of the 13 Basic Laws have been amended at least once, latest in 2020 (Basic Law: the Knesset) Topic: Italyhistory: previous 1848 (originally for the Kingdom of Sardinia and adopted by the Kingdom of Italy in 1861); latest enacted 22 December 1947, adopted 27 December 1947, entered into force 1 January 1948 amendments: proposed by both houses of Parliament; passage requires two successive debates and approval by absolute majority of each house on the second vote; a referendum is only required when requested by one fifth of the members of either house, by voter petition, or by five Regional Councils (elected legislative assemblies of the 15 first-level administrative regions and 5 autonomous regions of Italy); referendum not required if an amendment has been approved by a two-thirds majority in each house in the second vote; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Jamaicahistory: several previous (preindependence); latest drafted 1961-62, submitted to British Parliament 24 July 1962, entered into force 6 August 1962 (at independence) amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to "non-entrenched" constitutional sections, such as lowering the voting age, requires majority vote by the Parliament membership; passage of amendments to "entrenched" sections, such as fundamental rights and freedoms, requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament; passage of amendments to "specially entrenched" sections such as the dissolution of Parliament or the executive authority of the monarch requires two-thirds approval by Parliament and approval in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2017 Topic: Japanhistory: 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 Topic: Jerseyhistory: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice amendments: proposed by a government minister to the Assembly of the States of Jersey, by an Assembly member, or by an elected parish head; passage requires several Assembly readings, a majority vote by the Assembly, review by the UK Ministry of Justice, and approval of the British monarch (Royal Assent) Topic: Jordanhistory: previous 1928 (preindependence); latest initially adopted 28 November 1947, revised and ratified 1 January 1952 amendments: constitutional amendments require at least a two-thirds majority vote of both the Senate and the House and ratification by the king; no amendment of the constitution affecting the rights of the king and the succession to the throne is permitted during the regency period; amended several times, last in 2016 Topic: Kazakhstanhistory: previous 1937, 1978 (preindependence), 1993; latest approved by referendum 30 August 1995, effective 5 September 1995 amendments: introduced by a referendum initiated by the president of the republic, on the recommendation of Parliament, or by the government; the president has the option of submitting draft amendments to Parliament or directly to a referendum; passage of amendments by Parliament requires four-fifths majority vote of both houses and the signature of the president; passage by referendum requires absolute majority vote by more than one half of the voters in at least two thirds of the oblasts, major cities, and the capital, followed by the signature of the president; amended several times, last in 2019 Topic: Kenyahistory: current constitution passed by referendum on 4 August 2010 (2021) 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 Topic: Kiribatihistory: The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Order in Council 1915, The Gilbert Islands Order in Council 1975 (preindependence); latest promulgated 12 July 1979 (at independence) amendments: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership; passage of amendments affecting the constitutional section on amendment procedures and parts of the constitutional chapter on citizenship requires deferral of the proposal to the next Assembly meeting where approval is required by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and support of the nominated or elected Banaban member of the Assembly; amendments affecting the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms also requires approval by at least two-thirds majority in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Korea, Northhistory: previous 1948, 1972; latest adopted 1998 (during KIM Jong Il era) amendments: proposed by the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA); passage requires more than two-thirds majority vote of the total SPA membership; revised several times, last in 2019 Topic: Korea, Southhistory: several previous; latest passed by National Assembly 12 October 1987, approved in referendum 28 October 1987, effective 25 February 1988 amendments: proposed by the president or by majority support of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum by more than one half of the votes by more than one half of eligible voters, and promulgation by the president; amended several times, last in 1987 Topic: Kosovohistory: previous 1974, 1990; latest (postindependence) draft finalized 2 April 2008, signed 7 April 2008, ratified 9 April 2008, entered into force 15 June 2008; note - amendment 24, passed by the Assembly in August 2015, established the Kosovo Relocated Specialist Institution, referred to as the Kosovo Specialist Chamber or "Specialist Court," to try war crimes allegedly committed by members of the Kosovo Liberation Army in the late 1990s amendments: proposed by the government, by the president of the republic, or by one fourth of Assembly deputies; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, including two-thirds majority vote of deputies representing non-majority communities, followed by a favorable Constitutional Court assessment; amended several times, last in 2020 Topic: Kuwaithistory: 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 Topic: Kyrgyzstanhistory: previous 1993; latest adopted by referendum 27 June 2010, effective 2 July 2010; note - constitutional amendments that bolstered some presidential powers and transferred others from the president to the prime minister were passed in late 2017 amendments: proposed as a draft law by the majority of the Supreme Council membership or by petition of 300,000 voters; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Council membership in each of at least three readings of the draft two months apart; the draft may be submitted to a referendum if approved by two thirds of the Council membership; adoption requires the signature of the president; amended 2017, 2021; note - voters approved a constitutional referendum in April 2021 that transitioned Kyrgyzstan from a parliamentary to a presidential system, and implemented changes that allow the president to serve for two five-year terms rather that one six-year term, reduces the number of seats in Kyrgyzstan's legislature from 120 to 90, and establishes a Kurultay - a public advisory council Topic: Laoshistory: previous 1947 (preindependence); latest promulgated 13-15 August 1991 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president of the republic; amended 2003, 2015 Topic: Latviahistory: several previous (pre-1991 independence); note - following the restoration of independence in 1991, parts of the 1922 constitution were reintroduced 4 May 1990 and fully reintroduced 6 July 1993 amendments: proposed by two thirds of Parliament members or by petition of one tenth of qualified voters submitted through the president; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of three readings; amendment of constitutional articles, including national sovereignty, language, the parliamentary electoral system, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires passage in a referendum by majority vote of at least one half of the electorate; amended several times, last in 2019 Topic: Lebanonhistory: drafted 15 May 1926, adopted 23 May 1926 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic and introduced as a government bill to the National Assembly or proposed by at least 10 members of the Assembly and agreed upon by two thirds of its members; if proposed by the National Assembly, review and approval by two-thirds majority of the Cabinet is required; if approved, the proposal is next submitted to the Cabinet for drafting as an amendment; Cabinet approval requires at least two-thirds majority, followed by submission to the National Assembly for discussion and vote; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of a required two-thirds quorum of the Assembly membership and promulgation by the president; amended several times, last in 2004 Topic: Lesothohistory: 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 Topic: Liberiahistory: previous 1847 (at independence); latest drafted 19 October 1983, revision adopted by referendum 3 July 1984, effective 6 January 1986 amendments: proposed by agreement of at least two thirds of both National Assembly houses or by petition of at least 10,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval of both houses and approval in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of registered voters; amended 2011, 2020 Topic: Libyahistory: 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 Topic: Liechtensteinhistory: previous 1862; latest adopted 5 October 1921 amendments: proposed by Parliament, by the reigning prince (in the form of "Government" proposals), by petition of at least 1,500 qualified voters, or by at least four communes; passage requires unanimous approval of Parliament members in one sitting or three-quarters majority vote in two successive sittings; referendum required only if petitioned by at least 1,500 voters or by at least four communes; passage by referendum requires absolute majority of votes cast; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Lithuaniahistory: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 25 October 1992, entered into force 2 November 1992 amendments: proposed by at least one fourth of all Parliament members or by petition of at least 300,000 voters; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of two readings three months apart and a presidential signature; amendments to constitutional articles on national sovereignty and constitutional amendment procedure also require three-fourths voter approval in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2019 Topic: Luxembourghistory: 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 Topic: Macauhistory: previous 1976 (Organic Statute of Macau, under Portuguese authority); latest adopted 31 March 1993, effective 20 December 1999 (Basic Law of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China serves as Macau's constitution) amendments: proposed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the People’s Republic of China State Council, and the Macau Special Administrative Region; submittal of proposals to the NPC requires two-thirds majority vote by the Legislative Assembly of Macau, approval by two thirds of Macau's deputies to the NPC, and consent of the Macau chief executive; final passage requires approval by the NPC; amended 2005, 2012 Topic: Madagascarhistory: previous 1992; latest passed by referendum 17 November 2010, promulgated 11 December 2010 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic in consultation with the cabinet or supported by a least two thirds of both the Senate and National Assembly membership; passage requires at least three-fourths approval of both the Senate and National Assembly and approval in a referendum; constitutional articles, including the form and powers of government, the sovereignty of the state, and the autonomy of Madagascar’s collectivities, cannot be amended Topic: Malawihistory: previous 1953 (preindependence), 1964, 1966; latest drafted January to May 1994, approved 16 May 1994, entered into force 18 May 1995 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles, including the sovereignty and territory of the state, fundamental constitutional principles, human rights, voting rights, and the judiciary, requires majority approval in a referendum and majority approval by the Assembly; passage of other amendments requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; amended several times, last in 2017 Topic: Malaysiahistory: previous 1948; latest drafted 21 February 1957, effective 27 August 1957 amendments: proposed as a bill by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Parliament membership in the bill’s second and third readings; a number of constitutional sections are excluded from amendment or repeal; amended many times, last in 2019 Topic: Maldiveshistory: many previous; latest ratified 7 August 2008 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote by its membership and the signature of the president of the republic; passage of amendments to constitutional articles on rights and freedoms and the terms of office of Parliament and of the president also requires a majority vote in a referendum; amended 2015 Topic: Malihistory: several previous; latest drafted August 1991, approved by referendum 12 January 1992, effective 25 February 1992, suspended briefly in 2012 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by members of the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly and approval in a referendum; constitutional sections on the integrity of the state, its republican and secular form of government, and its multiparty system cannot be amended; note - the transition government intends to adopt a new constitution Topic: Maltahistory: 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 Topic: Marshall Islandshistory: effective 1 May 1979 amendments: proposed by the National Parliament or by a constitutional convention; passage by Parliament requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership in each of two readings and approval by a majority of votes in a referendum; amendments submitted by a constitutional convention require approval of at least two thirds of votes in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Mauritaniahistory: previous 1964; latest adopted 12 July 1991 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of amendments by Parliament requires approval of at least one third of the membership; a referendum is held only if the amendment is approved by two-thirds majority vote; passage by referendum requires simple majority vote by eligible voters; passage of amendments proposed by the president can bypass a referendum if approved by at least three-fifths majority vote by Parliament; amended 2006, 2012, 2017 Topic: Mauritiushistory: several previous; latest adopted 12 March 1968 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles, including the sovereignty of the state, fundamental rights and freedoms, citizenship, or the branches of government, requires approval in a referendum by at least three-fourths majority of voters followed by a unanimous vote by the Assembly; passage of other amendments requires only two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; amended many times, last in 2016 Topic: Mexicohistory: 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 Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofhistory: drafted June 1975, ratified 1 October 1978, entered into force 10 May 1979 amendments: proposed by Congress, by a constitutional convention, or by public petition; passage requires approval by at least three-fourths majority vote in at least three fourths of the states; amended 1990; note – at least every 10 years as part of a general or special election, voters are asked whether to hold a constitution convention; a majority of affirmative votes is required to proceed; amended many times, last in 2019 (approval by referendum to hold a constitutional convention) Topic: Moldovahistory: previous 1978; latest adopted 29 July 1994, effective 27 August 1994 amendments: proposed by voter petition (at least 200,000 eligible voters), by at least one third of Parliament members, or by the government; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament within one year of initial proposal; revisions to constitutional articles on sovereignty, independence, and neutrality require majority vote by referendum; articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended; amended many times, last in 2018 Topic: Monacohistory: previous 1911 (suspended 1959); latest adopted 17 December 1962 amendments: proposed by joint agreement of the chief of state (the prince) and the National Council; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of National Council members; amended 2002 Topic: Mongoliahistory: several previous; latest adopted 13 January 1992, effective 12 February 1992 amendments: proposed by the State Great Hural, by the president of the republic, by the government, or by petition submitted to the State Great Hural by the Constitutional Court; conducting referenda on proposed amendments requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the State Great Hural; passage of amendments by the State Great Hural requires at least three-quarters majority vote; passage by referendum requires majority participation of qualified voters and a majority of votes; amended 1999, 2000, 2019 Topic: Montenegrohistory: several previous; latest adopted 22 October 2007 amendments: proposed by the president of Montenegro, by the government, or by at least 25 members of the Assembly; passage of draft proposals requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, followed by a public hearing; passage of draft amendments requires two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; changes to certain constitutional articles, such as sovereignty, state symbols, citizenship, and constitutional change procedures, require three-fifths majority vote in a referendum; amended 2013 Topic: Montserrathistory: previous 1960; latest put into force 20 October 2010 (The Montserrat Constitution Order 2010) amendments: amended 2011, 2020 Topic: Moroccohistory: several previous; latest drafted 17 June 2011, approved by referendum 1 July 2011; note - sources disagree on whether the 2011 referendum was for a new constitution or for reforms to the previous constitution amendments: proposed by the king, by the prime minister, or by members in either chamber of Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by both chambers and approval in a referendum; the king can opt to submit self-initiated proposals directly to a referendum Topic: Mozambiquehistory: previous 1975, 1990; latest adopted 16 November 2004, effective 21 December 2004 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or supported by at least one third of the Assembly of the Republic membership; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, including the independence and sovereignty of the state, the republican form of government, basic rights and freedoms, and universal suffrage, requires at least a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly and approval in a referendum; referenda not required for passage of other amendments; amended 2007, 2018 Topic: Namibiahistory: adopted 9 February 1990, entered into force 21 March 1990 amendments: initiated by the Cabinet; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly membership and of the National Council of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; if the National Council fails to pass an amendment, the president can call for a referendum; passage by referendum requires two-thirds majority of votes cast; amendments that detract from or repeal constitutional articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended, and the requisite majorities needed by Parliament to amend the constitution cannot be changed; amended 1998, 2010, 2014 Topic: Nauruhistory: 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 requires two-thirds majority of votes in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Nepalhistory: several previous; latest approved by the Second Constituent Assembly 16 September 2015, signed by the president and effective 20 September 2015 amendments: proposed as a bill by either house of the Federal Parliament; bills affecting a state border or powers delegated to a state must be submitted to the affected state assembly; passage of such bills requires a majority vote of that state assembly membership; bills not requiring state assembly consent require at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of the Federal Parliament; parts of the constitution on the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty vested in the people cannot be amended; amended 2016, 2020 Topic: Netherlandshistory: many previous to adoption of the "Basic Law of the Kingdom of the Netherlands" on 24 August 1815; revised 8 times, the latest in 1983 amendments: proposed as an Act of Parliament by or on behalf of the king or by the Second Chamber of the States General; the Second Chamber is dissolved after its first reading of the Act; passage requires a second reading by both the First Chamber and the newly elected Second Chamber, followed by at least two-thirds majority vote of both chambers, and ratification by the king; amended many times, last in 2018 Topic: New Caledoniahistory: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution with changes as reflected in the Noumea Accord of 5 May 1998) amendments: French constitution amendment procedures apply Topic: New Zealandhistory: New Zealand has no single constitution document; the Constitution Act 1986, effective 1 January 1987, includes only part of the uncodified constitution; others include a collection of statutes or "acts of Parliament," the Treaty of Waitangi, Orders in Council, letters patent, court decisions, and unwritten conventions amendments: proposed as bill by Parliament or by referendum called either by the government or by citizens; passage of a bill as an act normally requires two separate readings with committee reviews in between to make changes and corrections, a third reading approved by the House of Representatives membership or by the majority of votes in a referendum, and assent of the governor-general; passage of amendments to reserved constitutional provisions affecting the term of Parliament, electoral districts, and voting restrictions requires approval by 75% of the House membership or the majority of votes in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Nicaraguahistory: several previous; latest adopted 19 November 1986, effective 9 January 1987 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or assent of at least half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires approval by 60% of the membership of the next elected Assembly and promulgation by the president of the republic; amended several times, last in 2021 Topic: Nigerhistory: several previous; passed by referendum 31 October 2010, entered into force 25 November 2010 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; consideration of amendments requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires at least four-fifths majority vote; if disapproved, the proposed amendment is dropped or submitted to a referendum; constitutional articles on the form of government, the multiparty system, the separation of state and religion, disqualification of Assembly members, amendment procedures, and amnesty of participants in the 2010 coup cannot be amended; amended 2011, 2017 Topic: Nigeriahistory: several previous; latest adopted 5 May 1999, effective 29 May 1999 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses and approval by the Houses of Assembly of at least two thirds of the states; amendments to constitutional articles on the creation of a new state, fundamental constitutional rights, or constitution-amending procedures requires at least four-fifths majority vote by both houses of the National Assembly and approval by the Houses of Assembly in at least two thirds of the states; passage of amendments limited to the creation of a new state require at least two-thirds majority vote by the proposing National Assembly house and approval by the Houses of Assembly in two thirds of the states; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Niuehistory: several previous (New Zealand colonial statutes); latest 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act 1974) amendments: proposed by the Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and approval by at least two-thirds majority votes in a referendum; passage of amendments to a number of sections, including Niue’s self-governing status, British nationality and New Zealand citizenship, external affairs and defense, economic and administrative assistance by New Zealand, and amendment procedures, requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly and at least two thirds of votes in a referendum; amended 1992, 2007; note - in early 2021, the constitution review committee of the Assembly requested suggestions from the public about changes to the constitution Topic: Norfolk Islandhistory: previous 1913, 1957; latest effective 7 August 1979 amendments: amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: North Macedoniahistory: several previous; latest adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by at least 30 members of the Assembly, or by petition of at least 150,000 citizens; final approval requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; amended several times, last in 2019 Topic: Northern Mariana Islandshistory: 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 Topic: Norwayhistory: drafted spring 1814, adopted 16 May 1814, signed by Constituent Assembly 17 May 1814 amendments: proposals submitted by members of Parliament or by the government within the first three years of Parliament's four-year term; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of a two-thirds quorum in the next elected Parliament; amended over 400 times, last in 2020 Topic: Omanhistory: 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 Topic: Pakistanhistory: several previous; latest endorsed 12 April 1973, passed 19 April 1973, entered into force 14 August 1973 (suspended and restored several times) amendments: proposed by the Senate or by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses; amended many times, last in 2018 Topic: Palauhistory: ratified 9 July 1980, effective 1 January 1981 amendments: proposed by a constitutional convention (held at least once every 15 years with voter approval), by public petition of at least 25% of eligible voters, or by a resolution adopted by at least three fourths of National Congress members; passage requires approval by a majority of votes in at least three fourths of the states in the next regular general election; amended several times, last in 2020 Topic: Panamahistory: several previous; latest effective 11 October 1972 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly, by the Cabinet, or by the Supreme Court of Justice; passage requires approval by one of two procedures: 1) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in a single reading without textual modifications; 2) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings, followed by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in each of three readings with textual modifications, and approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2004 Topic: Papua New Guineahistory: adopted 15 August 1975, effective at independence 16 September 1975 amendments: proposed by the National Parliament; passage has prescribed majority vote requirements depending on the constitutional sections being amended – absolute majority, two-thirds majority, or three-fourths majority; amended many times, last in 2016 Topic: Paraguayhistory: 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 Topic: Peruhistory: several previous; latest promulgated 29 December 1993, enacted 31 December 1993 amendments: proposed by Congress, by the president of the republic with the approval of the "Cabinet, " or by petition of at least 0.3% of voters; passage requires absolute majority approval by the Congress membership, followed by approval in a referendum; a referendum is not required if Congress approves the amendment by greater than two-thirds majority vote in each of two successive sessions; amended many times, last in 2021 Topic: Philippineshistory: several previous; latest ratified 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987 amendments: proposed by Congress if supported by three fourths of the membership, by a constitutional convention called by Congress, or by public petition; passage by either of the three proposal methods requires a majority vote in a national referendum; note - the constitution has not been amended since its enactment in 1987 Topic: Pitcairn Islandshistory: several previous; latest drafted 10 February 2010, presented 17 February 2010, effective 4 March 2010 amendments: Reviewed 10 Jun '21; NC Topic: Polandhistory: 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 Topic: Portugalhistory: several previous; latest adopted 2 April 1976, effective 25 April 1976 amendments: proposed by the Assembly of the Republic; adoption requires two-thirds majority vote of Assembly members; amended several times, last in 2005 (2021) Topic: Puerto Ricohistory: previous 1900 (Organic Act, or Foraker Act); latest ratified by referendum 3 March 1952, approved 3 July 1952, effective 25 July 1952 amendments: proposed by a concurrent resolution of at least two-thirds majority by the total Legislative Assembly membership; approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses and approval by a majority of voters in a special referendum; if passed by at least three-fourths Assembly vote, the referendum can be held concurrently with the next general election; constitutional articles such as the republican form of government or the bill of rights cannot be amended; amended 1952 Topic: Qatarhistory: previous 1972 (provisional); latest drafted 2 July 2002, approved by referendum 29 April 2003, endorsed 8 June 2004, effective 9 June 2005 amendments: proposed by the Amir or by one third of Advisory Council members; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Advisory Council members and approval and promulgation by the emir; articles pertaining to the rule of state and its inheritance, functions of the emir, and citizen rights and liberties cannot be amended Topic: Romaniahistory: several previous; latest adopted 21 November 1991, approved by referendum and effective 8 December 1991 amendments: initiated by the president of Romania through a proposal by the government, by at least one fourth of deputies or senators in Parliament, or by petition of eligible voters representing at least half of Romania’s counties; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by both chambers or – if mediation is required - by three-fourths majority vote in a joint session, followed by approval in a referendum; articles, including those on national sovereignty, form of government, political pluralism, and fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended; amended 2003 Topic: Russiahistory: 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 Topic: Rwandahistory: several previous; latest adopted by referendum 26 May 2003, effective 4 June 2003 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic (with Council of Ministers approval) or by two-thirds majority vote of both houses of Parliament; passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote in both houses; changes to constitutional articles on national sovereignty, the presidential term, the form and system of government, and political pluralism also require approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2015 Topic: Saint Barthelemyhistory: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) amendments: amendment procedures of France's constitution apply Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhahistory: several previous; latest effective 1 September 2009 (St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevishistory: 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 Topic: Saint Luciahistory: previous 1958, 1960 (preindependence); latest presented 20 December 1978, effective 22 February 1979 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the House of Assembly membership in the final reading and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to various constitutional sections, such as those on fundamental rights and freedoms, government finances, the judiciary, and procedures for amending the constitution, require at least three-quarters majority vote by the House and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments approved by the House but rejected by the Senate require a majority of votes cast in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2008 Topic: Saint Martinhistory: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) amendments: amendment procedures of France's constitution apply Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonhistory: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) amendments: amendment procedures of France's constitution apply Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineshistory: previous 1969, 1975; latest drafted 26 July 1979, effective 27 October 1979 (The Saint Vincent Constitution Order 1979) amendments: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to constitutional sections on fundamental rights and freedoms, citizen protections, various government functions and authorities, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum of at least two thirds of the votes cast, and assent of the governor general Topic: Samoahistory: several previous (preindependence); latest 1 January 1962 amendments: proposed as an act by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the third reading - provided at least 90 days have elapsed since the second reading, and assent of the chief of state; passage of amendments affecting constitutional articles on customary land or constitutional amendment procedures also requires at least two-thirds majority approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2020 Topic: San Marinohistory: San Marino’s principal legislative instruments consist of old customs (antiche consuetudini), the Statutory Laws of San Marino (Leges Statutae Sancti Marini), old statutes (antichi statute) from the1600s, Brief Notes on the Constitutional Order and Institutional Organs of the Republic of San Marino (Brevi Cenni sull’Ordinamento Costituzionale e gli Organi Istituzionali della Repubblica di San Marino) and successive legislation, chief among them is the Declaration of the Rights of Citizens and Fundamental Principles of the San Marino Legal Order (Dichiarazione dei Diritti dei Cittadini e dei Principi Fondamentali dell’Ordinamento Sammarinese), approved 8 July 1974 amendments: proposed by the Great and General Council; passage requires two-thirds majority Council vote; Council passage by absolute majority vote also requires passage in a referendum; Declaration of Civil Rights amended several times, last in 2019San Marino’s principal legislative instruments consist of old customs (antiche consuetudini), the Statutory Laws of San Marino (Leges Statutae Sancti Marini), old statutes (antichi statute) from the1600s, Brief Notes on the Constitutional Order and Institutional Organs of the Republic of San Marino (Brevi Cenni sull’Ordinamento Costituzionale e gli Organi Istituzionali della Repubblica di San Marino) and successive legislation, chief among them is the Declaration of the Rights of Citizens and Fundamental Principles of the San Marino Legal Order (Dichiarazione dei Diritti dei Cittadini e dei Principi Fondamentali dell’Ordinamento Sammarinese), approved 8 July 1974 Topic: Sao Tome and Principehistory: approved 5 November 1975 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; the Assembly can propose to the president of the republic that an amendment be submitted to a referendum; revised several times, last in 2006 Topic: Saudi Arabiahistory: 1 March 1992 - Basic Law of Government, issued by royal decree, serves as the constitutional framework and is based on the Qur'an and the life and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad amendments: proposed by the king directly or proposed to the king by the Consultative Assembly or by the Council of Ministers; passage by the king through royal decree; Basic Law amended many times, last in 2017 Topic: Senegalhistory: previous 1959 (preindependence), 1963; latest adopted by referendum 7 January 2001, promulgated 22 January 2001 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; passage requires Assembly approval and approval in a referendum; the president can bypass a referendum and submit an amendment directly to the Assembly, which requires at least three-fifths majority vote; the republican form of government is not amendable; amended several times, last in 2019 Topic: Serbiahistory: many previous; latest adopted 30 September 2006, approved by referendum 28-29 October 2006, effective 8 November 2006 amendments: proposed by at least one third of deputies in the National Assembly, by the president of the republic, by the government, or by petition of at least 150,000 voters; passage of proposals and draft amendments each requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Assembly; amendments to constitutional articles including the preamble, constitutional principles, and human and minority rights and freedoms also require passage by simple majority vote in a referendum Topic: Seychelleshistory: previous 1970, 1979; latest drafted May 1993, approved by referendum 18 June 1993, effective 23 June 1993 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the National Assembly; passage of amendments affecting the country’s sovereignty, symbols and languages, the supremacy of the constitution, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, and dissolution of the Assembly also requires approval by at least 60% of voters in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Sierra Leonehistory: several previous; latest effective 1 October 1991 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in two successive readings and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms and many other constitutional sections also requires approval in a referendum with participation of at least one half of qualified voters and at least two thirds of votes cast; amended several times, last in 2016 Topic: Singaporehistory: several previous; latest adopted 22 December 1965 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote in the second and third readings by the elected Parliament membership and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting sovereignty or control of the Police Force or the Armed Forces requires at least two-thirds majority vote in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Sint Maartenhistory: 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 Topic: Slovakiahistory: 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 Topic: Sloveniahistory: previous 1974 (preindependence); latest passed by Parliament 23 December 1991 amendments: proposed by at least 20 National Assembly members, by the government, or by petition of at least 30,000 voters; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; referendum required if agreed upon by at least 30 Assembly members; passage in a referendum requires participation of a majority of eligible voters and a simple majority of votes cast; amended several times, last in 2016 Topic: Solomon Islandshistory: adopted 31 May 1978, effective 7 July 1978; note - in late 2017, provincial leaders agreed to adopt a new federal constitution, with passage expected in 2018, but it has been postponed indefinitely amendments: proposed by the National Parliament; passage of constitutional sections, including those on fundamental rights and freedoms, the legal system, Parliament, alteration of the constitution and the ombudsman, requires three-fourths majority vote by Parliament and assent of the governor general; passage of other amendments requires two-thirds majority vote and assent of the governor general; amended several times, last in 2018; note - a new constitution was drafted in mid-2009 and the latest version drafted in 2013 Topic: Somaliahistory: previous 1961, 1979; latest drafted 12 June 2012, adopted 1 August 2012 (provisional) amendments: proposed by the federal government, by members of the state governments, the Federal Parliament, or by public petition; proposals require review by a joint committee of Parliament with inclusion of public comments and state legislatures’ comments; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Parliament and approval by a majority of votes cast in a referendum; constitutional clauses on Islamic principles, the federal system, human rights and freedoms, powers and authorities of the government branches, and inclusion of women in national institutions cannot be amended; note - in late December 2020, the president signed a decree blocking the approval of amendments (2021) Topic: South Africahistory: several previous; latest drafted 8 May 1996, approved by the Constitutional Court 4 December 1996, effective 4 February 1997 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly of Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional sections on human rights and freedoms, non-racism and non-sexism, supremacy of the constitution, suffrage, the multi-party system of democratic government, and amendment procedures requires at least 75% majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council of Provinces, and assent of the president of the republic; passage of amendments affecting the Bill of Rights, and those related to provincial boundaries, powers, and authorities requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly, approval by at least six of the nine provinces represented in the National Council, and assent of the president; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: South Sudanhistory: previous 2005 (preindependence); latest signed 7 July 2011, effective 9 July 2011 (Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011); note - new constitution pending establishment under the 2018 peace agreement amendments: proposed by the National Legislature or by the president of the republic; passage requires submission of the proposal to the Legislature at least one month prior to consideration, approval by at least two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Legislature, and assent of the president; amended 2013, 2015, 2018 (2021) Topic: Spainhistory: previous 1812; latest approved by the General Courts 31 October 1978, passed by referendum 6 December 1978, signed by the king 27 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978 amendments: proposed by the government, by the General Courts (the Congress or the Senate), or by the self-governing communities submitted through the government; passage requires three-fifths majority vote by both houses and passage by referendum if requested by one tenth of the members of either house; proposals disapproved by both houses are submitted to a joint committee, which submits an agreed upon text for another vote; passage requires two-thirds majority vote in Congress and simple majority vote in the Senate; amended 1992, 2011 Topic: Sri Lankahistory: several previous; latest adopted 16 August 1978, certified 31 August 1978 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of its total membership, certification by the president of the republic or the Parliament speaker, and in some cases approval in a referendum by absolute majority of valid votes; amended many times, last in 2020 Topic: Sudanhistory: history: previous 1973, 1998; 2005 (interim constitution, which was suspended in April 2019); latest initial draft completed by Transitional Military Council in May 2019; revised draft known as the "Draft Constitutional Charter for the 2019 Transitional Period," or “2019 Constitutional Declaration” was signed by the Council and opposition coalition on 4 August 2019 amendments: amended 2020 to incorporate the Juba Agreement for Peace in Sudan; the military suspended several provisions of the Constitutional Declaration in October 2021 amendments: amended 2020 to incorporate the Juba Agreement for Peace in Sudan Topic: Surinamehistory: previous 1975; latest ratified 30 September 1987, effective 30 October 1987 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the total membership; amended 1992 Topic: Swedenhistory: Sweden has four fundamental laws which together make up the Constitution: The Instrument of Government (several previous; latest 1974); The Act of Succession (enacted 1810; changed in 1937 and 1980); The Freedom of the Press Act (many previous; latest in 1949); The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression (adopted 1991) amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires simple majority vote in two consecutive parliamentary terms with an intervening general election; passage also requires approval by simple majority vote in a referendum if Parliament approves a motion for a referendum by one third of its members; The Instrument of Government - amended several times, last in 2018; The Act of Succession - changed in 1937, 1980; The Freedom of the Press Act - amended several times, last in 2019; The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression - amended several times, last in 2018 Topic: Switzerlandhistory: previous 1848, 1874; latest adopted by referendum 18 April 1999, effective 1 January 2000 amendments: proposed by the two houses of the Federal Assembly or by petition of at least one hundred thousand voters (called the "federal popular initiative"); passage of proposals requires majority vote in a referendum; following drafting of an amendment by the Assembly, its passage requires approval by majority vote in a referendum and approval by the majority of cantons; amended many times, last in 2018 Topic: Syriahistory: several previous; latest issued 15 February 2012, passed by referendum and effective 27 February 2012; note - UN-sponsored talks, which began in late 2019 between delegates from government and opposition forces to draft a new constitution, are ongoing; delegates met twice in 2021 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by one third of the People’s Assembly members; following review by a special Assembly committee, passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote by the Assembly and approval by the president Topic: Taiwanhistory: previous 1912, 1931; latest adopted 25 December 1946, promulgated 1 January 1947, effective 25 December 1947 amendments: proposed by at least one fourth of the Legislative Yuan membership; passage requires approval by at least three-fourths majority vote of at least three fourths of the Legislative Yuan membership and approval in a referendum by more than half of eligible voters; revised several times, last in 2005 Topic: Tajikistanhistory: several previous; latest adopted 6 November 1994 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by at least one third of the total membership of both houses of the Supreme Assembly; adoption of any amendment requires a referendum, which includes approval of the president or approval by at least two-thirds majority of the Assembly of Representatives; passage in a referendum requires participation of an absolute majority of eligible voters and an absolute majority of votes; constitutional articles, including Tajikistan’s form of government, its territory, and its democratic nature, cannot be amended; amended 1999, 2003, 2016 Topic: Tanzaniahistory: several previous; latest adopted 25 April 1977; note - progress enacting a new constitution drafted in 2014 by the Constituent Assembly has stalled amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional articles including those on sovereignty of the United Republic, the authorities and powers of the government, the president, the Assembly, and the High Court requires two-thirds majority vote of the mainland Assembly membership and of the Zanzibar House of Representatives membership; House of Representatives approval of other amendments is not required; amended several times, last in 2017 (2021) Topic: Thailandhistory: many previous; latest drafted and presented 29 March 2016, approved by referendum 7 August 2016, signed into law by the king 6 April 2017 amendments: amendments require a majority vote in a joint session of the House and Senate and further require at least 1/5 of opposition House members and 1/3 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 Topic: Timor-Lestehistory: 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 Topic: Togohistory: 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 Topic: Tokelauhistory: many previous; latest effective 1 January 1949 (Tokelau Islands Act 1948) amendments: proposed as a resolution by the General Fono; passage requires support by each village and approval by the General Fono; amended several times, last in 2007 Topic: Tongahistory: adopted 4 November 1875, revised 1988, 2016 amendments: proposed by the Legislative Assembly; passage requires approval by the Assembly in each of three readings, the unanimous approval of the Privy Council (a high-level advisory body to the monarch), the Cabinet, and assent to by the monarch; revised 1988; amended many times, last in 2013 Topic: Trinidad and Tobagohistory: previous 1962; latest 1976 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, such as human rights and freedoms or citizenship, requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses and assent of the president; passage of amendments, such as the powers and authorities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and the procedure for amending the constitution, requires at least three-quarters majority vote by the House membership, two-thirds majority vote by the Senate membership, and assent of the president; amended many times, last in 2007 Topic: Tunisiahistory: history: several previous; latest approved by Constituent Assembly 26 January 2014, signed by the president, prime minister, and Constituent Assembly speaker on 27 January 2014; note - in September 2021, President Kais SAIED issued a decree granting him certain executive, legislative, and judiciary powers, and the authority to rule by decree, but allowed continued implementation of the preamble and chapters one and two of the Constitution, which guarantee rights and freedoms; in mid-December 202, SAIED announced that a constitutional referendum would be held on 25 July 2022 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by one third of the Assembly of the Representatives of the People membership; following review by the Constitutional Court, approval to proceed requires an absolute majority vote by the Assembly and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; the president can opt to submit an amendment to a referendum, which requires an absolute majority of votes cast for passagehistory: several previous; latest approved by Constituent Assembly 26 January 2014, signed by the president, prime minister, and Constituent Assembly speaker on 27 January 2014; note - in September 2021, President Kais SAIED issued a decree granting him certain executive, legislative, and judiciary powers, and the authority to rule by decree, but allowed continued implementation of the preamble and chapters one and two of the Constitution, which guarantee rights and freedoms; in mid-December 202, SAIED announced that a constitutional referendum would be held on 25 July 2022 Topic: Turkeyhistory: several previous; latest ratified 9 November 1982 amendments: proposed by written consent of at least one third of Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) members; adoption of draft amendments requires two debates in plenary TBMM session and three-fifths majority vote of all GNA members; the president of the republic can request TBMM reconsideration of the amendment and, if readopted by two-thirds majority TBMM vote, the president may submit the amendment to a referendum; passage by referendum requires absolute majority vote; amended several times, last in 2017 Topic: Turkmenistanhistory: several previous; latest adopted 14 September 2016 amendments: proposed by the Mejlisi; passage requires two-thirds majority vote or absolute majority approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2020 (changed legislature to bicameral) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandshistory: several previous; latest signed 7 August 2012, effective 15 October 2012 (The Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2011) amendments: NA Topic: Tuvaluhistory: previous 1978 (at independence); latest effective 1 October 1986 amendments: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership in the final reading; amended 2007, 2010, 2013; note - in 2016, the United Nations Development Program and the Tuvaluan Government initiated a review of the country's constitution, which was ongoing as of early 2021 Topic: Ugandahistory: several previous; latest adopted 27 September 1995, promulgated 8 October 1995 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership in the second and third readings; proposals affecting "entrenched clauses," including the sovereignty of the people, supremacy of the constitution, human rights and freedoms, the democratic and multiparty form of government, presidential term of office, independence of the judiciary, and the institutions of traditional or cultural leaders, also requires passage by referendum, ratification by at least two-thirds majority vote of district council members in at least two thirds of Uganda's districts, and assent ofthe president of the republic; amended several times, last in 2017 (2021) Topic: Ukrainehistory: several previous; latest adopted and ratified 28 June 1996 amendments: proposed by the president of Ukraine or by at least one third of the Supreme Council members; adoption requires simple majority vote by the Council and at least two-thirds majority vote in its next regular session; adoption of proposals relating to general constitutional principles, elections, and amendment procedures requires two-thirds majority vote by the Council and approval in a referendum; constitutional articles on personal rights and freedoms, national independence, and territorial integrity cannot be amended; amended several times, last in 2019 Topic: United Arab Emirateshistory: previous 1971 (provisional); latest drafted in 1979, became permanent May 1996 amendments: proposed by the Supreme Council and submitted to the Federal National Council; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority vote of Federal National Council members present and approval of the Supreme Council president; amended 2009 Topic: United Kingdomhistory: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice amendments: proposed as a bill for an Act of Parliament by the government, by the House of Commons, or by the House of Lords; passage requires agreement by both houses and by the monarch (Royal Assent); many previous, last in 2020 -  The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020, European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 (2021) Topic: United Stateshistory: previous 1781 (Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union); latest drafted July - September 1787, submitted to the Congress of the Confederation 20 September 1787, submitted for states' ratification 28 September 1787, ratification completed by nine of the 13 states 21 June 1788, effective 4 March 1789 amendments: proposed as a "joint resolution" by Congress, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called for by at least two thirds of the state legislatures; passage requires ratification by three fourths of the state legislatures or passage in state-held constitutional conventions as specified by Congress; the US president has no role in the constitutional amendment process; amended many times, last in 1992 Topic: Uruguayhistory: several previous; latest approved by plebiscite 27 November 1966, effective 15 February 1967, reinstated in 1985 at the conclusion of military rule amendments: initiated by public petition of at least 10% of qualified voters, proposed by agreement of at least two fifths of the General Assembly membership, or by existing "constitutional laws" sanctioned by at least two thirds of the membership in both houses of the Assembly; proposals can also be submitted by senators, representatives, or by the executive power and require the formation of and approval in a national constituent convention; final passage by either method requires approval by absolute majority of votes cast in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2004 Topic: Uzbekistanhistory: several previous; latest adopted 8 December 1992 amendments: proposed by the Supreme Assembly or by referendum; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of both houses of the Assembly or passage in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2017 Topic: Vanuatuhistory: draft completed August 1979, finalized by constitution conference 19 September 1979, ratified by French and British Governments 23 October 1979, effective 30 July 1980 at independence amendments: proposed by the prime minister or by the Parliament membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by Parliament in special session with at least three fourths of the membership; passage of amendments affecting the national and official languages, or the electoral and parliamentary system also requires approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2013 Topic: Venezuelahistory: many previous; latest adopted 15 December 1999, effective 30 December 1999 amendments: proposed through agreement by at least 39% of the National Assembly membership, by the president of the republic in session with the cabinet of ministers, or by petition of at least 15% of registered voters; passage requires simple majority vote by the Assembly and simple majority approval in a referendum; amended 2009; note - in 2016, President MADURO issued a decree to hold an election to form a constituent assembly to change the constitution; the election in July 2017 approved the formation of a 545-member constituent assembly and elected its delegates, empowering them to change the constitution and dismiss government institutions and officials Topic: Vietnamhistory: several previous; latest adopted 28 November 2013, effective 1 January 2014 amendments: proposed by the president, by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, or by at least two thirds of the National Assembly membership; a decision to draft an amendment requires approval by at least a two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership, followed by the formation of a constitutional drafting committee to write a draft and collect citizens’ opinions; passage requires at least two-thirds majority of the Assembly membership; the Assembly can opt to conduct a referendum Topic: Virgin Islandshistory: 22 July 1954 - the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands functions as a constitution for this US territory amendments: amended several times, last in 2012 Topic: Wallis and Futunahistory: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) amendments: French constitution amendment procedures apply Topic: Yemenhistory: adopted by referendum 16 May 1991 (following unification); note - after the National  Dialogue ended in January 2015, a Constitutional Drafting Committee appointed by the president worked to prepare a new draft constitution that was expected to be put to a national referendum before being adopted; however, the start of the current conflict in early 2015 interrupted the process amendments: amended several times, last in 2009 Topic: Zambiahistory: several previous; latest adopted 24 August 1991, promulgated 30 August 1991 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly in two separate readings at least 30 days apart; passage of amendments affecting fundamental rights and freedoms requires approval by at least one half of votes cast in a referendum prior to consideration and voting by the Assembly; amended 1996, 2015, 2016; note - in late 2020, an amendment which would have altered the structure of the constitution was defeated in the National Assembly Topic: Zimbabwehistory: previous 1965 (at Rhodesian independence), 1979 (Lancaster House Agreement), 1980 (at Zimbabwean independence); latest final draft completed January 2013, approved by referendum 16 March 2013, approved by Parliament 9 May 2013, effective 22 May 2013 amendments: proposed by the Senate or by the National Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of Parliament and assent of the president of the republic; amendments to constitutional chapters on fundamental human rights and freedoms and on agricultural lands also require approval by a majority of votes cast in a referendum; amended many times, last in 2017

20220901

references-international-organizations-and-groups

Topic: African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Topic: African Union (AU) Topic: African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Topic: African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group) Topic: Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL) Topic: Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Topic: Andean Community (CAN) Topic: Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA) Topic: Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) Topic: Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) Topic: Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) Topic: Arctic Council

20220901

countries-norway-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Norway. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [47] 21-30-85-40; US Embassy in Oslo, Morgedalsvegen 36, 0378 Oslo, Norway; OsloACS@state.gov; https://no.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 47 Local Emergency Phone: 112, 110 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast Currency (Code): Norwegian kroner (NOK) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: Bokmal Norwegian, Nynorsk Norwegian, small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities Major Religions: Church of Norway (Evangelical Lutheran - official) 68.1%, Muslim 3.4%, Roman Catholic 3.1%, other Christian 3.8% 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: Sognefjord; Pulpit Rock; Oslo (includes National Theater, Bygdoy, Viking Ships Museum, Akershus Fortress), Tromsø; Lofoten Islands; Bergen Hanseatic Warf Major Sports: Soccer, winter sports (biatholon, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, speed skating), ice hockey, handball Cultural Practices: Modesty is looked on favorably in Norway, while boastfulness is considered quite rude. This disposition stems from a cultural tradition known as Janet Law, which outlines a series of traditional Norwegian values. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not required. It is, however, customary to leave a tip in restaurants and bars if you are happy with the service. A 10-20% tip is the norm. It is uncommon to tip taxi drivers or cleaning staff at hotels.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

field-coastline

This entry gives the total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea. Topic: Afghanistan0 km (landlocked) Topic: Akrotiri56.3 km Topic: Albania362 km Topic: Algeria998 km Topic: American Samoa116 km Topic: Andorra0 km (landlocked) Topic: Angola1,600 km Topic: Anguilla61 km Topic: Antarctica17,968 km Topic: Antigua and Barbuda153 km Topic: Arctic Ocean45,389 km Topic: Argentina4,989 km Topic: Armenia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Aruba68.5 km Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islands74.1 km Topic: Atlantic Ocean111,866 km Topic: Australia25,760 km Topic: Austria0 km (landlocked) Topic: Azerbaijan0 km (landlocked); note - Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (713 km) Topic: Bahamas, The3,542 km Topic: Bahrain161 km Topic: Bangladesh580 km Topic: Barbados97 km Topic: Belarus0 km (landlocked) Topic: Belgium66.5 km Topic: Belize386 km Topic: Benin121 km Topic: Bermuda103 km Topic: Bhutan0 km (landlocked) Topic: Bolivia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina20 km Topic: Botswana0 km (landlocked) Topic: Bouvet Island29.6 km Topic: Brazil7,491 km Topic: British Indian Ocean Territory698 km Topic: British Virgin Islands80 km Topic: Brunei161 km Topic: Bulgaria354 km Topic: Burkina Faso0 km (landlocked) Topic: Burma1,930 km Topic: Burundi0 km (landlocked) Topic: Cabo Verde965 km Topic: Cambodia443 km Topic: Cameroon402 km Topic: Canada202,080 km note: the Canadian Arctic Archipelago - consisting of 36,563 islands, several of them some of the world's largest - contributes to Canada easily having the longest coastline in the world Topic: Cayman Islands160 km Topic: Central African Republic0 km (landlocked) Topic: Chad0 km (landlocked) Topic: Chile6,435 km Topic: China14,500 km Topic: Christmas Island138.9 km Topic: Clipperton Island11.1 km Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands26 km Topic: Colombia3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km) Topic: Comoros340 km Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the37 km Topic: Congo, Republic of the169 km Topic: Cook Islands120 km Topic: Coral Sea Islands3,095 km Topic: Costa Rica1,290 km Topic: Cote d'Ivoire515 km Topic: Croatia5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km) Topic: Cuba3,735 km Topic: Curacao364 km Topic: Cyprus648 km Topic: Czechia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Denmark7,314 km Topic: Dhekelia27.5 km Topic: Djibouti314 km Topic: Dominica148 km Topic: Dominican Republic1,288 km Topic: Ecuador2,237 km Topic: Egypt2,450 km Topic: El Salvador307 km Topic: Equatorial Guinea296 km Topic: Eritrea2,234 km (mainland on Red Sea 1,151 km, islands in Red Sea 1,083 km) Topic: Estonia3,794 km Topic: Eswatini0 km (landlocked) Topic: Ethiopia0 km (landlocked) Topic: European Union53,563.9 km Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)1,288 km Topic: Faroe Islands1,117 km Topic: Fiji1,129 km Topic: Finland1,250 km Topic: France4,853 km metropolitan France: 3,427 km Topic: French Polynesia2,525 km Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsIle Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 28 km Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): Iles Kerguelen: 2,800 km Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22.2 km Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 24.1 km Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 3.7 km Topic: Gabon885 km Topic: Gambia, The80 km Topic: Gaza Strip40 km Topic: Georgia310 km Topic: Germany2,389 km Topic: Ghana539 km Topic: Gibraltar12 km Topic: Greece13,676 km Topic: Greenland44,087 km Topic: Grenada121 km Topic: Guam125.5 km Topic: Guatemala400 km Topic: Guernsey50 km Topic: Guinea320 km Topic: Guinea-Bissau350 km Topic: Guyana459 km Topic: Haiti1,771 km Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islands101.9 km Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)0 km (landlocked) Topic: Honduras823 km (Caribbean Sea 669 km, Gulf of Fonseca 163 km) Topic: Hong Kong733 km Topic: Hungary0 km (landlocked) Topic: Iceland4,970 km Topic: India7,000 km Topic: Indian Ocean66,526 km Topic: Indonesia54,716 km Topic: Iran2,440 km - note: Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km) Topic: Iraq58 km Topic: Ireland1,448 km Topic: Isle of Man160 km Topic: Israel273 km Topic: Italy7,600 km Topic: Jamaica1,022 km Topic: Jan Mayen124.1 km Topic: Japan29,751 km Topic: Jersey70 km Topic: Jordan26 km Topic: Kazakhstan0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km) Topic: Kenya536 km Topic: Kiribati1,143 km Topic: Korea, North2,495 km Topic: Korea, South2,413 km Topic: Kosovo0 km (landlocked) Topic: Kuwait499 km Topic: Kyrgyzstan0 km (landlocked) Topic: Laos0 km (landlocked) Topic: Latvia498 km Topic: Lebanon225 km Topic: Lesotho0 km (landlocked) Topic: Liberia579 km Topic: Libya1,770 km Topic: Liechtenstein0 km (doubly landlocked) Topic: Lithuania90 km Topic: Luxembourg0 km (landlocked) Topic: Macau41 km Topic: Madagascar4,828 km Topic: Malawi0 km (landlocked) Topic: Malaysia4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km) Topic: Maldives644 km Topic: Mali0 km (landlocked) Topic: Malta196.8 km (excludes 56 km for the island of Gozo) Topic: Marshall Islands370.4 km Topic: Mauritania754 km Topic: Mauritius177 km Topic: Mexico9,330 km Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of6,112 km Topic: Moldova0 km (landlocked) Topic: Monaco4.1 km Topic: Mongolia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Montenegro293.5 km Topic: Montserrat40 km Topic: Morocco2,945 km Topic: Mozambique2,470 km Topic: Namibia1,572 km Topic: Nauru30 km Topic: Navassa Island8 km Topic: Nepal0 km (landlocked) Topic: Netherlands451 km Topic: New Caledonia2,254 km Topic: New Zealand15,134 km Topic: Nicaragua910 km Topic: Niger0 km (landlocked) Topic: Nigeria853 km Topic: Niue64 km Topic: Norfolk Island32 km Topic: North Macedonia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands1,482 km Topic: Norway25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km; length of island coastlines 58,133 km) Topic: Oman2,092 km Topic: Pacific Ocean135,663 km Topic: Pakistan1,046 km Topic: Palau1,519 km Topic: Panama2,490 km Topic: Papua New Guinea5,152 km Topic: Paracel Islands518 km Topic: Paraguay0 km (landlocked) Topic: Peru2,414 km Topic: Philippines36,289 km Topic: Pitcairn Islands51 km Topic: Poland440 km Topic: Portugal1,793 km Topic: Puerto Rico501 km Topic: Qatar563 km Topic: Romania225 km Topic: Russia37,653 km Topic: Rwanda0 km (landlocked) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena: 60 km Ascension Island: NA Tristan da Cunha (island only): 34 km Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis135 km Topic: Saint Lucia158 km Topic: Saint Martin58.9 km (for entire island) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon120 km Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines84 km Topic: Samoa403 km Topic: San Marino0 km (landlocked) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe209 km Topic: Saudi Arabia2,640 km Topic: Senegal531 km Topic: Serbia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Seychelles491 km Topic: Sierra Leone402 km Topic: Singapore193 km Topic: Sint Maarten58.9 km (for entire island) Topic: Slovakia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Slovenia46.6 km Topic: Solomon Islands5,313 km Topic: Somalia3,025 km Topic: South Africa2,798 km Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich IslandsNA Topic: South Sudan0 km (landlocked) Topic: Southern Ocean17,968 km Topic: Spain4,964 km Topic: Spratly Islands926 km Topic: Sri Lanka1,340 km Topic: Sudan853 km Topic: Suriname386 km Topic: Svalbard3,587 km Topic: Sweden3,218 km Topic: Switzerland0 km (landlocked) Topic: Syria193 km Topic: Taiwan1,566.3 km Topic: Tajikistan0 km (landlocked) Topic: Tanzania1,424 km Topic: Thailand3,219 km Topic: Timor-Leste706 km Topic: Togo56 km Topic: Tokelau101 km Topic: Tonga419 km Topic: Trinidad and Tobago362 km Topic: Tunisia1,148 km Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)7,200 km Topic: Turkmenistan0 km (landlocked); note - Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea (1,768 km) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands389 km Topic: Tuvalu24 km Topic: Uganda0 km (landlocked) Topic: Ukraine2,782 km Topic: United Arab Emirates1,318 km Topic: United Kingdom12,429 km Topic: United States19,924 km Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesBaker Island: 4.8 km Howland Island: 6.4 km Jarvis Island: 8 km Johnston Atoll: 34 km Kingman Reef: 3 km Midway Islands: 15 km Palmyra Atoll: 14.5 km Topic: Uruguay660 km Topic: Uzbekistan0 km (doubly landlocked); note - Uzbekistan includes the southern portion of the Aral Sea with a 420 km shoreline Topic: Vanuatu2,528 km Topic: Venezuela2,800 km Topic: Vietnam3,444 km (excludes islands) Topic: Virgin Islands188 km Topic: Wake Island19.3 km Topic: Wallis and Futuna129 km Topic: West Bank0 km (landlocked) Topic: World356,000 km note: 95 nations and other entities are islands that border no other countries, they include: American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Ashmore and Cartier Islands, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Baker Island, Barbados, Bermuda, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cabo Verde, Cayman Islands, Christmas Island, Clipperton Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Comoros, Cook Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Dominica, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guernsey, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Howland Island, Iceland, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jan Mayen, Japan, Jarvis Island, Jersey, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Kiribati, Madagascar, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mayotte, Federated States of Micronesia, Midway Islands, Montserrat, Nauru, Navassa Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Palmyra Atoll, Paracel Islands, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Sint Maarten, Solomon Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Spratly Islands, Sri Lanka, Svalbard, Taiwan, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, Wake Island, Wallis and Futuna Topic: Yemen1,906 km Topic: Zambia0 km (landlocked) Topic: Zimbabwe0 km (landlocked)

20220901

field-budget

This entry includes revenues and expenditures. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Topic: Afghanistanrevenues: 2.276 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.328 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Albaniarevenues: 3.614 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.874 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Algeriarevenues: 54.15 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 70.2 billion (2017 est.) Topic: American Samoarevenues: 249 million (2016 est.) expenditures: 262.5 million (2016 est.) Topic: Andorrarevenues: 1.872 billion (2016) expenditures: 2.06 billion (2016) Topic: Angolarevenues: 37.02 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 45.44 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Anguillarevenues: 81.92 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 80.32 million (2017 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudarevenues: 298.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 334 million (2017 est.) Topic: Argentinarevenues: 120.6 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 158.6 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Armeniarevenues: 2.644 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.192 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Arubarevenues: 681.6 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 755.5 million (2017 est.) Topic: Australiarevenues: 490 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 496.9 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Austriarevenues: 201.7 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 204.6 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Azerbaijanrevenues: 9.556 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 10.22 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Therevenues: 2.139 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.46 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bahrainrevenues: 5.854 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 9.407 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bangladeshrevenues: 25.1 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 33.5 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Barbadosrevenues: 1.466 billion (2017 est.) (2013 est.) expenditures: 1.664 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Belarusrevenues: 22.15 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 20.57 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Belgiumrevenues: 253.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 258.6 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Belizerevenues: 553.5 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 572 million (2017 est.) Topic: Beninrevenues: 1.578 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.152 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bermudarevenues: 999.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.176 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bhutanrevenues: 655.3 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 737.4 million (2017 est.) note: the Government of India finances nearly one-quarter of Bhutan's budget expenditures Topic: Boliviarevenues: 15.09 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 18.02 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinarevenues: 7.993 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 7.607 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Botswanarevenues: 5.305 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.478 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Brazilrevenues: 733.7 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 756.3 billion (2017 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandsrevenues: 400 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 400 million (2017 est.) Topic: Bruneirevenues: 2.245 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.345 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Bulgariarevenues: 20.35 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.35 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasorevenues: 2.666 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.655 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Burmarevenues: 9.108 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 11.23 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Burundirevenues: 536.7 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 729.6 million (2017 est.) Topic: Cabo Verderevenues: 493.5 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 546.7 million (2017 est.) Topic: Cambodiarevenues: 3.947 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.354 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cameroonrevenues: 5.363 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 6.556 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Canadarevenues: 649.6 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 665.7 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandsrevenues: 874.5 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 766.6 million (2017 est.) Topic: Central African Republicrevenues: 282.9 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 300.1 million (2017 est.) Topic: Chadrevenues: 1.337 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.481 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Chilerevenues: 57.75 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 65.38 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Chinarevenues: 2.553 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.008 trillion (2017 est.) Topic: Christmas Islandrevenues: NA expenditures: NA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsrevenues: NA expenditures: NA Topic: Colombiarevenues: 83.35 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 91.73 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Comorosrevenues: 165.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 207.3 million (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of therevenues: 4.634 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.009 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of therevenues: 1.965 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.578 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cook Islandsrevenues: 86.9 million (2010) expenditures: 77.9 million (2010) Topic: Costa Ricarevenues: 8.357 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 11.92 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoirerevenues: 7.749 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 9.464 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Croatiarevenues: 25.24 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 24.83 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cubarevenues: 54.52 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 64.64 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Cyprusrevenues: 8.663 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 8.275 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Czechiarevenues: 87.37 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 83.92 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Denmarkrevenues: 172.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 168.9 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Djiboutirevenues: 717 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 899.2 million (2017 est.) Topic: Dominicarevenues: 227.8 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 260.4 million (2017 est.) Topic: Dominican Republicrevenues: 11.33 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 13.62 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Ecuadorrevenues: 33.43 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 38.08 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Egyptrevenues: 42.32 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 62.61 billion (2017 est.) Topic: El Salvadorrevenues: 5.886 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 6.517 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinearevenues: 2.114 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.523 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Eritrearevenues: 2.029 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.601 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Estoniarevenues: 10.37 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 10.44 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Eswatinirevenues: 1.263 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.639 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Ethiopiarevenues: 11.24 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 13.79 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)revenues: 67.1 million (FY09/10) expenditures: 75.3 million (FY09/10) Topic: Faroe Islandsrevenues: 835.6 million (2014 est.) expenditures: 883.8 million (2014) note: Denmark supplies the Faroe Islands with almost one-third of its public funds Topic: Fijirevenues: 1.454 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.648 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Finlandrevenues: 134.2 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 135.6 billion (2017 est.) note: Central Government Budget data; these numbers represent a significant reduction from previous official reporting Topic: Francerevenues: 1.392 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.459 trillion (2017 est.) Topic: French Polynesiarevenues: 1.891 billion (2012) expenditures: 1.833 billion (2011) Topic: Gabonrevenues: 2.634 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.914 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, Therevenues: 300.4 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 339 million (2017 est.) Topic: Gaza Stripsee entry for the West Bank Topic: Georgiarevenues: 4.352 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.925 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Germanyrevenues: 1.665 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.619 trillion (2017 est.) Topic: Ghanarevenues: 9.544 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 12.36 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Gibraltarrevenues: 475.8 million (2008 est.) expenditures: 452.3 million (2008 est.) Topic: Greecerevenues: 97.99 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 96.35 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Greenlandrevenues: 1.719 billion (2016 est.) expenditures: 1.594 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Grenadarevenues: 288.4 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 252.3 million (2017 est.) Topic: Guamrevenues: 1.24 billion (2016 est.) expenditures: 1.299 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Guatemalarevenues: 8.164 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 9.156 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Guernseyrevenues: 563.6 million (2005) expenditures: 530.9 million (2005 est.) Topic: Guinearevenues: 1.7 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.748 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissaurevenues: 246.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 263.5 million (2017 est.) Topic: Guyanarevenues: 1.002 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.164 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Haitirevenues: 1.567 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.65 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)revenues: 315 million (2013) expenditures: 348 million (2013) Topic: Hondurasrevenues: 4.658 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.283 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Hong Kongrevenues: 79.34 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 61.64 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Hungaryrevenues: 61.98 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 64.7 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Icelandrevenues: 10.39 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 10.02 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Indiarevenues: 238.2 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 329 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Indonesiarevenues: 131.7 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 159.6 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Iranrevenues: 74.4 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 84.45 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Iraqrevenues: 68.71 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 76.82 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Irelandrevenues: 86.04 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 87.19 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Isle of Manrevenues: 965 million (FY05/06 est.) expenditures: 943 million (FY05/06 est.) Topic: Israelrevenues: 93.11 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 100.2 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Italyrevenues: 903.3 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 948.1 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Jamaicarevenues: 4.382 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.314 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Japanrevenues: 1.714 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.885 trillion (2017 est.) Topic: Jerseyrevenues: 829 million (2005) expenditures: 851 million (2005) Topic: Jordanrevenues: 9.462 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 11.51 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Kazakhstanrevenues: 35.48 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 38.3 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Kenyarevenues: 13.95 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.24 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Kiribatirevenues: 151.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 277.5 million (2017 est.) Topic: Korea, Northrevenues: 3.2 billion (2007 est.) expenditures: 3.3 billion (2007 est.) Topic: Korea, Southrevenues: 357.1 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 335.8 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Kosovorevenues: 2.054 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.203 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Kuwaitrevenues: 50.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 62.6 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstanrevenues: 2.169 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.409 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Laosrevenues: 3.099 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.038 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Latviarevenues: 11.39 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 11.53 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Lebanonrevenues: 11.62 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 15.38 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Lesothorevenues: 1.09 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.255 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Liberiarevenues: 553.6 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 693.8 million (2017 est.) Topic: Libyarevenues: 15.78 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 23.46 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Liechtensteinrevenues: 995.3 million (2012 est.) expenditures: 890.4 million (2011 est.) Topic: Lithuaniarevenues: 15.92 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 15.7 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Luxembourgrevenues: 27.75 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 26.8 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Macaurevenues: 14.71 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 9.684 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Madagascarrevenues: 1.828 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.136 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Malawirevenues: 1.356 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.567 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Malaysiarevenues: 51.25 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 60.63 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Maldivesrevenues: 1.19 billion (2016 est.) expenditures: 1.643 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Malirevenues: 3.075 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.513 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Maltarevenues: 5.076 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.583 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Marshall Islandsrevenues: 116.7 million (2013 est.) expenditures: 113.9 million (2013 est.) Topic: Mauritaniarevenues: 1.354 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.396 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritiusrevenues: 2.994 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.038 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Mexicorevenues: 261.4 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 273.8 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofrevenues: 213.8 million (FY12/13 est.) expenditures: 192.1 million (FY12/13 est.) Topic: Moldovarevenues: 2.886 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.947 billion (2017 est.) note: National Public Budget Topic: Monacorevenues: 896.3 million (2011 est.) expenditures: 953.6 million (2011 est.) Topic: Mongoliarevenues: 2.967 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.681 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Montenegrorevenues: 1.78 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.05 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Montserratrevenues: 66.67 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 47.04 million (2017 est.) Topic: Moroccorevenues: 22.81 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 26.75 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Mozambiquerevenues: 3.356 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.054 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Namibiarevenues: 4.268 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Naururevenues: 103 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 113.4 million (2017 est.) Topic: Nepalrevenues: 5.925 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.945 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Netherlandsrevenues: 361.4 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 352.4 billion (2017 est.) Topic: New Caledoniarevenues: 1.995 billion (2015 est.) expenditures: 1.993 billion (2015 est.) Topic: New Zealandrevenues: 74.11 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 70.97 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Nicaraguarevenues: 3.871 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.15 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Nigerrevenues: 1.757 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.171 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Nigeriarevenues: 12.92 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.54 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Niuerevenues: 15.07 million (FY04/05) expenditures: 16.33 million (FY04/05) Topic: Norfolk Islandrevenues: 4.6 million (FY99/00) expenditures: 4.8 million (FY99/00) Topic: North Macedoniarevenues: 3.295 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.605 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsrevenues: 389.6 million (2016 est.) expenditures: 344 million (2015 est.) Topic: Norwayrevenues: 217.1 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 199.5 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Omanrevenues: 22.14 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 31.92 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Pakistanrevenues: 46.81 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 64.49 billion (2017 est.) note: data are for fiscal years Topic: Palaurevenues: 193 million (2012 est.) expenditures: 167.3 million (2012 est.) Topic: Panamarevenues: 12.43 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 13.44 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinearevenues: 3.638 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.591 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Paraguayrevenues: 5.524 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.968 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Perurevenues: 58.06 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 64.81 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Philippinesrevenues: 49.07 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 56.02 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islandsrevenues: 746,000 (FY04/05) expenditures: 1.028 million (FY04/05) Topic: Polandrevenues: 207.5 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 216.2 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Portugalrevenues: 93.55 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 100 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricorevenues: 9.268 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 9.974 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Qatarrevenues: 44.1 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 53.82 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Romaniarevenues: 62.14 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 68.13 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Russiarevenues: 258.6 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 281.4 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Rwandarevenues: 1.943 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.337 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunharevenues: 8.427 million (FY06/07 est.) expenditures: 20.7 million (FY06/07 est.) note: revenue data reflect only locally raised revenues; the budget deficit is resolved by grant aid from the UK Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisrevenues: 307 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 291.1 million (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Luciarevenues: 398.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 392.8 million (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonrevenues: 70 million (1996 est.) expenditures: 60 million (1996 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesrevenues: 225.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 230 million (2017 est.) Topic: Samoarevenues: 237.3 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 276.8 million (2017 est.) Topic: San Marinorevenues: 667.7 million (2011 est.) expenditures: 715.3 million (2011 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principerevenues: 103 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 112.4 million (2017 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiarevenues: 181 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 241.8 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Senegalrevenues: 4.139 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.9 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Serbiarevenues: 17.69 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 17.59 billion (2017 est.) note: data include both central government and local goverment budgets Topic: Seychellesrevenues: 593.4 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 600.7 million (2017 est.) Topic: Sierra Leonerevenues: 562 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 846.4 million (2017 est.) Topic: Singaporerevenues: 50.85 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 51.87 billion (2017 est.) note: expenditures include both operational and development expenditures Topic: Slovakiarevenues: 37.79 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 38.79 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Sloveniarevenues: 21.07 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 21.06 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandsrevenues: 532.5 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 570.5 million (2017 est.) Topic: Somaliarevenues: 145.3 million (2014 est.) expenditures: 151.1 million (2014 est.) Topic: South Africarevenues: 92.86 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 108.3 billion (2017 est.) Topic: South Sudanrevenues: 259.6 million (FY2017/18 est.) expenditures: 298.6 million (FY2017/18 est.) Topic: Spainrevenues: 498.1 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 539 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Sri Lankarevenues: 12.07 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 16.88 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Sudanrevenues: 8.48 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 13.36 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Surinamerevenues: 560.7 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 827.8 million (2017 est.) Topic: Svalbardrevenues: NA expenditures: NA Topic: Swedenrevenues: 271.2 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 264.4 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Switzerlandrevenues: 242.1 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 234.4 billion (2017 est.) note: includes federal, cantonal, and municipal budgets Topic: Syriarevenues: 1.162 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.211 billion (2017 est.) note: government projections for FY2016 Topic: Taiwanrevenues: 91.62 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 92.03 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Tajikistanrevenues: 2.269 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.374 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Tanzaniarevenues: 7.873 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 8.818 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Thailandrevenues: 69.23 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 85.12 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Timor-Lesterevenues: 300 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.4 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Togorevenues: 1.023 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.203 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Tokelaurevenues: 24,324,473 (2017 est.) expenditures: 11,666,542 (2017 est.) Topic: Tongarevenues: 181.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 181.2 million (2017 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagorevenues: 5.581 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 7.446 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Tunisiarevenues: 9.876 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 12.21 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Turkeyrevenues: 172.8 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 185.8 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Turkmenistanrevenues: 5.657 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 6.714 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsrevenues: 247.3 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 224.3 million (2017 est.) Topic: Tuvalurevenues: 42.68 million (2013 est.) expenditures: 32.46 million (2012 est.) note: revenue data include Official Development Assistance from Australia Topic: Ugandarevenues: 3.848 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.928 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Ukrainerevenues: 29.82 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 31.55 billion (2017 est.) note: this is the planned, consolidated budget Topic: United Arab Emiratesrevenues: 110.2 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 111.1 billion (2017 est.) note: the UAE federal budget does not account for emirate-level spending in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Topic: United Kingdomrevenues: 1.028 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.079 trillion (2017 est.) Topic: United Statesrevenues: 3.315 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.981 trillion (2017 est.) note: revenues exclude social contributions of approximately $1.0 trillion; expenditures exclude social benefits of approximately $2.3 trillion Topic: Uruguayrevenues: 17.66 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.72 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Uzbekistanrevenues: 15.22 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 15.08 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Vanuaturevenues: 236.7 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 244.1 million (2017 est.) Topic: Venezuelarevenues: 92.8 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 189.7 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Vietnamrevenues: 54.59 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 69.37 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandsrevenues: 1.496 billion (2016 est.) expenditures: 1.518 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futunarevenues: 32.54 million (2015 est.) NA expenditures: 34.18 million (2015 est.) NA Topic: West Bankrevenues: 1.314 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.278 billion (2017 est.) note: includes Palestinian Authority expenditures in the Gaza Strip Topic: Worldrevenues: 21.68 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 23.81 trillion (2017 est.) Topic: Yemenrevenues: 2.821 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.458 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Zambiarevenues: 4.473 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 6.357 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Zimbabwerevenues: 3.8 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5.5 billion (2017 est.)

20220901

field-international-organization-participation

This entry lists in alphabetical order by abbreviation those international organizations in which the subject country is a member or participates in some other way. Topic: Afghanistanbefore 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 Topic: AlbaniaBSEC, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EITI (compliant country), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: AlgeriaABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BIS, CAEU, CD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: American SamoaAOSIS (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, PIF (observer), SPC Topic: AndorraCE, 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) Topic: AngolaACP, AfDB, AU, CEMAC, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OPEC, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: AnguillaCaricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU Topic: Antigua and BarbudaACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ArgentinaAfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-77, 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, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: ArmeniaADB, BSEC, CD, CE, CIS, CSTO, EAEC (observer), EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ArubaCaricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU Topic: AustraliaADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-20, 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, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: AustriaADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: AzerbaijanADB, BSEC, CD, CE, CICA, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: Bahamas, TheACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: BahrainABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BangladeshADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BarbadosACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BelarusBSEC (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 Topic: BelgiumADB (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 Topic: BelizeACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BeninACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MNJTF, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BermudaCaricom (associate), ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UPU, WCO Topic: BhutanADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: BoliviaCAN, 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 Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaBIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-77, 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, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: BotswanaACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BrazilAfDB (nonregional member), BIS, BRICS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, CPLP, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, 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, LAS (observer), Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPANAL, OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: British Indian Ocean TerritoryUPU Topic: British Virgin IslandsCaricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU Topic: BruneiADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BulgariaAustralia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EU, FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: Burkina FasoACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BurmaADB, ARF, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, CP, EAS, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: BurundiACP, 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 Topic: Cabo VerdeACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: CambodiaADB, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MINUSMA, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: CameroonACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, MNJTF, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: CanadaADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CDB, CE (observer), EAPC, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, 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), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: Cayman IslandsCaricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU Topic: Central African RepublicACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country) (suspended), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, NAM, OIC (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ChadACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, MINUSMA, MNJTF, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ChileAPEC, BIS, CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, 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, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance, PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ChinaADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, BRICS, CDB, CICA, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24 (observer), G-5, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SCO, SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UN Security Council (permanent), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: Christmas Islandnone Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnone Topic: ColombiaBCIE, BIS, CAN, Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CELAC, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77, 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, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance, PCA, PROSUR, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ComorosACP, AfDB, AMF, AOSIS, AU, CAEU (candidates), COMESA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theACP, AfDB, AU, CEMAC, CEPGL, COMESA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC (observer), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Congo, Republic of theACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC (observer), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Cook IslandsACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO Topic: Costa RicaBCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Cote d'IvoireACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: CroatiaAustralia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EMU, EU, FAO, G-11, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: CubaACP, ALBA, AOSIS, CELAC, EAEU (observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: CuracaoCaricom (observer), FATF, ILO, ITU, UNESCO (associate), UPUCaricom (observer), FATF, ILO, ITU, UNESCO (associate), UPU Topic: CyprusAustralia Group, C, CD, CE, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: CzechiaAustralia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, 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, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: DenmarkADB (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 Topic: DjiboutiACP, 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 Topic: DominicaACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, Commonwealth of Nations, ECCU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Dominican RepublicACP, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: EcuadorCAN, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: EgyptABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CD, CICA, COMESA, D-8, EBRD, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, LCBC (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: El SalvadorBCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Equatorial GuineaACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, CPLP, FAO, Francophonie, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, , UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO (observer) Topic: EritreaACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: EstoniaAustralia 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 Topic: EswatiniACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: EthiopiaACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: European UnionARF, 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) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)UPU Topic: Faroe IslandsArctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO (associate), UPU Topic: FijiACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca (suspended), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: FinlandADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNSOM, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: FranceADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, FZ, 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, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UN Security Council (permanent), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: French PolynesiaITUC (NGOs), PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU, WMO Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsUPU Topic: GabonACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Gambia, TheACP, 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 Topic: GeorgiaADB, 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 Topic: GermanyADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CD, CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, 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), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: GhanaACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: GibraltarICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), UPU Topic: GreeceAustralia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, 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, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: GreenlandArctic Council, ICC, NC, NIB, UPU Topic: GrenadaACP, AOSIS, CARIFORUM, CARIBCAN, Caricom, CBI, CDB, CELAC, CSME, ECCU, EPA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO Topic: GuamAOSIS (observer), IOC, PIF (observer), SPC, UPU Topic: GuatemalaBCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: GuernseyUPU Topic: GuineaACP, AfDB, EITI (compliant country), 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, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Guinea-BissauACP, 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 Topic: GuyanaACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, PROSUR, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: HaitiACP, AOSIS, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)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) Topic: HondurasBCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC (suspended), IOM, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO (suspended), WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Hong KongADB, APEC, BIS, FATF, ICC (national committees), IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITUC (NGOs), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WMO, WTO Topic: HungaryAustralia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: IcelandArctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: IndiaADB, AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIMSTEC, BIS, BRICS, C, CD, CERN (observer), CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, 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), LAS (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: IndonesiaADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-11, G-15, G-20, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IORA, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, MSG (associate member), NAM, OECD (enhanced engagement), OIC, OPCW, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: IranCICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, SAARC (observer), SCO (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: IraqABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: IrelandADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, 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, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: Isle of ManUPU Topic: IsraelBIS, BSEC (observer), CE (observer), CERN, CICA, EBRD, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW (signatory), OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ItalyADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CDB, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, 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, MINURSO, MINUSMA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: JamaicaACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: JapanADB, 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 Topic: JerseyUPU Topic: JordanABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CD, CICA, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MINUSTAH, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, NATO (partner), OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: KazakhstanADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: KenyaACP, 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 Topic: KiribatiABEDA, ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: Korea, NorthARF, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: Korea, SouthADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: KosovoIBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF (observer) Topic: KuwaitABEDA, 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 Topic: KyrgyzstanADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: LaosADB, ARF, ASEAN, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: LatviaAustralia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: LebanonABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: LesothoACP, 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 Topic: LiberiaACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: LibyaABEDA, 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) Topic: LiechtensteinCD, CE, EBRD, EFTA, IAEA, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO, WTO Topic: LithuaniaAustralia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: LuxembourgADB (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 Topic: MacauICC (national committees), IHO, IMF, IMO (associate), Interpol (subbureau), ISO (correspondent), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCO, WMO, WTO Topic: MadagascarACP, AfDB, AU, CD, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MalawiACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MalaysiaADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CICA (observer), CP, D-8, EAS, FAO, G-15, G-77, 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), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MaldivesADB, AOSIS, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MaliACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), CD, ECOWAS (suspended), EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOPS, UN Women, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, World Bank Group, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MaltaAustralia 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 Topic: Marshall IslandsACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO Topic: MauritaniaABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MIUSMA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MauritiusACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, CD, COMESA, CPLP (associate), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SAARC (observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MexicoAPEC, 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 Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO Topic: MoldovaBSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEU (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MonacoCD, CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: MongoliaADB, ARF, CD, CICA, CP, EBRD, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, OSCE, SCO (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MontenegroCE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MontserratCaricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU Topic: MoroccoABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNSC (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: MozambiqueACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: NamibiaACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, CPLP (associate observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: NauruACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICCt, IFAD, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO Topic: NepalADB, BIMSTEC, CD, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNSOM, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: NetherlandsADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, 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, MINUSMA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: New CaledoniaITUC (NGOs), PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WMO Topic: New ZealandADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF, SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: NicaraguaBCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: NigerACP, AfDB, AU, CD, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, MINUSMA, MNJTF, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: NigeriaACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, D-8, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MNJTF, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: NiueACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: Norfolk IslandUPU Topic: North MacedoniaBIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (candidate country), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsPIF (observer), SPC, UPU Topic: NorwayADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, EITI (implementing country), ESA, FAO, FATF, 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, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: OmanABEDA, 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 Topic: PakistanADB, AIIB, ARF, ASEAN (sectoral dialogue partner), C, CERN (associate member), CICA, CP, D-8, ECO, FAO, G-11, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURCAT, MINURSO, MINUSCA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNSOS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: PalauACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO Topic: PanamaBCIE, CAN (observer), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Papua New GuineaACP, ADB, AOSIS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CD, CP, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ParaguayCAN (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 Topic: PeruAPEC, BIS, CAN, CD, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance, PCA, PROSUR, SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: PhilippinesADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CD, CICA (observer), CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Pitcairn IslandsSPC, UPU Topic: PolandArctic 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 Topic: PortugalADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, CPLP, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSMA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: Puerto RicoAOSIS (observer), Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNWTO (associate), UPU, WFTU (NGOs) Topic: QatarABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CD, CICA (observer), EITI (implementing country), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: RomaniaAustralia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G-9, 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), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: RussiaAPEC, 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 Topic: RwandaACP, AfDB, AU, C, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Saint BarthelemyUPU Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaUPU Topic: Saint Kitts and NevisACP, 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 Topic: Saint LuciaACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Saint MartinUPU Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonUPU, WFTU (NGOs) Topic: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WTO Topic: SamoaACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: San MarinoCE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO Topic: Sao Tome and PrincipeACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CD, CEMAC, CPLP, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: Saudi ArabiaABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, CAEU, CP, FAO, G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: SenegalACP, AfDB, AU, CD, CPLP (associate), ECOWAS, EITI (candidate country), FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: SerbiaBIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (candidate country), FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: SeychellesACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, C, CD, COMESA, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Sierra LeoneACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: SingaporeADB, AOSIS, APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, FAO, FATF, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Sint MaartenCaricom (observer), ILO, Interpol, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMOCaricom (observer), ILO, Interpol, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMO Topic: SlovakiaAustralia 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 Topic: SloveniaAustralia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: Solomon IslandsACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, EITI (candidate country), ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Topic: SomaliaACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU (candidate), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: South AfricaACP, AfDB, AU, BIS, BRICS, C, CD, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-24, G-5, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, NSG, OECD (enhanced engagement), OPCW, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich IslandsUPU Topic: South SudanAU, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOM, IPU, ITU, MIGA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO Topic: SpainADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: Sri LankaABEDA, ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, 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, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: SudanABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: SurinameACP, AOSIS, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Svalbardnone Topic: SwedenADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, 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, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UN Security Council (temporary), UNSOM, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: SwitzerlandADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, EITI (implementing country), ESA, FAO, FATF, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: SyriaABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, ICSID, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WBG, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: TaiwanADB (Taipei, China), APEC (Chinese Taipei), BCIE, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), SICA (observer), WTO (Taipei, China); note - separate customs territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu Topic: TajikistanADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-77, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: TanzaniaACP, AfDB, AU, C, CD, EAC, EADB, EITI, FAO, G-77, 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, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ThailandADB, 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 Topic: Timor-LesteACP, 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 Topic: TogoACP, 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 Topic: TokelauPIF (associate member), SPC, UNESCO (associate), UPU Topic: TongaACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Trinidad and TobagoACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: TunisiaABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CD, EBRD, FAO, G-11, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OIF, OPCW, OSCE (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: TurkeyADB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CERN (observer), CICA, CPLP (associate observer), D-8, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EU (candidate country), FAO, FATF, G-20, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF (partner), SCO (dialogue member), SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: TurkmenistanADB, CIS (associate member, has not ratified the 1993 CIS charter although it participates in meetings and held the chairmanship of the CIS in 2012), EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsCaricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), UPU Topic: TuvaluACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, IBRD, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Topic: UgandaACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNOCI, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: UkraineAustralia Group, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CD, CE, CEI, CICA (observer), CIS (participating member, has not signed the 1993 CIS charter), EAEC (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: United Arab EmiratesABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, CAEU, CICA, 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, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OIF (observer), OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: United KingdomADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, C, CBSS (observer), CD, CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, 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), MIGA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNRWA, UN Security Council (permanent), UNSOM, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: United StatesADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), ANZUS, APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CD, CE (observer), CERN (observer), CICA (observer), CP, EAPC, EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAFTA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNRWA, UN Security Council (permanent), UNTSO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Topic: UruguayCAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: UzbekistanADB, CICA, CIS, EAEU (observer), EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EEU (observer), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Topic: VanuatuACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: VenezuelaCaricom (observer), CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, LAS (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: VietnamADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: Virgin IslandsAOSIS (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UPU, WFTU (NGOs) Topic: Wallis and FutunaPIF (observer), SPC, UPU Topic: YemenAFESD, AMF, CAEU, CD, EITI (temporarily suspended), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMHA, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNVIM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ZambiaACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Topic: ZimbabweACP, AfDB, AU, COMESA, FAO, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

20220901

countries-venezuela-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Venezuela due to arrest and detention of U.S. citizens without due process or fair trial guarantees, or as a pretext for an illegitimate purpose; crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and kidnapping. 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. If you are a dual citizen you must have a valid Venezuelan passport in your possession. US Embassy/Consulate: Note - on 11 March 2019, the Department of State announced the temporary suspension of operations of the US Embassy in Caracas and the withdrawal of diplomatic personnel; all consular services, routine and emergency, are suspended; previously - +58 (212) 975–6411; US Embassy in Caracas; F St. and Suapure St., Urb . Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas, Venezuela 1080; ACSBogota@state.gov; https://ve.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 58 Local Emergency Phone: 171 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; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands Currency (Code): Bolivars (VEB) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B Major Languages: Spanish, numerous indigenous dialects Major Religions: Nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%, other 2% 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 Venezuela, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Los Roques Archipelago; Isla de Margarita; Morrocoy National Park; Canaima National Park (includes Angel Falls, Mount Roraima, Gran Sabana) Major Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer Cultural Practices: Offering coffee is a sign of hospitality in Venezuela, so declining a cup from a host may be seen as rude. Tipping Guidelines: Most restaurants already add a 10% service charge, but an additional 5-10% tip is still expected. Bellhops expect the equivalent of $1 (USD) per piece of luggage. Taxis do not expect a tip, but do appreciate rounding up the bill.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

countries-guinea-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Guinea 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 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: +(224) 655-10-4000; EMER: +(224) 657-10-4311; US Embassy Conakry, US Embassy is located in Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle near Bambeto Circle at the following address: American Embassy Conakry, PO Box 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administra Telephone Code: 224 Local Emergency Phone: Local numbers only 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 hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Currency (Code): Guinean francs (GNF) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, K Major Languages: French, Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages; note: about 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language Major Religions: Muslim 89.1%, Christian 6.8%, animist 1.6% 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 Strict Nature Reserve; Alcatraz Island Guinea; Badiar National Park; Belle Air Beach; Bridal Veil Falls Major Sports: Soccer Cultural Practices: Although direct eye contact is usually acceptable, refrain from doing so with elders. Tipping Guidelines: Tips are appreciated, but not expected. In restaurants, if no service charge has been added, 10% is acceptable for a gratuity.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, March 30, 2022

20220901

countries-israel-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest. Exercise increased caution when traveling to the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest. DO NOT TRAVEL to Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. 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. A visa is not required if stay is less than 90 days. There are restrictions for visitors wanting to travel to the West Bank or Gaza, or for travelers with dual US and Israeli citizenship, consult: travel.state.gov and/or content and/or travel and/or international-travel and/or International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages and/or IsraeltheWestBankandGaza.html). US Embassy/Consulate: [972] (2) 630-4000; US Embassy Jerusalem, 14 David Flusser Street, Jerusalem 9378322, Israel; JerusalemACS@state.gov; https://il.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 972 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 101; Fire: 102; Police: 100 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Asia; Israel is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; 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. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas Currency (Code): New Israeli shekels (ILS); the shekel is also commonly referred to as NIS Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, H Major Languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English (most commonly used foreign language) Major Religions: Jewish 74.1%, Muslim 17.9%, Christian 1.9%, Druze 1.6% Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, Friday before the last Sunday in March, ends the last Sunday in October Potable Water: Yes, but many opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Jerusalem (includes Temple Mount, al-Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulcher Church, Mount of Olives); Bethlehem; Timna Park; Sea of Galilee; Masada; Dead Sea; Haifa & Mount Carmel Major Sports: Soccer, basketball Cultural Practices: It is common to bring a present if invited to a home for dinner. Wine, flowers, or chocolates are appreciated gifts. Tipping Guidelines: Tip servers 10-15% at restaurants. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected. Souvenirs: Religious artifacts, jewelry, olive wood carvings, olive oil and Dead Sea mineral beauty products, antiquities replicas including Roman coins, olive oil and kosher foodsPlease 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

20220901

countries-australia

Topic: Photos of Australia Topic: Introduction Background: Aboriginal Australians arrived on the continent at least 60,000 years ago and developed complex hunter-gatherer societies and oral histories. Dutch navigators led by Abel TASMAN were the first Europeans to land in Australia in 1606, and they mapped the western and northern coasts. They named the continent New Holland but made no attempts to permanently settle it. In 1770, English captain James COOK sailed to the east coast of Australia, named it New South Wales, and claimed it for Great Britain. In 1788 and 1825, Great Britain established New South Wales and then Tasmania as penal colonies respectively. Great Britain and Ireland sent more than 150,000 convicts to Australia before ending the practice in 1868. As Europeans began settling areas away from the coasts, they came into more direct contact with Aboriginal Australians. Europeans also cleared land for agriculture, impacting Aboriginal Australians’ ways of life. These issues, along with disease and a policy in the 1900s that forcefully removed Aboriginal children from their parents, reduced the Aboriginal Australian population from more than 700,000 pre-European contact to a low of 74,000 in 1933. Four additional colonies were established in Australia in the mid-1800s: Western Australia (1829), South Australia (1836), Victoria (1851), and Queensland (1859). Gold rushes beginning in the 1850s brought thousands of new immigrants to New South Wales and Victoria, helping to reorient Australia away from its penal colony roots. In the second half of the 1800s, the colonies were all gradually granted self-government, and in 1901, they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia contributed more than 400,000 troops to Allied efforts during World War I, and Australian troops played a large role in the defeat of Japanese troops in the Pacific in World War II. Australia severed most constitutional links with the UK in 1942, and in 1951 signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty, cementing its military alliance with the United States.  In 2021, Australia, the UK, and the US announced the AUKUS enhanced trilateral security partnership to maintain and expand the three countries’ edge in military capabilities and critical technologies. Australia’s post-war economy boomed and by the 1970s, racial policies that prevented most non-Whites from immigrating to Australia were removed, greatly increasing Asian immigration to the country. In recent decades, Australia has become an internationally competitive, advanced market economy due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s and its proximity to East and Southeast Asia.  In the early 2000s, Australian politics became unstable with frequent attempts to oust party leaders, including five changes of prime minister between 2010 and 2018. As a result, both major parties instituted rules to make it harder to remove a party leader.Aboriginal Australians arrived on the continent at least 60,000 years ago and developed complex hunter-gatherer societies and oral histories. Dutch navigators led by Abel TASMAN were the first Europeans to land in Australia in 1606, and they mapped the western and northern coasts. They named the continent New Holland but made no attempts to permanently settle it. In 1770, English captain James COOK sailed to the east coast of Australia, named it New South Wales, and claimed it for Great Britain. In 1788 and 1825, Great Britain established New South Wales and then Tasmania as penal colonies respectively. Great Britain and Ireland sent more than 150,000 convicts to Australia before ending the practice in 1868. As Europeans began settling areas away from the coasts, they came into more direct contact with Aboriginal Australians. Europeans also cleared land for agriculture, impacting Aboriginal Australians’ ways of life. These issues, along with disease and a policy in the 1900s that forcefully removed Aboriginal children from their parents, reduced the Aboriginal Australian population from more than 700,000 pre-European contact to a low of 74,000 in 1933. Four additional colonies were established in Australia in the mid-1800s: Western Australia (1829), South Australia (1836), Victoria (1851), and Queensland (1859). Gold rushes beginning in the 1850s brought thousands of new immigrants to New South Wales and Victoria, helping to reorient Australia away from its penal colony roots. In the second half of the 1800s, the colonies were all gradually granted self-government, and in 1901, they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia contributed more than 400,000 troops to Allied efforts during World War I, and Australian troops played a large role in the defeat of Japanese troops in the Pacific in World War II. Australia severed most constitutional links with the UK in 1942, and in 1951 signed the Australia, New Zealand, and US (ANZUS) Treaty, cementing its military alliance with the United States.  In 2021, Australia, the UK, and the US announced the AUKUS enhanced trilateral security partnership to maintain and expand the three countries’ edge in military capabilities and critical technologies. Australia’s post-war economy boomed and by the 1970s, racial policies that prevented most non-Whites from immigrating to Australia were removed, greatly increasing Asian immigration to the country. In recent decades, Australia has become an internationally competitive, advanced market economy due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980s and its proximity to East and Southeast Asia. In the early 2000s, Australian politics became unstable with frequent attempts to oust party leaders, including five changes of prime minister between 2010 and 2018. As a result, both major parties instituted rules to make it harder to remove a party leader.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean Geographic coordinates: 27 00 S, 133 00 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 7,741,220 sq km land: 7,682,300 sq km water: 58,920 sq km note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island Area - comparative: slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 25,760 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: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast Elevation: highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,228 m lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m mean elevation: 330 m Natural resources: alumina, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, rare earth elements, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, opals, natural gas, petroleum; note - Australia is the world's largest net exporter of coal accounting for 29% of global coal exports; as well, Australia is by far the world's largest supplier of opals Land use: agricultural land: 46.65% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.03% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.04% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 42.58% (2018 est.) forest: 17.42% (2018 est.) other: 33.42% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 25,460 sq km (2014) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Alexandrina - 570 sq km Salt water lake(s): Lake Eyre - 9,690 sq km; Lake Torrens (ephemeral) - 5,780 sq km; Lake Gairdner - 4,470 sq km; Lake Mackay (ephemeral) - 3,494 sq km; Lake Frome - 2,410 sq km; Lake Amadeus (ephemeral) - 1,032 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): River Murray - 2,508 km; Darling River - 1,545 km; Murrumbidgee River - 1,485 km; Lachlan River - 1,339 km; Cooper Creek - 1,113 km; Flinders River - 1,004 km Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: (Great Australian Bight) Murray-Darling (1,050,116 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Eyre (1,212,198 sq km) Major aquifers: Great Artesian Basin, Canning Basin Population distribution: population is primarily located on the periphery, with the highest concentration of people residing in the east and southeast; a secondary population center is located in and around Perth in the west; of the States and Territories, New South Wales has, by far, the largest population; the interior, or "outback", has a very sparse population Natural hazards: cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest firesvolcanism: volcanic activity on Heard and McDonald Islandscyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest firesvolcanism: volcanic activity on Heard and McDonald Islands Geography - note: note 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 Map description: Australia map showing the major cities of the continent as well parts of surrounding seas.Australia map showing the major cities of the continent as well parts of surrounding seas. Topic: People and Society Population: 26,141,369 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Australian(s) adjective: Australian Ethnic groups: English 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% Languages: English 72.7%, Mandarin 2.5%, Arabic 1.4%, Cantonese 1.2%, Vietnamese 1.2%, Italian 1.2%, Greek 1%, other 14.8%, unspecified 6.5% (2016 est.) note: data represent language spoken at home Religions: Protestant 23.1% (Anglican 13.3%, Uniting Church 3.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 2.3%, Baptist 1.5%, Pentecostal 1.1%, Lutheran .7%, other Protestant .5%), Roman Catholic 22.6%, other Christian 4.2%, Muslim 2.6%, Buddhist 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3% (Eastern Orthodox 2.1%, Oriental Orthodox .2%), Hindu 1.9%, other 1.3%, none 30.1%, unspecified 9.6% (2016 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.72% (male 2,457,418/female 2,309,706) 15-24 years: 12.89% (male 1,710,253/female 1,572,794) 25-54 years: 41.15% (male 5,224,840/female 5,255,041) 55-64 years: 11.35% (male 1,395,844/female 1,495,806) 65 years and over: 15.88% (2020 est.) (male 1,866,761/female 2,177,996) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.1 youth dependency ratio: 29.9 elderly dependency ratio: 25.1 potential support ratio: 4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 37.5 years male: 36.5 years female: 38.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.25% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 12.3 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.77 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 6.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population is primarily located on the periphery, with the highest concentration of people residing in the east and southeast; a secondary population center is located in and around Perth in the west; of the States and Territories, New South Wales has, by far, the largest population; the interior, or "outback", has a very sparse population Urbanization: urban population: 86.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island Major urban areas - population: 5,151 million Melbourne, 5.057 million Sydney, 2.472 million Brisbane, 2.093 million Perth, 1.356 million Adelaide, 467,000 CANBERRA (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 28.7 years (2019 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 6 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.01 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.24 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.09 years male: 80.93 years female: 85.36 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.73 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 66.9% (2015/16) note: percent of women aged 18-44 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: 9.9% (2019) Physicians density: 4.13 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 3.8 beds/1,000 population (2016) 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: 0.1% (2020 est.) 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 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 29% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 13.6% (2020 est.) male: 15.6% (2020 est.) female: 11.5% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 5.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 22 years male: 21 years female: 22 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.3% male: 15.3% female: 13.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: soil erosion from overgrazing, deforestation, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; limited natural freshwater resources; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; drought, desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; disruption of the fragile ecosystem has resulted in significant floral extinctions; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; overfishing, pollution, and invasive species are also problems 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, 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: 7.19 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 375.91 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 105.01 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Land use: agricultural land: 46.65% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.03% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.04% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 42.58% (2018 est.) forest: 17.42% (2018 est.) other: 33.42% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 86.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.78% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 13.345 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 5,618,245 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 42.1% (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Alexandrina - 570 sq km Salt water lake(s): Lake Eyre - 9,690 sq km; Lake Torrens (ephemeral) - 5,780 sq km; Lake Gairdner - 4,470 sq km; Lake Mackay (ephemeral) - 3,494 sq km; Lake Frome - 2,410 sq km; Lake Amadeus (ephemeral) - 1,032 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): River Murray - 2,508 km; Darling River - 1,545 km; Murrumbidgee River - 1,485 km; Lachlan River - 1,339 km; Cooper Creek - 1,113 km; Flinders River - 1,004 km Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: (Great Australian Bight) Murray-Darling (1,050,116 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Eyre (1,212,198 sq km) Major aquifers: Great Artesian Basin, Canning Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 3.392 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 2.662 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 10.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 492 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia conventional short form: Australia etymology: the name Australia derives from the Latin "australis" meaning "southern"; the Australian landmass was long referred to as "Terra Australis" or the Southern Land Government type: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Canberra geographic coordinates: 35 16 S, 149 08 E time difference: UTC+10 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April time zone note: Australia has four time zones, including Lord Howe Island (UTC+10:30) etymology: the name is claimed to derive from either Kambera or Camberry, which are names corrupted from the original native designation for the area "Nganbra" or "Nganbira" Administrative divisions: 6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia Dependent areas: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island Independence: 1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies) National holiday: Australia Day (commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of Australian settlers), 26 January (1788); ANZAC Day (commemorates the anniversary of the landing of troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey), 25 April (1915) Constitution: history: approved in a series of referenda from 1898 through 1900 and became law 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 amendments: proposed by Parliament; passage requires approval of a referendum bill by absolute majority vote in both houses of Parliament, approval in a referendum by a majority of voters in at least four states and in the territories, and Royal Assent; proposals that would reduce a state’s representation in either house or change a state’s boundaries require that state’s approval prior to Royal Assent; amended several times, last in 1977 Legal system: common law system based on the English model 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 or permanent resident of Australia dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: bicameral Federal Parliament consists of: Senate (76 seats; 12 members from each of the 6 states and 2 each from the 2 mainland territories; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms with one-half of state membership renewed every 3 years and territory membership renewed every 3 years) House of Representatives (151 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by majority preferential vote; members serve terms of up to 3 years) elections: Senate - last held on 21 May 2022 (next to be held on May 2025) House of Representatives - last held on 21 May 2022 (next to be held on May 2025) election results: Senate (initial results) - percent of vote by party - Liberal/National coalition 32.13%, ALP 29.81%, The Greens 13.85%, One Nation 4.38%, Lambie Network .26%; seats by party - Liberal/National coalition 29, ALP 21, The Greens 9, One Nation 1, Lambie Network 1, undecided 14 House of Representatives (initial results) - percent of vote by party - ALP 32.83%, Liberal/National coalition 35.77%, The Greens 11.85%, Katter's Australian Party 0.4%, Centre Alliance 0.24%, independents 5.52%; seats by party - ALP 76, Liberal/National Coalition 57, The Greens 4, Katter's Australian Party 1, Centre Alliance 1, independent 10, undecided 2 Judicial branch: highest courts: High Court of Australia (consists of 7 justices, including the chief justice); note - each of the 6 states, 2 territories, and Norfolk Island has a Supreme Court; the High Court is the final appellate court beyond the state and territory supreme courts judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor-general in council for life with mandatory retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: subordinate courts: at the federal level: Federal Court; Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia;  at the state and territory level: Local Court - New South Wales; Magistrates' Courts – Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory; District Courts – New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia; County Court – Victoria; Family Court – Western Australia; Court of Petty Sessions – Norfolk Island       Political parties and leaders: Australian Greens Party or The Greens [Adam BANDT] Australian Labor Party or ALP [Anthony ALBANESE] Liberal Party of Australia [Peter DUTTON] The Nationals [David LITTLEPROUD] Pauline Hanson’s One Nation or PHON or ONP [Pauline HANSON] International organization participation: ADB, ANZUS, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CD, CP, EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-20, 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, NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF, SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMISS, UNMIT, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Arthur SINODINOS (since 6 February 2020) chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000 FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168 email address and website: https://usa.embassy.gov.au/ consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Michael GOLDMAN (since 19 January 2021) embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory 2600 mailing address: 7800 Canberra Place, Washington DC  20512-7800 telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600 FAX: [61] (02) 9373-9184 email address and website: AskEmbassyCanberra@state.gov https://au.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant known as the Commonwealth or Federation Star, representing the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and external territories; on the fly half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small, five-pointed star and four larger, seven-pointed stars National symbol(s): Commonwealth Star (seven-pointed Star of Federation), golden wattle tree (Acacia pycnantha Benth), kangaroo, emu; national colors: green, gold National anthem: name: Advance Australia Fair lyrics/music: Peter Dodds McCORMICK note 1: adopted 1984; although originally written in the late 19th century, the anthem was not used for all official occasions until 1984; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom) note 2: the well-known and much-loved bush ballad "Waltzing Matilda" is often referred to as Australia's unofficial national anthem; the original lyrics were written in 1895 by Australian poet Banjo PATERSON, and were first published as sheet music in 1903; since 2012, a Waltzing Matilda Day has been held annually on 6 April, the anniversary of the first performance of the song in 1895 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 20 (4 cultural, 12 natural, 4 mixed); note - includes one site on Heard Island and McDonald Islands selected World Heritage Site locales: Great Barrier Reef (n); Greater Blue Mountains Area (n); Fraser Island (n); Gondwana Rainforests (n); Lord Howe Island Group (n); Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (c); Shark Bay (n); Sydney Opera House (c); Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (m); Kakadu National Park (m) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Australia is an open market with minimal restrictions on imports of goods and services. The process of opening up has increased productivity, stimulated growth, and made the economy more flexible and dynamic. Australia plays an active role in the WTO, APEC, the G20, and other trade forums. Australia’s free trade agreement (FTA) with China entered into force in 2015, adding to existing FTAs with the Republic of Korea, Japan, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and the US, and a regional FTA with ASEAN and New Zealand. Australia continues to negotiate bilateral agreements with Indonesia, as well as larger agreements with its Pacific neighbors and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and an Asia-wide Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that includes the 10 ASEAN countries and China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and India.   Australia is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40 billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas Project, will significantly expand the resources sector.   For nearly two decades up till 2017, Australia had benefited from a dramatic surge in its terms of trade. As export prices increased faster than import prices, the economy experienced continuous growth, low unemployment, contained inflation, very low public debt, and a strong and stable financial system. Australia entered 2018 facing a range of growth constraints, principally driven by the sharp fall in global prices of key export commodities. Demand for resources and energy from Asia and especially China is growing at a slower pace and sharp drops in export prices have impacted growth.Australia is an open market with minimal restrictions on imports of goods and services. The process of opening up has increased productivity, stimulated growth, and made the economy more flexible and dynamic. Australia plays an active role in the WTO, APEC, the G20, and other trade forums. Australia’s free trade agreement (FTA) with China entered into force in 2015, adding to existing FTAs with the Republic of Korea, Japan, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and the US, and a regional FTA with ASEAN and New Zealand. Australia continues to negotiate bilateral agreements with Indonesia, as well as larger agreements with its Pacific neighbors and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and an Asia-wide Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that includes the 10 ASEAN countries and China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and India. Australia is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Australia's abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. A series of major investments, such as the US$40 billion Gorgon Liquid Natural Gas Project, will significantly expand the resources sector. For nearly two decades up till 2017, Australia had benefited from a dramatic surge in its terms of trade. As export prices increased faster than import prices, the economy experienced continuous growth, low unemployment, contained inflation, very low public debt, and a strong and stable financial system. Australia entered 2018 facing a range of growth constraints, principally driven by the sharp fall in global prices of key export commodities. Demand for resources and energy from Asia and especially China is growing at a slower pace and sharp drops in export prices have impacted growth. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1,250,900,000,000 (2020 est.) $1,254,480,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,227,940,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 1.84% (2019 est.) 2.77% (2018 est.) 2.45% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $48,700 (2020 est.) $49,500 (2019 est.) $49,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1,390,790,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (2019 est.) 1.9% (2018 est.) 1.9% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: AAA (2011) Moody's rating: Aaa (2002) Standard & Poors rating: AAA (2003) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.6% (2017 est.) industry: 25.3% (2017 est.) services: 71.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 56.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -21% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, wheat, barley, milk, rapeseed, beef, cotton, grapes, poultry, potatoes Industries: mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel Industrial production growth rate: 1.4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 12.568 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 3.6% industry: 21.1% services: 75.3% (2009 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.16% (2019 est.) 5.29% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.3% male: 15.3% female: 13.2% (2020 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 34.4 (2014 est.) 35.2 (1994) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 25.4% (1994) Budget: revenues: 490 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 496.9 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 40.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 40.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 35.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Current account balance: $8.146 billion (2019 est.) -$29.777 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: China 39%, Japan 15%, South Korea 7%, India 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: iron ore, coal, natural gas, gold, aluminum oxide (2019) Imports: $249.07 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $295.46 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $310.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 25%, United States 12%, Japan 7%, Germany 5%, Thailand 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, crude petroleum, broadcasting equipment, delivery trucks (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $66.58 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $55.07 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $3,115,913,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,837,818,000,000 (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.34048 (2020 est.) 1.46402 (2019 est.) 1.38552 (2018 est.) 1.3291 (2014 est.) 1.1094 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 504.051 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 99.048 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 390.808 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 583,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 149.079 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 442,500 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 1,174,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 197,700 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 356,900 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 2.446 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 462,500 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 64,120 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 619,600 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 142,104,321,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 41,905,381,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 101,766,728,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 6,295,646,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 3,228,115,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 417.87 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 241.004 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 6.2 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 27.453 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 108 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the Australian telecom market since 2020 has been impacted by the pandemic, which forced many people to school and work from home and thus adopt fixed-line broadband services; internet traffic, both fixed and mobile, increased substantially as a result; in the fixed sector, there is an ongoing migration from copper-based platforms to fiber; NBN Co increased the number of premises migrated from hybrid fiber/copper infrastructure to FttP; by the end of 2023 NBN Co is expected to deliver a 1Gb/s service across 75% of its fixed-line network; the extension of fixed wireless access will mean that up to 120,000 premises currently dependent on satellite broadband will be able to access 5G-based fixed services; the fixed-line market has been falling steadily over the past five years; in the Australian fixed broadband market, there is a dynamic shift among customers to fiber networks; this infrastructure is being built out by NBN Co (also known as nbn), the company responsible for deploying the national broadband network, which is based on a multi-technology mix including VDSL, fibre, HFC, fixed wireless, and satellite; the DSL sector is steadily shrinking as customers are migrated to the NBN, while subscribers on HFC infrastructure will continue to be provided by existing cable within the NBN’s multi-technology mix, with a steady migration to full fiber connectivity; the mobile market is dominated by the three MNOs Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom; these offer LTE services on a wholesale basis, thus encouraging growth in the LTE sector, while also deploying services based on 5G; Optus and (since mid-2022) Telstra provide 5G access to their MVNOs. (2022) domestic: roughly 24 per 100 fixed-line and 108 per 100 mobile-cellular; more subscribers to mobile services than there are people; 90% of all mobile device sales are now smartphones, growth in mobile traffic brisk (2020) international: country code - 61; landing points for more than 20 submarine cables including: the SeaMeWe-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable with links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; the INDIGO-Central, INDIGO West and ASC, North West Cable System, Australia-Papua New Guinea cable, CSCS, PPC-1, Gondwana-1, SCCN, Hawaiki, TGA, Basslink, Bass Strait-1, Bass Strait-2, JGA-S, with links to other Australian cities, New Zealand and many countries in southeast Asia, US and Europe; the H2 Cable, AJC, Telstra Endeavor, Southern Cross NEXT with links to Japan, Hong Kong, and other Pacific Ocean countries as well as the US; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat, 2 Globalstar, 5 other (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 Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) runs multiple national and local radio networks and TV stations, as well as ABC Australia, a TV service that broadcasts in the Asia-Pacific region and is the main public broadcaster; Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a second large public broadcaster, operates radio and TV networks broadcasting in multiple languages; several large national commercial TV networks, a large number of local commercial TV stations, and hundreds of commercial radio stations are accessible; cable and satellite systems are available (2022) Internet country code: .au Internet users: total: 23,123,940 (2020 est.) percent of population: 90% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 9,099,619 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 36 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VH Airports: total: 418 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 349 over 3,047 m: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 14 1,524 to 2,437 m: 155 914 to 1,523 m: 155 under 914 m: 14 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 131 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 101 under 914 m: 14 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 637 km condensate/gas, 30,054 km gas, 240 km liquid petroleum gas, 3,609 km oil, 110 km oil/gas/water, 72 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 33,011 km (2015) standard gauge: 17,446 km (2015) 1.435-m gauge (650 km electrified) narrow gauge: 12,318 km (2015) 1.067-m gauge (2,075.5 km electrified) broad gauge: 3,247 km (2015) 1.600-m gauge (372 km electrified) Roadways: total: 873,573 km (2015) urban: 145,928 km (2015) non-urban: 727,645 km (2015) Waterways: 2,000 km (2011) (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling River systems) Merchant marine: total: 581 by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 76, oil tanker 7, other 496 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Indian Ocean: Adelaide, Darwin, Fremantle, Geelong, Melbourne Pacific Ocean: Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone, Hobart, Newcastle, Port Port Kembla, Sydney container port(s) (TEUs): Melbourne (2,967,315), Sydney (2,572,714) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (export): Australia Pacific, Barrow Island, Burrup (Pluto), Curtis Island, Darwin, Karratha, Bladin Point (Ichthys), Gladstone, Prelude (offshore FLNG), Wheatstone dry bulk cargo port(s): Dampier (iron ore), Dalrymple Bay (coal), Hay Point (coal), Port Hedland (iron ore), Port Walcott (iron ore) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force (2022) note: the Army includes a Special Operations Command, while the Navy includes a Naval Aviation Force Military expenditures: 2.1% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.1% of GDP (2020) 2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $31.5 billion) 1.9% of GDP (2018) (approximately $29.8 billion) 2% of GDP (2017) (approximately $29.7 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 60,000 active troops (30,000 Army; 15,000 Navy; 15,000 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 17 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (abolished 1973); women allowed to serve in all roles, including combat arms since 2013 (2022) note: in 2020-2021, women comprised nearly 20% of the ADF Military deployments: note: since the 1990s, Australia has deployed more than 30,000 personnel on nearly 100 UN peacekeeping and coalition military operations, including in Cambodia, Rwanda, the Solomon Islands, Somalia, and East Timor Military - note: Australia 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: 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: Australia-Indonesia (Maritime Boundary): All borders between Indonesia and Australia have been agreed upon bilaterally, but a 1997 treaty that would settle the last of their maritime and EEZ boundary has yet to be ratified by Indonesia's legislature. Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef. Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing. Australia-Timor-Leste (Maritime Boundary): In 2007, Australia and Timor-Leste agreed to a 50-year development zone and revenue sharing arrangement and deferred a maritime boundary.Australia-Indonesia (Maritime Boundary): All borders between Indonesia and Australia have been agreed upon bilaterally, but a 1997 treaty that would settle the last of their maritime and EEZ boundary has yet to be ratified by Indonesia's legislature. Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef. Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing. Australia-Timor-Leste (Maritime Boundary): In 2007, Australia and Timor-Leste agreed to a 50-year development zone and revenue sharing arrangement and deferred a maritime boundary. Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 12,701 (Iran), 10,108 (Afghanistan), 5,400 (Pakistan) (mid-year 2021) stateless persons: 5,770 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate; major consumer of cocaine and amphetamines

20220901

countries-belize-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Belize due to 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 is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [011] (501) 822-4011; US Embassy, Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo, Belize; https://bz.usembassy.gov/; ACSBelize@state.gov Telephone Code: 501 Local Emergency Phone: 911 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; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May) Currency (Code): Dollars (BZD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 110 V, 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, G (same as US plug) Major Languages: English, Spanish, Belize Creole, Maya, German, Garifuna Major Religions: Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 10.5%, none 15.5% Time Difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Yes, but some opt for bottled water outside the cities International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Ambergris Caye; Lighthouse Reef Atoll & the Blue Hole; Turneffe Islands Atoll; Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary; Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, sailing Cultural Practices: Haggling is uncommon and considered rude, except at street markets. Tipping Guidelines: A tip between 15-20% is appropriate in restaurants and bars. Tipping taxi drivers is typically rare because metropolitan prices are low. A tip somewhere between 5-15% of the total bill is appropriate for hotel staff. Souvenirs: Mayan woven baskets and textiles, conch jewelry, wood-carved kitchenware and decorative items, handmade hammocks, native dolls, rum Traditional Cuisine: Belizean Rice and Beans — red kidney beans and rice stewed in coconut milk; typically served with meat and potato salad and/or plantainsPlease visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Monday, June 20, 2022

20220901

countries-costa-rica-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Costa Rica proclaimed its independence from the United Provinces of central America in 1838.  Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country’s democratic development. Its standard of living is relatively high and land ownership is widespread.Costa Rica proclaimed its independence from the United Provinces of central America in 1838.  Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country’s democratic development. Its standard of living is relatively high and land ownership is widespread. Topic: Geography Area: total: 51,100 sq km land: 51,060 sq km water: 40 sq km Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands Natural resources: hydropower Topic: People and Society Population: 5,204,411 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: White 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.) Languages: Spanish (official), English Religions: Roman Catholic 47.5%, Evangelical and Pentecostal 19.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Protestant 1.2%, other 3.1%, none 27% (2021 est.) Population growth rate: 1.01% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: San Jose Executive branch: chief 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) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies - corresponding to the country's 7 provinces - by closed party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: trade-based upper middle-income economy; green economy leader, having reversed deforestation; investing in blue economy infrastructure; declining poverty until hard impacts of COVID-19; lingering inequality and growing government debts have prompted a liquidity crisistrade-based upper middle-income economy; green economy leader, having reversed deforestation; investing in blue economy infrastructure; declining poverty until hard impacts of COVID-19; lingering inequality and growing government debts have prompted a liquidity crisis Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $100.25 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $19,700 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, pineapples, bananas, milk, oil palm fruit, fruit, oranges, watermelons, cassava, rice Industries: medical equipment, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products Exports: $21.2 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: United States 38%, Netherlands 6%, Belgium 5%, Guatemala 5%, Panama 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: medical instruments, bananas, tropical fruits, orthopedic appliances, food preparations (2019) Imports: $19.39 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: United States 41%, China 13%, Mexico 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, medical instruments, packaged medicines (2019)Page last updated: Tuesday, May 17, 2022

20220901

countries-kyrgyzstan

Topic: Photos of Kyrgyzstan Topic: Introduction Background: A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of the territory of present-day Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed by the Russian Empire in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1926 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in 2005 and 2010 resulted in the ouster of the country’s first two presidents, Askar AKAEV and Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Interim President Roza OTUNBAEVA led a transitional government and following a nation-wide election, President Almazbek ATAMBAEV was sworn in as president in 2011. In 2017, ATAMBAEV became the first Kyrgyzstani president to step down after serving one full six-year term as required in the country’s constitution. Former prime minister and ruling Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan member, Sooronbay JEENBEKOV, replaced him after winning the 2017 presidential election, which was the most competitive in the country’s history, although international and local election observers noted cases of vote buying and abuse of public resources. In October 2020, protests against legislative election results spread across Kyrgyzstan, leading to JEENBEKOV’s resignation from the presidency, and catapulting previously imprisoned Sadyr JAPAROV to acting president. In January 2021, Kyrgyzstanis formerly elected JAPAROV as president and approved a referendum to move Kyrgyzstan from a parliamentary to a presidential system. In April 2021, Kyrgyzstanis voted in favor of draft constitutional changes that consolidated power in the presidency. Pro-government parties won a majority in the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyzstan’s legislature) in November 2021 elections. Continuing concerns for Kyrgyzstan include the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, a history of tense, and at times violent, interethnic relations, border security vulnerabilities, and potential terrorist threats.A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, most of the territory of present-day Kyrgyzstan was formally annexed by the Russian Empire in 1876. The Kyrgyz staged a major revolt against the Tsarist Empire in 1916 in which almost one-sixth of the Kyrgyz population was killed. Kyrgyzstan became a Soviet republic in 1926 and achieved independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved. Nationwide demonstrations in 2005 and 2010 resulted in the ouster of the country’s first two presidents, Askar AKAEV and Kurmanbek BAKIEV. Interim President Roza OTUNBAEVA led a transitional government and following a nation-wide election, President Almazbek ATAMBAEV was sworn in as president in 2011. In 2017, ATAMBAEV became the first Kyrgyzstani president to step down after serving one full six-year term as required in the country’s constitution. Former prime minister and ruling Social-Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan member, Sooronbay JEENBEKOV, replaced him after winning the 2017 presidential election, which was the most competitive in the country’s history, although international and local election observers noted cases of vote buying and abuse of public resources. In October 2020, protests against legislative election results spread across Kyrgyzstan, leading to JEENBEKOV’s resignation from the presidency, and catapulting previously imprisoned Sadyr JAPAROV to acting president. In January 2021, Kyrgyzstanis formerly elected JAPAROV as president and approved a referendum to move Kyrgyzstan from a parliamentary to a presidential system. In April 2021, Kyrgyzstanis voted in favor of draft constitutional changes that consolidated power in the presidency. Pro-government parties won a majority in the Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyzstan’s legislature) in November 2021 elections. Continuing concerns for Kyrgyzstan include the trajectory of democratization, endemic corruption, a history of tense, and at times violent, interethnic relations, border security vulnerabilities, and potential terrorist threats.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Asia, west of China, south of Kazakhstan Geographic coordinates: 41 00 N, 75 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 199,951 sq km land: 191,801 sq km water: 8,150 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than South Dakota Land boundaries: total: 4,573 km border countries (4): China 1,063 km; Kazakhstan 1,212 km; Tajikistan 984 km; Uzbekistan 1,314 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone Terrain: peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range and associated valleys and basins encompass the entire country Elevation: highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m mean elevation: 2,988 m Natural resources: abundant hydropower; gold, rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil, and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zinc Land use: agricultural land: 55.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 48.3% (2018 est.) forest: 5.1% (2018 est.) other: 39.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 10,233 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Ozero Issyk-Kul 6,240 sq km note - second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea; second highest mountain lake after Lake Titicaca; it is an endorheic mountain basin; although surrounded by snow capped mountains it never freezes Major rivers (by length in km): Syr Darya river source (shared with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan [m] ) - 3,078 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km), (Aral Sea basin) Amu Darya (534,739 sq km), Syr Darya (782,617 sq km) Population distribution: the vast majority of Kyrgyzstanis live in rural areas; densest population settlement is to the north in and around the capital, Bishkek, followed by Osh in the west; the least densely populated area is the east, southeast in the Tien Shan mountains Natural hazards: major flooding during snow melt; prone to earthquakes Geography - note: landlocked; 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 Map description: Kyrgyzstan showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries.Kyrgyzstan showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 6,071,750 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Kyrgyzstani(s) adjective: Kyrgyzstani Ethnic groups: Kyrgyz 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.) Languages: Kyrgyz (official) 71.4%, Uzbek 14.4%, Russian (official) 9%, other 5.2% (2009 est.) major-language sample(s): Дүйнөлүк фактылар китеби, негизги маалыматтын маанилүү булагы. (Kyrgyz) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Muslim 90% (majority Sunni), Christian 7% (Russian Orthodox 3%), other 3% (includes Jewish, Buddhist, Baha'i) (2017 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 30.39% (male 930,455/female 882,137) 15-24 years: 15.7% (male 475,915/female 460,604) 25-54 years: 40.02% (male 1,172,719/female 1,214,624) 55-64 years: 8.09% (male 210,994/female 271,480) 65 years and over: 5.8% (2020 est.) (male 132,134/female 213,835) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 59.7 youth dependency ratio: 52.1 elderly dependency ratio: 7.5 potential support ratio: 13.2 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 27.3 years male: 26.1 years female: 28.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.86% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 19.54 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.12 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -4.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the vast majority of Kyrgyzstanis live in rural areas; densest population settlement is to the north in and around the capital, Bishkek, followed by Osh in the west; the least densely populated area is the east, southeast in the Tien Shan mountains Urbanization: urban population: 37.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.082 million BISHKEK (capital) (2022) 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: 0.96 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.78 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 22.6 years (2019 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 60 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 25.66 deaths/1,000 live births male: 29.83 deaths/1,000 live births female: 21.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.35 years male: 68.27 years female: 76.71 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.5 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 39.4% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 89.9% of population total: 93.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 10.1% of population total: 6.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4.5% (2019) Physicians density: 2.21 physicians/1,000 population (2014) Hospital bed density: 4.4 beds/1,000 population (2014) 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: 0.2% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 9,200 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 16.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 25.4% (2020 est.) male: 48% (2020 est.) female: 2.8% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 1.8% (2018) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.3% women married by age 18: 12.9% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 5.4% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.6% male: 99.7% female: 99.5% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years male: 13 years female: 13 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 9.6% male: 7.8% female: 13.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices; air pollution due to rapid increase of traffic 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, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 18.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 9.79 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.47 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone Land use: agricultural land: 55.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 48.3% (2018 est.) forest: 5.1% (2018 est.) other: 39.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 37.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.21% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,113,300 tons (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Ozero Issyk-Kul 6,240 sq km note - second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea; second highest mountain lake after Lake Titicaca; it is an endorheic mountain basin; although surrounded by snow capped mountains it never freezes Major rivers (by length in km): Syr Darya river source (shared with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan [m] ) - 3,078 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km), (Aral Sea basin) Amu Darya (534,739 sq km), Syr Darya (782,617 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 224 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 336 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 7.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 23.618 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy local short form: Kyrgyzstan former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: a combination of the Turkic words "kyrg" (forty) and "-yz" (tribes) with the Persian suffix "-stan" (country) creating the meaning "Land of the Forty Tribes"; the name refers to the 40 clans united by the mythic Kyrgyz hero, MANAS Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Bishkek geographic coordinates: 42 52 N, 74 36 E time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: founded in 1868 as a Russian settlement on the site of a previously destroyed fortress named "Pishpek"; the name was retained and overtime became "Bishkek" Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (oblustar, singular - oblus) and 2 cities* (shaarlar, singular - shaar); Batken Oblusu, Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblusu (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblusu, Naryn Oblusu, Osh Oblusu, Osh Shaary*, Talas Oblusu, Ysyk-Kol Oblusu (Karakol) note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) Independence: 31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1991) Constitution: history: previous 1993, 2007, 2010; latest approved by referendum in April 2021 that transitioned Kyrgyzstan from a parliamentary to a presidential system, and implemented changes that allow the president to serve for two 5-year terms rather that one 6-year term, reduced the number of seats in Kyrgyzstan's legislature from 120 to 90, and established a Kurultay - a public advisory council amendments: proposed as a draft law by the majority of the Supreme Council membership or by petition of 300,000 voters; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Council membership in each of at least three readings of the draft two months apart; the draft may be submitted to a referendum if approved by two thirds of the Council membership; adoption requires the signature of the president Legal system: civil law system, which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws 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 Kyrgyzstan dual citizenship recognized: yes, but only if a mutual treaty on dual citizenship is in force residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Sadyr JAPAROV (since 28 January 2021) head of government: President Sadyr JAPAROV (since 28 January 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: 2021: Sadyr JAPAROV elected president in first round; percent of vote - Sadyr JAPAROV 79.2%, Adakhan MADUMAROV 6.8%, other 14% 2017: Sooronbay JEENBEKOV elected president 54.7%, Omurbek BABANOV 33.8%, Adakhan MADUMAROV 6.6%, and other 4.9% note: the President is both Chief of State and Head of Government. Legislative branch: description: unicameral Supreme Council or Jogorku Kenesh (90 seats statutory, current 88; 54 seats allocated for proportional division among political party lists from the national vote and 36 seats allocated for candidates running in single-seat constituencies; members serve 5-year terms; parties must receive 5% of the vote to win seats in the Council) elections: last held on 28 November 2021 (next to be held in 2026) election results: percent of vote by party - Ata-Jurt Kyrgyzstan 19.1%, Ishenim 15%, Yntymak 12.1%, Alliance 9.2%, Butun Kyrgyzstan 7.8%, Yiman Nuru 6.8%, other 30%; seats by party - Ata-Jurt Kyrgyzstan 15, Ishenim 12, Yntymak 9, Alliance 7, Butun Kyrgyzstan 6, Yiman Nuru 5, other 36; composition - men 70, women 18, percent of women 20.5% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 25 judges); Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (consists of the chairperson, deputy chairperson, and 9 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the Supreme Council on the recommendation of the president; Supreme Court judges serve for 10 years, Constitutional Court judges serve for 15 years; mandatory retirement at age 70 for judges of both courts subordinate courts: Higher Court of Arbitration; oblast (provincial) and city courts Political parties and leaders: Alliance [Mirlan JEENCHOROEV] Ata-Jurt Kyrgyzstan (Homeland) [Aybek MATKERIMOV] Butun Kyrgyzstan (All Kyrgyzstan) [Adakhan MADUMAROV] Ishenim (Trust in Kyrgyz) [Rysbat AMATOV] Yntymak (Unity) [Marlen MAMATALIEV] Yyman Nuru (Light of Faith) [Nurjigit KADYRBEKOV] International organization participation: ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Baktybek AMANBAYEV (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 2360 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 449-9822 FAX: [1] (202) 449-8275 email address and website: kgembassy.usa@mfa.gov.kg; kgconsulate.washington@mfa.gov.kg Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Sonata COULTER (since September 2021) embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016 mailing address: 7040 Bishkek Place, Washington DC  20521-7040 telephone: [996] (312) 597-000 FAX: [996] (312) 597-744 email address and website: ConsularBishkek@state.gov https://kg.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kyrgyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of a "tunduk" - the crown of a traditional Kyrgyz yurt; red symbolizes bravery and valor, the sun evinces peace and wealth National symbol(s): white falcon; national colors: red, yellow National anthem: name: "Kyrgyz Respublikasynyn Mamlekettik Gimni" (National Anthem of the Kyrgyz Republic) lyrics/music: Djamil SADYKOV and Eshmambet KULUEV/Nasyr DAVLESOV and Kalyi MOLDOBASANOV note: adopted 1992 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 3 (2 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain (c); Silk Roads: the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor (c); Western Tien Shan (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked, mountainous, lower middle income country with an economy dominated by minerals extraction, agriculture, and reliance on remittances from citizens working abroad. Cotton, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only cotton is exported in any quantity. Other exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and - in some years - electricity. The country has sought to attract foreign investment to expand its export base, including construction of hydroelectric dams, but a difficult investment climate and an ongoing legal battle with a Canadian firm over the joint ownership structure of the nation’s largest gold mine deter potential investors. Remittances from Kyrgyz migrant workers, predominantly in Russia and Kazakhstan, are equivalent to more than one-quarter of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP.   Following independence, Kyrgyzstan rapidly implemented market reforms, such as improving the regulatory system and instituting land reform. In 1998, Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. The government has privatized much of its ownership shares in public enterprises. Despite these reforms, the country suffered a severe drop in production in the early 1990s and has again faced slow growth in recent years as the global financial crisis and declining oil prices have dampened economies across Central Asia. The Kyrgyz government remains dependent on foreign donor support to finance its annual budget deficit of approximately 3 to 5% of GDP.   Kyrgyz leaders hope the country’s August 2015 accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will bolster trade and investment, but slowing economies in Russia and China and low commodity prices continue to hamper economic growth. Large-scale trade and investment pledged by Kyrgyz leaders has been slow to develop. Many Kyrgyz entrepreneurs and politicians complain that non-tariff measures imposed by other EAEU member states are hurting certain sectors of the Kyrgyz economy, such as meat and dairy production, in which they have comparative advantage. Since acceding to the EAEU, the Kyrgyz Republic has continued harmonizing its laws and regulations to meet EAEU standards, though many local entrepreneurs believe this process as disjointed and incomplete. Kyrgyzstan’s economic development continues to be hampered by corruption, lack of administrative transparency, lack of diversity in domestic industries, and difficulty attracting foreign aid and investment.Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked, mountainous, lower middle income country with an economy dominated by minerals extraction, agriculture, and reliance on remittances from citizens working abroad. Cotton, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only cotton is exported in any quantity. Other exports include gold, mercury, uranium, natural gas, and - in some years - electricity. The country has sought to attract foreign investment to expand its export base, including construction of hydroelectric dams, but a difficult investment climate and an ongoing legal battle with a Canadian firm over the joint ownership structure of the nation’s largest gold mine deter potential investors. Remittances from Kyrgyz migrant workers, predominantly in Russia and Kazakhstan, are equivalent to more than one-quarter of Kyrgyzstan’s GDP. Following independence, Kyrgyzstan rapidly implemented market reforms, such as improving the regulatory system and instituting land reform. In 1998, Kyrgyzstan was the first Commonwealth of Independent States country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. The government has privatized much of its ownership shares in public enterprises. Despite these reforms, the country suffered a severe drop in production in the early 1990s and has again faced slow growth in recent years as the global financial crisis and declining oil prices have dampened economies across Central Asia. The Kyrgyz government remains dependent on foreign donor support to finance its annual budget deficit of approximately 3 to 5% of GDP. Kyrgyz leaders hope the country’s August 2015 accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will bolster trade and investment, but slowing economies in Russia and China and low commodity prices continue to hamper economic growth. Large-scale trade and investment pledged by Kyrgyz leaders has been slow to develop. Many Kyrgyz entrepreneurs and politicians complain that non-tariff measures imposed by other EAEU member states are hurting certain sectors of the Kyrgyz economy, such as meat and dairy production, in which they have comparative advantage. Since acceding to the EAEU, the Kyrgyz Republic has continued harmonizing its laws and regulations to meet EAEU standards, though many local entrepreneurs believe this process as disjointed and incomplete. Kyrgyzstan’s economic development continues to be hampered by corruption, lack of administrative transparency, lack of diversity in domestic industries, and difficulty attracting foreign aid and investment. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $31.02 billion (2020 est.) $33.95 billion (2019 est.) $32.46 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.6% (2017 est.) 4.3% (2016 est.) 3.9% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $4,700 (2020 est.) $5,300 (2019 est.) $5,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $8.442 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.1% (2019 est.) 1.5% (2018 est.) 3.1% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: B2 (2015) Standard & Poors rating: NR (2016) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 14.6% (2017 est.) industry: 31.2% (2017 est.) services: 54.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 85.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 33.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 39.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -79% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: milk, potatoes, sugar beet, maize, wheat, barley, tomatoes, watermelons, onions, carrots/turnips Industries: small machinery, textiles, food processing, cement, shoes, lumber, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, rare earth metals Industrial production growth rate: 10.9% (2017 est.) Labor force: 2.841 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 48% industry: 12.5% services: 39.5% (2005 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.18% (2019 est.) 2.59% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 9.6% male: 7.8% female: 13.4% (2018 est.) Population below poverty line: 20.1% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 27.7 (2018 est.) 29 (2001) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.4% highest 10%: 22.9% (2014 est.) Budget: revenues: 2.169 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.409 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 56% of GDP (2017 est.) 55.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$306 million (2017 est.) -$792 million (2016 est.) Exports: $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.) Exports - partners: United Kingdom 56%, Kazakhstan 13%, Russia 13%, Uzbekistan 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: gold, precious metals, various beans, refined petroleum, scrap copper (2019) Imports: $5.67 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.953 billion (2017 est.) Imports - partners: China 53%, Russia 17%, Kazakhstan 7%, Uzbekistan 7%, Turkey 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, footwear, clothing and apparel, broadcasting equipment, walnuts (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.177 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.97 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $8.372 billion (2019 est.) $8.066 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: soms (KGS) per US dollar - 68.35 (2017 est.) 69.914 (2016 est.) 69.914 (2015 est.) 64.462 (2014 est.) 53.654 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 2.287 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 1.717 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 984,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 481,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 971 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 700 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 32,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,400 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 8,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 40 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 6,996 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 2,290 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 34,280 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 25.542 million cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 207.845 million cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 191.478 million cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 5.663 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.88 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 35.059 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 299,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 8.511 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 130 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the country’s telecom sector (specifically the mobile segment) has likewise been able to prosper; ongoing political tension, increasing repression of the media and information, and continuing problems with corporate governance may be putting a strain on further growth by reducing the country’s appeal to much-needed foreign investors; Kyrgyzstan has been reasonably successful in its attempts to liberalize its economy and open up its telecom market to competition; the privatization of state-owned entities particularly the fixed-line incumbent provider Kyrgyztelecom and the mobile operator Alfa Telecom has been less well received, with government ownership continuing despite repeated attempts to offload its stakes in those companies; they simply haven’t been able to generate enough interest from the private sector; the mobile market has achieved high levels of penetration (140% in 2021) along with a fairly competitive operating environment with four major players; mobile broadband has come along strongly, reaching over 125% penetration in 2019 before falling back slightly during the Covid-19 crisis; slow-to-moderate growth is expected for both segments in coming years, supported by the anticipated rollout of 5G services starting from late 2022. (2022) domestic: fixed-line penetration at nearly 5 per 100 persons remains low and concentrated in urban areas; mobile-cellular subscribership up to over 134 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 996; connections with other CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States, 9 members post-Soviet Republics in EU) countries by landline or microwave radio relay and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intersputnik, 1 Intelsat) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 public TV broadcaster KTRK has nationwide coverage; also operates Ala-Too 24 news channel which broadcasts 24/7 and 4 other educational, cultural, and sports channels; ELTR and Channel 5 are state-owned stations with national reach; the switchover to digital TV in 2017 resulted in private TV station growth; approximately 20 stations are struggling to increase their own content up to 50% of airtime, as required by law, instead of rebroadcasting primarily programs from Russian channels or airing unlicensed movies and music; 3 Russian TV stations also broadcast; state-funded radio stations and about 10 significant private radio stations also exist (2019) Internet country code: .kg Internet users: total: 3,355,749 (2020 est.) percent of population: 51% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 289,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: EX Airports: total: 28 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Pipelines: 4,195 km gas (2022), 16 km oil (2022) (2022) Railways: total: 424 km (2022) broad gauge: 424 km (2018) 1.520-m gauge Roadways: total: 34,000 km (2022) Waterways: 576 km (2022) Ports and terminals: lake port(s): Balykchy (Ysyk-Kol or Rybach'ye)(Lake Ysyk-Kol) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Kyrgyz Armed Forces: Land Forces, Air Defense Forces, National Guard; Internal Troops; State Committee for National Security (GKNB): Border Service (2022) Military expenditures: 2.3% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $410 million) 2.3% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $400 million) 2.3% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $390 million) 2.6% of GDP (2016 est.) (approximately $380 million) 2.6% of GDP (2015 est.) (approximately $360 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 12,000 active duty troops (8,500 Land Forces; 2,500 Air Force/Air Defense; 1,000 National Guard) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary male military service in the Armed Forces or Interior Ministry; 1-year service obligation (9 months for university graduates), with optional fee-based 3-year service in the call-up mobilization reserve; women may volunteer at age 19; 16-17 years of age for military cadets, who cannot take part in military operations (2022) Military - note: Kyrgyzstan has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Kyrgyzstan-China: a 2009 treaty settled a border dispute, with Kyrgyzstan receiving the Khan Tengri Peak and Kyrgyzstan ceding to China the Uzengi-Kush area Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan: in January 2019, Kyrgyzstan ratified the 2017 agreement on the demarcation of the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan: as the last major Central Asian boundary dispute with lengthy undelimited sections, the lowland (NE part) of the Kyrgz-Tajik line seems intractable despite recent Kyrgyz-Uzbek compromises and agreements on delimitation and demarcation Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan: delimitation of approximately 15% or 200 km of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes over enclaves and other areas; Kyrgyz and Uzbek officials signed an agreement in March 2021 on the final delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan border; the accord included several land swaps that gave Kyrgyzstan more territory but was offset by Uzbekistan retaining use of reservoirs on Kyrgyz land; although a Kyrgyz official returned from the March 2021 meetings and said the decades-old border dispute was 100% resolved, his talks with residents in some affected areas showed that agreement had not been reached on all border segmentsKyrgyzstan-China: a 2009 treaty settled a border dispute, with Kyrgyzstan receiving the Khan Tengri Peak and Kyrgyzstan ceding to China the Uzengi-Kush areaKyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan: in January 2019, Kyrgyzstan ratified the 2017 agreement on the demarcation of the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan borderKyrgyzstan-Tajikistan: as the last major Central Asian boundary dispute with lengthy undelimited sections, the lowland (NE part) of the Kyrgz-Tajik line seems intractable despite recent Kyrgyz-Uzbek compromises and agreements on delimitation and demarcationKyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan: delimitation of approximately 15% or 200 km of border with Uzbekistan is hampered by serious disputes over enclaves and other areas; Kyrgyz and Uzbek officials signed an agreement in March 2021 on the final delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan border; the accord included several land swaps that gave Kyrgyzstan more territory but was offset by Uzbekistan retaining use of reservoirs on Kyrgyz land; although a Kyrgyz official returned from the March 2021 meetings and said the decades-old border dispute was 100% resolved, his talks with residents in some affected areas showed that agreement had not been reached on all border segments Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 16 (mid-year 2021) Trafficking in persons: current 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) Illicit drugs: a prime transshipment location; illegal drugs move from Afghanistan to Russia, and sometimes into Europe  a prime transshipment location; illegal drugs move from Afghanistan to Russia, and sometimes into Europe 

20220901

countries-kazakhstan

Topic: Photos of Kazakhstan Topic: Introduction Background: Ethnic Kazakhs derive from a mix of Turkic nomadic tribes that migrated to the region in the 15th century. The Kazakh steppe was conquered by the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1925. Repression and starvation caused by forced agricultural collectivization led to more than a million deaths in the early 1930s. During the 1950s and 1960s, the agricultural "Virgin Lands" program led to an influx of settlers (mostly ethnic Russians, but also other nationalities) and at the time of Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, ethnic Kazakhs were a minority. Non-Muslim ethnic minorities departed Kazakhstan in large numbers from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s and a national program has repatriated about a million ethnic Kazakhs (from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and the Xinjiang region of China) back to Kazakhstan. As a result of this shift, the ethnic Kazakh share of the population now exceeds two thirds. Kazakhstan's economy is the largest in Central Asia, mainly due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: diversifying the economy, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness, and strengthening economic relations with neighboring states and foreign powers.  Ethnic Kazakhs derive from a mix of Turkic nomadic tribes that migrated to the region in the 15th century. The Kazakh steppe was conquered by the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1925. Repression and starvation caused by forced agricultural collectivization led to more than a million deaths in the early 1930s. During the 1950s and 1960s, the agricultural "Virgin Lands" program led to an influx of settlers (mostly ethnic Russians, but also other nationalities) and at the time of Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, ethnic Kazakhs were a minority. Non-Muslim ethnic minorities departed Kazakhstan in large numbers from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s and a national program has repatriated about a million ethnic Kazakhs (from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and the Xinjiang region of China) back to Kazakhstan. As a result of this shift, the ethnic Kazakh share of the population now exceeds two thirds. Kazakhstan's economy is the largest in Central Asia, mainly due to the country's vast natural resources. Current issues include: diversifying the economy, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing Kazakhstan's economic competitiveness, and strengthening economic relations with neighboring states and foreign powers. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Asia, northwest of China; a small portion west of the Ural (Oral) River in easternmost Europe Geographic coordinates: 48 00 N, 68 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 2,724,900 sq km land: 2,699,700 sq km water: 25,200 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than four times the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 13,364 km border countries (5): China 1,765 km; Kyrgyzstan 1,212 km; Russia 7,644 km; Turkmenistan 413 km; Uzbekistan 2,330 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); note - Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea, now split into two bodies of water (1,070 km), and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid Terrain: vast flat steppe extending from the Volga in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east and from the plains of western Siberia in the north to oases and deserts of Central Asia in the south Elevation: highest point: Pik Khan-Tengri 7,010 m note - the northern most 7,000 meter peak in the World lowest point: Qauyndy Oyysy -132 m mean elevation: 387 m Natural resources: major deposits of petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium Land use: agricultural land: 77.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 68.5% (2018 est.) forest: 1.2% (2018 est.) other: 21.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 20,660 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Ozero Balkhash - 22,000 sq km; Ozero Zaysan - 1,800 sq km Salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Russia) - 374,000 sq km; Aral Sea (north) - 3,300 sq km; Ozero Alakol - 2,650 sq km; Ozero Teniz 1,590 sq km; Ozero Seletytenzi - 780 sq km; Ozero Sasykkol - 740 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Syr Darya river mouth (shared with Kyrgyzstan [s], Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) - 3,078 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km), Amu Darya (534,739 sq km), Syr Darya (782,617 sq km), Lake Balkash (510,015 sq km) Population distribution: most of the country displays a low population density, particularly the interior; population clusters appear in urban agglomerations in the far northern and southern portions of the country Natural hazards: earthquakes in the south; mudslides around Almaty Geography - note: world'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 Map description: Kazakhstan map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Caspian Sea.Kazakhstan map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Caspian Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 19,398,331 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Kazakhstani(s) adjective: Kazakhstani Ethnic groups: Kazakh (Qazaq) 68%, Russian 19.3%, Uzbek 3.2%, Ukrainian 1.5%, Uighur 1.5%, Tatar 1.1%, German 1%, other 4.4% (2019 est.) Languages: Kazakh (official, Qazaq) 83.1% (understand spoken language) and trilingual (Kazakh, Russian, English) 22.3% (2017 est.); Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 94.4% (understand spoken language) (2009 est.) major-language sample(s): Әлемдік деректер кітабы, негізгі ақпараттың таптырмайтын көзі. (Kazakh) Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник  базовой информации. (Russian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (mainly Russian Orthodox), other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%, unspecified 0.5% (2009 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 26.13% (male 2,438,148/female 2,550,535) 15-24 years: 12.97% (male 1,262,766/female 1,212,645) 25-54 years: 42.23% (male 3,960,188/female 4,102,845) 55-64 years: 10.25% (male 856,180/female 1,099,923) 65 years and over: 8.43% (2020 est.) (male 567,269/female 1,041,450) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 58.8 youth dependency ratio: 46.3 elderly dependency ratio: 12.6 potential support ratio: 8 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 31.6 years male: 30.3 years female: 32.8 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.77% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 15.38 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.11 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the country displays a low population density, particularly the interior; population clusters appear in urban agglomerations in the far northern and southern portions of the country Urbanization: urban population: 58% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.958 million Almaty, 1.254 million NUR-SULTAN (capital), 1.126 million Shimkent (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 0.94 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.78 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.35 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 28.9 years (2019 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 10 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 19.18 deaths/1,000 live births male: 21.73 deaths/1,000 live births female: 16.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.53 years male: 67.43 years female: 77.31 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.11 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 53% (2018) note: percent of women aged 18-49 Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 93.8% of population total: 97.4% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 6.2% of population total: 2.6% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 2.8% (2019) Physicians density: 3.98 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 6.1 beds/1,000 population (2014) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 99.9% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 0.1% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 35,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 21% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 23.2% (2020 est.) male: 39.6% (2020 est.) female: 6.7% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 2% (2015) Education expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.8% male: 99.8% female: 99.7% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years male: 15 years female: 16 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 3.8% male: 3.4% female: 4.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with former defense industries and test ranges scattered throughout the country pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers that flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; desertification; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from poor infrastructure and wasteful irrigation practices Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 11.32 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 247.21 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 45.03 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiarid Land use: agricultural land: 77.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 68.5% (2018 est.) forest: 1.2% (2018 est.) other: 21.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 58% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.99% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4,659,740 tons (2012 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 136,064 tons (2012 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 2.9% (2012 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Ozero Balkhash - 22,000 sq km; Ozero Zaysan - 1,800 sq km Salt water lake(s): Caspian Sea (shared with Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Russia) - 374,000 sq km; Aral Sea (north) - 3,300 sq km; Ozero Alakol - 2,650 sq km; Ozero Teniz 1,590 sq km; Ozero Seletytenzi - 780 sq km; Ozero Sasykkol - 740 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Syr Darya river mouth (shared with Kyrgyzstan [s], Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) - 3,078 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km), Amu Darya (534,739 sq km), Syr Darya (782,617 sq km), Lake Balkash (510,015 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 2.347 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 6.984 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 15.12 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 108.41 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan conventional short form: Kazakhstan local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy local short form: Qazaqstan former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: the name "Kazakh" may derive from the Turkic word "kaz" meaning "to wander," recalling the Kazakh's nomadic lifestyle; the Persian suffix "-stan" means "place of" or "country," so the word Kazakhstan literally means "Land of the Wanderers" Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Nur-Sultan geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 25 E time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Kazakhstan has two time zones etymology: on 20 March 2019, Kazakhstan changed the name of its capital city from Astana to Nur-Sultan in honor of its long-serving, recently retired president, Nursultan NAZARBAYEV; this was not the first time the city had its name changed; founded in 1830 as Akmoly, it became Akmolinsk in 1832, Tselinograd in 1961, Akmola (Aqmola) in 1992, and Astana in 1998 Administrative divisions: 14 provinces (oblyslar, singular - oblys) and 4 cities* (qalalar, singular - qala); Almaty (Taldyqorghan), Almaty*, Aqmola (Kokshetau), Aqtobe, Atyrau, Batys Qazaqstan [West Kazakhstan] (Oral), Bayqongyr*, Mangghystau (Aqtau), Nur-Sultan*, Pavlodar, Qaraghandy, Qostanay, Qyzylorda, Shyghys Qazaqstan [East Kazakhstan] (Oskemen), Shymkent*, Soltustik Qazaqstan [North Kazakhstan] (Petropavl), Turkistan, Zhambyl (Taraz) note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses); in 1995, the Governments of Kazakhstan and Russia entered into an agreement whereby Russia would lease for a period of 20 years an area of 6,000 sq km enclosing the Baikonur space launch facilities and the city of Bayqongyr (Baikonur, formerly Leninsk); in 2004, a new agreement extended the lease to 2050 Independence: 16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 16 December (1991) Constitution: history: previous 1937, 1978 (preindependence), 1993; latest approved by referendum 30 August 1995, effective 5 September 1995 amendments: introduced by a referendum initiated by the president of the republic, on the recommendation of Parliament, or by the government; the president has the option of submitting draft amendments to Parliament or directly to a referendum; passage of amendments by Parliament requires four-fifths majority vote of both houses and the signature of the president; passage by referendum requires absolute majority vote by more than one half of the voters in at least two thirds of the oblasts, major cities, and the capital, followed by the signature of the president; amended several times, last in 2019 Legal system: civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and by the theory and practice of the Russian Federation 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 Kazakhstan dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV (since 20 March 2019); note - Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, who was president since 24 April 1990 (and in power since 22 June 1989 under the Soviet Union), 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; the president 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 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: 2019: 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% 1991: Nursultan NAZARBAYEV elected the first president of Kazakhstan; percent of vote 98.8%, other 1.2%   Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (49 seats statutory, 48 as of October 2021); 34 members indirectly elected by 2-round majority vote by the oblast-level assemblies and 15 members appointed by decree of the president; members serve 6-year terms, with one-half of the membership renewed every 3 years) Mazhilis (107 seats; 98 members directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 9 indirectly elected by the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, a 351-member, presidentially appointed advisory body designed to represent the country's ethnic minorities) elections: Senate - last held on 12 August 2020 (next to be held in August 2023) Mazhilis - last held on 10 January 2021 (next to be held in 2026) election results:   Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition (as of October 2021) - men 39, women 9, percent of women 18.4% Mazhilis - percent of vote by party - Nur Otan 71.1%, Ak Zhol 11%, People's Party 9.1%, other 8.8%; seats by party - Nur Otan 76, Ak Zhol 12, People's Party 10; composition (as of October 2021) - men 78, women 29, percent of women 27.1%; note - total Parliament percent of women 24.4% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of the Republic (consists of 44 members); Constitutional Council (consists of the chairperson and 6 members) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges proposed by the president of the republic on recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council and confirmed by the Senate; judges normally serve until age 65 but can be extended to age 70; Constitutional Council - the president of the republic, the Senate chairperson, and the Mazhilis chairperson each appoints 2 members for a 6-year term; chairperson of the Constitutional Council appointed by the president for a 6-year term subordinate courts: regional and local courts Political parties and leaders: Adal [Serik SULTANGALI] (formerly Birlik (Unity) Party) Ak Zhol (Bright Path) Party or Democratic Party of Kazakhstan Ak Zhol [Azat PERUASHEV] Amanat [Kasym-Zhomart TOKAYEV] (formerly Nur Otan (Radiant Fatherland)) National Social Democratic Party or NSDP [Zharmakhan TUYAKBAY] People's Democratic (Patriotic) Party "Auyl" [Ali BEKTAYEV] People's Party of Kazakhstan [Aikyn KONUROV] International organization participation: ADB, CICA, CIS, CSTO, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, EITI (compliant country), FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UN Security Council (temporary), UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Yerzhan ASHIKBAYEV (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 1401 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 232-5488 FAX: [1] (202) 232-5845 email address and website: washington@mfa.kz https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-washington?lang=en consulate(s) general: New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Judy KUO (since October 2021) embassy: Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3, Nur-Sultan 010010 mailing address: 2230 Nur-Sultan Place, Washington DC  20521-2230 telephone: [7] (7172) 70-21-00 FAX: [7] (7172) 54-09-14 email address and website: USAKZ@state.gov https://kz.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Almaty Flag description: a gold sun with 32 rays above a soaring golden steppe eagle, both centered on a sky blue background; the hoist side displays a national ornamental pattern "koshkar-muiz" (the horns of the ram) in gold; the blue color is of religious significance to the Turkic peoples of the country, and so symbolizes cultural and ethnic unity; it also represents the endless sky as well as water; the sun, a source of life and energy, exemplifies wealth and plenitude; the sun's rays are shaped like grain, which is the basis of abundance and prosperity; the eagle has appeared on the flags of Kazakh tribes for centuries and represents freedom, power, and the flight to the future National symbol(s): golden eagle; national colors: blue, yellow National anthem: name: "Menin Qazaqstanim" (My Kazakhstan) lyrics/music: Zhumeken NAZHIMEDENOV and Nursultan NAZARBAYEV/Shamshi KALDAYAKOV note: adopted 2006; President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV played a role in revising the lyrics National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 5 (3 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (c); Petroglyphs at Tanbaly (c); Saryarka - Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (n); Silk Roads: the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor (c); Western Tien-Shan (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Kazakhstan's vast hydrocarbon and mineral reserves form the backbone of its economy. Geographically the largest of the former Soviet republics, excluding Russia, Kazakhstan, g possesses substantial fossil fuel reserves and other minerals and metals, such as uranium, copper, and zinc. It also has a large agricultural sector featuring livestock and grain. The government realizes that its economy suffers from an overreliance on oil and extractive industries and has made initial attempts to diversify its economy by targeting sectors like transport, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, petrochemicals and food processing for greater development and investment. It also adopted a Subsoil Code in December 2017 with the aim of increasing exploration and investment in the hydrocarbon, and particularly mining, sectors.   Kazakhstan's oil production and potential is expanding rapidly. A $36.8 billion expansion of Kazakhstan’s premiere Tengiz oil field by Chevron-led Tengizchevroil should be complete in 2022. Meanwhile, the super-giant Kashagan field finally launched production in October 2016 after years of delay and an estimated $55 billion in development costs. Kazakhstan’s total oil production in 2017 climbed 10.5%.   Kazakhstan is landlocked and depends on Russia to export its oil to Europe. It also exports oil directly to China. In 2010, Kazakhstan joined Russia and Belarus to establish a Customs Union in an effort to boost foreign investment and improve trade. The Customs Union evolved into a Single Economic Space in 2012 and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in January 2015. Supported by rising commodity prices, Kazakhstan’s exports to EAEU countries increased 30.2% in 2017. Imports from EAEU countries grew by 24.1%.   The economic downturn of its EAEU partner, Russia, and the decline in global commodity prices from 2014 to 2016 contributed to an economic slowdown in Kazakhstan. In 2014, Kazakhstan devalued its currency, the tenge, and announced a stimulus package to cope with its economic challenges. In the face of further decline in the ruble, oil prices, and the regional economy, Kazakhstan announced in 2015 it would replace its currency band with a floating exchange rate, leading to a sharp fall in the value of the tenge. Since reaching a low of 391 to the dollar in January 2016, the tenge has modestly appreciated, helped by somewhat higher oil prices. While growth slowed to about 1% in both 2015 and 2016, a moderate recovery in oil prices, relatively stable inflation and foreign exchange rates, and the start of production at Kashagan helped push 2017 GDP growth to 4%.   Despite some positive institutional and legislative changes in the last several years, investors remain concerned about corruption, bureaucracy, and arbitrary law enforcement, especially at the regional and municipal levels. An additional concern is the condition of the country’s banking sector, which suffers from poor asset quality and a lack of transparency. Investors also question the potentially negative effects on the economy of a contested presidential succession as Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, turned 77 in 2017.Kazakhstan's vast hydrocarbon and mineral reserves form the backbone of its economy. Geographically the largest of the former Soviet republics, excluding Russia, Kazakhstan, g possesses substantial fossil fuel reserves and other minerals and metals, such as uranium, copper, and zinc. It also has a large agricultural sector featuring livestock and grain. The government realizes that its economy suffers from an overreliance on oil and extractive industries and has made initial attempts to diversify its economy by targeting sectors like transport, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, petrochemicals and food processing for greater development and investment. It also adopted a Subsoil Code in December 2017 with the aim of increasing exploration and investment in the hydrocarbon, and particularly mining, sectors. Kazakhstan's oil production and potential is expanding rapidly. A $36.8 billion expansion of Kazakhstan’s premiere Tengiz oil field by Chevron-led Tengizchevroil should be complete in 2022. Meanwhile, the super-giant Kashagan field finally launched production in October 2016 after years of delay and an estimated $55 billion in development costs. Kazakhstan’s total oil production in 2017 climbed 10.5%. Kazakhstan is landlocked and depends on Russia to export its oil to Europe. It also exports oil directly to China. In 2010, Kazakhstan joined Russia and Belarus to establish a Customs Union in an effort to boost foreign investment and improve trade. The Customs Union evolved into a Single Economic Space in 2012 and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in January 2015. Supported by rising commodity prices, Kazakhstan’s exports to EAEU countries increased 30.2% in 2017. Imports from EAEU countries grew by 24.1%. The economic downturn of its EAEU partner, Russia, and the decline in global commodity prices from 2014 to 2016 contributed to an economic slowdown in Kazakhstan. In 2014, Kazakhstan devalued its currency, the tenge, and announced a stimulus package to cope with its economic challenges. In the face of further decline in the ruble, oil prices, and the regional economy, Kazakhstan announced in 2015 it would replace its currency band with a floating exchange rate, leading to a sharp fall in the value of the tenge. Since reaching a low of 391 to the dollar in January 2016, the tenge has modestly appreciated, helped by somewhat higher oil prices. While growth slowed to about 1% in both 2015 and 2016, a moderate recovery in oil prices, relatively stable inflation and foreign exchange rates, and the start of production at Kashagan helped push 2017 GDP growth to 4%. Despite some positive institutional and legislative changes in the last several years, investors remain concerned about corruption, bureaucracy, and arbitrary law enforcement, especially at the regional and municipal levels. An additional concern is the condition of the country’s banking sector, which suffers from poor asset quality and a lack of transparency. Investors also question the potentially negative effects on the economy of a contested presidential succession as Kazakhstan’s first president, Nursultan NAZARBAYEV, turned 77 in 2017. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $475.18 billion (2020 est.) $487.87 billion (2019 est.) $466.86 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 6.13% (2019 est.) 4.41% (2018 est.) 4.38% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $25,300 (2020 est.) $26,400 (2019 est.) $25,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $181.194 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.2% (2019 est.) 6% (2018 est.) 7.3% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB (2016) Moody's rating: Baa3 (2016) Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2016) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 4.7% (2017 est.) industry: 34.1% (2017 est.) services: 61.2% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 53.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 35.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -27.1% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, milk, potatoes, barley, watermelons, melons, linseed, onions, maize, sunflower seed Industries: oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, uranium, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials Industrial production growth rate: 5.8% (2017 est.) Labor force: 8.685 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 18.1% industry: 20.4% services: 61.6% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.8% (2019 est.) 4.85% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 3.8% male: 3.4% female: 4.2% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 4.3% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 27.5 (2017 est.) 31.5 (2003) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.2% highest 10%: 23.3% (2016) Budget: revenues: 35.48 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 38.3 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 20.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 19.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 22.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$7.206 billion (2019 est.) -$138 million (2018 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: China 13%, Italy 12%, Russia 10%, Netherlands 7%, France 6%, South Korea 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, copper, iron alloys, radioactive chemicals (2019) Imports: $44.3 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $51.5 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $46.23 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Russia 34%, China 24% (2019) Imports - commodities: packaged medicines, natural gas, cars, broadcasting equipment, aircraft (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $30.75 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $29.53 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $159.351 billion (2019 est.) $163.73 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: tenge (KZT) per US dollar - 420.0049 (2020 est.) 385.9248 (2019 est.) 370.4648 (2018 est.) 221.73 (2014 est.) 179.19 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 102.338 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 74.819 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 3.002 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 993,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 25.605 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 1,864,900 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 320,600 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,531,600 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 500 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 30 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 290,700 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 105,900 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 39,120 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 25,785,505,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 14,557,101,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 16,418,081,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 7,713,978,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 2,406,928,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 263.689 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 180.726 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 3.091 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 24,293,900 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 129 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Kazakhstan has one of the most developed telecommunications sectors in the Central Asian region; this is especially true of the mobile segment, where widespread network coverage has enabled very high penetration rates reaching 180% as far back as 2012; the mobile and fixed-line segments have both pared back their subscriber numbers to more modest levels; the telcos have still been successful in terms of improving their margins and revenues by growing value-added services along with exploiting the capabilities of their higher speed networks (4G LTE as well as fiber) to drive significant increases in data usage; Kazakhstan has enjoyed a  high fixed-line teledensity thanks to concerted efforts to invest in the fixed-line infrastructure as well as next-generation networks; demand for traditional voice services is on the wane as customers take a preference for the flexibility and ubiquity of the mobile platform for voice as well as data services; mobile clearly dominates the telecom sector in Kazakhstan, yet 2020 saw a sharp drop in subscriber numbers for both mobile voice and mobile broadband services as the Covid-19 crisis took hold; with the exception of fixed-line voice services, Kazakhstan’s telecom market is expected to return to moderate growth from 2022 onwards; the extensive deployment of LTE networks across the country (along with the prospect of 5G services being added to the mix in 2023) points towards an even greater uptake of lucrative mobile broadband services, in particular. (2021) domestic: intercity by landline and microwave radio relay; number of fixed-line connections is approximately 17 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscriber base 134 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 7; international traffic with other former Soviet republics and China carried by landline and microwave radio relay and with other countries by satellite and by the TAE fiber-optic cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat 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 state owns nearly all radio and TV transmission facilities and operates national TV and radio networks; there are 96 TV channels, many of which are owned by the government, and 4 state-run radio stations; some former state-owned media outlets have been privatized; households with satellite dishes have access to foreign media; a small number of commercial radio stations operate along with state-run radio stations; recent legislation requires all media outlets to register with the government and all TV providers to broadcast in digital format by 2018; broadcasts reach some 99% of the population as well as neighboring countries (2018) Internet country code: .kz Internet users: total: 16,128,818 (2020 est.) percent of population: 86% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,620,400 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: UP Airports: total: 96 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 63 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 25 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 33 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 13 (2021) Heliports: 3 (2021) Pipelines: 658 km condensate, 15,429 km gas (2020), 8,020 km oil (2020), 1,095 km refined products, 1,975 km water (2017) (2020) Railways: total: 16,636 km (2020) broad gauge: 16,636 km (2020) 1.520-m gauge (4,237 km electrified) Roadways: total: 96,167 km (2021) paved: 83,813 km (2021) unpaved: 12,354 km (2021) Waterways: 43,983 km (2020) (on the Ertis (Irtysh) River (80%) and Syr Darya (Syrdariya) River) Merchant marine: total: 119 by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 7, other 109 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Caspian Sea - Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev) river port(s): Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk) (Irtysh River) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Land Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces; Ministry of Internal Affairs: National Police; Committee for National Security: Border Service (2022) Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $3.6 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $3.06 billion) 0.8% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $2.85 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 40,000 active duty personnel (25,000 Land Forces; 3,000 Naval Forces; 12,000 Air and Air Defense Forces) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: all men 18-27 are required to serve in the military for at least one year (2022) Military - note: Kazakhstan has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and contributes troops to CSTO's rapid reaction force (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Kazakhstan-China: in 1998, Kazakhstan and China agreed to split two disputed border areas nearly evenly; demarcation with China completed in 2002 Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan: in January 2019, Kyrgyzstan ratified the 2017 agreement on the demarcation of the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border Kazakhstan-Russia: Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005; field demarcation commenced in 2007 and was expected to be completed by 2013 Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan signed a treaty on the delimitation and demarcation process in 2001; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2005; Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan agreed to their border in the Caspian Sea in 2014 Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan: field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2004; disputed territory is held by Uzbekistan but the overwhelming majority of residents are ethnic Kazakhs; the two countries agreed on draft final demarcation documents in March 2022 and planned to hold another meeting in April 2022Kazakhstan-China: in 1998, Kazakhstan and China agreed to split two disputed border areas nearly evenly; demarcation with China completed in 2002Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan: in January 2019, Kyrgyzstan ratified the 2017 agreement on the demarcation of the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan borderKazakhstan-Russia: Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005; field demarcation commenced in 2007 and was expected to be completed by 2013Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan signed a treaty on the delimitation and demarcation process in 2001; field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2005; Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan agreed to their border in the Caspian Sea in 2014Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan: field demarcation of the boundaries with Kazakhstan commenced in 2004; disputed territory is held by Uzbekistan but the overwhelming majority of residents are ethnic Kazakhs; the two countries agreed on draft final demarcation documents in March 2022 and planned to hold another meeting in April 2022 Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 7,915 (mid-year 2021) Trafficking in persons: current 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) Illicit drugs: synthetic drugs dominate the local illicit drug market, smuggled from Southeast Asia, China, Russia and Europe; however the number of domestic clandestine laboratories producing synthetic drugs continues to increase.  Kazakhstan remains a transit country for Afghan heroin destined for Russia and Europe.synthetic drugs dominate the local illicit drug market, smuggled from Southeast Asia, China, Russia and Europe; however the number of domestic clandestine laboratories producing synthetic drugs continues to increase.  Kazakhstan remains a transit country for Afghan heroin destined for Russia and Europe.

20220901

countries-dominica

Topic: Photos of Dominica Topic: Introduction Background: Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which colonized the island in 1805. Slavery ended in 1833 and in 1835 the first three men of African descent were elected to the legislative assembly of Dominica. In 1871, Dominica became part first of the British Leeward Islands and then the British Windward Islands until 1958. In 1967, Dominica became an associated state of the UK, and formally took responsibility for its internal affairs. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. On 18 September 2017, Hurricane Maria passed over the island, causing extensive damage to structures, roads, communications, and the power supply, and largely destroying critical agricultural areas.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago Geographic coordinates: 15 25 N, 61 20 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 751 sq km land: 751 sq km water: NEGL Area - comparative: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 148 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall Terrain: rugged mountains of volcanic origin Elevation: highest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Natural resources: timber, hydropower, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 34.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 24% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.7% (2018 est.) forest: 59.2% (2018 est.) other: 6.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: NA Population distribution: population is mosly clustered along the coast, with roughly a third living in the parish of St. George, in or around the capital of Roseau; the volcanic interior is sparsely populated Natural hazards: flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer monthsvolcanism: Dominica was the last island to be formed in the Caribbean some 26 million years ago, it lies in the middle of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from the island of Saba in the north to Grenada in the south; of the 16 volcanoes that make up this arc, five are located on Dominica, more than any other island in the Caribbean: Morne aux Diables (861 m), Morne Diablotins (1,430 m), Morne Trois Pitons (1,387 m), Watt Mountain (1,224 m), which last erupted in 1997, and Morne Plat Pays (940 m); the two best known volcanic features on Dominica, the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake thermal areas, lie on the flanks of Watt Mountain and both are popular tourist destinationsflash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer monthsvolcanism: Dominica was the last island to be formed in the Caribbean some 26 million years ago, it lies in the middle of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from the island of Saba in the north to Grenada in the south; of the 16 volcanoes that make up this arc, five are located on Dominica, more than any other island in the Caribbean: Morne aux Diables (861 m), Morne Diablotins (1,430 m), Morne Trois Pitons (1,387 m), Watt Mountain (1,224 m), which last erupted in 1997, and Morne Plat Pays (940 m); the two best known volcanic features on Dominica, the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake thermal areas, lie on the flanks of Watt Mountain and both are popular tourist destinations Geography - note: known 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 Map description: Dominica map showing the island country in the Caribbean Sea.Dominica map showing the island country in the Caribbean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 74,629 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican Ethnic groups: African descent 84.5%, mixed 9%, Indigenous 3.8%, other 2.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.) Languages: English (official), French patois Religions: Roman Catholic 52.7%, Protestant 29.7% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 6.7%, Pentecostal 6.1%, Baptist 5.2%, Christian Union Church 3.9%, Methodist 2.6%, Gospel Mission 2.1%, other Protestant 3.1%), Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, other 4.3%, none 9.4%, unspecified 1.4% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21.41% (male 8,135/female 7,760) 15-24 years: 13.15% (male 5,017/female 4,746) 25-54 years: 42.79% (male 16,133/female 15,637) 55-64 years: 10.53% (male 4,089/female 3,731) 65 years and over: 12.12% (2020 est.) (male 4,128/female 4,867) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 34.9 years male: 34.4 years female: 35.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.05% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 13.91 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.11 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -5.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population is mosly clustered along the coast, with roughly a third living in the parish of St. George, in or around the capital of Roseau; the volcanic interior is sparsely populated Urbanization: urban population: 71.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 15,000 ROSEAU (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 11.27 deaths/1,000 live births male: 15.28 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.07 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.21 years male: 75.25 years female: 81.31 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.02 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 95.7% of population unimproved: urban: 4.3% of population Current Health Expenditure: 5.5% (2019) Physicians density: 1.1 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 3.8 beds/1,000 population HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.6% (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2018) <500 HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 27.9% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 5% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA People - note: 3,000-3,500 Kalinago (Carib) still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the Caribbean; only 70-100 may be "pure" Kalinago because of years of integration into the broader population Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: water shortages a continuing concern; pollution from agrochemicals and from untreated sewage; forests endangered by the expansion of farming; soil erosion; pollution of the coastal zone by agricultural and industrial chemicals, and untreated sewage Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 18.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.18 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.04 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall Land use: agricultural land: 34.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 24% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.7% (2018 est.) forest: 59.2% (2018 est.) other: 6.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 71.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 13,176 tons (2013 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 19 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 200 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica conventional short form: Dominica etymology: the island was named by explorer Christopher COLUMBUS for the day of the week on which he spotted it, Sunday ("Domingo" in Latin), 3 November 1493 Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Roseau geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name is French for "reed"; the first settlement was named after the river reeds that grew in the area Administrative divisions: 10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter Independence: 3 November 1978 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1978) Constitution: history: previous 1967 (preindependence); latest presented 25 July 1978, entered into force 3 November 1978 amendments: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as fundamental rights and freedoms, the government structure, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by three fourths of the Assembly membership in the final reading of the amendment bill, approval by simple majority in a referendum, and assent of the president; amended several times, last in 2015 Legal system: common law based on the English model International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: unicameral House of Assembly (32 seats; 21 representatives directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 9 senators appointed by the president - 5 on the advice of the prime minister, and 4 on the advice of the leader of the opposition party, plus 2 ex-officio members - the house speaker and the attorney general; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 6 December 2019 (next to be held in 2024); note - tradition dictates that the election is held within 5 years of the last election, but technically it is 5 years from the first seating of parliament plus a 90-day grace period election results: percent of vote by party - DLP 59.0%, UWP 41.0%; seats by party - DLP 18, UWP 3; composition - men 21, women 11, percent of women 34.4% 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 in Dominica; note - in 2015, Dominica acceded to the Caribbean Court of Justice as final court of appeal, replacing that of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, in London judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the 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: Court of Summary Jurisdiction; magistrates' courts Political parties and leaders: Dominica Freedom Party or DFP [Bernard HURTAULT] Dominica Labor Party or DLP [Roosevelt SKERRIT] Dominica United Workers Party or UWP [Lennox LINTON] International organization participation: ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, Commonwealth of Nations, ECCU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Judith-Anne ROLLE (since 16 December 2021) chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791 email address and website: mail.embdomdc@gmail.com consulate(s) general: New York Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica Flag description: green with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical part is yellow (hoist side), black, and white and the horizontal part is yellow (top), black, and white; superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk bearing a Sisserou parrot, unique to Dominica, encircled by 10 green, five-pointed stars edged in yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the triple-colored cross represents the Christian Trinity; the yellow color denotes sunshine, the main agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the native Carib Indians; black is for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens; white signifies rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc stands for social justice National symbol(s): Sisserou parrot, Carib Wood flower; national colors: green, yellow, black, white, red National anthem: name: "Isle of Beauty" lyrics/music: Wilfred Oscar Morgan POND/Lemuel McPherson CHRISTIAN note: adopted 1967 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Pitons Management Area Topic: Economy Economic overview: The Dominican economy was dependent on agriculture - primarily bananas - in years past, but increasingly has been driven by tourism, as the government seeks to promote Dominica as an "ecotourism" destination. However, Hurricane Maria, which passed through the island in September 2017, destroyed much of the country’s agricultural sector and caused damage to all of the country’s transportation and physical infrastructure. Before Hurricane Maria, the government had attempted to foster an offshore financial industry and planned to sign agreements with the private sector to develop geothermal energy resources. At a time when government finances are fragile, the government’s focus has been to get the country back in shape to service cruise ships. The economy contracted in 2015 and recovered to positive growth in 2016 due to a recovery of agriculture and tourism. Dominica suffers from high debt levels, which increased from 67% of GDP in 2010 to 77% in 2016. Dominica is one of five countries in the East Caribbean that have citizenship by investment programs whereby foreigners can obtain passports for a fee and revenue from this contribute to government budgets. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $710 million (2020 est.) $850 million (2019 est.) $830 million (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -4.7% (2017 est.) 2.6% (2016 est.) -3.7% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $9,900 (2020 est.) $11,900 (2019 est.) $11,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $557 million (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.6% (2017 est.) 0% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 22.3% (2017 est.) industry: 12.6% (2017 est.) services: 65.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 60.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 54.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -62.7% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: bananas, yams, grapefruit, taro, milk, coconuts, oranges, yautia, plantains, sugar cane note: forest and fishery potential not exploited Industries: soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes Industrial production growth rate: -13% (2017 est.) Labor force: 25,000 (2000 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 40% industry: 32% services: 28% (2002 est.) Unemployment rate: 23% (2000 est.) Population below poverty line: 29% (2009 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 227.8 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 260.4 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 82.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 71.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 40.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Current account balance: -$70 million (2017 est.) $5 million (2016 est.) Exports: $160 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $43.7 million (2016 est.) Exports - partners: Saudi Arabia 47%, Qatar 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: medical instruments, pharmaceuticals, low-voltage protection equipment, tropical fruits, bandages (2019) Imports: $430 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $188.4 million (2016 est.) Imports - partners: United States 57%, Nigeria 11%, China 6%, Italy 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, natural gas, crude petroleum, recreational boats, cars (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $212.3 million (31 December 2017 est.) $221.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $280.4 million (31 December 2017 est.) $314.2 million (31 December 2015 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: 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) 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: 1,200 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: 1,237 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: 182,000 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 37.513 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 76,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 106 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the telecom sector has seen a decline in subscriber numbers (particularly for prepaid mobile services the mainstay of short term visitors) and revenue; fixed and mobile broadband services are two areas that have benefited from the crisis as employees and students have resorted to working from home; one major casualty may be the region’s second largest telco operator, Digicel; the company filed for bankruptcy in the US in April 2020; it continues to operate in all of its Caribbean markets as it seeks to refinance billions of dollars of debt; the other major telco, regional incumbent Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), is experiencing similar drops in subscriber numbers and revenue; CWC is expanding and enhancing its fixed and mobile networks in many of the countries it serves around the Caribbean, despite many locations being small islands with very small populations; one area of the telecom market that is not prepared for growth is 5G mobile; governments, regulators, and even the mobile network operators have shown that they have not been investing in 5G opportunities at the present time; network expansion and enhancements remain concentrated around improving LTE coverage. (2021) domestic: fixed-line connections continue to decline slowly with only two active operators providing about 4 fixed-line connections per 100 persons; subscribership among the three mobile-cellular providers is about 105 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-767; landing points for the ECFS and the Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cables providing connectivity to other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad and to the US; microwave radio relay and SHF radiotelephone links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; VHF and UHF radiotelephone links to Saint Lucia (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: no terrestrial TV service available; subscription cable TV provider offers some locally produced programming plus channels from the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean; state-operated radio broadcasts on 6 stations; privately owned radio broadcasts on about 15 stations (2019) Internet country code: .dm Internet users: total: 50,266 (2019 est.) percent of population: 70% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 16,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 22 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: J7 Airports: total: 2 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 1,512 km (2018) paved: 762 km (2018) unpaved: 750 km (2018) Merchant marine: total: 93 by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 19, other 44 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Portsmouth, Roseau Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (includes Coast Guard) under the Ministry of Justice, Immigration, and National Security (2022) Military - note: Dominica 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Dominica is the only Caribbean state to challenge Venezuela's sovereignty claim over Aves Island and joins the other island nations in challenging whether the feature sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ and continental shelf claims over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean SeaDominica is the only Caribbean state to challenge Venezuela's sovereignty claim over Aves Island and joins the other island nations in challenging whether the feature sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ and continental shelf claims 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-vanuatu-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted. Topic: Geography Area: total: 12,189 sq km land: 12,189 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April Natural resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fish Topic: People and Society Population: 308,043 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Melanesian 99.2%, non-Melanesian 0.8% (2016 est.) Languages: local languages (more than 100) 63.2%, Bislama (official; creole) 33.7%, English (official) 2%, French (official) 0.6%, other 0.5% (2009 est.) Religions: Protestant 70% (includes Presbyterian 27.9%, Anglican 15.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.5%, Assemblies of God 4.7%, Church of Christ 4.5%, Neil Thomas Ministry 3.1%, and Apostolic 2.2%), Roman Catholic 12.4%, customary beliefs 3.7% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 12.6%, none 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2009 est.) Population growth rate: 1.63% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Port-Vila (on Efate) Executive branch: chief of state: President Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since 23 July 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Bob LOUGHMAN (since 20 April 2020) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members directly elected in 8 single-seat and 9 multi-seat constituencies by single non-transferable vote to serve 4-year terms (candidates in multi-seat constituencies can be elected with only 4% of the vote) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Pacific island agriculture- and tourism-based economy; environmentally vulnerable to cyclones; poor property rights administration; corruption-prone; subsidizing loss-prone state enterprises in agriculture, banking, and airportsPacific island agriculture- and tourism-based economy; environmentally vulnerable to cyclones; poor property rights administration; corruption-prone; subsidizing loss-prone state enterprises in agriculture, banking, and airports Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $850 million (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,800 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: coconuts, roots/tubers nes, bananas, vegetables, pork, fruit, milk, beef, groundnuts, cocoa Industries: food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning Exports: $380 million (2019 est.) Exports - partners: Japan 33%, Thailand 13%, Mauritania 13%, South Korea 11%, China 9%, Fiji 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: fish and fish products, tug boats, perfume plants, mollusks, cocoa beans (2019) Imports: $460 million (2019 est.) Imports - partners: China 29%, Australia 18%, New Zealand 11%, Fiji 11%, Taiwan 5%, Thailand 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fishing ships, delivery trucks, poultry meats, broadcasting equipment (2019) Exchange rates: vatu (VUV) per US dollar -Page last updated: Monday, Jul 25, 2022

20220901

countries-heard-island-and-mcdonald-islands

Topic: Photos of Heard Island and McDonald Islands Topic: Introduction Background: American sailor John HEARD discovered Heard Island in 1853 and thought it was a glacier that had broken away from Antarctica. Fellow American William MCDONALD discovered the McDonald Islands the following year. Starting in 1855, sealers lived on the islands harvesting elephant seal oil; by the time the practice was ended in 1877, most of the islands’ seals were killed. The UK formally claimed the islands in 1910 and Australian explorer Douglas MAWSON visited Heard Island in 1929. In 1947, the UK transferred the islands to Australia for its Antarctica research, but Australia closed the research station on Heard Island in 1954 when it opened a new research station on the Antarctic continent. McDonald Island has been an active volcano since it emerged from dormancy in 1992, and the island doubled in size after an eruption in 1996. In 1997, the islands were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Populated by a large number of bird species, seals, and penguins, the islands are primarily used for research with limited fishing being permitted in the surrounding waters.  American sailor John HEARD discovered Heard Island in 1853 and thought it was a glacier that had broken away from Antarctica. Fellow American William MCDONALD discovered the McDonald Islands the following year. Starting in 1855, sealers lived on the islands harvesting elephant seal oil; by the time the practice was ended in 1877, most of the islands’ seals were killed. The UK formally claimed the islands in 1910 and Australian explorer Douglas MAWSON visited Heard Island in 1929. In 1947, the UK transferred the islands to Australia for its Antarctica research, but Australia closed the research station on Heard Island in 1954 when it opened a new research station on the Antarctic continent. McDonald Island has been an active volcano since it emerged from dormancy in 1992, and the island doubled in size after an eruption in 1996. In 1997, the islands were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Populated by a large number of bird species, seals, and penguins, the islands are primarily used for research with limited fishing being permitted in the surrounding waters. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: islands in the Indian Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Madagascar to Antarctica Geographic coordinates: 53 06 S, 72 31 E Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total: 412 sq km land: 412 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 101.9 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: antarctic Terrain: Heard Island - 80% ice-covered, bleak and mountainous, dominated by a large massif (Big Ben) and an active volcano (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands - small and rocky Elevation: highest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Natural resources: fish Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Natural hazards: Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island Geography - note: Mawson 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 Map description: Heard Island and McDonald Islands map shows the position of this Australian territory in the Indian Ocean.Heard Island and McDonald Islands map shows the position of this Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: uninhabited 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 Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA 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 Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: none; uninhabited and mostly ice covered Climate: antarctic Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands conventional short form: Heard Island and McDonald Islands abbreviation: HIMI etymology: named after American Captain John HEARD, who sighted the island on 25 November 1853, and American Captain William McDONALD, who discovered the islands on 4 January 1854 Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Australian Antarctic Division) Legal system: the laws of Australia apply where applicable Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (territory of Australia) Flag description: the flag of Australia is used National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural); note - excerpted from the Australia entry selected World Heritage Site locales: Heard Island and McDonald Islands Topic: Economy Economic overview: The islands have no indigenous economic activity, but the Australian Government allows limited fishing in the surrounding waters. Visits to Heard Island typically focus on terrestrial and marine research and infrequent private expeditions. Topic: Communications Internet country code: .hm Topic: Transportation Ports and terminals: none; offshore anchorage only Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; Australia conducts fisheries patrols Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: nonenone

20220901

countries-serbia

Topic: Photos of Serbia Topic: Introduction Background: The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Communist Partisans resisted the Axis occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945 and fought nationalist opponents and collaborators as well. The military and political movement headed by Josip Broz "TITO" (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when their domestic rivals and the occupiers were defeated in 1945. Although communists, TITO and his successors (Tito died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions ultimately failed and, after international intervention, led to the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC retained control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999. Serbian military and police forces withdrew from Kosovo in June 1999, and the UN Security Council authorized an interim UN administration and a NATO-led security force in Kosovo. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. In 2003, the FRY became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 led to more intense calls to address Kosovo's status, and the UN began facilitating status talks in 2006. In June 2006, Montenegro seceded from the federation and declared itself an independent nation. Serbia subsequently gave notice that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo, this time on practical issues rather than Kosovo's status. Serbia and Kosovo signed the first agreement of principles governing the normalization of relations between the two countries in April 2013 and are in the process of implementing its provisions. In 2015, Serbia and Kosovo reached four additional agreements within the EU-led Brussels Dialogue framework. These included agreements on the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities; telecommunications; energy production and distribution; and freedom of movement. President Aleksandar VUCIC has promoted an ambitious goal of Serbia joining the EU by 2025. Under his leadership as prime minister, in 2014 Serbia opened formal negotiations for accession.The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Communist Partisans resisted the Axis occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945 and fought nationalist opponents and collaborators as well. The military and political movement headed by Josip Broz "TITO" (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when their domestic rivals and the occupiers were defeated in 1945. Although communists, TITO and his successors (Tito died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions ultimately failed and, after international intervention, led to the signing of the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995.MILOSEVIC retained control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999. Serbian military and police forces withdrew from Kosovo in June 1999, and the UN Security Council authorized an interim UN administration and a NATO-led security force in Kosovo. FRY elections in late 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and the installation of democratic government. In 2003, the FRY became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 led to more intense calls to address Kosovo's status, and the UN began facilitating status talks in 2006. In June 2006, Montenegro seceded from the federation and declared itself an independent nation. Serbia subsequently gave notice that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro.In February 2008, after nearly two years of inconclusive negotiations, Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia - an action Serbia refuses to recognize. At Serbia's request, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2008 sought an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was in accordance with international law. In a ruling considered unfavorable to Serbia, the ICJ issued an advisory opinion in July 2010 stating that international law did not prohibit declarations of independence. In late 2010, Serbia agreed to an EU-drafted UNGA Resolution acknowledging the ICJ's decision and calling for a new round of talks between Serbia and Kosovo, this time on practical issues rather than Kosovo's status. Serbia and Kosovo signed the first agreement of principles governing the normalization of relations between the two countries in April 2013 and are in the process of implementing its provisions. In 2015, Serbia and Kosovo reached four additional agreements within the EU-led Brussels Dialogue framework. These included agreements on the Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities; telecommunications; energy production and distribution; and freedom of movement. President Aleksandar VUCIC has promoted an ambitious goal of Serbia joining the EU by 2025. Under his leadership as prime minister, in 2014 Serbia opened formal negotiations for accession.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary Geographic coordinates: 44 00 N, 21 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 77,474 sq km land: 77,474 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than South Carolina Land boundaries: total: 2,322 km border countries (8): Bosnia and Herzegovina 345 km; Bulgaria 344 km; Croatia 314 km; Hungary 164 km; Kosovo 366 km; North Macedonia 101 km; Montenegro 157 km; Romania 531 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: in 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) Terrain: extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills Elevation: highest point: Midzor 2,169 m lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m mean elevation: 442 m Natural resources: oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite, gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 57.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 37.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 16.8% (2018 est.) forest: 31.6% (2018 est.) other: 10.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 950 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, 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, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes Geography - note: landlocked; controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East Map description: Serbia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Serbia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 6,739,471 (2022 est.) note: does not include the population of Kosovo Nationality: noun: Serb(s) adjective: Serbian Ethnic groups: Serb 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 Languages: Serbian (official) 88.1%, Hungarian 3.4%, Bosnian 1.9%, Romani 1.4%, other 3.4%, undeclared or unknown 1.8%; note - Serbian, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian, Croatian, and Ruthenian (Rusyn) are official in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina; most ethnic Albanians boycotted the 2011 census (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Knjiga svetskih činjenica, neophodan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Serbian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Orthodox 84.6%, Catholic 5%, Muslim 3.1%, Protestant 1%, atheist 1.1%, other 0.8% (includes agnostics, other Christians, Eastern, Jewish), undeclared or unknown 4.5% (2011 est.) note: most ethnic Albanians boycotted the 2011 census Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.07% (male 508,242/female 478,247) 15-24 years: 11.04% (male 399,435/female 374,718) 25-54 years: 41.19% (male 1,459,413/female 1,429,176) 55-64 years: 13.7% (male 464,881/female 495,663) 65 years and over: 20% (2020 est.) (male 585,705/female 816,685) Dependency ratios: total 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 Median age: total: 43.4 years male: 41.7 years female: 45 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.75% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.92 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 16.39 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 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: 56.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Kosovo Major urban areas - population: 1.405 million BELGRADE (capital) (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: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.55 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 28.2 years (2020 est.) note: data do not cover Kosovo or Metohija Maternal mortality ratio: 12 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.81 deaths/1,000 live births male: 5.43 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.17 years male: 71.5 years female: 77 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.46 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 62.3% (2019) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.7% of population rural: 99.4% of population total: 99.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0.3% of population rural: 0.6% of population total: 0.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 8.7% (2019) Physicians density: 3.11 physicians/1,000 population (2016) Hospital bed density: 5.6 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.6% of population rural: 95.7% of population total: 97.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.4% of population rural: 4.3% of population total: 2.1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 3,300 (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) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 21.5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 39.8% (2020 est.) male: 40.5% (2020 est.) female: 39.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 1% (2019) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 1.2% women married by age 18: 5.5% (2019 est.) Education expenditures: 3.6% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.5% male: 99.9% female: 99.1% (2019) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 14 years female: 15 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.7% male: 25% female: 29.5% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube; inadequate management of domestic, industrial, and hazardous waste Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, 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 Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 24.27 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 45.22 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.96 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: in 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) Land use: agricultural land: 57.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 37.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 16.8% (2018 est.) forest: 31.6% (2018 est.) other: 10.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 56.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Kosovo Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.38% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.25% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.84 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 13,984 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 0.8% (2015 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, 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: 659.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 4.057 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 660.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 162.2 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) (note - includes Kosovo) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Serbia conventional short form: Serbia local long form: Republika Srbija local short form: Srbija former: People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia etymology: the origin of the name is uncertain, but seems to be related to the name of the West Slavic Sorbs who reside in the Lusatian region in present-day eastern Germany; by tradition, the Serbs migrated from that region to the Balkans in about the 6th century A.D. Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Belgrade (Beograd) geographic coordinates: 44 50 N, 20 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: the Serbian "Beograd" means "white fortress" or "white city" and dates back to the 9th century; the name derives from the white fortress wall that once enclosed the city Administrative divisions: 119 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina) and 26 cities (gradovi, singular - grad) municipalities: Ada*, Aleksandrovac, Aleksinac, Alibunar*, Apatin*, Arandelovac, Arilje, Babusnica, Bac*, Backa Palanka*, Backa Topola*, Backi Petrovac*, Bajina Basta, Batocina, Becej*, Bela Crkva*, Bela Palanka, Beocin*, Blace, Bogatic, Bojnik, Boljevac, Bor, Bosilegrad, Brus, Bujanovac, Cajetina, Cicevac, Coka*, Crna Trava, Cuprija, Despotovac, Dimitrov, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Golubac, Gornji Milanovac, Indija*, Irig*, Ivanjica, Kanjiza*, Kladovo, Knic, Knjazevac, Koceljeva, Kosjeric, Kovacica*, Kovin*, Krupanj, Kucevo, Kula*, Kursumlija, Lajkovac, Lapovo, Lebane, Ljig, Ljubovija, Lucani, Majdanpek, Mali Idos*, Mali Zvornik, Malo Crnice, Medveda, Merosina, Mionica, Negotin, Nova Crnja*, Nova Varos, Novi Becej*, Novi Knezevac*, Odzaci*, Opovo*, Osecina, Paracin, Pecinci*, Petrovac na Mlavi, Plandiste*, Pozega, Presevo, Priboj, Prijepolje, Prokuplje, Raca, Raska, Razanj, Rekovac, Ruma*, Secanj*, Senta*, Sid*, Sjenica, Smederevska Palanka, Sokobanja, Srbobran*, Sremski Karlovci*, Stara Pazova*, Surdulica, Svilajnac, Svrljig, Temerin*, Titel*, Topola, Trgoviste, Trstenik, Tutin, Ub, Varvarin, Velika Plana, Veliko Gradiste, Vladicin Han, Vladimirci, Vlasotince, Vrbas*, Vrnjacka Banja, Zabalj*, Zabari, Zagubica, Zitiste*, Zitorada cities: Beograd, Cacak, Jagodina, Kikinda*, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Krusevac, Leskovac, Loznica, Nis, Novi Pazar, Novi Sad*, Pancevo*, Pirot, Pozarevac, Sabac, Smederevo, Sombor*, Sremska Mitrovica*, Subotica*, Uzice, Valjevo, Vranje, Vrsac*, Zajecar, Zrenjanin* note: the northern 37 municipalities and 8 cities - about 28% of Serbia's area - compose the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and are indicated with *119 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina) and 26 cities (gradovi, singular - grad)municipalities: Ada*, Aleksandrovac, Aleksinac, Alibunar*, Apatin*, Arandelovac, Arilje, Babusnica, Bac*, Backa Palanka*, Backa Topola*, Backi Petrovac*, Bajina Basta, Batocina, Becej*, Bela Crkva*, Bela Palanka, Beocin*, Blace, Bogatic, Bojnik, Boljevac, Bor, Bosilegrad, Brus, Bujanovac, Cajetina, Cicevac, Coka*, Crna Trava, Cuprija, Despotovac, Dimitrov, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Golubac, Gornji Milanovac, Indija*, Irig*, Ivanjica, Kanjiza*, Kladovo, Knic, Knjazevac, Koceljeva, Kosjeric, Kovacica*, Kovin*, Krupanj, Kucevo, Kula*, Kursumlija, Lajkovac, Lapovo, Lebane, Ljig, Ljubovija, Lucani, Majdanpek, Mali Idos*, Mali Zvornik, Malo Crnice, Medveda, Merosina, Mionica, Negotin, Nova Crnja*, Nova Varos, Novi Becej*, Novi Knezevac*, Odzaci*, Opovo*, Osecina, Paracin, Pecinci*, Petrovac na Mlavi, Plandiste*, Pozega, Presevo, Priboj, Prijepolje, Prokuplje, Raca, Raska, Razanj, Rekovac, Ruma*, Secanj*, Senta*, Sid*, Sjenica, Smederevska Palanka, Sokobanja, Srbobran*, Sremski Karlovci*, Stara Pazova*, Surdulica, Svilajnac, Svrljig, Temerin*, Titel*, Topola, Trgoviste, Trstenik, Tutin, Ub, Varvarin, Velika Plana, Veliko Gradiste, Vladicin Han, Vladimirci, Vlasotince, Vrbas*, Vrnjacka Banja, Zabalj*, Zabari, Zagubica, Zitiste*, Zitoradacities: Beograd, Cacak, Jagodina, Kikinda*, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Krusevac, Leskovac, Loznica, Nis, Novi Pazar, Novi Sad*, Pancevo*, Pirot, Pozarevac, Sabac, Smederevo, Sombor*, Sremska Mitrovica*, Subotica*, Uzice, Valjevo, Vranje, Vrsac*, Zajecar, Zrenjanin* Independence: 5 June 2006 (from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro); notable earlier dates: 1217 (Serbian Kingdom established); 16 April 1346 (Serbian Empire established); 13 July 1878 (Congress of Berlin recognizes Serbian independence); 1 December 1918 (Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia) established) National holiday: Statehood Day, 15 February (1835), the day the first constitution of the country was adopted Constitution: history: many previous; latest adopted 30 September 2006, approved by referendum 28-29 October 2006, effective 8 November 2006 amendments: proposed by at least one third of deputies in the National Assembly, by the president of the republic, by the government, or by petition of at least 150,000 voters; passage of proposals and draft amendments each requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Assembly; amendments to constitutional articles including the preamble, constitutional principles, and human and minority rights and freedoms also require passage by simple majority vote in a referendum Legal system: civil law system International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Serbia dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years Suffrage: 18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Narodna Skupstina (250 seats; members directly elected by party list proportional representation vote in a single nationwide constituency to serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 3 April 2022 (next to be held in April 2026) election results: percent of vote by party/coalition - Together We Can Do Everything 44.2%, US 14.1%, Ivica Dacic - Prime Minister 11.8%, NADA 5.6%, We Must 4.9%, Dveri-POKS 3.9%, SSZ 3.8%, other 11.7%; seats by party/coalition - Together We Can Do Everything 120, US 38, Ivica Dacic - Prime Minister 31, NADA 15, We Must 13, Dveri-POKS 10, SSZ 10, SVM 6, SPP 3, other 4; composition -  men 150, women 100, percent of women 40% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Cassation (consists of 36 judges, including the court president); Constitutional Court (consists of 15 judges, including the court president and vice president) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices proposed by the High Judicial Council (HJC), an 11-member independent body consisting of  8 judges elected by the National Assembly and 3 ex-officio members; justices appointed by the National Assembly; Constitutional Court judges elected - 5 each by the National Assembly, the president, and the Supreme Court of Cassation; initial appointment of Supreme Court judges by the HJC is 3 years and beyond that period tenure is permanent; Constitutional Court judges elected for 9-year terms subordinate courts: basic courts, higher courts, appellate courts; courts of special jurisdiction include the Administrative Court, commercial courts, and misdemeanor courts Political parties and leaders: Albanian Democratic Alternative (coalition of ethnic Albanian parties) [Shaip KAMBERI] Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASZTOR] Better Serbia or BS [Dragan JOVANOVIC] Democratic Party or DS [Zoran LUTOVAC] Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Milos JOVANOVIC] Dveri [Bosko OBRADOVIC] Greens of Serbia or ZS [Ivan KARIC] Ivica Dacic - Prime Minister of Serbia [Ivica DACIC] (includes SPS, JS, ZS) Justice and Reconciliation Party or SPP [Usame ZUKORLIC] (formerly Bosniak Democratic Union of Sandzak or BDZS) Movement for the Restoration of the Kingdom of Serbia or POKS (leadership is disputed) Movement of Free Citizens or PSG [Pavle GRBOVIC] Movement of Socialists or PS [Aleksandar VULIN] National Democratic Alternative or NADA [Milos JOVANOVIC, Vojislav MIHAILOVIC, Bozidar DELIC] (includes DSS and POKS) Party of Democratic Action of the Sandzak or SDA [Sulejman UGLJANIN] Party of Freedom and Justice or SSP [Dragan DILAS] Party of United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS [Milan KRKOBABIC] People's Party or NS or Narodna [Vuk JEREMIC] People's Peasant Party or NSS [Marijan RISTICEVIC] Serbian Party Oathkeepers or SSZ [Stefan STAMENKOVSKI] Serbian People's Party or SNP [Nenad POPOVIC] Serbian Progressive Party or SNS [Aleksandar VUCIC] Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC] Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC] Socialist Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC] Strength of Serbia or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC] Together for Serbia or ZZS [Nebojsa ZELENOVIC] Together We Can Do Everything [Aleksandar VUCIC] (includes SNS, SDPS, PUPS, PSS, SNP, SPO, PS, NSS, USS, BS) United for the Victory of Serbia or US (includes NS, SSP, DS, PSG) United Peasant Party or USS [Milija MILETIC] United Serbia or JS [Dragan MARKOVIC] We Must or Moramo [Nebojsa ZELENOVIC, Dobrica VESELINOVIC, Aleksandar JOVANOVIC CUTA, Biljana STOJKOVIC] note: Serbia has more than 110 registered political parties and citizens' associations International organization participation: BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EU (candidate country), FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marko DJURIC (since 18 January 2021) chancery: 2233 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333 FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933 email address and website: info@serbiaembusa.org http://www.washington.mfa.gov.rs/ consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher R. HILL (since 1 April 2022) embassy: 92 Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica, 11040 Belgrade mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070 telephone: [381] (11) 706-4000 FAX: [381] (11) 706-4481 email address and website: belgradeacs@state.gov https://rs.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white - the Pan-Slav colors representing freedom and revolutionary ideals; charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the hoist side; the principal field of the coat of arms represents the Serbian state and displays a white two-headed eagle on a red shield; a smaller red shield on the eagle represents the Serbian nation, and is divided into four quarters by a white cross; interpretations vary as to the meaning and origin of the white, curved symbols resembling firesteels (fire strikers) or Cyrillic "C's" in each quarter; a royal crown surmounts the coat of arms note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia National symbol(s): white double-headed eagle; national colors: red, blue, white National anthem: name: "Boze pravde" (God of Justice) lyrics/music: Jovan DORDEVIC/Davorin JENKO note: adopted 1904; song originally written as part of a play in 1872 and has been used as an anthem by the Serbian people throughout the 20th and 21st centuries National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 4 (all cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Stari Ras and Sopoćani; Studenica Monastery; Gamzigrad-Romuliana, Palace of Galerius; Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards Topic: Economy Economic overview: Serbia has a transitional economy largely dominated by market forces, but the state sector remains significant in certain areas. The economy relies on manufacturing and exports, driven largely by foreign investment. MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, civil war, and the damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy worse off than it was in 1990. In 2015, Serbia’s GDP was 27.5% below where it was in 1989.   After former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC was ousted in September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform program. Serbia renewed its membership in the IMF in December 2000 and rejoined the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Serbia has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization, but many large enterprises - including the power utilities, telecommunications company, natural gas company, and others - remain state-owned. Serbia has made some progress towards EU membership, gaining candidate status in March 2012. In January 2014, Serbia's EU accession talks officially opened and, as of December 2017, Serbia had opened 12 negotiating chapters including one on foreign trade. Serbia's negotiations with the WTO are advanced, with the country's complete ban on the trade and cultivation of agricultural biotechnology products representing the primary remaining obstacle to accession. Serbia maintains a three-year Stand-by Arrangement with the IMF worth approximately $1.3 billion that is scheduled to end in February 2018. The government has shown progress implementing economic reforms, such as fiscal consolidation, privatization, and reducing public spending.   Unemployment in Serbia, while relatively low (16% in 2017) compared with its Balkan neighbors, remains significantly above the European average. Serbia is slowly implementing structural economic reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term prosperity. Serbia reduced its budget deficit to 1.7% of GDP and its public debt to 71% of GDP in 2017. Public debt had more than doubled between 2008 and 2015. Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange-rate stability preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy.   Major economic challenges ahead include: stagnant household incomes; the need for private sector job creation; structural reforms of state-owned companies; strategic public sector reforms; and the need for new foreign direct investment. Other serious longer-term challenges include an inefficient judicial system, high levels of corruption, and an aging population. Factors favorable to Serbia's economic growth include the economic reforms it is undergoing as part of its EU accession process and IMF agreement, its strategic location, a relatively inexpensive and skilled labor force, and free trade agreements with the EU, Russia, Turkey, and countries that are members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement.Serbia has a transitional economy largely dominated by market forces, but the state sector remains significant in certain areas. The economy relies on manufacturing and exports, driven largely by foreign investment. MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, civil war, and the damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy worse off than it was in 1990. In 2015, Serbia’s GDP was 27.5% below where it was in 1989. After former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC was ousted in September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform program. Serbia renewed its membership in the IMF in December 2000 and rejoined the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Serbia has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization, but many large enterprises - including the power utilities, telecommunications company, natural gas company, and others - remain state-owned. Serbia has made some progress towards EU membership, gaining candidate status in March 2012. In January 2014, Serbia's EU accession talks officially opened and, as of December 2017, Serbia had opened 12 negotiating chapters including one on foreign trade. Serbia's negotiations with the WTO are advanced, with the country's complete ban on the trade and cultivation of agricultural biotechnology products representing the primary remaining obstacle to accession. Serbia maintains a three-year Stand-by Arrangement with the IMF worth approximately $1.3 billion that is scheduled to end in February 2018. The government has shown progress implementing economic reforms, such as fiscal consolidation, privatization, and reducing public spending. Unemployment in Serbia, while relatively low (16% in 2017) compared with its Balkan neighbors, remains significantly above the European average. Serbia is slowly implementing structural economic reforms needed to ensure the country's long-term prosperity. Serbia reduced its budget deficit to 1.7% of GDP and its public debt to 71% of GDP in 2017. Public debt had more than doubled between 2008 and 2015. Serbia's concerns about inflation and exchange-rate stability preclude the use of expansionary monetary policy. Major economic challenges ahead include: stagnant household incomes; the need for private sector job creation; structural reforms of state-owned companies; strategic public sector reforms; and the need for new foreign direct investment. Other serious longer-term challenges include an inefficient judicial system, high levels of corruption, and an aging population. Factors favorable to Serbia's economic growth include the economic reforms it is undergoing as part of its EU accession process and IMF agreement, its strategic location, a relatively inexpensive and skilled labor force, and free trade agreements with the EU, Russia, Turkey, and countries that are members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $125.8 billion (2020 est.) $127.04 billion (2019 est.) $121.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.18% (2019 est.) 4.4% (2018 est.) 2.05% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $18,200 (2020 est.) $18,300 (2019 est.) $17,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $51.449 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.1% (2019 est.) -1.1% (2018 est.) 2% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB+ (2019) Moody's rating: Ba3 (2017) Standard & Poors rating: BB+ (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 9.8% (2017 est.) industry: 41.1% (2017 est.) services: 49.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 78.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 52.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -61.3% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: maize, wheat, sugar beet, milk, sunflower seed, potatoes, soybeans, plums/sloes, apples, barley Industries: automobiles, base metals, furniture, food processing, machinery, chemicals, sugar, tires, clothes, pharmaceuticals Industrial production growth rate: 3.9% (2017 est.) Labor force: 3 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 19.4% industry: 24.5% services: 56.1% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 14.1% (2017 est.) 15.9% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.7% male: 25% female: 29.5% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 23.2% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 36.2 (2017 est.) 28.2 (2008 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.2% highest 10%: 23.8% (2011) Budget: revenues: 17.69 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 17.59 billion (2017 est.) note: data include both central government and local goverment budgets Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 0.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 62.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 73.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 42.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Current account balance: -$2.354 billion (2017 est.) -$1.189 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Germany 12%, Italy 10%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 7%, Romania 6%, Russia 5%  (2019) Exports - commodities: insulated wiring, tires, corn, cars, iron products, copper (2019) Imports: $30.15 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.29 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $29.78 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Germany 13%, Russia 9%, Italy 8%, Hungary 6%, China 5%, Turkey 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, natural gas, refined petroleum (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $11.91 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $10.76 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $30.927 billion (2019 est.) $30.618 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 112.4 (2017 est.) 111.278 (2016 est.) 111.278 (2015 est.) 108.811 (2014 est.) 88.405 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 39.673 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 40.83 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 72,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 987,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 7.514 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 15,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 79,200 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 53,800 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 77.5 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 74,350 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 15,750 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 18,720 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 455.787 million cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 2,619,191,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 1,980,647,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 48.139 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 47.735 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 98.195 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 2,572,254 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 8,260,758 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 120 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Serbia’s telecom industry has been liberalized in line with the principles of the EU’s regulatory framework for communications, focused on encouraging competition in telecom products and services, and ensuring universal access; considerable network investment has been undertaken in Serbia by incumbent and alternative operators in recent years, despite economic difficulties; this has helped to stimulate internet usage, which has also been bolstered by improved affordability as prices are reduced through competition; the pandemic has stimulated consumer take up of services, particularly mobile data; the government’s various initiatives to improve rural broadband availability have also been supported by European development loans; Serbia’s high mobile services, partly the result of multiple SIM card use, has weighed on revenue growth in recent years, placing further pressure on operators to develop business models which encourage consumer use of mobile data services also in response to the continued substitution of fixed-line for mobile voice calls; the regulator has yet to auction 5G-suitable frequencies, though operators are already investing in their networks in preparation for this next growth frontier; during 2021 the regulator resumed the process towards a 5G spectrum auction, which had been delayed owing to the onset of the covid-19 pandemic; in early 2021 Telekom Srbija agreed to provide Telenor Serbia with access to its fiber network; Telenor (now operating as Yettel, and owned by the PPF Group), joined the fixed market in November 2021, launching fiber-based fixed broadband, fixed voice, and digital TV services; the operator is looking to bolster its returns by focusing more strongly on the uptake of converged services in the market; these developments could lead to a significant shift in the telecom market landscape. (2022) domestic: fixed-line over 37 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 120 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 381 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: .rs Internet users: total: 5,381,318 (2020 est.) percent of population: 78% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,730,496 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: YU Airports: total: 26 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 10 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 16 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Pipelines: 1,936 km gas, 413 km oil Railways: total: 3,809 km (2015) standard gauge: 3,809 km (2015) 1.435-m gauge (3,526 km one-track lines and 283 km double-track lines) out of which 1,279 km electrified (1,000 km one-track lines and 279 km double-track lines) Roadways: total: 44,248 km (2016) paved: 28,000 km (2016) (16,162 km state roads, out of which 741 km highways) unpaved: 16,248 km (2016) Waterways: 587 km (2009) (primarily on the Danube and Sava Rivers) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Belgrade (Danube) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS): Land Forces (includes Riverine Component, consisting of a naval flotilla on the Danube), Air and Air Defense Forces, Serbian Guard; Police Directorate of the Serbian Ministry of Interior: Gendarmerie (2022) note: the Serbian Guard is a brigade-sized unit that is directly subordinate to the Serbian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Military expenditures: 1.9% of GDP (2021 est.) 2% of GDP (2020 est.) 2.2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $1.83 billion) 1.6% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.43 billion) 1.8% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.47 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 25,000 active duty troops (15,000 Land Forces; 5,000 Air/Air Defense; 5,000 other); approximately 3,000 Gendarmerie (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished January 2011 (2021) note: as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 175 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (May 2022) Military - note: Serbia 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Serbia-Bosnia and Herzegovina: Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute Serbia-Bulgaria: none identified Serbia-Croatia: Serbia and Croatia dispute their border along the Danube; Serbia claims the border is the median between the current Danube shorelines, with the land to the eastern side of the median belonging to Serbia; Croatia contends that the boundary is demarcated according to historic maps, despite the river having meandered since then Serbia-Hungary: none identified Serbia-Kosovo: Serbia with several other states protested the US and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaration of its status as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; since 1999, NATO-led Kosovo Force peacekeepers under UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) authority have continued to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority; in October 2021, NATO-led KFOR increased patrols along the border with Serbia to deescalate hostilities caused by a dispute over license plates Serbia-Montenegro: the former republic boundary serves as the boundary until a line is formally delimited and demarcated Serbia-North Macedonia: none identified Serbia-Romania: none identifiedSerbia-Bosnia and Herzegovina: Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in disputeSerbia-Bulgaria: none identifiedSerbia-Croatia: Serbia and Croatia dispute their border along the Danube; Serbia claims the border is the median between the current Danube shorelines, with the land to the eastern side of the median belonging to Serbia; Croatia contends that the boundary is demarcated according to historic maps, despite the river having meandered since thenSerbia-Hungary: none identifiedSerbia-Kosovo: Serbia with several other states protested the US and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaration of its status as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; since 1999, NATO-led Kosovo Force peacekeepers under UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) authority have continued to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority; in October 2021, NATO-led KFOR increased patrols along the border with Serbia to deescalate hostilities caused by a dispute over license platesSerbia-Montenegro: the former republic boundary serves as the boundary until a line is formally delimited and demarcatedSerbia-North Macedonia: none identifiedSerbia-Romania: none identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 17,336 (Croatia), 7,997 (Bosnia and Herzegovina) (mid-year 2021); 15,071 (Ukraine) (includes Kosovo; as of 9 August 2022) IDPs: 196,995 (most are Kosovar Serbs, some are Roma, Ashkalis, and Egyptian (RAE); some RAE IDPs are unregistered) (2021) stateless persons: 2,113 (includes stateless persons in Kosovo) (mid-year 2021) note: 860,913 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-July 2022); Serbia is predominantly a transit country and hosts an estimated 5,918 migrants and asylum seekers as of May 2022 Illicit drugs: drug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European marketsdrug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European markets

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middle-east

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south-asia

20220901

field-gdp-composition-by-end-use

This entry shows who does the spending in an economy: consumers, businesses, government, and foreigners. The distribution gives the percentage contribution to total GDP of household consumption, government consumption, investment in fixed capital, investment in inventories, exports of goods and services, and imports of goods and services, and will total 100 percent of GDP if the data are complete. household consumption consists of expenditures by resident households, and by nonprofit institutions that serve households, on goods and services that are consumed by individuals. This includes consumption of both domestically produced and foreign goods and services. government consumption consists of government expenditures on goods and services. These figures exclude government transfer payments, such as interest on debt, unemployment, and social security, since such payments are not made in exchange for goods and services supplied. investment in fixed capital consists of total business spending on fixed assets, such as factories, machinery, equipment, dwellings, and inventories of raw materials, which provide the basis for future production. It is measured gross of the depreciation of the assets, i.e., it includes investment that merely replaces worn-out or scrapped capital. Earlier editions of The World Factbook referred to this concept as Investment (gross fixed) and that data now have been moved to this new field. investment in inventories consists of net changes to the stock of outputs that are still held by the units that produce them, awaiting further sale to an end user, such as automobiles sitting on a dealer’s lot or groceries on the store shelves. This figure may be positive or negative. If the stock of unsold output increases during the relevant time period, investment in inventories is positive, but, if the stock of unsold goods declines, it will be negative. Investment in inventories normally is an early indicator of the state of the economy. If the stock of unsold items increases unexpectedly – because people stop buying - the economy may be entering a recession; but if the stock of unsold items falls - and goods "go flying off the shelves" - businesses normally try to replace those stocks, and the economy is likely to accelerate. exports of goods and services consist of sales, barter, gifts, or grants of goods and services from residents to nonresidents. imports of goods and services consist of purchases, barter, or receipts of gifts, or grants of goods and services by residents from nonresidents. Exports are treated as a positive item, while imports are treated as a negative item. In a purely accounting sense, imports have no direct impact on GDP, which only measures output of the domestic economy. Imports are entered as a negative item to offset the fact that the expenditure figures for consumption, investment, government, and exports also include expenditures on imports. These imports contribute directly to foreign GDP but only indirectly to domestic GDP. Because of this negative offset for imports of goods and services, the sum of the other five items, excluding imports, will always total more than 100 percent of GDP. A surplus of exports of goods and services over imports indicates an economy is investing abroad, while a deficit indicates an economy is borrowing from abroad. Topic: Afghanistanhousehold 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.) Topic: Albaniahousehold consumption: 78.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 31.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Algeriahousehold consumption: 42.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 38.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 11.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 23.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -35.8% (2017 est.) Topic: American Samoahousehold consumption: 66.4% (2016 est.) government consumption: 49.7% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 7.3% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 5.1% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 65% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -93.5% (2016 est.) Topic: Angolahousehold consumption: 80.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 10.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 25.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -30.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Anguillahousehold consumption: 74.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 48.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -67.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudahousehold consumption: 53.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 73.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -66.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Argentinahousehold consumption: 65.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 14.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 11.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -13.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Armeniahousehold consumption: 76.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -50.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Arubahousehold consumption: 60.3% (2014 est.) government consumption: 25.3% (2015 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.3% (2014 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2015 est.) exports of goods and services: 70.5% (2015 est.) imports of goods and services: -76.6% (2015 est.) Topic: Australiahousehold consumption: 56.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -21% (2017 est.) Topic: Austriahousehold consumption: 52.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.6% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 54.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -50.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Azerbaijanhousehold consumption: 57.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 48.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -42% (2017 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Thehousehold consumption: 68% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 33.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -41.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Bahrainhousehold consumption: 45.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 80.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -67.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Bangladeshhousehold consumption: 68.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 30.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 15% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -20.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Barbadoshousehold consumption: 84.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 31.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -47% (2017 est.) Topic: Belarushousehold 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.) Topic: Belgiumhousehold 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.) Topic: Belizehousehold consumption: 75.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 49.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -63.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Beninhousehold consumption: 70.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 27.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 31.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -43% (2017 est.) Topic: Bermudahousehold consumption: 51.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 13.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 49.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -30.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Bhutanhousehold consumption: 58% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 47.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -48% (2017 est.) Topic: Boliviahousehold 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.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahousehold consumption: 77.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Botswanahousehold consumption: 48.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 39.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -33.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Brazilhousehold consumption: 63.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 15.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 12.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -11.6% (2017 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandshousehold consumption: 25.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 7.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 20.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 94.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -69.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Bruneihousehold consumption: 25% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 32.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 8.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 45.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -36.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Bulgariahousehold consumption: 61.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 66.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -64.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasohousehold consumption: 56.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 23.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 28.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -34.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Burmahousehold consumption: 59.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 33.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Burundihousehold 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.) Topic: Cabo Verdehousehold consumption: 50.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 32.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.9% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 48.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -51.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Cambodiahousehold consumption: 76% (2017 est.) government consumption: 5.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 68.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -73% (2017 est.) Topic: Cameroonhousehold consumption: 66.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -20.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Canadahousehold consumption: 57.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 30.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -33.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandshousehold consumption: 62.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 65.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -64.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Central African Republichousehold consumption: 95.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 8.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 13.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 12% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -29.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Chadhousehold consumption: 75.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 4.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 35.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -39.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Chilehousehold consumption: 62.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 28.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -27% (2017 est.) Topic: Chinahousehold consumption: 39.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 42.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 20.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -18.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Colombiahousehold consumption: 68.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 14.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -19.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Comoroshousehold consumption: 92.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -3.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 17.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -47.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thehousehold consumption: 78.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 15.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 25.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -32.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of thehousehold consumption: 47.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 9.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 42.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 62.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -62.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Costa Ricahousehold consumption: 64.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 33.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -32.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoirehousehold consumption: 61.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 30.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -30.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Croatiahousehold consumption: 57.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 51.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -48.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Cubahousehold consumption: 57% (2017 est.) government consumption: 31.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 9.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 14.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -12.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Curacaohousehold consumption: 66.9% (2016 est.) government consumption: 33.6% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.4% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 17.5% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -37.5% (2016 est.) Topic: Cyprushousehold consumption: 68.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 63.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -67.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Czechiahousehold consumption: 47.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 79.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -72.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Denmarkhousehold 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.) Topic: Djiboutihousehold 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.) Topic: Dominicahousehold consumption: 60.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 54.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -62.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Dominican Republichousehold consumption: 69.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 24.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Ecuadorhousehold consumption: 60.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 20.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -21.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Egypthousehold consumption: 86.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 14.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 16.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.5% (2017 est.) Topic: El Salvadorhousehold consumption: 84.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 27.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -44.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineahousehold consumption: 50% (2017 est.) government consumption: 21.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 10.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 56.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -39% (2017 est.) Topic: Eritreahousehold consumption: 80.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 6.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 10.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -22.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Estoniahousehold 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.) Topic: Eswatinihousehold consumption: 64% (2017 est.) government consumption: 21.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 13.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 47.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Ethiopiahousehold consumption: 69.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 43.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 8.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -31.2% (2017 est.) Topic: European Unionhousehold 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.) Topic: Faroe Islandshousehold consumption: 52% (2013) government consumption: 29.6% (2013) investment in fixed capital: 18.4% (2013) Topic: Fijihousehold consumption: 81.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 29% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -51.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Finlandhousehold consumption: 54.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 22.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -38.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Francehousehold consumption: 54.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 23.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.9% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 30.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -32% (2017 est.) Topic: French Polynesiahousehold consumption: 66.9% (2014 est.) government consumption: 33.6% (2014 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.4% (2014 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2014 est.) exports of goods and services: 17.5% (2014 est.) imports of goods and services: -37.5% (2014 est.) Topic: Gabonhousehold consumption: 37.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.6% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 46.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -26.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, Thehousehold 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.) Topic: Gaza Striphousehold consumption: 88.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.6% (2017 est.) note: data exclude the West Bank Topic: Georgiahousehold 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.) Topic: Germanyhousehold consumption: 53.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 47.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -39.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Ghanahousehold consumption: 80.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 8.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 13.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 43% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Greecehousehold consumption: 69.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 12.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 33.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -34.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Greenlandhousehold consumption: 68.1% (2015 est.) government consumption: 28% (2015 est.) investment in fixed capital: 14.3% (2015 est.) investment in inventories: -13.9% (2015 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.2% (2015 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.6% (2015 est.) Topic: Grenadahousehold consumption: 63% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 60% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55% (2017 est.) Topic: Guamhousehold consumption: 56.2% (2016 est.) government consumption: 55% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.6% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: (2016 est.) NA exports of goods and services: 19.4% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -51.2% (2016 est.) Topic: Guatemalahousehold consumption: 86.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 9.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 12.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -26.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Guineahousehold consumption: 80.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 6.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 9.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 18.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -36.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissauhousehold 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.) Topic: Guyanahousehold consumption: 71.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 47.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -63% (2017 est.) Topic: Haitihousehold consumption: 99.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 32.6% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: -1.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 20% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -60.3% (2017 est.) note: figure for household consumption also includes government consumption Topic: Hondurashousehold consumption: 77.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -58.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Hong Konghousehold consumption: 67% (2017 est.) government consumption: 9.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 188% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -187.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Hungaryhousehold consumption: 49.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 90.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -82.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Icelandhousehold consumption: 50.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 23.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 47% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -42.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Indiahousehold consumption: 59.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 28.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3.9% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 19.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -22% (2017 est.) Topic: Indonesiahousehold consumption: 57.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 9.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 32.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 20.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -19.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Iranhousehold consumption: 49.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 14.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -24.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Iraqhousehold consumption: 50.4% (2013 est.) government consumption: 22.9% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.6% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 32.5% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -40.9% (2016 est.) Topic: Irelandhousehold consumption: 34% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 119.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -89.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Israelhousehold consumption: 55.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 22.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 28.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -27.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Italyhousehold consumption: 61% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 31.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Jamaicahousehold consumption: 81.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 30.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -47.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Japanhousehold 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.) Topic: Jordanhousehold consumption: 80.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 34.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -58% (2017 est.) Topic: Kazakhstanhousehold consumption: 53.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 35.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -27.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Kenyahousehold 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.) Topic: Korea, Northhousehold consumption: (2014 est.) NA government consumption: (2014 est.) NA investment in fixed capital: (2014 est.) NA investment in inventories: (2014 est.) NA exports of goods and services: 5.9% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -11.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Korea, Southhousehold consumption: 48.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 31.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -37.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Kosovohousehold consumption: 84.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 27% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -53.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Kuwaithousehold 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.) Topic: Kyrgyzstanhousehold consumption: 85.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 33.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 39.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -79% (2017 est.) Topic: Laoshousehold consumption: 63.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 30.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 34.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -43.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Latviahousehold consumption: 61.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 60.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -61.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Lebanonhousehold consumption: 87.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 23.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Lesothohousehold 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.) Topic: Liberiahousehold consumption: 128.8% (2016 est.) government consumption: 16.7% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.5% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 6.7% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 17.5% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -89.2% (2016 est.) Topic: Libyahousehold 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.) Topic: Lithuaniahousehold consumption: 63.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 81.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -79.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Luxembourghousehold 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.) Topic: Macauhousehold consumption: 24.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 9.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 79.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -32% (2017 est.) Topic: Madagascarhousehold consumption: 67.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 15.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 8.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 31.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -33.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Malawihousehold consumption: 84.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 15.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 27.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -43.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Malaysiahousehold consumption: 55.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 71.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -64.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Maldiveshousehold consumption: (2016 est.) NA government consumption: (2016 est.) NA investment in fixed capital: (2016 est.) NA investment in inventories: (2016 est.) NA exports of goods and services: 93.6% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: 89% (2016 est.) Topic: Malihousehold consumption: 82.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 22.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -41.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Maltahousehold 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.) Topic: Marshall Islandsgovernment consumption: 50% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.8% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 52.9% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -102.3% (2016 est.) Topic: Mauritaniahousehold consumption: 64.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 21.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 56.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -3.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 39% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -78.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritiushousehold consumption: 81% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 42.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Mexicohousehold 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.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofhousehold consumption: 83.5% (2013 est.) government consumption: 48.4% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29.5% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 1.9% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 27.5% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -77% (2016 est.) Topic: Moldovahousehold consumption: 85.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 42.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -70.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Mongoliahousehold consumption: 49.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 12.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 59.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -57.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Montenegrohousehold consumption: 76.8% (2016 est.) government consumption: 19.6% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.2% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 2.9% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 40.5% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -63% (2016 est.) Topic: Montserrathousehold consumption: 90.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 50.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 29.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -88.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Moroccohousehold consumption: 58% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 28.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 37.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Mozambiquehousehold consumption: 69.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 27.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 13.9% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -70.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Namibiahousehold consumption: 68.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.6% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 36.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -47.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Nauruhousehold 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.) Topic: Nepalhousehold consumption: 78% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 33.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 8.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 9.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -42% (2017 est.) Topic: Netherlandshousehold consumption: 44.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 83% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -72.3% (2017 est.) Topic: New Caledoniahousehold consumption: 64.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 38.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -45.5% (2017 est.) Topic: New Zealandhousehold consumption: 57.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 27% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -26.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Nicaraguahousehold consumption: 69.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 28.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 41.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Nigerhousehold consumption: 70.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 9.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 38.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 16.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -34.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Nigeriahousehold consumption: 80% (2017 est.) government consumption: 5.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 14.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 11.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -13.2% (2017 est.) Topic: North Macedoniahousehold consumption: 65.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 13.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 20.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 54% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -69% (2017 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandshousehold 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.) Topic: Norwayhousehold consumption: 44.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 35.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -33.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Omanhousehold 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.) Topic: Pakistanhousehold consumption: 82% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 14.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.6% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 8.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -17.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Palauhousehold consumption: 60.5% (2016 est.) government consumption: 27.2% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.7% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 1.9% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 55.2% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -67.6% (2016 est.) Topic: Panamahousehold consumption: 45.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 42.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 41.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -44.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineahousehold consumption: 43.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 10% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 49.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -22.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Paraguayhousehold 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.) Topic: Peruhousehold consumption: 64.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 24% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -22% (2017 est.) Topic: Philippineshousehold consumption: 73.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 31% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -40.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Polandhousehold 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.) Topic: Portugalhousehold consumption: 65.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -42.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricohousehold consumption: 87.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 11.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 117.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -129.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Qatarhousehold consumption: 24.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 43.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 51% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -37.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Romaniahousehold consumption: 70% (2017 est.) government consumption: 7.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.9% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 41.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -43.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Russiahousehold 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.) Topic: Rwandahousehold consumption: 75.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -32.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevishousehold 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.) Topic: Saint Luciahousehold consumption: 66.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 62.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -56.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineshousehold consumption: 87.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 10.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 37.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -51.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Samoahousehold consumption: NA government consumption: NA investment in fixed capital: NA investment in inventories: NA exports of goods and services: 27.2% (2015 est.) imports of goods and services: -50.5% (2015 est.) Topic: San Marinohousehold consumption: (2011 est.) NA government consumption: (2011 est.) NA investment in fixed capital: (2011 est.) NA investment in inventories: (2011 est.) NA exports of goods and services: 176.6% (2011) imports of goods and services: -153.3% (2011) Topic: Sao Tome and Principehousehold consumption: 81.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 33.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 7.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -40.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiahousehold consumption: 41.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 34.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Senegalhousehold consumption: 71.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 15.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 27% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -42.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Serbiahousehold consumption: 78.2% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 52.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -61.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Seychelleshousehold consumption: 52.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 34.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 79.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -93.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Sierra Leonehousehold consumption: 97.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Singaporehousehold consumption: 35.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 173.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -149.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Slovakiahousehold 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.) Topic: Sloveniahousehold consumption: 52.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 82.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -72.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandshousehold consumption: NA government consumption: NA investment in fixed capital: NA investment in inventories: NA exports of goods and services: 25.8% (2011 est.) imports of goods and services: -49.6% (2011 est.) Topic: Somaliahousehold consumption: 72.6% (2015 est.) government consumption: 8.7% (2015 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20% (2015 est.) investment in inventories: 0.8% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 0.3% (2015 est.) imports of goods and services: -1.6% (2015 est.) Topic: South Africahousehold consumption: 59.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 29.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.4% (2017 est.) Topic: South Sudanhousehold consumption: 34.9% (2011 est.) government consumption: 17.1% (2011 est.) investment in fixed capital: 10.4% (2011 est.) exports of goods and services: 64.9% (2011 est.) imports of goods and services: -27.2% (2011 est.) Topic: Spainhousehold consumption: 57.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.6% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 34.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -31.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Sri Lankahousehold consumption: 62% (2017 est.) government consumption: 8.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 10.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -29.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Sudanhousehold consumption: 77.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 5.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.6% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 9.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -11.8% (2017 est.) Topic: Surinamehousehold consumption: 27.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 52.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 26.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 68.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -60.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Swedenhousehold consumption: 44.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 45.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -41.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Switzerlandhousehold consumption: 53.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 65.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -54% (2017 est.) Topic: Syriahousehold consumption: 73.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 18.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 12.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 16.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -46.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Taiwanhousehold consumption: 53% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 65.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -52.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Tajikistanhousehold consumption: 98.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 13.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 11.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 10.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -36.6% (2017 est.) Topic: Tanzaniahousehold consumption: 62.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 36.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -8.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -20.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Thailandhousehold 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.) Topic: Timor-Lestehousehold 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.) Topic: Togohousehold 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.) Topic: Tongahousehold consumption: 99.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 21.9% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 22.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -68.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagohousehold consumption: 78.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 8.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.6% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 45.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -48.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Tunisiahousehold consumption: 71.7% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.4% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.2% (2017 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)household consumption: 59.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 29.8% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 24.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -29.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Turkmenistanhousehold consumption: 50% (2017 est.) government consumption: 10% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 28.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -14.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandshousehold consumption: 49% (2017 est.) government consumption: 21.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.5% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 69.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -56.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Tuvalugovernment consumption: 87% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.3% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.7% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -66.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Ugandahousehold consumption: 74.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 18.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -25.1% (2017 est.) Topic: Ukrainehousehold consumption: 66.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 20.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 4.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 47.9% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.6% (2017 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirateshousehold consumption: 34.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 100.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -72.4% (2017 est.) Topic: United Kingdomhousehold consumption: 65.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 30.2% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -31.5% (2017 est.) Topic: United Stateshousehold consumption: 68.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 12.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -15% (2017 est.) Topic: Uruguayhousehold consumption: 66.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 14.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -18.4% (2017 est.) Topic: Uzbekistanhousehold consumption: 59.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.3% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 19% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -20% (2017 est.) Topic: Vanuatuhousehold consumption: 59.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 28.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 42.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -48.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Venezuelahousehold consumption: 68.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 13.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -10.7% (2017 est.) Topic: Vietnamhousehold consumption: 66.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 6.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 2.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 100% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -101% (2017 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandshousehold consumption: 68.2% (2016 est.) government consumption: 26.8% (2016 est.) investment in fixed capital: 7.5% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 15% (2016 est.) NA exports of goods and services: 46.7% (2016 est.) imports of goods and services: -64.3% (2016 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futunahousehold consumption: 26% (2005) government consumption: 54% (2005) Topic: West Bankhousehold consumption: 91.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 26.7% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 20% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -61% (2017 est.) note: excludes Gaza Strip Topic: Worldhousehold consumption: 56.4% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.1% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.7% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 28.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -28.3% (2017 est.) Topic: Yemenhousehold consumption: 116.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 17.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 2.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 7.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -43.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Zambiahousehold consumption: 52.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 21% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 27.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 43% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -44.9% (2017 est.) Topic: Zimbabwehousehold consumption: 77.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 24% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 12.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 25.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -39.9% (2017 est.)

20220901

field-major-rivers-by-length-in-km

This entry describes one of the two major surface hydrological features of a country: large flowing bodies of water termed rivers (the other feature is lakes). The entry includes a list of major rivers, defined as having a length of 1,000 km or greater. These rivers constitute major drainage basins or watersheds that capture the flow of the majority of surface water flow. Taken together with major lakes, these features constitute the primary sources of surface freshwater. In instances where a river flows through more than one country, a note has been added to the field to indicate the country where the river starts and the country where a river ends. [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth. Topic: AfghanistanAmu 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 Topic: AngolaZambezi (shared with Zambia [s], Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Okavango river source (shared with Namibia and Botswana [m]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: ArgentinaRio de la Plata/Parana river mouth (shared with Brazil [s], Paraguay, and Uruguay) - 4,880 km; Paraguay (shared with Brazil [s], and Paraguay [m]) - 2,549 km; Uruguay (shared with Brazil [s] and Uruguay [m]) - 1,610 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: AustraliaRiver Murray - 2,508 km; Darling River - 1,545 km; Murrumbidgee River - 1,485 km; Lachlan River - 1,339 km; Cooper Creek - 1,113 km; Flinders River - 1,004 km Topic: AustriaDanube (shared with Germany [s], Slovakia, Czechia, 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 Topic: BangladeshBrahmaputra river mouth (shared with China [s] and India) - 3,969 km; Ganges river mouth (shared with India [s]) - 2,704 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: BelarusDnieper (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 Topic: BotswanaZambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Limpopo (shared with South Africa [s], Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 1,800 km; Okavango river mouth (shared with Angola [s], and Namibia) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthZambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Limpopo (shared with South Africa [s], Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 1,800 km; Okavango river mouth (shared with Angola [s], and Namibia) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: BrazilAmazon river mouth (shared with Peru [s]) - 6,400 km; Rio de la Plata/Parana river source (shared with Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay [m]) - 4,880 km; Tocantins - 3,650 km; Sao Francisco - 3,180 km; Paraguay river source (shared with Argentina and Paraguay [m]) - 2,549 km; Rio Negro river mouth (shared with Colombia [s] and Venezuela) - 2,250 km; Uruguay river source (shared with Argentina and Uruguay [m]) - 1,610 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: BulgariaDanube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: Burkina FasoVolta river source (shared with Ghana [m]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: BurmaMekong (shared with China [s], Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km; Salween river mouth (shared with China [s] and Thailand) - 3,060 km; Irrawaddy river mouth (shared with China [s]) - 2,809 km; Chindwin - 1,158 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: CambodiaMekong (shared with China [s], Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: CanadaMackenzie - 4, 241 km; Yukon river source (shared with the US [m]) - 3,185 km; Saint Lawrence river mouth (shared with US) - 3,058 km; Nelson - 2,570 km; Columbia river source (shared with the US [m]) - 1,953 km; Churchill - 1,600 km; Fraser - 1,368 km; Ottawa - 1,271 km; Athabasca - 1,231 km; North Saskatchewan - 1,220 km; Liard - 1,115 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: Central African RepublicUbangi river source (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo [m]) - 2,270 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: ChinaYangtze - 6,300 km; Huang He - 5,464 km; Amur river source (shared with Mongolia and Russia [m]) - 4,444 km; Mekong river source (shared with Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km; Brahmaputra river source (shared with India and Bangladesh [m]) - 3,969 km; Indus river source (shared with India and Pakistan [m]) - 3,610 km; Salween river source (shared with Thailand and Burma [m]) - 3,060 km; Irrawaddy river source (shared with Burma [m]) - 2,809 km; Pearl (shared with Vietnam [s]) - 2,200 km; Red river source (shared with Vietnam [m]) - 1,149 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: ColombiaRio Negro river source (shared with Venezuela and Brazil [m]) - 2,250 km; Orinoco (shared with Venezuela [s]) - 2,101 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theCongo river mouth (shared with Zambia [s], Angola, and Republic of Congo) - 4,700 km; Ubangi river mouth (shared with Central African Republic [s] and Republic of Congo) - 2,270 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: Congo, Republic of theUbangi (shared with Central African Republic [s] and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 2,270 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: CroatiaDanube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: CzechiaDanube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Elbe river source (shared with Germany [m]) - 1,252 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: EgyptNile river mouth (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan) - 6,650 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: EthiopiaBlue Nile river source (shared with Sudan [m]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: FranceRhine  (shared with Switzerland [s], Germany, and Netherlands [m]) - 1,233 km;  Loire - 1,012 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: Gambia, TheGambia 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 Topic: GermanyDanube river source (shared with Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Elbe river mouth (shared with Czechia [s]) - 1,252 km; Rhine  (shared with Switzerland [s], France, and Netherlands [m]) - 1,233 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: GhanaVolta river mouth (shared with Burkina Faso [s]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: GuineaNiger river source (shared with Mali, and Nigeria [m]) - 4,200 km; Gambia river source (shared with Senegal and The Gambia [m]) - 1,094 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: HungaryDanube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, 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 Topic: IndiaBrahmaputra (shared with China [s] and Bangladesh [m]) - 3,969 km; Indus (shared with China [s] and Pakistan [m]) - 3,610 km; Ganges river source (shared with Bangladesh [m]) - 2,704 km; Godavari - 1,465 km; Sutlej (shared with China [s] and Pakistan [m]) - 1,372 km; Yamuna - 1,370 km; Narmada - 1,289 km; Chenab river source (shared with Pakistan [m]) - 1,086 km; Ghaghara river mouth (shared with China [s] and Nepal) - 1,080 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: IndonesiaSepik (shared with Papua New Guinea [s]) - 1,126 km; Fly (shared with Papua New Guinea [s]) - 1,050 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: IranEuphrates (shared with Turkey [s], Syria, and Iraq [m]) - 3,596 km; Tigris (shared with Turkey, Syria, and Iraq [m]) - 1,950 km; Helmand (shared with Afghanistan [s]) - 1,130 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: IraqEuphrates river mouth (shared with Turkey[s], Syria, and Iran) - 3,596 km; Tigris river mouth (shared with Turkey[s], Syria, and Iran) - 1,950 km; the Tigris and Euphrates join to form the Shatt al Arab note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: KazakhstanSyr Darya river mouth (shared with Kyrgyzstan [s], Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan) - 3,078 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: KyrgyzstanSyr Darya river source (shared with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan [m] ) - 3,078 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: LaosMekong (shared with China [s], Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: LesothoOrange 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 Topic: MalawiZambezi (shared with Zambia [s], Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: MaliNiger (shared with Guinea [s], Niger, and Nigeria [m]) - 4,200 km; Senegal (shared with Guinea [s], Senegal, and Mauritania [m]) - 1,641 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: MauritaniaSenegal river mouth (shared with Guinea [s], Senegal and Mali) - 1,641 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: MexicoRio 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 Topic: MoldovaDanube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Dniester (shared with Ukraine [s/m]) - 1,411 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: MongoliaAmur (shared with China [s] and Russia [m]) - 4,444 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: MoroccoDraa - 1,100 km Topic: MozambiqueZambezi river mouth (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe) - 2,740 km; Limpopo river mouth (shared with South Africa [s], Botswana, and Zimbabwe) - 1,800 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: NamibiaZambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Orange river mouth (shared with Lesotho [s], and South Africa) - 2,092 km; Okavango (shared with Angola [s], and Botswana [m]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: NetherlandsRhine river mouth (shared with Switzerland [s], Germany, and France) - 1,233 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: NigerNiger (shared with Guinea [s], Mali, Benin, and Nigeria [m]) - 4,200 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: NigeriaNiger river mouth (shared with Guinea [s], Mali, Benin, and Niger) - 4,200 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: PakistanIndus river mouth (shared with China [s] and India) - 3,610 km; Sutlej river mouth (shared with China [s] and India) - 1,372 km; Chenab river mouth (shared with India [s]) - 1,086 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: Papua New GuineaSepik river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,126 km; Fly river source and mouth (shared with Indonesia) - 1,050 km Topic: ParaguayRio 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 Topic: PeruAmazon river source (shared with Brazil [m]) - 6,400 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: PolandVistula river source and mouth (shared with Belarus and Ukraine) - 1,213 km note - longest river in Poland Topic: RomaniaDanube river mouth (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: RussiaYenisey-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 Topic: RwandaNile river source (shared with Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: SenegalSenegal (shared with Guinea [s], Mali, and Mauritania [m] ) - 1,641 km; Gambia (shared with Guinea [s] and The Gambia [m]) - 1,094 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: SerbiaDanube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: SlovakiaDanube (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 Topic: South AfricaOrange (shared with Lesotho [s], and Namibia [m]) - 2,092 km; Limpopo river source (shared with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 1,800 km; Vaal [s] - 1,210 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: South SudanNile (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: SpainTagus river source (shared with Portugal [m]) - 1,006 note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: SudanNile (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km; Blue Nile river mouth (shared with Ethiopia [s]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthNile (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km; Blue Nile river mouth (shared with Ethiopia [s]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: SwitzerlandRhine  river source (shared with Germany, France, and Netherlands [m]) - 1,233 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: SyriaEuphrates (shared with Turkey [s], Iran, and Iraq [m]) - 3,596 km; Tigris (shared with Turkey, Iran, and Iraq [m]) - 1,950 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: TajikistanSyr Darya (shared with Kyrgyzstan [s], Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan [m]) - 3,078 km; Amu Darya river source (shared with Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan [m]) - 2,620 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: TanzaniaNile (shared with Rwanda [s], Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: ThailandMekong (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 Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)Euphrates river source (shared with Syria, Iran, and Iraq [m]) - 3,596 km; Tigris river source (shared with Syria, Iran, and Iraq [m]) - 1,950 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: TurkmenistanAmu Darya (shared with Tajikistan [s], Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan [m]) - 2,620 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: UgandaNile (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthNile (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: UkraineDanube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Dnieper river mouth (shared with Russia [s] and Belarus) - 2,287 km; Dniester river source and mouth (shared with Moldova) - 1,411 km; Vistula (shared with Poland [s/m] and Belarus) - 1,213 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: United StatesMissouri - 3,768 km; Mississippi - 3,544 km; Yukon river mouth (shared with Canada [s]) - 3,190 km; Saint Lawrence (shared with Canada) - 3,058 km; Rio Grande river source ( mouth shared with Mexico) - 3,057 km; Colorado river source (shared with Mexico [m]) - 2,333 km; Arkansas - 2,348 km; Columbia river mouth (shared with Canada [s]) - 2,250 km; Red - 2,188 km; Ohio - 2,102 km; Snake - 1,670 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthMissouri - 3,768 km; Mississippi - 3,544 km; Yukon river mouth (shared with Canada [s]) - 3,190 km; Saint Lawrence (shared with Canada) - 3,058 km; Rio Grande river source ( mouth shared with Mexico) - 3,057 km; Colorado river source (shared with Mexico [m]) - 2,333 km; Arkansas - 2,348 km; Columbia river mouth (shared with Canada [s]) - 2,250 km; Red - 2,188 km; Ohio - 2,102 km; Snake - 1,670 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: UruguayRio de la Plata/Parana river mouth (shared with Brazil [s], Argentina, Paraguay) - 4,880 km; Uruguay river mouth (shared with Brazil [s] and Argentina) - 1,610 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: UzbekistanSyr Darya (shared with Kyrgyzstan [s], Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan [m]) - 3,078 km; Amu Darya river mouth (shared with Tajikistan [s], Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan) - 2,620 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: VenezuelaRio Negro (shared with Colombia [s] and Brazil [m]) - 2,250 km; Orinoco river source and mouth (shared with Colombia) - 2,101 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: VietnamMekong river mouth (shared with China [s], Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia) - 4,350 km; Pearl river source (shared with China [m]) - 2,200 km; Red river mouth (shared with China [s]) - 1,149 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: Worldtop ten longest rivers: Nile (Africa) 6,650 km; Amazon (South America) 6,436 km; Yangtze (Asia) 6,300 km; Mississippi-Missouri (North America) 6,275 km; Yenisey-Angara (Asia) 5,539 km; Huang He/Yellow (Asia) 5,464 km; Ob-Irtysh (Asia) 5,410 km; Congo (Africa) 4,700 km; Amur (Asia) 4,444 km; Lena (Asia) 4,400 km note: there are 20 countries without rivers: 3 in Africa (Comoros, Djibouti, Libya), 1 in the Americas (Bahamas), 8 in Asia (Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen), 3 in Europe (Malta, Monaco, Holy See), 5 in Oceania (Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu); these countries also do not have natural lakes Topic: ZambiaCongo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthCongo river source (shared with Angola, Republic of Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 4,700 km; Zambezi river source (shared with Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Topic: ZimbabweZambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Limpopo (shared with South Africa [s], Botswana, and Mozambique [m]) - 1,800 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthZambezi (shared with Zambia [s]), Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique [m]) - 2,740 km; Limpopo (shared with South Africa [s], Botswana, and Mozambique [m]) - 1,800 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth

20220901

field-fiscal-year

This entry identifies the beginning and ending months for a country's accounting period of 12 months, which often is the calendar year but which may begin in any month. All yearly references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as a noncalendar fiscal year (FY). Topic: Afghanistan21 December - 20 December Topic: Albaniacalendar year Topic: Algeriacalendar year Topic: American Samoa1 October - 30 September Topic: Andorracalendar year Topic: Angolacalendar year Topic: Anguilla1 April - 31 March Topic: Antigua and Barbuda1 April - 31 March Topic: Argentinacalendar year Topic: Armeniacalendar year Topic: Arubacalendar year Topic: Australia1 July - 30 June Topic: Austriacalendar year Topic: Azerbaijancalendar year Topic: Bahamas, The1 July - 30 June Topic: Bahraincalendar year Topic: Bangladesh1 July - 30 June Topic: Barbados1 April - 31 March Topic: Belaruscalendar year Topic: Belgiumcalendar year Topic: Belize1 April - 31 March Topic: Benincalendar year Topic: Bermuda1 April - 31 March Topic: Bhutan1 July - 30 June Topic: Boliviacalendar year Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinacalendar year Topic: Botswana1 April - 31 March Topic: Brazilcalendar year Topic: British Virgin Islands1 April - 31 March Topic: Brunei1 April - 31 March Topic: Bulgariacalendar year Topic: Burkina Fasocalendar year Topic: Burma1 April - 31 March Topic: Burundicalendar year Topic: Cabo Verdecalendar year Topic: Cambodiacalendar year Topic: Cameroon1 July - 30 June Topic: Canada1 April - 31 March Topic: Cayman Islands1 April - 31 March Topic: Central African Republiccalendar year Topic: Chadcalendar year Topic: Chilecalendar year Topic: Chinacalendar year Topic: Christmas Island1 July - 30 June Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands1 July - 30 June Topic: Colombiacalendar year Topic: Comoroscalendar year Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thecalendar year Topic: Congo, Republic of thecalendar year Topic: Cook Islands1 April - 31 March Topic: Costa Ricacalendar year Topic: Cote d'Ivoirecalendar year Topic: Croatiacalendar year Topic: Cubacalendar year Topic: Cypruscalendar year Topic: Czechiacalendar year Topic: Denmarkcalendar year Topic: Djibouticalendar year Topic: Dominica1 July - 30 June Topic: Dominican Republiccalendar year Topic: Ecuadorcalendar year Topic: Egypt1 July - 30 June Topic: El Salvadorcalendar year Topic: Equatorial Guineacalendar year Topic: Eritreacalendar year Topic: Estoniacalendar year Topic: Eswatini1 April - 31 March Topic: Ethiopia8 July - 7 July Topic: European UnionNA Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)1 April - 31 March Topic: Faroe Islandscalendar year Topic: Fijicalendar year Topic: Finlandcalendar year Topic: Francecalendar year Topic: French Polynesiacalendar year Topic: Gaboncalendar year Topic: Gambia, Thecalendar year Topic: Gaza Stripcalendar year Topic: Georgiacalendar year Topic: Germanycalendar year Topic: Ghanacalendar year Topic: Gibraltar1 July - 30 June Topic: Greececalendar year Topic: Greenlandcalendar year Topic: Grenadacalendar year Topic: Guam1 October - 30 September Topic: Guatemalacalendar year Topic: Guernseycalendar year Topic: Guineacalendar year Topic: Guinea-Bissaucalendar year Topic: Guyanacalendar year Topic: Haiti1 October - 30 September Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)calendar year Topic: Hondurascalendar year Topic: Hong Kong1 April - 31 March Topic: Hungarycalendar year Topic: Icelandcalendar year Topic: India1 April - 31 March Topic: Indonesiacalendar year Topic: Iran21 March - 20 March Topic: Iraqcalendar year Topic: Irelandcalendar year Topic: Isle of Man1 April - 31 March Topic: Israelcalendar year Topic: Italycalendar year Topic: Jamaica1 April - 31 March Topic: Japan1 April - 31 March Topic: Jersey1 April - 31 March Topic: Jordancalendar year Topic: Kazakhstancalendar year Topic: Kenya1 July - 30 June Topic: KiribatiNA Topic: Korea, Northcalendar year Topic: Korea, Southcalendar year Topic: Kuwait1 April - 31 March Topic: Kyrgyzstancalendar year Topic: Laos1 October - 30 September Topic: Latviacalendar year Topic: Lebanoncalendar year Topic: Lesotho1 April - 31 March Topic: Liberiacalendar year Topic: Libyacalendar year Topic: Liechtensteincalendar year Topic: Lithuaniacalendar year Topic: Luxembourgcalendar year Topic: Macaucalendar year Topic: Madagascarcalendar year Topic: Malawi1 July - 30 June Topic: Malaysiacalendar year Topic: Maldivescalendar year Topic: Malicalendar year Topic: Maltacalendar year Topic: Marshall Islands1 October - 30 September Topic: Mauritaniacalendar year Topic: Mauritius1 July - 30 June Topic: Mexicocalendar year Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of1 October - 30 September Topic: Moldovacalendar year Topic: Monacocalendar year Topic: Mongoliacalendar year Topic: Montenegrocalendar year Topic: Montserrat1 April - 31 March Topic: Moroccocalendar year Topic: Mozambiquecalendar year Topic: Namibia1 April - 31 March Topic: Nauru1 July - 30 June Topic: Nepal16 July - 15 July Topic: Netherlandscalendar year Topic: New Caledoniacalendar year Topic: New Zealand1 April - 31 March note: this is the fiscal year for tax purposes Topic: Nicaraguacalendar year Topic: Nigercalendar year Topic: Nigeriacalendar year Topic: Niue1 April - 31 March Topic: Norfolk Island1 July - 30 June Topic: North Macedoniacalendar year Topic: Northern Mariana Islands1 October - 30 September Topic: Norwaycalendar year Topic: Omancalendar year Topic: Pakistan1 July - 30 June Topic: Palau1 October - 30 September Topic: Panamacalendar year Topic: Papua New Guineacalendar year Topic: Paraguaycalendar year Topic: Perucalendar year Topic: Philippinescalendar year Topic: Pitcairn Islands1 April - 31 March Topic: Polandcalendar year Topic: Portugalcalendar year Topic: Puerto Rico1 July - 30 June Topic: Qatar1 April - 31 March Topic: Romaniacalendar year Topic: Russiacalendar year Topic: Rwandacalendar year Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha1 April - 31 March Topic: Saint Kitts and Neviscalendar year Topic: Saint Lucia1 April - 31 March Topic: Saint Pierre and Miqueloncalendar year Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinescalendar year Topic: SamoaJune 1 - May 31 Topic: San Marinocalendar year Topic: Sao Tome and Principecalendar year Topic: Saudi Arabiacalendar year Topic: Senegalcalendar year Topic: Seychellescalendar year Topic: Sierra Leonecalendar year Topic: Singapore1 April - 31 March Topic: Slovakiacalendar year Topic: Sloveniacalendar year Topic: Solomon Islandscalendar year Topic: SomaliaNA Topic: South Africa1 April - 31 March Topic: Spaincalendar year Topic: Sri Lankacalendar year Topic: Sudancalendar year Topic: Surinamecalendar year Topic: Swedencalendar year Topic: Switzerlandcalendar year Topic: Syriacalendar year Topic: Taiwancalendar year Topic: Tajikistancalendar year Topic: Tanzania1 July - 30 June Topic: Thailand1 October - 30 September Topic: Timor-Lestecalendar year Topic: Togocalendar year Topic: Tokelau1 April - 31 March Topic: Tonga1 July - 30 June Topic: Trinidad and Tobago1 October - 30 September Topic: Tunisiacalendar year Topic: Turkeycalendar year Topic: Turkmenistancalendar year Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandscalendar year Topic: Tuvalucalendar year Topic: Uganda1 July - 30 June Topic: Ukrainecalendar year Topic: United Arab Emiratescalendar year Topic: United Kingdom6 April - 5 April Topic: United States1 October - 30 September Topic: Uruguaycalendar year Topic: Uzbekistancalendar year Topic: Vanuatucalendar year Topic: Venezuelacalendar year Topic: Vietnamcalendar year Topic: Virgin Islands1 October - 30 September Topic: Wallis and Futunacalendar year Topic: West Bankcalendar year Topic: Yemencalendar year Topic: Zambiacalendar year Topic: Zimbabwecalendar year

20220901

countries-fiji-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Fiji. 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 4 months. US Embassy/Consulate: [679] 331-4466; US Embassy in Suva, 158 Princes Road, Tamavua, PO Box 218, Suva, Fiji; https://fj.usembassy.gov/; SuvaACS@state.gov Telephone Code: 679 Local Emergency Phone: 911 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 marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation Currency (Code): Fijian dollars (FJD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I Major Languages: English (official), iTaukei (official), Fiji Hindi (official) Major Religions: Protestant 45%, Hindu 27.9%, other Christian 10.4%, Roman Catholic 9.1%, Muslim 6.3%, Sikh 0.3% Time Difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in November; ends second Sunday in January Potable Water: Yes, but some opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands; Taveuni Island (includes Bouma National Heritage Park); Beqa Lagoon Major Sports: Rugby, soccer Cultural Practices: In more conservative village environments, it is considered proper to remove one's hat and sunglasses when greeting someone in public. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not required or expected. In lieu of tipping individuals, many resorts have a "Staff Christmas Fund" box available so their guests can contribute to the staff as a whole. Round up the fare for taxis. Souvenirs: Wood-carved mako masks and other tribal wooden items, shell items, pearls, pottery, tapa cloth; pandanus woven mats, baskets, and rope Traditional Cuisine: Kokoda — fresh, raw fish such as mahi-mahi or snapper marinated in a combination of coconut milk and citrus juices; often garnished with sea salt, minced chilis, finely sliced green onions, or coriander leavesPlease 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, July 25, 2022

20220901

countries-wake-island

Topic: Photos of Wake Island Topic: Introduction Background: Wake Island was probably visited by Micronesian and Polynesian settlers, and oral legends tell of periodic voyages to the islands by people from the Marshall Islands. Wake Island was uninhabited when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana de NEYRA became the first European to see it in 1568 and still had no human inhabitants when English captain Samuel WAKE sailed by it in 1796. The United States Exploring Expedition visited the island in 1841 and the US annexed it in 1899 to use as a cable and refueling station between its newly acquired Pacific territories of Hawaii and the Philippines and Guam. In the 1930s, Pan American Airways built facilities on Wake Island so that it could be used as a stopover for flights from the US to China. In January 1941, the US began to install military assets on Wake Island and in early December of that year, Japan attacked Wake Island, capturing it by the end of the month after a heroic resistance. Japan held Wake Island until the end of World War II, and in 1946, commercial airlines once again used Wake Island as a refueling stop. In 1973, the Marshall Islands claimed Wake Island based on the oral legends, although the US has not recognized these claims. In 1974, the US military took exclusive control of the island’s airstrip and restricted visitors. In 1978, Bikini Islanders from the Marshall Islands, who were evacuated in the 1950s and 1960s because of US nuclear tests, considered rehoming on Wake Island, but the US military rejected that plan. Since the 1970s, the island has been important for missile defense testing. In 2009, Wake Island was included in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.Wake Island was probably visited by Micronesian and Polynesian settlers, and oral legends tell of periodic voyages to the islands by people from the Marshall Islands. Wake Island was uninhabited when Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana de NEYRA became the first European to see it in 1568 and still had no human inhabitants when English captain Samuel WAKE sailed by it in 1796. The United States Exploring Expedition visited the island in 1841 and the US annexed it in 1899 to use as a cable and refueling station between its newly acquired Pacific territories of Hawaii and the Philippines and Guam. In the 1930s, Pan American Airways built facilities on Wake Island so that it could be used as a stopover for flights from the US to China. In January 1941, the US began to install military assets on Wake Island and in early December of that year, Japan attacked Wake Island, capturing it by the end of the month after a heroic resistance. Japan held Wake Island until the end of World War II, and in 1946, commercial airlines once again used Wake Island as a refueling stop. In 1973, the Marshall Islands claimed Wake Island based on the oral legends, although the US has not recognized these claims. In 1974, the US military took exclusive control of the island’s airstrip and restricted visitors. In 1978, Bikini Islanders from the Marshall Islands, who were evacuated in the 1950s and 1960s because of US nuclear tests, considered rehoming on Wake Island, but the US military rejected that plan. Since the 1970s, the island has been important for missile defense testing. In 2009, Wake Island was included in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana Islands Geographic coordinates: 19 17 N, 166 39 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 7 sq km land: 6.5 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about 11 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 19.3 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical Terrain: atoll of three low coral islands, Peale, Wake, and Wilkes, built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim Elevation: highest point: unnamed location 8 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: none Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Natural hazards: subject to occasional typhoons Geography - note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights Map description: Wake Island map showing the three component islands and surrounding reef that make up the US territory in the North Pacific Ocean.Wake Island map showing the three component islands and surrounding reef that make up the US territory in the North Pacific Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: (2018 est.) no indigenous inhabitants note: approximately 100 military personnel and civilian contractors maintain and operate the airfield and communications facilities 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 Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA 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: potable water obtained through a catchment rainwater system and a desalinization plant for brackish ground water; hazardous wastes moved to an accumulation site for storage and eventual transport off site via barge Climate: tropical Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Wake Island etymology: although first discovered by British Captain William WAKE in 1792, the island is named after British Captain Samuel WAKE, who rediscovered the island in 1796 Dependency status: unincorporated unorganized territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the 11th US Air Force and managed from Pacific Air Force Support Center Independence: none (territory of the US) Legal system: US common law Citizenship: see United States Flag description: the flag of the US is used Topic: Economy Economic overview: Economic activity is limited to providing services to military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: Installed 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.) 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: 9,500 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.) 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: 1.275 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telecommunication systems: general assessment: satellite communications; 2 Defense Switched Network circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code - 808 (2018) Broadcast media: American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) provides satellite radio/TV broadcasts (2018) Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Ports and terminals: none; two offshore anchorages for large ships Transportation - note: there are no commercial or civilian flights to and from Wake Island, except in direct support of island missions; emergency landing is available Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: US-Marshall Islands: in May 2016, the Marshall Islands filed a declaration of authority with the UN over Wake Island, which is currently a US territory, reaffirming that it considers Wake Island part of its territory; control over Wake Island would drastically increase the Marshall Islands’ exclusive economic zone; the US State Department is assembling a group of experts from both countries to discuss the maritime boundaryUS-Marshall Islands: in May 2016, the Marshall Islands filed a declaration of authority with the UN over Wake Island, which is currently a US territory, reaffirming that it considers Wake Island part of its territory; control over Wake Island would drastically increase the Marshall Islands’ exclusive economic zone; the US State Department is assembling a group of experts from both countries to discuss the maritime boundary

20220901

field-air-pollutants

This entry refers to specified gases and particulates released by various sources of animals, plants, goods, and processes that can contribute to global warming, poor air quality, pollution, and climate change. particulate matter emissions - This entry provides the modeled annual mean concentration of particulate matter of less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) measured in micrograms per cubic meter of air. Exposure to PM2.5 pollutants should not exceed an annual mean concentration of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, according to World Health Organization guidelines. Particulate matter are inhalable and respirable particles composed of sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. Fine particles less than 2.5 microns pose the greatest health risks because they can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Sources include combustion engines, solid-fuel combustion, and other industrial activities. Exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, although even low concentrations of particulate matter can impact health. By reducing air pollution levels, countries can decrease the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. carbon dioxide emissions - This entry provides the annual quantity of carbon dioxide emissions for a country, as measured in megatons.  Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas emitted through human-influenced and natural processes. Human-influenced sources include the burning of fossil fuels (including coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees, and other biological materials, as well as certain chemical processes, such as cement production. Natural sources include decomposition, ocean release, and respiration. Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to climate warming, air quality, global warming, and pollution. methane emissions - This entry provides the annual quantity of methane emissions for a country, as measured in megatons. Methane is a greenhouse gas emitted from the breakdown of organic material from human-influenced and natural processes. Human-influenced sources include the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil; the decay of organic waste in landfills; agricultural activities; stationary and mobile combustion; waste water treatment; and certain industrial processes. Natural sources include the decay of plant material in wetlands, the seepage of gas from underground deposits, and the digestion of food by ruminants. Methane emissions cause poor air quality, health issues for animals and humans, and reduced crop yields, and are a contributor to climate change.This entry refers to specified gases and particulates released by various sources of animals, plants, goods, and processes that can contribute to global warming, poor air quality, pollution, and climate change. particulate matter emissions - This entry provides the modeled annual mean concentration of particulate matter of less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) measured in micrograms per cubic meter of air. Exposure to PM2.5 pollutants should not exceed an annual mean concentration of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, according to World Health Organization guidelines. Particulate matter are inhalable and respirable particles composed of sulphate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust, and water. Fine particles less than 2.5 microns pose the greatest health risks because they can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Sources include combustion engines, solid-fuel combustion, and other industrial activities. Exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, although even low concentrations of particulate matter can impact health. By reducing air pollution levels, countries can decrease the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. carbon dioxide emissions - This entry provides the annual quantity of carbon dioxide emissions for a country, as measured in megatons.  Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas emitted through human-influenced and natural processes. Human-influenced sources include the burning of fossil fuels (including coal, natural gas, and oil), solid waste, trees, and other biological materials, as well as certain chemical processes, such as cement production. Natural sources include decomposition, ocean release, and respiration. Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to climate warming, air quality, global warming, and pollution. methane emissions - This entry provides the annual quantity of methane emissions for a country, as measured in megatons. Methane is a greenhouse gas emitted from the breakdown of organic material from human-influenced and natural processes. Human-influenced sources include the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil; the decay of organic waste in landfills; agricultural activities; stationary and mobile combustion; waste water treatment; and certain industrial processes. Natural sources include the decay of plant material in wetlands, the seepage of gas from underground deposits, and the digestion of food by ruminants. Methane emissions cause poor air quality, health issues for animals and humans, and reduced crop yields, and are a contributor to climate change. Topic: Afghanistanparticulate 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.) Topic: Albaniaparticulate matter emissions: 17.87 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 4.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.55 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Algeriaparticulate matter emissions: 35.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 150.01 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 49.94 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Andorraparticulate 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.) Topic: Angolaparticulate matter emissions: 27.95 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 34.69 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 23.28 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudaparticulate matter emissions: 17.92 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.56 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.22 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Argentinaparticulate matter emissions: 11.83 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 201.35 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 120.66 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Armeniaparticulate matter emissions: 30.48 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.16 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.91 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Arubacarbon dioxide emissions: 0.88 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Australiaparticulate matter emissions: 7.19 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 375.91 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 105.01 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Austriaparticulate matter emissions: 12.43 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 61.45 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.34 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Azerbaijanparticulate matter emissions: 18.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 37.62 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 44.87 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Theparticulate matter emissions: 17.56 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.79 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.23 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Bahrainparticulate matter emissions: 69.04 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 31.69 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 15.47 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Bangladeshparticulate matter emissions: 58.33 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 84.25 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 59.3 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Barbadosparticulate matter emissions: 22.24 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.35 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Belarusparticulate 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.) Topic: Belgiumparticulate 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.) Topic: Belizeparticulate matter emissions: 21.23 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.57 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.55 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Beninparticulate matter emissions: 33.11 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 6.48 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 5.8 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Bermudacarbon dioxide emissions: 0.61 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Bhutanparticulate matter emissions: 35.32 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.26 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.11 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Boliviaparticulate 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.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaparticulate matter emissions: 27.25 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 21.85 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.92 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Botswanaparticulate matter emissions: 21.24 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 6.34 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 5.73 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Brazilparticulate matter emissions: 11.49 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 462.3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 401.83 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandscarbon dioxide emissions: 0.21 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Bruneiparticulate matter emissions: 5.78 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7.66 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 8.4 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Bulgariaparticulate matter emissions: 18.82 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 41.71 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.77 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasoparticulate matter emissions: 36.78 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3.42 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 12.85 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Burmaparticulate matter emissions: 34.69 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 25.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 42.2 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Burundiparticulate 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.) Topic: Cabo Verdeparticulate matter emissions: 31.99 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.13 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Cambodiaparticulate matter emissions: 23.98 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 9.92 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 14.88 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Cameroonparticulate matter emissions: 65.26 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 8.29 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 30.71 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Canadaparticulate matter emissions: 6.48 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 544.89 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 101.82 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandscarbon dioxide emissions: 0.55 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Central African Republicparticulate matter emissions: 49.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 22.44 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Chadparticulate matter emissions: 53.01 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 30.69 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Chileparticulate matter emissions: 21.03 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 85.82 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 15.97 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Chinaparticulate matter emissions: 49.16 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 9,893.04 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1,490.24 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Colombiaparticulate matter emissions: 15.24 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 97.81 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 81.52 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Comorosparticulate matter emissions: 18.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.2 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.19 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theparticulate matter emissions: 37.62 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 61.24 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theparticulate matter emissions: 38.67 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.24 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Cook Islandsparticulate matter emissions: 12.03 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) Topic: Costa Ricaparticulate matter emissions: 15.85 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 8.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 5.61 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoireparticulate matter emissions: 23.72 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 9.67 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 10.3 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Croatiaparticulate matter emissions: 17.03 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 17.49 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.98 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Cubaparticulate matter emissions: 18.37 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 28.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 9.3 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Curacaocarbon dioxide emissions: 5.39 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Cyprusparticulate matter emissions: 16.79 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 6.63 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.86 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Czechiaparticulate matter emissions: 15.15 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 102.22 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 13.11 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Denmarkparticulate 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.) Topic: Djiboutiparticulate 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.) Topic: Dominicaparticulate matter emissions: 18.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.18 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.04 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Dominican Republicparticulate matter emissions: 12.95 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 25.26 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 8.1 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Ecuadorparticulate matter emissions: 14.91 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 41.15 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 23.51 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Egyptparticulate matter emissions: 79.28 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 238.56 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 59.68 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: El Salvadorparticulate matter emissions: 23.42 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7.17 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.71 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineaparticulate matter emissions: 45.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.65 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.21 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Eritreaparticulate matter emissions: 42.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.71 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.48 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Estoniaparticulate 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.) Topic: Eswatiniparticulate matter emissions: 16.26 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.16 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.9 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Ethiopiaparticulate matter emissions: 34.36 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 14.87 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 114.21 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: European Unioncarbon dioxide emissions: 2,881.62 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Faroe Islandscarbon dioxide emissions: 0.63 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Fijiparticulate matter emissions: 10.19 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.05 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.95 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Finlandparticulate matter emissions: 5.88 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 45.87 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.46 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Franceparticulate matter emissions: 11.64 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) methane emissions: 55.99 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: French Polynesiacarbon dioxide emissions: 0.77 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Gabonparticulate matter emissions: 38.51 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.32 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.13 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Gambia, Theparticulate 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.) Topic: Gaza Stripcarbon dioxide emissions: 3.23 megatons (2016 est.) note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Topic: Georgiaparticulate 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.) Topic: Germanyparticulate matter emissions: 11.71 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 727.97 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 49.92 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Ghanaparticulate matter emissions: 31.95 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 16.67 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 22.75 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Gibraltarcarbon dioxide emissions: 0.63 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Greeceparticulate matter emissions: 15.69 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 62.43 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 9.8 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Greenlandcarbon dioxide emissions: 0.51 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Grenadaparticulate matter emissions: 21.56 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.27 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.04 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Guatemalaparticulate matter emissions: 23.59 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 16.78 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 10.7 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Guineaparticulate matter emissions: 22.43 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.13 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissauparticulate 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.) Topic: Guyanaparticulate matter emissions: 20.46 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.38 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.81 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Haitiparticulate matter emissions: 14.63 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.98 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.12 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)methane emissions: 0 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Hondurasparticulate matter emissions: 20.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 9.81 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 7.72 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Hong Kongcarbon dioxide emissions: 43.64 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Hungaryparticulate matter emissions: 15.62 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 45.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 7.25 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Icelandparticulate matter emissions: 5.94 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.06 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.59 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Indiaparticulate matter emissions: 65.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2,407.67 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 559.11 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Indonesiaparticulate matter emissions: 15.58 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 563.32 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 244.5 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Iranparticulate matter emissions: 35.09 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 661.71 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 158.71 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Iraqparticulate matter emissions: 57.73 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 190.06 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 17.44 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Irelandparticulate matter emissions: 8.26 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 37.71 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 13.67 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Israelparticulate matter emissions: 19.46 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 65.17 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 13.02 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Italyparticulate matter emissions: 15.28 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) methane emissions: 41.3 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Jamaicaparticulate matter emissions: 13.25 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 8.23 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.08 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Japanparticulate 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.) Topic: Jordanparticulate matter emissions: 32.09 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 25.11 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.04 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Kazakhstanparticulate matter emissions: 11.32 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 247.21 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 45.03 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Kenyaparticulate 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.) Topic: Kiribatiparticulate matter emissions: 10.45 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.07 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.02 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Northparticulate matter emissions: 30.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 28.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 18.68 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Southparticulate matter emissions: 24.57 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 620.3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 30.28 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Kosovocarbon dioxide emissions: 8.94 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.54 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Kuwaitparticulate 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.) Topic: Kyrgyzstanparticulate matter emissions: 18.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 9.79 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.47 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Laosparticulate matter emissions: 24.49 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 17.76 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 9 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Latviaparticulate matter emissions: 12.72 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.85 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Lebanonparticulate matter emissions: 30.67 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 24.8 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.37 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Lesothoparticulate 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.) Topic: Liberiaparticulate matter emissions: 17.19 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.39 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.56 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Libyaparticulate 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.) Topic: Liechtensteincarbon dioxide emissions: 0.05 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.02 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Lithuaniaparticulate matter emissions: 11.49 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 12.96 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.15 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Luxembourgparticulate 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.) Topic: Macaucarbon dioxide emissions: 2.07 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Madagascarparticulate matter emissions: 21.44 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3.91 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 10.14 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Malawiparticulate matter emissions: 22.14 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.12 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Malaysiaparticulate matter emissions: 16.04 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 248.29 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 51.51 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Maldivesparticulate matter emissions: 7.63 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.44 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.14 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Maliparticulate matter emissions: 31.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3.18 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 19.16 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Maltaparticulate 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.) Topic: Marshall Islandsparticulate matter emissions: 9.43 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.14 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.03 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Mauritaniaparticulate matter emissions: 40.82 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.74 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.16 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Mauritiusparticulate matter emissions: 13.54 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 4.35 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.06 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Mexicoparticulate 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.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofparticulate matter emissions: 10.23 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.14 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.02 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Moldovaparticulate matter emissions: 15.97 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.12 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.29 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Monacoparticulate matter emissions: 12.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.05 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Mongoliaparticulate matter emissions: 40.42 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 25.37 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 13.72 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Montenegroparticulate matter emissions: 20.17 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.75 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Moroccoparticulate matter emissions: 30.99 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 61.28 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 17.16 megatons (2020 est.) note:  data does not include former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambiqueparticulate matter emissions: 19.44 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7.94 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 16.26 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Namibiaparticulate matter emissions: 22.59 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 4.23 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 10.4 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Nauruparticulate 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.) Topic: Nepalparticulate matter emissions: 94.33 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 9.11 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 41.15 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Netherlandsparticulate matter emissions: 12.07 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 170.78 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 17.79 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: New Caledoniacarbon dioxide emissions: 5.33 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: New Zealandparticulate matter emissions: 5.73 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 34.38 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 34.3 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Nicaraguaparticulate matter emissions: 16.87 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.59 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.46 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Nigerparticulate matter emissions: 70.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 2.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 22.99 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Nigeriaparticulate matter emissions: 48.73 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 120.37 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 143.99 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Niueparticulate matter emissions: 11.47 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) Topic: North Macedoniaparticulate matter emissions: 28.34 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7.05 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.28 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Norwayparticulate matter emissions: 7.02 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 41.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.81 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Omanparticulate 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.) Topic: Pakistanparticulate matter emissions: 55.21 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 201.15 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 142.12 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Palauparticulate matter emissions: 12.18 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.22 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.06 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Panamaparticulate matter emissions: 11.18 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 10.71 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 5.97 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineaparticulate matter emissions: 10.91 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.05 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Paraguayparticulate 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.) Topic: Peruparticulate matter emissions: 24.27 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 57.41 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 30.17 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Philippinesparticulate matter emissions: 18.38 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 122.29 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 51.32 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Polandparticulate 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.) Topic: Portugalparticulate matter emissions: 7.87 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 48.74 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 10.93 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Qatarparticulate matter emissions: 90.35 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 103.26 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 8.34 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Romaniaparticulate matter emissions: 14.29 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 69.26 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 27.62 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Russiaparticulate 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.) Topic: Rwandaparticulate matter emissions: 40.75 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.11 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.92 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisparticulate 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.) Topic: Saint Luciaparticulate matter emissions: 21.22 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.41 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.27 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesparticulate matter emissions: 21.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.22 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.09 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Samoaparticulate matter emissions: 10.56 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.25 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.27 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: San Marinoparticulate matter emissions: 13.45 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.02 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principeparticulate matter emissions: 25.66 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.12 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.04 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiaparticulate matter emissions: 78.38 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 563.45 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 45.47 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Senegalparticulate matter emissions: 37.52 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 10.9 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.74 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Serbiaparticulate matter emissions: 24.27 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 45.22 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.96 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Seychellesparticulate matter emissions: 18.72 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.61 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.1 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Sierra Leoneparticulate matter emissions: 20.63 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.09 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.16 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Singaporeparticulate matter emissions: 18.26 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 37.54 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.4 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Slovakiaparticulate 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.) Topic: Sloveniaparticulate matter emissions: 15.81 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 12.63 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.1 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandsparticulate matter emissions: 10.67 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.17 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.43 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Somaliaparticulate matter emissions: 29.51 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.65 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 20.13 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: South Africaparticulate matter emissions: 23.58 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 476.64 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 55.89 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: South Sudanparticulate matter emissions: 41.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.73 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 7.61 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Spainparticulate matter emissions: 9.48 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 244 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 36.94 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Sri Lankaparticulate matter emissions: 15.25 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 23.36 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 10.95 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Sudanparticulate matter emissions: 47.92 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 20 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 75.1 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Surinameparticulate matter emissions: 23.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1.74 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 2.28 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Swedenparticulate matter emissions: 5.89 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 43.25 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.42 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Switzerlandparticulate matter emissions: 10.21 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 34.48 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.98 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Syriaparticulate matter emissions: 39.43 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 28.83 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 12.93 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Tajikistanparticulate matter emissions: 40.05 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.31 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 4.87 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Tanzaniaparticulate matter emissions: 25.59 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 11.97 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 59.08 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Thailandparticulate 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.) Topic: Timor-Lesteparticulate 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.) Topic: Togoparticulate matter emissions: 32.71 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.06 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Tongaparticulate matter emissions: 10.08 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.13 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.12 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoparticulate matter emissions: 22.04 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 43.87 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.35 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Tunisiaparticulate matter emissions: 35.66 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 29.94 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 7.89 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Turkeyparticulate matter emissions: 41.97 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 372.72 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 57.53 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Turkmenistanparticulate matter emissions: 19.02 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 70.63 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 52.09 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandscarbon dioxide emissions: 0.22 megatons (2016 est.) Topic: Tuvaluparticulate matter emissions: 11.42 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.01 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.01 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Ugandaparticulate matter emissions: 48.41 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.68 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 30.24 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Ukraineparticulate matter emissions: 18.29 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 202.25 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 63.37 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: United Arab Emiratesparticulate matter emissions: 39.44 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 206.32 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 56.55 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: United Kingdomparticulate matter emissions: 10.53 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 379.02 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 49.16 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: United Statesparticulate matter emissions: 7.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5,006.3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 685.74 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Uruguayparticulate matter emissions: 8.63 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 6.77 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 25.59 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Uzbekistanparticulate matter emissions: 25.29 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 91.81 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 96.16 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Vanuatuparticulate matter emissions: 10.31 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.15 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.5 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Venezuelaparticulate matter emissions: 15.82 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 164.18 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 68.66 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Vietnamparticulate matter emissions: 29.66 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 192.67 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 110.4 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: West Bankcarbon dioxide emissions: 3.23 megatons (2016 est.) note: data represent combined total from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Topic: Yemenparticulate matter emissions: 44.96 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 10.61 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 8.03 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Zambiaparticulate matter emissions: 24.7 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.14 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 14.1 megatons (2020 est.) Topic: Zimbabweparticulate matter emissions: 19.35 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 10.98 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 12.1 megatons (2020 est.)

20220901

field-sanitation-facility-access

This entry provides information about access to improved or unimproved sanitation facilities available to segments of the population of a country. Improved sanitation - use of any of the following facilities: flush or pour-flush to a piped sewer system, septic tank or pit latrine; ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrine; pit latrine with slab; or a composting toilet. Unimproved sanitation - use of any of the following facilities: flush or pour-flush not piped to a sewer system, septic tank or pit latrine; pit latrine without a slab or open pit; bucket; hanging toilet or hanging latrine; shared facilities of any type; no facilities; or bush or field. Topic: Afghanistanimproved: 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.) Topic: Albaniaimproved: urban: 99.8% of population rural: 100% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population rural: 0.5% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Algeriaimproved: urban: 98.3% of population rural: 91.3% of population total: 96.5% of population unimproved: urban: 1.7% of population rural: 8.7% of population total: 3.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: American Samoaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Andorraimproved: 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.) Topic: Angolaimproved: urban: 93.7% of population rural: 30.3% of population total: 72.7% of population unimproved: urban: 6.3% of population rural: 69.7% of population total: 27.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Anguillaimproved: urban: 99.1% of population total: 99.1% of population unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population total: 0.9% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudaimproved: total: 91.7% of population unimproved: total: 8.1% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Argentinaimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: NA unimproved: rural: NA total: (2020 est.) NA Topic: Armeniaimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 84.6% of population total: 94.4% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 15.4% of population total: 5.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Arubaimproved: urban: 97.7% of population rural: 97.7% of population total: 97.7% of population unimproved: urban: 2.3% of population rural: 2.3% of population total: 2.3% of population (2015 est.) Topic: Australiaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Austriaimproved: 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.) Topic: Azerbaijanimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: (2020 est.) NA Topic: Bahamas, Theimproved: total: 98.2% of population unimproved: total: 1.8% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Bahrainimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Bangladeshimproved: urban: 85.3% of population rural: 73.5% of population total: 78% of population unimproved: urban: 14.7% of population rural: 26.5% of population total: 22% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Barbadosimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Belarusimproved: 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.) Topic: Belgiumimproved: 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.) Topic: Belizeimproved: urban: 99.1% of population rural: 95.7% of population total: 97.3% of population unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population rural: 4.3% of population total: 2.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Beninimproved: urban: 56.3% of population rural: 18.1% of population total: 36.6% of population unimproved: urban: 43.7% of population rural: 81.9% of population total: 63.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Bermudaimproved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020) Topic: Bhutanimproved: urban: 90.8% of population rural: 83.1% of population total: 86.4% of population unimproved: urban: 9.2% of population rural: 16.9% of population total: 13.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Boliviaimproved: 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.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaimproved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: NA total: (2020 est.) NA Topic: Botswanaimproved: urban: 94.9% of population rural: 63% of population total: 85.6% of population unimproved: urban: 5.1% of population rural: 37% of population total: 14.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Brazilimproved: urban: 94.1% of population rural: 63.6% of population total: 90.2% of population unimproved: urban: 5.9% of population rural: 36.4% of population total: 9.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandsimproved: urban: 97.5% of population rural: 97.5% of population total: 97.5% of population unimproved: urban: 2.5% of population rural: 2.5% of population total: 2.5% of population (2015 est.) Topic: Bruneiimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Bulgariaimproved: 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.) Topic: Burkina Fasoimproved: urban: 90.8% of population rural: 37.7% of population total: 54% of population unimproved: urban: 9.2% of population rural: 62.3% of population total: 46% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Burmaimproved: urban: 93.9% of population rural: 81.3% of population total: 85.2% of population unimproved: urban: 6.1% of population rural: 18.7% of population total: 14.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Burundiimproved: 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.) Topic: Cabo Verdeimproved: urban: 91.7% of population rural: 73.3% of population total: 85.6% of population unimproved: urban: 8.3% of population rural: 26.7% of population total: 14.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Cambodiaimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 69.3% of population total: 76.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 30.7% of population total: 23.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Cameroonimproved: urban: 83.2% of population rural: 27.7% of population total: 59.7% of population unimproved: urban: 16.8% of population rural: 72.3% of population total: 40.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Canadaimproved: urban: 99.1% of population rural: 98.9% of population total: 99% of population unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population rural: 1.1% of population total: 1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandsimproved: urban: 95.6% of population total: 95.6% of population unimproved: urban: 4.4% of population total: 4.4% of population (2015 est.) Topic: Central African Republicimproved: urban: 53.8% of population rural: 12.4% of population total: 29.9% of population unimproved: urban: 46.2% of population rural: 87.6% of population total: 70.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Chadimproved: urban: 57.5% of population rural: 4.9% of population total: 17.3% of population unimproved: urban: 42.5% of population rural: 95.1% of population total: 82.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Chileimproved: 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.) Topic: Chinaimproved: urban: 97.6% of population rural: 90.6% of population total: 94.9% of population unimproved: urban: 2.4% of population rural: 9.4% of population total: 5.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Colombiaimproved: urban: 99.1% of population rural: 87.7% of population total: 97% of population unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population rural: 12.3% of population total: 3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Comorosimproved: urban: 62.4% of population rural: 43.6% of population total: 49% of population unimproved: urban: 37.6% of population rural: 56.4% of population total: 51% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theimproved: urban: 53.4% of population rural: 20.5% of population total: 35.5% of population unimproved: urban: 46.6% of population rural: 79.5% of population total: 64.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theimproved: urban: 73.4% of population rural: 15.1% of population total: 54.7% of population unimproved: urban: 26.6% of population rural: 84.9% of population total: 45.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Cook Islandsimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.1% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.9% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Costa Ricaimproved: urban: 99% of population rural: 97.1% of population total: 98.7% of population unimproved: urban: 1% of population rural: 2.9% of population total: 1.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoireimproved: urban: 77.8% of population rural: 35% of population total: 57.1% of population unimproved: urban: 22.2% of population rural: 65% of population total: 42.9% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Croatiaimproved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 98.4% of population total: 99% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 1.6% of population total: 1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Cubaimproved: urban: 94.8% of population rural: 87% of population total: 93% of population unimproved: urban: 5.2% of population rural: 13% of population total: 7% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Curacaoimproved: total: 100% of population unimproved: total: 0% of population (2017) Topic: Cyprusimproved: urban: 99.7% of population rural: 98.8% of population total: 99.4% of population unimproved: urban: 0.3% of population rural: 1.2% of population total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Czechiaimproved: 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.) Topic: Denmarkimproved: 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.) Topic: Djiboutiimproved: 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.) Topic: Dominican Republicimproved: urban: 97.4% of population rural: 91.3% of population total: 96.3% of population unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population rural: 8.7% of population total: 3.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Ecuadorimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 96.9% of population total: 98.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 3.1% of population total: 1.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Egyptimproved: urban: 99% of population rural: 98.2% of population total: 98.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 1.8% of population total: 1.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: El Salvadorimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 97.1% of population total: 99.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 2.9% of population total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineaimproved: urban: 81.2% of population rural: 63.4% of population total: 76.2% of population unimproved: urban: 18.8% of population rural: 36.6% of population total: 23.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Eritreaimproved: urban: 44.5% of population rural: 7.3% of population total: 15.7% of population unimproved: urban: 55.5% of population rural: 92.7% of population total: 84.3% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Estoniaimproved: 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.) Topic: Eswatiniimproved: urban: 92.3% of population rural: 83.9% of population total: 85.9% of population unimproved: urban: 7.7% of population rural: 16.1% of population total: 14.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Ethiopiaimproved: urban: 52.5% of population rural: 8.1% of population total: 17.7% of population unimproved: urban: 47.5% of population rural: 91.9% of population total: 82.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: European Unionimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)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) Topic: Faroe Islandsimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Fijiimproved: 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.) Topic: Finlandimproved: 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.) Topic: Franceimproved: 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.) Topic: French Polynesiaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 97% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Gabonimproved: urban: 81.3% of population rural: 55.1% of population total: 78.7% of population unimproved: urban: 18.7% of population rural: 44.9% of population total: 21.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Gambia, Theimproved: 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.) Topic: Gaza Stripimproved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 98.6% of population total: 99.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 1.4% of population total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.) note: note includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank Topic: Georgiaimproved: 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.) Topic: Germanyimproved: 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.) Topic: Ghanaimproved: urban: 84.8% of population rural: 52.8% of population total: 71.1% of population unimproved: urban: 15.2% of population rural: 47.2% of population total: 28.9% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Gibraltarimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Topic: Greeceimproved: 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.) Topic: Greenlandimproved: 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.) Topic: Grenadaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 93.7% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 6.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Guamimproved: urban: 89.8% of population (2015 est.) rural: 89.8% of population (2015 est.) total: 89.8% of population (2015 est.) unimproved: urban: 10.2% of population (2015 est.) rural: 10.2% of population (2015 est.) total: 10.2% of population (2015 est.) Topic: Guatemalaimproved: urban: 90.4% of population rural: 66.3% of population total: 78.8% of population unimproved: urban: 9.6% of population rural: 33.7% of population total: 21.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Guernseyimproved: 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 Topic: Guineaimproved: urban: 90.9% of population rural: 38.7% of population total: 58% of population unimproved: urban: 9.1% of population rural: 61.3% of population total: 42% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissauimproved: 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.) Topic: Guyanaimproved: urban: 97.8% of population rural: 95.4% of population total: 96% of population unimproved: urban: 2.2% of population rural: 4.6% of population total: 4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Haitiimproved: urban: 82.9% of population rural: 42.6% of population total: 65.6% of population unimproved: urban: 17.1% of population rural: 57.4% of population total: 34.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandsimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Hondurasimproved: urban: 96.7% of population rural: 87.9% of population total: 93% of population unimproved: urban: 3.3% of population rural: 12.1% of population total: 7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Hong Kongimproved: urban: 96.4% of population rural: NA total: 96.4% of population unimproved: urban: 3.6% of population rural: NA total: 3.6% of population (2017) Topic: Hungaryimproved: 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.) Topic: Icelandimproved: 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.) Topic: Indiaimproved: urban: 98.6% of population rural: 75.2% of population total: 83.4% of population unimproved: urban: 1.4% of population rural: 24.8% of population total: 16.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Indonesiaimproved: urban: 97.2% of population rural: 86.5% of population total: 92.5% of population unimproved: urban: 2.8% of population rural: 13.5% of population total: 7.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Iranimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population (2015 est.) rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Iraqimproved: 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.) Topic: Irelandimproved: urban: 97.8% of population rural: 99.1% of population total: 98.3% of population unimproved: urban: 2.2% of population rural: 0.9% of population total: 1.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Isle of Manimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Israelimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 99.3% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0.7% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Italyimproved: 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.) Topic: Jamaicaimproved: urban: 98.6% of population rural: 99.4% of population total: 98.9% of population unimproved: urban: 1.4% of population rural: 0.6% of population total: 1.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Japanimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Jerseyimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 98.5% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1.5% of population (2017) Topic: Jordanimproved: urban: 98.8% of population rural: 97.8% of population total: 98.7% of population unimproved: urban: 1.2% of population rural: 2.2% of population total: 1.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Kazakhstanimproved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 99.9% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 0.1% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Kenyaimproved: 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.) Topic: Kiribatiimproved: urban: 75.4% of population rural: 45.4% of population total: 62.1% of population unimproved: urban: 24.6% of population rural: 54.6% of population total: 37.9% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Northimproved: urban: 92.7% of population rural: 73.1% of population total: 85.3% of population unimproved: urban: 7.3% of population rural: 26.9% of population total: 14.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Korea, Southimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Kosovoimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Kuwaitimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstanimproved: 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.) Topic: Laosimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 72% of population total: 82.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 28% of population total: 17.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Latviaimproved: urban: 98.9% of population rural: 85.3% of population total: 94.6% of population unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population rural: 14.7% of population total: 5.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Lebanonimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Lesothoimproved: 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.) Topic: Liberiaimproved: urban: 68% of population rural: 25.2% of population total: 47.5% of population unimproved: urban: 32% of population rural: 74.8% of population total: 52.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Libyaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.3% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Liechtensteinimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Topic: Lithuaniaimproved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 88.7% of population total: 96% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 11.3% of population total: 4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Luxembourgimproved: 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.) Topic: Madagascarimproved: urban: 49.2% of population rural: 22.1% of population total: 32.6% of population unimproved: urban: 50.8% of population rural: 77.9% of population total: 67.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Malawiimproved: urban: 59.9% of population rural: 35.9% of population total: 40% of population unimproved: urban: 40.1% of population rural: 64.1% of population total: 60% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Malaysiaimproved: urban: 99% of population rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: NA total: (2020 est.) NA Topic: Maldivesimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 99.1% of population total: 99.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0.9% of population total: 0.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Maliimproved: urban: 85.7% of population rural: 44.7% of population total: 62.7% of population unimproved: urban: 14.3% of population rural: 55.3% of population total: 37.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Maltaimproved: 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.) Topic: Marshall Islandsimproved: urban: 96.6% of population rural: 65.4% of population total: 89.7% of population unimproved: urban: 3.4% of population rural: 34.6% of population total: 10.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Mauritaniaimproved: urban: 83.5% of population rural: 25.2% of population total: 57.5% of population unimproved: urban: 16.5% of population rural: 74.8% of population total: 42.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Mauritiusimproved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: NA total: (2020 est.) NA Topic: Mexicoimproved: 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.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 88.3% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 11.7% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Moldovaimproved: urban: 99% of population rural: 83.1% of population total: 89.9% of population unimproved: urban: 1% of population rural: 16.9% of population total: 10.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Monacoimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Mongoliaimproved: urban: 97.4% of population rural: 69.9% of population total: 88.8% of population unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population rural: 30.1% of population total: 11.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Montenegroimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 93.9% of population total: 98% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 6.1% of population total: 2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Montserratimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Moroccoimproved: urban: 98.2% of population rural: 72.4% of population total: 88.8% of population unimproved: urban: 1.8% of population rural: 27.6% of population total: 11.2% of population (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambiqueimproved: urban: 71.9% of population (2015 est.) rural: 24.7% of population total: 42.2% of population unimproved: urban: 28.1% of population rural: 75.3% of population total: 57.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Namibiaimproved: urban: 70.6% of population rural: 23.6% of population total: 48.1% of population unimproved: urban: 29.4% of population rural: 76.4% of population total: 51.9% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Nauruimproved: 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.) Topic: Nepalimproved: urban: 95.1% of population rural: 85.7% of population total: 87.7% of population unimproved: urban: 4.9% of population rural: 14.3% of population total: 12.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Netherlandsimproved: 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.) Topic: New Caledoniaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: New Zealandimproved: 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) Topic: Nicaraguaimproved: urban: 89.9% of population rural: 66.5% of population total: 80.3% of population unimproved: urban: 10.1% of population rural: 33.5% of population total: 19.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Nigerimproved: urban: 81.9% of population rural: 13.5% of population total: 24.8% of population unimproved: urban: 18.1% of population rural: 86.5% of population total: 75.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Nigeriaimproved: urban: 81.6% of population rural: 41.4% of population total: 62.3% of population unimproved: urban: 18.4% of population rural: 58.6% of population total: 37.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Niueimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 95.5% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 4.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Norfolk Islandimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: North Macedoniaimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: 98% of population total: 99.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 2% of population total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 97.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 2.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Norwayimproved: 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.) Topic: Omanimproved: 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.) Topic: Pakistanimproved: urban: 88.6% of population rural: 73.2% of population total: 78.9% of population unimproved: urban: 11.4% of population rural: 26.8% of population total: 21.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Palauimproved: urban: 99.8% of population rural: 99% of population total: 99.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population rural: 1% of population total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Panamaimproved: urban: 95.5% of population rural: 69.1% of population total: 87.2% of population unimproved: urban: 4.5% of population rural: 30.9% of population total: 12.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineaimproved: urban: 57.8% of population rural: 18.2% of population total: 23.5% of population unimproved: urban: 42.2% of population rural: 81.8% of population total: 76.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Paraguayimproved: 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.) Topic: Peruimproved: urban: 93.6% of population rural: 65.3% of population total: 87.4% of population unimproved: urban: 6.4% of population rural: 34.7% of population total: 12.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Philippinesimproved: urban: 96% of population rural: 91% of population total: 93.4% of population unimproved: urban: 4% of population rural: 9% of population total: 6.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islandsimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Polandimproved: 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.) Topic: Portugalimproved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 100% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricoimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Qatarimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Romaniaimproved: urban: 96.9% of population rural: 76% of population total: 87.3% of population unimproved: urban: 3.1% of population rural: 24% of population total: 12.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Russiaimproved: 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.) Topic: Rwandaimproved: urban: 89.1% of population rural: 83.2% of population total: 84.2% of population unimproved: urban: 10.9% of population rural: 16.8% of population total: 15.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Barthelemyimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisimproved: 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.) Topic: Saint Luciaimproved: urban: 97.6% of population rural: 92.9% of population total: 93.8% of population unimproved: urban: 2.4% of population rural: 7.1% of population total: 6.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Saint Martinimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 90.2% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 9.8% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Samoaimproved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 99.5% of population total: 99.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 0.5% of population total: 0.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: San Marinoimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Topic: Sao Tome and Principeimproved: urban: 57.1% of population rural: 42.8% of population total: 53.4% of population unimproved: urban: 42.9% of population rural: 57.2% of population total: 46.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Senegalimproved: urban: 94.1% of population rural: 55.5% of population total: 74.1% of population unimproved: urban: 5.9% of population rural: 44.5% of population total: 25.9% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Serbiaimproved: urban: 99.6% of population rural: 95.7% of population total: 97.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.4% of population rural: 4.3% of population total: 2.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Seychellesimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Sierra Leoneimproved: urban: 79.5% of population rural: 35.5% of population total: 54.4% of population unimproved: urban: 20.5% of population rural: 64.5% of population total: 45.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Singaporeimproved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Sint Maartenimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 98.8% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1.2% of population (2017) Topic: Slovakiaimproved: 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.) Topic: Sloveniaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandsimproved: urban: 95.6% of population rural: 22.6% of population total: 40.6% of population unimproved: urban: 4.4% of population rural: 77.4% of population total: 59.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Somaliaimproved: urban: 82.4% of population rural: 33.8% of population total: 56.2% of population unimproved: urban: 17.6% of population rural: 66.2% of population total: 43.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: South Africaimproved: urban: 96.6% of population rural: 86.4% of population total: 93.2% of population unimproved: urban: 3.4% of population rural: 13.6% of population total: 6.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: South Sudanimproved: urban: 60.6% of population rural: 15.5% of population total: 24.6% of population unimproved: urban: 39.4% of population rural: 84.5% of population total: 75.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Spainimproved: 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.) Topic: Sri Lankaimproved: urban: 96.6% of population rural: 97.9% of population total: 97.6% of population unimproved: urban: 3.4% of population rural: 2.1% of population total: 2.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Sudanimproved: urban: 72.1% of population rural: 30.6% of population total: 45.3% of population unimproved: urban: 27.9% of population rural: 69.4% of population total: 54.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Surinameimproved: urban: 98.5% of population rural: 91.2% of population total: 96% of population unimproved: urban: 1.5% of population rural: 8.8% of population total: 4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Svalbardimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Swedenimproved: 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.) Topic: Switzerlandimproved: 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.) Topic: Syriaimproved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 99.5% of population total: 99.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 0.5% of population total: 0.5% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Taiwanimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Topic: Tajikistanimproved: urban: 98.9% of population rural: 99.6% of population total: 99.4% of population unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population rural: 0.4% of population total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Tanzaniaimproved: urban: 89.4% of population rural: 29.2% of population total: 50.4% of population unimproved: urban: 10.6% of population rural: 70.8% of population total: 49.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Thailandimproved: 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.) Topic: Timor-Lesteimproved: 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.) Topic: Togoimproved: 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.) Topic: Tokelauimproved: urban: NA rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: 0% of population total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Tongaimproved: urban: 99.4% of population rural: 98.8% of population total: 98.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0.6% of population rural: 1.2% of population total: 1.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Tunisiaimproved: urban: 98.8% of population rural: 99.4% of population total: 99% of population unimproved: urban: 1.2% of population rural: 0.6% of population total: 1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)improved: urban: 99.8% of population rural: 98.7% of population total: 99.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population rural: 1.3% of population total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Turkmenistanimproved: urban: 99.8% of population rural: 99.9% of population total: 99.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population rural: 0.1% of population total: 0.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 88% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 12% of population (2017) Topic: Tuvaluimproved: urban: 91.8% of population rural: 91% of population total: 91.5% of population unimproved: urban: 9.2% of population rural: 9% of population total: 8.5% of population (2017 est.) Topic: Ugandaimproved: urban: 67.3% of population rural: 27.5% of population total: 37.4% of population unimproved: urban: 32.7% of population rural: 72.5% of population total: 62.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Ukraineimproved: 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.) Topic: United Arab Emiratesimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Topic: United Kingdomimproved: urban: 99.8% of population rural: 99.8% of population total: 99.8% of population unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population rural: 0.2% of population total: 0.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: United Statesimproved: urban: 99.8% of population rural: 98.9% of population total: 99.7% of population unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population rural: 11.1% of population total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Uruguayimproved: urban: 99.2% of population rural: 99.6% of population total: 99.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0.8% of population rural: 0.4% of population total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Uzbekistanimproved: 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.) Topic: Vanuatuimproved: urban: 91.1% of population rural: 60.4% of population total: 68.2% of population unimproved: urban: 8.9% of population rural: 39.6% of population total: 31.8% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Venezuelaimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 95.8% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 4.2% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Vietnamimproved: urban: 98.7% of population rural: 90% of population total: 93.3% of population unimproved: urban: 1.3% of population rural: 10% of population total: 6.7% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandsimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.4% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.6% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futunaimproved: urban: NA rural: 92.9% of population total: 92.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: 7.1% of population total: 7.1% of population (2020 est.) Topic: West Bankimproved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 98.6% of population total: 99.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 1.4% of population total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.) note: note includes Gaza Strip and the West Bank Topic: Worldimproved: urban: 82.3% of population rural: 50.5% of population total: 67.7% of population unimproved: urban: 17.7% of population rural: 49.5% of population total: 32.3% of population (2015 est.) Topic: Yemenimproved: urban: 83.5% of population rural: 44.2% of population total: 59.1% of population unimproved: urban: 16.5% of population rural: 55.8% of population total: 40.9% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Zambiaimproved: urban: 76.3% of population rural: 31.9% of population total: 51.7% of population unimproved: urban: 23.7% of population rural: 68.1% of population total: 48.3% of population (2020 est.) Topic: Zimbabweimproved: urban: 96.1% of population rural: 49% of population total: 64.2% of population unimproved: urban: 3.9% of population rural: 51% of population total: 35.8% of population (2017 est.)

20220901

field-waterways-country-comparison

20220901

countries-burma-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Burma due to civil unrest and armed conflict. Reconsider Travel to Burma due toCOVID-19-related restrictions and limited and/or inadequate healthcare resources. Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance. 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: [95] (1) 753-6509; US Embassy in Rangoon, 110 University Ave, Kamayut Township, Rangoon, Burma; https://mm.usembassy.gov/; ACSRangoon@state.gov Telephone Code: 95 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 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) Currency (Code): Kyats (MMK) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C, D, G, I Major Languages: Burmese; note: minority ethnic groups use their own languages Major Religions: Buddhist 87.9%, Christian 6.2%, Muslim 4.3%, animist 0.8%, Hindu 0.5% Time Difference: UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon; Temples of Bagan; Inle Lake; Bogyoke Aung San Museum; Shwenandaw Monastery; Mandalay Royal Palace; Mandalay Hill; Pyu ancient cities (includes Halin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra) Major Sports: Soccer, golf Cultural Practices: It is impolite to sit on a chair with one's legs crossed, especially for women. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not a common practice, but guides and drivers do expect to be tipped. Tipping guides $2-5 (USD) per person per day is customary; drivers should receive $1-2 (USD) per day. Souvenirs: Bamboo and lacquer items, silk, loose gem stones, jewelry, jade items, especially Buddha figures; marionettes Traditional Cuisine: Mohinga — a fish and rice noodle soup enriched with a variety of ingredients either added to the soup or used as a dressing or garnishPlease 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, July 26, 2022

20220901

field-exports-country-comparison

20220901

field-dependency-status

This entry describes the formal relationship between a particular nonindependent entity and an independent state. Topic: Akrotiria special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus Topic: American Samoaunincorporated, unorganized Territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior Topic: Anguillaoverseas territory of the UK Topic: Arubaconstituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandsterritory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport Topic: Bermudaoverseas territory of the UK Topic: Bouvet Islandterritory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Oslo Police Topic: British Indian Ocean Territoryoverseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London Topic: British Virgin IslandsOverseas Territory of the UK; internal self-governing Topic: Cayman Islandsoverseas territory of the UK Topic: Christmas Islandnon-self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development Topic: Clipperton Islandpossession of France; administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnon-self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development Topic: Cook Islandsself-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense in consultation with the Cook Islands Topic: Coral Sea Islandsterritory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport Topic: Curacaoconstituent 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 Topic: Dhekeliaa special form of UK overseas territory; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina Topic: Faroe Islandspart of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948 Topic: French Polynesiaoverseas country of France; note - overseas territory of France from 1946-2003; overseas collectivity of France since 2003, though it is often referred to as an overseas country due to its degree of autonomy Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landsoverseas territory of France since 1955 Topic: Gibraltaroverseas territory of the UK Topic: Greenlandpart of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979 Topic: Guamunincorporated organized territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the federal government under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior Topic: GuernseyBritish crown dependency Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandsterritory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (Australian Antarctic Division) Topic: Hong Kongspecial administrative region of the People's Republic of China Topic: Isle of ManBritish crown dependency Topic: Jan Mayenterritory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however, authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian Defense Communication Service; in 2010, Norway designated the majority of Jan Mayen as a nature reserve Topic: JerseyBritish crown dependency Topic: Macauspecial administrative region of the People's Republic of China Topic: Montserratoverseas territory of the UK Topic: Navassa Islandunorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior from the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Boqueron, Puerto Rico; in September 1996, the Coast Guard ceased operations and maintenance of the Navassa Island Light, a 46-meter-tall lighthouse on the southern side of the island; Haiti has claimed the island since the 19th century Topic: New Caledoniaspecial collectivity (or a sui generis collectivity) of France since 1998; note - independence referenda took place on 4 November 2018, 4 October 2020, and 12 December 2021 with a majority voting in each case to reject independence in favor of maintaining the status quo; an 18-month transition period is now in place (ending 30 June 2023), during which a referendum on the new status of New Caledonia within France will take place  Topic: Niueself-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue Topic: Norfolk Islandself-governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development Topic: Northern Mariana Islandscommonwealth 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 Topic: Pitcairn Islandsoverseas territory of the UK Topic: Puerto Ricounincorporated organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President Topic: Saint Barthelemyoverseas collectivity of France Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaOverseas Territory of the UK Topic: Saint Martinoverseas collectivity of France note: the only French overseas collectivity that is part of the EU Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonoverseas collectivity of France Topic: Sint Maartenconstituent 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 Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandsoverseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II Topic: Svalbardterritory 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 Topic: Tokelauself-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelau and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution as Tokelau moves toward free association with New Zealand; a UN-sponsored referendum on self governance in October 2007 did not meet the two-thirds majority vote necessary for changing the political status Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsoverseas territory of the UK Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugeswith the exception of Palmyra Atoll, the constituent islands are unincorporated, unorganized territories of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System note: Palmyra Atoll is partly privately owned and partly federally owned; the federally owned portion is administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as an incorporated, unorganized territory of the US; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded areas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nm territorial sea or within the lagoon Topic: Virgin Islandsunincorporated organized territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the federal government under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior Topic: Wake Islandunincorporated unorganized territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities in the atoll are currently conducted by the 11th US Air Force and managed from Pacific Air Force Support Center Topic: Wallis and Futunaoverseas collectivity of France

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countries-cameroon

Topic: Photos of Cameroon Topic: Introduction Background: Much of the area of present-day Cameroon was ruled by powerful chiefdoms before becoming a German colony in 1884 known as Kamerun. After World War I, the territory was divided between France and the UK as League of Nations mandates. French Cameroon became independent in 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon. The following year the southern portion of neighboring British Cameroon voted to merge with the new country to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. In 1972, a new constitution replaced the federation with a unitary state, the United Republic of Cameroon. The country has generally enjoyed stability, which has enabled the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of President Paul BIYA.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Central Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria Geographic coordinates: 6 00 N, 12 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 475,440 sq km land: 472,710 sq km water: 2,730 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than California; about four times the size of Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total: 5,018 km border countries (6): Central African Republic 901 km; Chad 1,116 km; Republic of the Congo 494 km; Equatorial Guinea 183 km; Gabon 349 km; Nigeria 1975 km Coastline: 402 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm Climate: varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north Terrain: diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north Elevation: highest point: Fako on Mont Cameroun 4,045 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 667 m Natural resources: petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower Land use: agricultural land: 20.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 13.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.2% (2018 est.) forest: 41.7% (2018 est.) other: 37.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 290 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Chad (endorheic lake shared with Niger, Nigeria, and Chad) - 10,360-25,900 sq km note - area varies by season and year to year Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Major aquifers: Lake Chad Basin Population distribution: population concentrated in the west and north, with the interior of the country sparsely populated as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoesvolcanism: Mt. Cameroon (4,095 m), which last erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West Africa; lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of gas on occasion, killing some 1,700 people in 1986volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoesvolcanism: Mt. Cameroon (4,095 m), which last erupted in 2000, is the most frequently active volcano in West Africa; lakes in Oku volcanic field have released fatal levels of gas on occasion, killing some 1,700 people in 1986 Geography - note: sometimes 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 Map description: Cameroon map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Bight of Benin.Cameroon map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Bight of Benin. Topic: People and Society Population: 29,321,637 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Cameroonian(s) adjective: Cameroonian Ethnic groups: Bamileke-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.) Languages: 24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) Religions: Roman Catholic 38.3%, Protestant 25.5%, other Christian 6.9%, Muslim 24.4%, animist 2.2%, other 0.5%, none 2.2% (2018 est.) Demographic profile: Cameroon has a large youth population, with more than 60% of the populace under the age of 25. Fertility is falling but remains at a high level, especially among poor, rural, and uneducated women, in part because of inadequate access to contraception. Life expectancy remains low at about 55 years due to the prevalence of HIV and AIDs and an elevated maternal mortality rate, which has remained high since 1990. Cameroon, particularly the northern region, is vulnerable to food insecurity largely because of government mismanagement, corruption, high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and natural disasters. Despite economic growth in some regions, poverty is on the rise, and is most prevalent in rural areas, which are especially affected by a shortage of jobs, declining incomes, poor school and health care infrastructure, and a lack of clean water and sanitation. Underinvestment in social safety nets and ineffective public financial management also contribute to Cameroon’s high rate of poverty.  The activities of Boko Haram, other armed groups, and counterinsurgency operations have worsened food insecurity in the Far North region.   International migration has been driven by unemployment (including fewer government jobs), poverty, the search for educational opportunities, and corruption. The US and Europe are preferred destinations, but, with tighter immigration restrictions in these countries, young Cameroonians are increasingly turning to neighboring states, such as Gabon and Nigeria, South Africa, other parts of Africa, and the Near and Far East. Cameroon’s limited resources make it dependent on UN support to host more than 420,000 refugees and asylum seekers as of September 2020. These refugees and asylum seekers are primarily from the Central African Republic and Nigeria.  Internal and external displacement have grown dramatically in recent years.  Boko Haram's attacks and counterattacks by government forces in the Far North since 2014 have increased the number of internally displaced people.  Armed conflict between separatists and Cameroon's military in the the Northwest and Southwest since 2016 have displaced hundreds of thousands of the country's Anglophone minority.Cameroon has a large youth population, with more than 60% of the populace under the age of 25. Fertility is falling but remains at a high level, especially among poor, rural, and uneducated women, in part because of inadequate access to contraception. Life expectancy remains low at about 55 years due to the prevalence of HIV and AIDs and an elevated maternal mortality rate, which has remained high since 1990. Cameroon, particularly the northern region, is vulnerable to food insecurity largely because of government mismanagement, corruption, high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and natural disasters. Despite economic growth in some regions, poverty is on the rise, and is most prevalent in rural areas, which are especially affected by a shortage of jobs, declining incomes, poor school and health care infrastructure, and a lack of clean water and sanitation. Underinvestment in social safety nets and ineffective public financial management also contribute to Cameroon’s high rate of poverty.  The activities of Boko Haram, other armed groups, and counterinsurgency operations have worsened food insecurity in the Far North region.  International migration has been driven by unemployment (including fewer government jobs), poverty, the search for educational opportunities, and corruption. The US and Europe are preferred destinations, but, with tighter immigration restrictions in these countries, young Cameroonians are increasingly turning to neighboring states, such as Gabon and Nigeria, South Africa, other parts of Africa, and the Near and Far East. Cameroon’s limited resources make it dependent on UN support to host more than 420,000 refugees and asylum seekers as of September 2020. These refugees and asylum seekers are primarily from the Central African Republic and Nigeria.  Internal and external displacement have grown dramatically in recent years.  Boko Haram's attacks and counterattacks by government forces in the Far North since 2014 have increased the number of internally displaced people.  Armed conflict between separatists and Cameroon's military in the the Northwest and Southwest since 2016 have displaced hundreds of thousands of the country's Anglophone minority. Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.34% (male 5,927,640/female 5,820,226) 15-24 years: 20.04% (male 2,782,376/female 2,776,873) 25-54 years: 30.64% (male 4,191,151/female 4,309,483) 55-64 years: 3.87% (male 520,771/female 552,801) 65 years and over: 3.11% (2020 est.) (male 403,420/female 460,248) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 81.1 youth dependency ratio: 76.2 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 18.5 years male: 18.2 years female: 18.8 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.75% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 35.53 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.73 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population concentrated in the west and north, with the interior of the country sparsely populated as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 58.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 4.164 million YAOUNDE (capital), 3.927 million Douala (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: 0.97 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 20.1 years (2018 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 529 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 48.73 deaths/1,000 live births male: 53.58 deaths/1,000 live births female: 43.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.27 years male: 61.49 years female: 65.09 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.55 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 19.3% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 95.1% of population rural: 56.2% of population total: 78.6% of population unimproved: urban: 4.9% of population rural: 43.8% of population total: 21.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3.6% (2019) Physicians density: 0.13 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 1.3 beds/1,000 population Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 83.2% of population rural: 27.7% of population total: 59.7% of population unimproved: urban: 16.8% of population rural: 72.3% of population total: 40.3% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 3% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 500,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 14,000 (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 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; Cameroon 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: 11.4% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 7.3% (2020 est.) male: 13.2% (2020 est.) female: 1.4% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11% (2018/19) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 10.7% women married by age 18: 29.8% men married by age 18: 2.9% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 3.1% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 77.1% male: 82.6% female: 71.6% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 12 years male: 13 years female: 11 years (2016) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 6.3% male: 5.8% female: 6.8% (2014 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: waterborne diseases are prevalent; deforestation and overgrazing result in erosion, desertification, and reduced quality of pastureland; poaching; overfishing; overhunting 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, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 65.26 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 8.29 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 30.71 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north Land use: agricultural land: 20.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 13.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.2% (2018 est.) forest: 41.7% (2018 est.) other: 37.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 58.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 2.5% 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; Cameroon is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to civil insecurity and population displacements - according to October 2021 analysis, about 2.4 million people were estimated to be severely food insecure between October and December 2021; this mainly results from the impacts of Boko Haram incursions in Far North Region, the socio‑political unrest in Northwest and Southwest regions and COVID‑19‑related economic shocks, which disrupted trade flows and agricultural practices, deteriorated livelihoods and displaced people (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 3,270,617 tons (2013 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 13,082 tons (2009 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 0.4% (2009 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Chad (endorheic lake shared with Niger, Nigeria, and Chad) - 10,360-25,900 sq km note - area varies by season and year to year Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Major aquifers: Lake Chad Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 246.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 104.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 737 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 283.15 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon conventional short form: Cameroon local long form: Republique du Cameroun (French)/Republic of Cameroon (English) local short form: Cameroun/Cameroon former: Kamerun, French Cameroon, British Cameroon, Federal Republic of Cameroon, United Republic of Cameroon etymology: in the 15th century, Portuguese explorers named the area near the mouth of the Wouri River the Rio dos Camaroes (River of Prawns) after the abundant shrimp in the water; over time the designation became Cameroon in English; this is the only instance where a country is named after a crustacean Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Yaounde geographic coordinates: 3 52 N, 11 31 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: founded as a German colonial settlement of Jaunde in 1888 and named after the local Yaunde (Ewondo) people Administrative divisions: 10 regions (regions, singular - region); Adamaoua, Centre, East (Est), Far North (Extreme-Nord), Littoral, North (Nord), North-West (Nord-Ouest), West (Ouest), South (Sud), South-West (Sud-Ouest) Independence: 1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship) National holiday: State Unification Day (National Day), 20 May (1972) Constitution: history: several previous; latest effective 18 January 1996 amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; amendment drafts require approval of at least one third of the membership in either house of Parliament; passage requires absolute majority vote of the Parliament membership; passage of drafts requested by the president for a second reading in Parliament requires two-thirds majority vote of its membership; the president can opt to submit drafts to a referendum, in which case passage requires a simple majority; constitutional articles on Cameroon’s unity and territorial integrity and its democratic principles cannot be amended; amended 2008 Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law, French civil law, and customary law International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Cameroon dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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% (2018) Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of: Senate or Senat (100 seats; 70 members indirectly elected by regional councils and 30 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 25 March 2018 (next to be held in 2023) National Assembly - last held on 9 February 2020 (current term extended by president); note - the Constitutional Court has ordered a partial rerun of elections in the English speaking areas; date to be determined election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - CDPM 81.1%, SDF 8.6%, UNDP 5.8%, UDC 1.16%, other 2.8%; seats by party - CPDM 63, SDF 7; composition as of March 2022 - men 74, women 26, percent of women 26% National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPDM 139, UNDP 7, SDF 5, PCRN 5, UDC 4, FSNC 3, MDR 2, Union of Socialist Movements 2; 13 vacant; composition as of March 2022 - men 119, women 61, percent of women 33.9%; note - total Parliament percent of women 31.1% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Cameroon (consists of 9 titular and 6 surrogate judges and organized into judicial, administrative, and audit chambers); Constitutional Council (consists of 11 members) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president with the advice of the Higher Judicial Council of Cameroon, a body chaired by the president and includes the minister of justice, selected magistrates, and representatives of the National Assembly; judge term NA; Constitutional Council members appointed by the president for single 9-year terms subordinate courts: Parliamentary Court of Justice (jurisdiction limited to cases involving the president and prime minister); appellate and first instance courts; circuit and magistrates' courts Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy and Development Cameroon People's Democratic Movement or CPDM [Paul BIYA] Cameroon People's Party or CPP [Edith Kah WALLA] Cameroon Renaissance Movement or MRC [Maurice KAMTO] Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou Ndam NJOYA] Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation or PCRN [Cabral LIBII] Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon or FSNC [Issa Tchiroma BAKARY] Movement for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA] Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [Marcel YONDO] National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari BELLO BOUBA] Progressive Movement or MP [Jean-Jacques EKINDI] Social Democratic Front or SDF [John FRU NDI] Union of Peoples of Cameroon or UPC [Provisionary Management Bureau] Union of Socialist Movements or USM International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, MNJTF, MONUSCO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Henri ETOUNDI ESSOMBA (since 27 June 2016) chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790 FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826 email address and website: cs@cameroonembassyusa.org https://www.cameroonembassyusa.org/mainFolder/index.html Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher J. LAMORA (since 21 March 2022) embassy: Avenue Rosa Parks, Yaoundé mailing address: 2520 Yaounde Place, Washington, DC  20521-2520 telephone: [237] 22251-4000/[237] 22220-1500 FAX: [237] 22220-1500, Ext. 4531 email address and website: YaoundeACS@state.gov https://cm.usembassy.gov/ branch office(s): Douala Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow, with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; the vertical tricolor recalls the flag of France; red symbolizes unity, yellow the sun, happiness, and the savannahs in the north, and green hope and the forests in the south; the star is referred to as the "star of unity" note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia National symbol(s): lion; national colors: green, red, yellow National anthem: name: "O Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancetres" (O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers) lyrics/music: Rene Djam AFAME, Samuel Minkio BAMBA, Moise Nyatte NKO'O [French], Benard Nsokika FONLON [English]/Rene Djam AFAME note: adopted 1957; Cameroon's anthem, also known as "Chant de Ralliement" (The Rallying Song), has been used unofficially since 1948 and officially adopted in 1957; the anthem has French and English versions whose lyrics differ National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Dja Faunal Reserve; Sangha Trinational Forest Topic: Economy Economic overview: Cameroon’s market-based, diversified economy features oil and gas, timber, aluminum, agriculture, mining and the service sector. Oil remains Cameroon’s main export commodity, and despite falling global oil prices, still accounts for nearly 40% of exports. Cameroon’s economy suffers from factors that often impact underdeveloped countries, such as stagnant per capita income, a relatively inequitable distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, endemic corruption, continuing inefficiencies of a large parastatal system in key sectors, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise.   Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The IMF continues to press for economic reforms, including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. The Government of Cameroon provides subsidies for electricity, food, and fuel that have strained the federal budget and diverted funds from education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, as low oil prices have led to lower revenues.   Cameroon devotes significant resources to several large infrastructure projects currently under construction, including a deep seaport in Kribi and the Lom Pangar Hydropower Project. Cameroon’s energy sector continues to diversify, recently opening a natural gas-powered electricity generating plant. Cameroon continues to seek foreign investment to improve its inadequate infrastructure, create jobs, and improve its economic footprint, but its unfavorable business environment remains a significant deterrent to foreign investment.Cameroon’s market-based, diversified economy features oil and gas, timber, aluminum, agriculture, mining and the service sector. Oil remains Cameroon’s main export commodity, and despite falling global oil prices, still accounts for nearly 40% of exports. Cameroon’s economy suffers from factors that often impact underdeveloped countries, such as stagnant per capita income, a relatively inequitable distribution of income, a top-heavy civil service, endemic corruption, continuing inefficiencies of a large parastatal system in key sectors, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. The IMF continues to press for economic reforms, including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. The Government of Cameroon provides subsidies for electricity, food, and fuel that have strained the federal budget and diverted funds from education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, as low oil prices have led to lower revenues. Cameroon devotes significant resources to several large infrastructure projects currently under construction, including a deep seaport in Kribi and the Lom Pangar Hydropower Project. Cameroon’s energy sector continues to diversify, recently opening a natural gas-powered electricity generating plant. Cameroon continues to seek foreign investment to improve its inadequate infrastructure, create jobs, and improve its economic footprint, but its unfavorable business environment remains a significant deterrent to foreign investment. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $94.94 billion (2020 est.) $94.25 billion (2019 est.) $90.87 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 3.5% (2017 est.) 4.6% (2016 est.) 5.7% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $3,600 (2020 est.) $3,600 (2019 est.) $3,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $34.99 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (2019 est.) 1% (2018 est.) 0.6% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B (2006) Moody's rating: B2 (2016) Standard & Poors rating: B- (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 16.7% (2017 est.) industry: 26.5% (2017 est.) services: 56.8% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 66.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.6% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.3% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 21.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -20.9% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: cassava, plantains, maize, oil palm fruit, taro, sugar cane, sorghum, tomatoes, bananas, vegetables Industries: petroleum production and refining, aluminum production, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair Industrial production growth rate: 3.3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 9.912 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 70% industry: 13% services: 17% (2001 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.3% (2014 est.) 30% (2001 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 6.3% male: 5.8% female: 6.8% (2014 est.) Population below poverty line: 37.5% (2014 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 46.5 (2014 est.) 46.6 (2014 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 37.5% highest 10%: 35.4% (2001) Budget: revenues: 5.363 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 6.556 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 36.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 32.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 15.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Current account balance: -$932 million (2017 est.) -$1.034 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $7.73 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $7.3 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: China 17%, Netherlands 14%, Italy 9%, United Arab Emirates 8%, India 7%, United States 6%, Belgium 6%, Spain 5%, France 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, cocoa beans, lumber, gold, natural gas, bananas (2019) Imports: $9.09 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $8.42 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 28%, Nigeria 15%, France 9%, Belgium 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, scrap vessels, rice, special purpose ships, packaged medicines (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $3.235 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.26 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $9.375 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $7.364 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) 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: 70% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 98% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 32% (2019) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) 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: 63,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 37,900 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 62,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 20,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 200 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 39,080 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 8,545 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 14,090 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 2,678,486,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 986.189 million cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 1,603,156,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 135.071 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.105 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 6.187 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 964,378 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 22,350,310 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 84 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Cameroon was for many years one of the few countries in Africa with only two competing mobile operators; after some delays, Viettel Cameroon launched a third network and has since grown its subscriber base rapidly; Camtel became the fourth mobile operator in early 2020 after securing three licenses, however it suspended the launch of services in early 2021; despite this, by the end of the year a launch under the Blue brand was imminent; the investment programs among operators over the next few years will considerably boost mobile broadband services in rural areas of the country, many of which are under served by fixed-line infrastructure; the ICT sector in Cameroon is making steady progress, enabling the country to make better use of the digital economy; about 95% of all electronic transactions are carried through the m-money services operated by MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroon; the government has also been supportive, having launched its ‘Cameroon Digital 2020’ program, aimed at improving connectivity nationally. A large number of small ICT projects form part of the overall program; improved submarine and terrestrial cable connectivity has substantially increased international bandwidth, in turn leading to reductions in access prices for consumers; other projects such as Acceleration of the Digital Transformation of Cameroon are aimed at developing the digital economy, and accelerating the use of ICT in areas such as government services, agriculture, and commerce. (2022) domestic: only a little above 3 per 100 persons for fixed-line subscriptions; mobile-cellular usage has increased sharply, reaching a subscribership base of roughly 95 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 237; landing points for the SAT-3/WASC, SAIL, ACE, NCSCS, Ceiba-2, and WACS fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe, South America, and West Africa; 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 Broadcast media: government maintains tight control over broadcast media; state-owned Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), broadcasting on both a TV and radio network, was the only officially recognized and fully licensed broadcaster until August 2007, when the government finally issued licenses to 2 private TV broadcasters and 1 private radio broadcaster; about 70 privately owned, unlicensed radio stations operating but are subject to closure at any time; foreign news services required to partner with state-owned national station (2019) Internet country code: .cm Internet users: total: 10,087,428 (2020 est.) percent of population: 38% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 722,579 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: TJ Airports: total: 33 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 22 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Pipelines: 53 km gas, 5 km liquid petroleum gas, 1,107 km oil, 35 km water (2013) Railways: total: 987 km (2014) narrow gauge: 987 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge note: railway connections generally efficient but limited; rail lines connect major cities of Douala, Yaounde, Ngaoundere, and Garoua; passenger and freight service provided by CAMRAIL Roadways: total: 77,589 km (2016) paved: 5,133 km (2016) unpaved: 72,456 km (2016) Waterways: (2010) (major rivers in the south, such as the Wouri and the Sanaga, are largely non-navigable; in the north, the Benue, which connects through Nigeria to the Niger River, is navigable in the rainy season only to the port of Garoua) Merchant marine: total: 94 by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 1,general cargo 35, oil tanker 24, other 31 (2021) Ports and terminals: oil terminal(s): Limboh Terminal river port(s): Douala (Wouri) Garoua (Benoue) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Cameroon Armed Forces (Forces Armees Camerounaises, FAC): Army (L'Armee de Terre), Navy (Marine Nationale Republique, MNR, includes naval infantry), Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Cameroun, AAC), Rapid Intervention Battalion (Bataillons d’Intervention Rapide or BIR), National Gendarmerie, Presidential Guard (2022) note 1: the National Police and the National Gendarmerie are responsible for internal security; the Police report to the General Delegation of National Security, while the Gendarmerie reports to the Secretariat of State for Defense in charge of the Gendarmerie note 2: the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) maintains its own command and control structure and reports directly to the president; the BIR is structured as a large brigade with approximately 9 battalions, detachments, or groups consisting of infantry, airborne, amphibious, armored reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and support elements Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $710 million) 1.4% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $710 million) 1.5% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $710 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies widely; approximately 40,000 active duty troops; (25,000 ground forces, including the BIR and Presidential Guard; 2,000 Navy; 1,000 Air Force; 12,000 Gendarmerie) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service obligation 4 years (2021) Military deployments: 750 (plus about 350 police) Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (May 2022) note: Cameroon has committed approximately 2,000-2,500 troops to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the general area of the Lake Chad Basin and along Nigeria's northeast border; national MNJTF troop contingents are deployed within their own country territories, although cross‐border operations occur occasionally Military - note: as 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 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): Boko Haram; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham – West Africa 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: Joint Border Commission with Nigeria reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately ceded sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a full phase-out of Nigerian control and patriation of residents in 2008; Cameroon and Nigeria agreed on maritime delimitation in March 2008; sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundariesJoint Border Commission with Nigeria reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately ceded sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a full phase-out of Nigerian control and patriation of residents in 2008; Cameroon and Nigeria agreed on maritime delimitation in March 2008; sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty, which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 347,575 (Central African Republic), 135,243 (Nigeria) (2022) IDPs: 936,767 (2022) (includes far north, northwest, and southwest) Trafficking in persons: current 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)

20220901

field-age-structure

This entry provides the distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group as follows: 0-14 years (children), 15-24 years (early working age), 25-54 years (prime working age), 55-64 years (mature working age), 65 years and over (elderly). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest. Topic: Afghanistan0-14 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) Topic: Akrotiri0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Albania0-14 years: 17.6% (male 284,636/female 256,474) 15-24 years: 15.39% (male 246,931/female 226,318) 25-54 years: 42.04% (male 622,100/female 670,307) 55-64 years: 11.94% (male 178,419/female 188,783) 65 years and over: 13.03% (2020 est.) (male 186,335/female 214,276) Topic: Algeria0-14 years: 29.58% (male 6,509,490/female 6,201,450) 15-24 years: 13.93% (male 3,063,972/female 2,922,368) 25-54 years: 42.91% (male 9,345,997/female 9,091,558) 55-64 years: 7.41% (male 1,599,369/female 1,585,233) 65 years and over: 6.17% (2020 est.) (male 1,252,084/female 1,401,357) Topic: American Samoa0-14 years: 27.76% (male 7,063/female 6,662) 15-24 years: 18.16% (male 4,521/female 4,458) 25-54 years: 37.49% (male 9,164/female 9,370) 55-64 years: 9.69% (male 2,341/female 2,447) 65 years and over: 6.9% (2020 est.) (male 1,580/female 1,831) Topic: Andorra0-14 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) Topic: Angola0-14 years: 47.83% (male 7,758,636/female 7,797,869) 15-24 years: 18.64% (male 2,950,999/female 3,109,741) 25-54 years: 27.8% (male 4,301,618/female 4,740,463) 55-64 years: 3.43% (male 523,517/female 591,249) 65 years and over: 2.3% (2020 est.) (male 312,197/female 436,050) Topic: Anguilla0-14 years: 21.63% (male 1,991/female 1,922) 15-24 years: 13.9% (male 1,269/female 1,246) 25-54 years: 42.27% (male 3,428/female 4,218) 55-64 years: 12.42% (male 993/female 1,254) 65 years and over: 9.78% (2020 est.) (male 874/female 895) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda0-14 years: 22.52% (male 11,243/female 10,871) 15-24 years: 16.15% (male 7,891/female 7,961) 25-54 years: 41.68% (male 18,757/female 22,167) 55-64 years: 10.74% (male 4,693/female 5,848) 65 years and over: 8.91% (2020 est.) (male 3,736/female 5,012) Topic: Argentina0-14 years: 24.02% (male 5,629,188/female 5,294,723) 15-24 years: 15.19% (male 3,539,021/female 3,367,321) 25-54 years: 39.6% (male 9,005,758/female 9,002,931) 55-64 years: 9.07% (male 2,000,536/female 2,122,699) 65 years and over: 12.13% (2020 est.) (male 2,331,679/female 3,185,262) Topic: Armenia0-14 years: 18.64% (male 297,320/female 265,969) 15-24 years: 11.63% (male 184,258/female 167,197) 25-54 years: 43.04% (male 639,101/female 661,421) 55-64 years: 14.08% (male 195,754/female 229,580) 65 years and over: 12.6% (2020 est.) (male 154,117/female 226,607) Topic: Aruba0-14 years: 17.55% (male 10,524/female 10,437) 15-24 years: 12.06% (male 7,231/female 7,175) 25-54 years: 40.54% (male 23,387/female 25,029) 55-64 years: 14.79% (male 8,285/female 9,383) 65 years and over: 15.05% (2020 est.) (male 7,064/female 10,913) Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Australia0-14 years: 18.72% (male 2,457,418/female 2,309,706) 15-24 years: 12.89% (male 1,710,253/female 1,572,794) 25-54 years: 41.15% (male 5,224,840/female 5,255,041) 55-64 years: 11.35% (male 1,395,844/female 1,495,806) 65 years and over: 15.88% (2020 est.) (male 1,866,761/female 2,177,996) Topic: Austria0-14 years: 14.01% (male 635,803/female 605,065) 15-24 years: 10.36% (male 466,921/female 451,248) 25-54 years: 41.35% (male 1,831,704/female 1,831,669) 55-64 years: 14.41% (male 635,342/female 641,389) 65 years and over: 19.87% (2020 est.) (male 768,687/female 991,621) Topic: Azerbaijan0-14 years: 22.84% (male 1,235,292/female 1,095,308) 15-24 years: 13.17% (male 714,718/female 629,494) 25-54 years: 45.29% (male 2,291,600/female 2,330,843) 55-64 years: 11.41% (male 530,046/female 634,136) 65 years and over: 7.29% (2020 est.) (male 289,604/female 454,769) Topic: Bahamas, The0-14 years: 21.7% (male 38,811/female 37,719) 15-24 years: 14.91% (male 26,636/female 25,945) 25-54 years: 43.56% (male 76,505/female 77,119) 55-64 years: 10.75% (male 17,508/female 20,391) 65 years and over: 9.08% (2021 est.) (male 12,587/female 19,434) Topic: Bahrain0-14 years: 18.45% (male 141,039/female 136,687) 15-24 years: 15.16% (male 129,310/female 98,817) 25-54 years: 56.14% (male 550,135/female 294,778) 55-64 years: 6.89% (male 64,761/female 38,870) 65 years and over: 3.36% (2020 est.) (male 25,799/female 24,807) Topic: Bangladesh0-14 years: 26.48% (male 21,918,651/female 21,158,574) 15-24 years: 18.56% (male 15,186,470/female 15,001,950) 25-54 years: 40.72% (male 31,694,267/female 34,535,643) 55-64 years: 7.41% (male 5,941,825/female 6,115,856) 65 years and over: 6.82% (2020 est.) (male 5,218,206/female 5,879,411) Topic: Barbados0-14 years: 17.49% (male 25,762/female 25,764) 15-24 years: 12.34% (male 18,024/female 18,330) 25-54 years: 42.69% (male 62,655/female 63,093) 55-64 years: 13.91% (male 19,533/female 21,430) 65 years and over: 13.57% (2020 est.) (male 16,398/female 23,571) Topic: Belarus0-14 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) Topic: Belgium0-14 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) Topic: Belize0-14 years: 32.57% (male 66,454/female 63,700) 15-24 years: 19% (male 39,238/female 36,683) 25-54 years: 37.72% (male 73,440/female 77,300) 55-64 years: 6.18% (male 12,235/female 12,444) 65 years and over: 4.53% (2020 est.) (male 8,781/female 9,323) Topic: Benin0-14 years: 45.56% (male 2,955,396/female 2,906,079) 15-24 years: 20.36% (male 1,300,453/female 1,318,880) 25-54 years: 28.54% (male 1,735,229/female 1,935,839) 55-64 years: 3.15% (male 193,548/female 211,427) 65 years and over: 2.39% (2020 est.) (male 140,513/female 167,270) Topic: Bermuda0-14 years: 16.7% (male 6,053/female 5,928) 15-24 years: 11.88% (male 4,290/female 4,235) 25-54 years: 35.31% (male 12,758/female 12,575) 55-64 years: 16.37% (male 5,560/female 6,185) 65 years and over: 19.74% (2020 est.) (male 6,032/female 8,134) Topic: Bhutan0-14 years: 24.52% (male 98,113/female 93,740) 15-24 years: 17.77% (male 70,768/female 68,211) 25-54 years: 44.72% (male 184,500/female 165,374) 55-64 years: 6.39% (male 26,714/female 23,280) 65 years and over: 6.6% (2020 est.) (male 26,797/female 24,821) Topic: Bolivia0-14 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) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina0-14 years: 13.18% (male 261,430/female 244,242) 15-24 years: 10.83% (male 214,319/female 201,214) 25-54 years: 44.52% (male 859,509/female 848,071) 55-64 years: 15.24% (male 284,415/female 300,168) 65 years and over: 16.22% (2020 est.) (male 249,624/female 372,594) Topic: Botswana0-14 years: 30.54% (male 357,065/female 350,550) 15-24 years: 18.31% (male 208,824/female 215,462) 25-54 years: 39.67% (male 434,258/female 484,922) 55-64 years: 5.92% (male 59,399/female 77,886) 65 years and over: 5.56% (2020 est.) (male 53,708/female 75,159) Topic: Bouvet Island0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Brazil0-14 years: 21.11% (male 22,790,634/female 21,907,018) 15-24 years: 16.06% (male 17,254,363/female 16,750,581) 25-54 years: 43.83% (male 46,070,240/female 46,729,640) 55-64 years: 9.78% (male 9,802,995/female 10,911,140) 65 years and over: 9.21% (2020 est.) (male 8,323,344/female 11,176,018) Topic: British Indian Ocean Territory0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: British Virgin Islands0-14 years: 16.48% (male 3,088/female 3,156) 15-24 years: 12.22% (male 2,212/female 2,418) 25-54 years: 47.84% (male 8,476/female 9,652) 55-64 years: 12.83% (male 2,242/female 2,521) 65 years and over: 10.63% (2021 est.) (male 1,921/female 2,105) Topic: Brunei0-14 years: 22.41% (male 53,653/female 50,446) 15-24 years: 16.14% (male 37,394/female 37,559) 25-54 years: 47.21% (male 103,991/female 115,291) 55-64 years: 8.34% (male 19,159/female 19,585) 65 years and over: 5.9% (2020 est.) (male 13,333/female 14,067) Topic: Bulgaria0-14 years: 14.52% (male 520,190/female 491,506) 15-24 years: 9.4% (male 340,306/female 314,241) 25-54 years: 42.87% (male 1,538,593/female 1,448,080) 55-64 years: 13.15% (male 433,943/female 482,474) 65 years and over: 20.06% (2020 est.) (male 562,513/female 835,053) Topic: Burkina Faso0-14 years: 43.58% (male 4,606,350/female 4,473,951) 15-24 years: 20.33% (male 2,121,012/female 2,114,213) 25-54 years: 29.36% (male 2,850,621/female 3,265,926) 55-64 years: 3.57% (male 321,417/female 423,016) 65 years and over: 3.16% (2020 est.) (male 284,838/female 374,057) Topic: Burma0-14 years: 25.97% (male 7,524,869/female 7,173,333) 15-24 years: 17% (male 4,852,122/female 4,769,412) 25-54 years: 42.76% (male 11,861,971/female 12,337,482) 55-64 years: 8.22% (male 2,179,616/female 2,472,681) 65 years and over: 6.04% (2020 est.) (male 1,489,807/female 1,928,778) Topic: Burundi0-14 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) Topic: Cabo Verde0-14 years: 27.95% (male 82,010/female 81,012) 15-24 years: 18.69% (male 54,521/female 54,504) 25-54 years: 40.76% (male 115,811/female 121,923) 55-64 years: 7.12% (male 18,939/female 22,597) 65 years and over: 5.48% (2020 est.) (male 12,037/female 19,901) Topic: Cambodia0-14 years: 30.18% (male 2,582,427/female 2,525,619) 15-24 years: 17.28% (male 1,452,784/female 1,472,769) 25-54 years: 41.51% (male 3,442,051/female 3,584,592) 55-64 years: 6.44% (male 476,561/female 612,706) 65 years and over: 4.59% (2020 est.) (male 287,021/female 490,454) Topic: Cameroon0-14 years: 42.34% (male 5,927,640/female 5,820,226) 15-24 years: 20.04% (male 2,782,376/female 2,776,873) 25-54 years: 30.64% (male 4,191,151/female 4,309,483) 55-64 years: 3.87% (male 520,771/female 552,801) 65 years and over: 3.11% (2020 est.) (male 403,420/female 460,248) Topic: Canada0-14 years: 15.99% (male 3,094,008/female 2,931,953) 15-24 years: 11.14% (male 2,167,013/female 2,032,064) 25-54 years: 39.81% (male 7,527,554/female 7,478,737) 55-64 years: 14.08% (male 2,624,474/female 2,682,858) 65 years and over: 18.98% (2020 est.) (male 3,274,298/female 3,881,126) Topic: Cayman Islands0-14 years: 17.75% (male 5,535/female 5,457) 15-24 years: 11.86% (male 3,673/female 3,675) 25-54 years: 41.37% (male 12,489/female 13,140) 55-64 years: 14.78% (male 4,398/female 4,755) 65 years and over: 14.24% (2020 est.) (male 4,053/female 4,769) Topic: Central African Republic0-14 years: 39.49% (male 1,188,682/female 1,176,958) 15-24 years: 19.89% (male 598,567/female 593,075) 25-54 years: 32.95% (male 988,077/female 986,019) 55-64 years: 4.32% (male 123,895/female 134,829) 65 years and over: 3.35% (2020 est.) (male 78,017/female 122,736) Topic: Chad0-14 years: 47.43% (male 4,050,505/female 3,954,413) 15-24 years: 19.77% (male 1,676,495/female 1,660,417) 25-54 years: 27.14% (male 2,208,181/female 2,371,490) 55-64 years: 3.24% (male 239,634/female 306,477) 65 years and over: 2.43% (2020 est.) (male 176,658/female 233,087) Topic: Chile0-14 years: 19.79% (male 1,836,240/female 1,763,124) 15-24 years: 13.84% (male 1,283,710/female 1,233,238) 25-54 years: 42.58% (male 3,882,405/female 3,860,700) 55-64 years: 11.98% (male 1,034,049/female 1,145,022) 65 years and over: 11.81% (2020 est.) (male 902,392/female 1,245,890) Topic: China0-14 years: 17.29% (male 129,296,339/female 111,782,427) 15-24 years: 11.48% (male 86,129,841/female 73,876,148) 25-54 years: 46.81% (male 333,789,731/female 318,711,557) 55-64 years: 12.08% (male 84,827,645/female 83,557,507) 65 years and over: 12.34% (2020 est.) (male 81,586,490/female 90,458,292) Topic: Christmas Island0-14 years: 12.79% (2017 est.) (male 147/female 135) 15-24 years: 12.2% (2017 est.) (male 202/female 67) 25-54 years: 57.91% (2017 est.) (male 955/female 322) 55-64 years: 11.66% (2017 est.) (male 172/female 85) 65 years and over: 5.44% (2017 est.) (male 84/female 36) Topic: Clipperton Island0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Colombia0-14 years: 23.27% (male 5,853,351/female 5,567,196) 15-24 years: 16.38% (male 4,098,421/female 3,939,870) 25-54 years: 42.04% (male 10,270,516/female 10,365,423) 55-64 years: 9.93% (male 2,307,705/female 2,566,173) 65 years and over: 8.39% (2020 est.) (male 1,725,461/female 2,390,725) Topic: Comoros0-14 years: 36.68% (male 154,853/female 155,602) 15-24 years: 20.75% (male 85,208/female 90,422) 25-54 years: 33.99% (male 136,484/female 151,178) 55-64 years: 4.49% (male 17,237/female 20,781) 65 years and over: 4.08% (2020 est.) (male 15,437/female 19,079) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the0-14 years: 46.38% (male 23,757,297/female 23,449,057) 15-24 years: 19.42% (male 9,908,686/female 9,856,841) 25-54 years: 28.38% (male 14,459,453/female 14,422,912) 55-64 years: 3.36% (male 1,647,267/female 1,769,429) 65 years and over: 2.47% (2020 est.) (male 1,085,539/female 1,423,782) Topic: Congo, Republic of the0-14 years: 41.57% (male 1,110,484/female 1,089,732) 15-24 years: 17.14% (male 454,981/female 452,204) 25-54 years: 33.5% (male 886,743/female 886,312) 55-64 years: 4.59% (male 125,207/female 117,810) 65 years and over: 3.2% (2020 est.) (male 75,921/female 93,676) Topic: Cook Islands0-14 years: 18.69% (male 797/female 722) 15-24 years: 13.9% (male 606/female 524) 25-54 years: 37.66% (male 1,595/female 1,634) 55-64 years: 15.69% (male 711/female 564) 65 years and over: 14.74% (2022 est.) (male 584/female 614) Topic: Coral Sea Islands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Costa Rica0-14 years: 22.08% (male 575,731/female 549,802) 15-24 years: 15.19% (male 395,202/female 379,277) 25-54 years: 43.98% (male 1,130,387/female 1,111,791) 55-64 years: 9.99% (male 247,267/female 261,847) 65 years and over: 8.76% (2020 est.) (male 205,463/female 241,221) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire0-14 years: 38.53% (male 5,311,971/female 5,276,219) 15-24 years: 20.21% (male 2,774,374/female 2,779,012) 25-54 years: 34.88% (male 4,866,957/female 4,719,286) 55-64 years: 3.53% (male 494,000/female 476,060) 65 years and over: 2.85% (2020 est.) (male 349,822/female 433,385) Topic: Croatia0-14 years: 14.16% (male 308,668/female 289,996) 15-24 years: 10.76% (male 233,602/female 221,495) 25-54 years: 39.77% (male 841,930/female 839,601) 55-64 years: 14.24% (male 290,982/female 310,969) 65 years and over: 21.06% (2020 est.) (male 364,076/female 526,427) Topic: Cuba0-14 years: 16.34% (male 929,927/female 877,035) 15-24 years: 11.81% (male 678,253/female 627,384) 25-54 years: 41.95% (male 2,335,680/female 2,303,793) 55-64 years: 14.11% (male 760,165/female 799,734) 65 years and over: 15.8% (2020 est.) (male 794,743/female 952,348) Topic: Curacao0-14 years: 19.68% (male 15,227/female 14,553) 15-24 years: 13.38% (male 10,438/female 9,806) 25-54 years: 36.55% (male 27,733/female 27,589) 55-64 years: 13.88% (male 9,130/female 11,873) 65 years and over: 16.52% (2020 est.) (male 10,127/female 14,869) Topic: Cyprus0-14 years: 15.69% (male 102,095/female 96,676) 15-24 years: 12.29% (male 84,832/female 70,879) 25-54 years: 47.12% (male 316,710/female 280,167) 55-64 years: 11.92% (male 72,476/female 78,511) 65 years and over: 12.97% (2020 est.) (male 71,053/female 93,277) Topic: Czechia0-14 years: 15.17% (male 834,447/female 789,328) 15-24 years: 9.2% (male 508,329/female 475,846) 25-54 years: 43.29% (male 2,382,899/female 2,249,774) 55-64 years: 12.12% (male 636,357/female 660,748) 65 years and over: 20.23% (2020 est.) (male 907,255/female 1,257,515) Topic: Denmark0-14 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) Topic: Dhekelia0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Djibouti0-14 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) Topic: Dominica0-14 years: 21.41% (male 8,135/female 7,760) 15-24 years: 13.15% (male 5,017/female 4,746) 25-54 years: 42.79% (male 16,133/female 15,637) 55-64 years: 10.53% (male 4,089/female 3,731) 65 years and over: 12.12% (2020 est.) (male 4,128/female 4,867) Topic: Dominican Republic0-14 years: 26.85% (male 1,433,166/female 1,385,987) 15-24 years: 18.15% (male 968,391/female 937,227) 25-54 years: 40.54% (male 2,168,122/female 2,088,926) 55-64 years: 8.17% (male 429,042/female 428,508) 65 years and over: 6.29% (2020 est.) (male 310,262/female 350,076) Topic: Ecuador0-14 years: 25.82% (male 2,226,240/female 2,138,219) 15-24 years: 17.8% (male 1,531,545/female 1,478,222) 25-54 years: 40.31% (male 3,333,650/female 3,480,262) 55-64 years: 7.92% (male 647,718/female 691,759) 65 years and over: 8.15% (2020 est.) (male 648,761/female 728,491) Topic: Egypt0-14 years: 33.62% (male 18,112,550/female 16,889,155) 15-24 years: 18.01% (male 9,684,437/female 9,071,163) 25-54 years: 37.85% (male 20,032,310/female 19,376,847) 55-64 years: 6.08% (male 3,160,438/female 3,172,544) 65 years and over: 4.44% (2020 est.) (male 2,213,539/female 2,411,457) Topic: El Salvador0-14 years: 25.83% (male 857,003/female 817,336) 15-24 years: 18.82% (male 619,368/female 600,501) 25-54 years: 40.51% (male 1,221,545/female 1,404,163) 55-64 years: 7.23% (male 198,029/female 270,461) 65 years and over: 7.6% (2020 est.) (male 214,717/female 277,979) Topic: Equatorial Guinea0-14 years: 38.73% (male 164,417/female 159,400) 15-24 years: 19.94% (male 84,820/female 81,880) 25-54 years: 32.72% (male 137,632/female 135,973) 55-64 years: 4.69% (male 17,252/female 22,006) 65 years and over: 3.92% (2020 est.) (male 13,464/female 19,334) Topic: Eritrea0-14 years: 38.23% (male 1,169,456/female 1,155,460) 15-24 years: 20.56% (male 622,172/female 627,858) 25-54 years: 33.42% (male 997,693/female 1,034,550) 55-64 years: 3.8% (male 105,092/female 125,735) 65 years and over: 4% (2020 est.) (male 99,231/female 143,949) Topic: Estonia0-14 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) Topic: Eswatini0-14 years: 33.63% (male 185,640/female 185,808) 15-24 years: 18.71% (male 98,029/female 108,654) 25-54 years: 39.46% (male 202,536/female 233,275) 55-64 years: 4.36% (male 20,529/female 27,672) 65 years and over: 3.83% (2020 est.) (male 15,833/female 26,503) Topic: Ethiopia0-14 years: 39.81% (male 21,657,152/female 21,381,628) 15-24 years: 19.47% (male 10,506,144/female 10,542,128) 25-54 years: 32.92% (male 17,720,540/female 17,867,298) 55-64 years: 4.42% (male 2,350,606/female 2,433,319) 65 years and over: 3.38% (2020 est.) (male 1,676,478/female 1,977,857) Topic: European Union0-14 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) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Faroe Islands0-14 years: 19.69% (male 5,247/female 4,920) 15-24 years: 13.89% (male 3,708/female 3,465) 25-54 years: 37.01% (male 10,277/female 8,828) 55-64 years: 12% (male 3,199/female 2,996) 65 years and over: 17.41% (2020 est.) (male 4,352/female 4,636) Topic: Fiji0-14 years: 26.86% (male 128,499/female 122,873) 15-24 years: 15.51% (male 73,993/female 71,139) 25-54 years: 41.05% (male 196,932/female 187,270) 55-64 years: 9.25% (male 43,813/female 42,763) 65 years and over: 7.34% (2020 est.) (male 31,556/female 37,136) Topic: Finland0-14 years: 16.41% (male 467,220/female 447,005) 15-24 years: 10.95% (male 312,179/female 297,717) 25-54 years: 37.37% (male 1,064,326/female 1,017,545) 55-64 years: 13.02% (male 357,687/female 367,610) 65 years and over: 22.26% (2020 est.) (male 543,331/female 697,045) Topic: France0-14 years: 18.36% (male 6,368,767/female 6,085,318) 15-24 years: 11.88% (male 4,122,981/female 3,938,938) 25-54 years: 36.83% (male 12,619,649/female 12,366,120) 55-64 years: 12.47% (male 4,085,564/female 4,376,272) 65 years and over: 20.46% (2020 est.) (male 6,029,303/female 7,855,244) Topic: French Polynesia0-14 years: 21.69% (male 32,920/female 31,100) 15-24 years: 14.72% (male 22,640/female 20,793) 25-54 years: 44.24% (male 66,921/female 63,636) 55-64 years: 10.31% (male 15,610/female 14,823) 65 years and over: 9.04% (2020 est.) (male 12,854/female 13,824) Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Lands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Gabon0-14 years: 36.45% (male 413,883/female 399,374) 15-24 years: 21.9% (male 254,749/female 233,770) 25-54 years: 32.48% (male 386,903/female 337,776) 55-64 years: 5.19% (male 58,861/female 56,843) 65 years and over: 3.98% (2020 est.) (male 44,368/female 44,381) Topic: Gambia, The0-14 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) Topic: Gaza Strip0-14 years: 42.53% (male 418,751/female 397,013) 15-24 years: 21.67% (male 210,240/female 205,385) 25-54 years: 29.47% (male 275,976/female 289,277) 55-64 years: 3.66% (male 36,409/female 33,731) 65 years and over: 2.68% (2020 est.) (male 27,248/female 24,191) Topic: Georgia0-14 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) Topic: Germany0-14 years: 12.89% (male 5,302,850/female 5,025,863) 15-24 years: 9.81% (male 4,012,412/female 3,854,471) 25-54 years: 38.58% (male 15,553,328/female 15,370,417) 55-64 years: 15.74% (male 6,297,886/female 6,316,024) 65 years and over: 22.99% (2020 est.) (male 8,148,873/female 10,277,538) Topic: Ghana0-14 years: 37.44% (male 5,524,932/female 5,460,943) 15-24 years: 18.64% (male 2,717,481/female 2,752,601) 25-54 years: 34.27% (male 4,875,985/female 5,177,959) 55-64 years: 5.21% (male 743,757/female 784,517) 65 years and over: 4.44% (2020 est.) (male 598,387/female 703,686) Topic: Gibraltar0-14 years: 20.24% (male 3,080/female 2,907) 15-24 years: 13.07% (male 2,000/female 1,866) 25-54 years: 41.28% (male 6,289/female 5,922) 55-64 years: 8.71% (male 1,082/female 1,495) 65 years and over: 16.7% (2020 est.) (male 2,378/female 2,562) Topic: Greece0-14 years: 14.53% (male 794,918/female 745,909) 15-24 years: 10.34% (male 577,134/female 519,819) 25-54 years: 39.6% (male 2,080,443/female 2,119,995) 55-64 years: 13.1% (male 656,404/female 732,936) 65 years and over: 22.43% (2020 est.) (male 1,057,317/female 1,322,176) Topic: Greenland0-14 years: 20.82% (male 6,079/female 5,916) 15-24 years: 14.45% (male 4,186/female 4,137) 25-54 years: 39.72% (male 11,962/female 10,921) 55-64 years: 14.66% (male 4,561/female 3,886) 65 years and over: 10.36% (2020 est.) (male 3,170/female 2,798) Topic: Grenada0-14 years: 23.23% (male 13,709/female 12,564) 15-24 years: 14.14% (male 8,034/female 7,959) 25-54 years: 40.05% (male 23,104/female 22,187) 55-64 years: 11.69% (male 6,734/female 6,490) 65 years and over: 10.89% (2020 est.) (male 5,774/female 6,539) Topic: Guam0-14 years: 27.22% (male 23,748/female 22,122) 15-24 years: 16.08% (male 14,522/female 12,572) 25-54 years: 36.65% (male 31,880/female 29,871) 55-64 years: 10.5% (male 9,079/female 8,610) 65 years and over: 9.54% (2020 est.) (male 7,504/female 8,577) Topic: Guatemala0-14 years: 33.68% (male 2,944,145/female 2,833,432) 15-24 years: 19.76% (male 1,705,730/female 1,683,546) 25-54 years: 36.45% (male 3,065,933/female 3,186,816) 55-64 years: 5.41% (male 431,417/female 496,743) 65 years and over: 4.7% (2020 est.) (male 363,460/female 442,066) Topic: Guernsey0-14 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) Topic: Guinea0-14 years: 41.2% (male 2,601,221/female 2,559,918) 15-24 years: 19.32% (male 1,215,654/female 1,204,366) 25-54 years: 30.85% (male 1,933,141/female 1,930,977) 55-64 years: 4.73% (male 287,448/female 305,420) 65 years and over: 3.91% (2020 est.) (male 218,803/female 270,492) Topic: Guinea-Bissau0-14 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) Topic: Guyana0-14 years: 23.91% (male 91,317/female 88,025) 15-24 years: 21.23% (male 81,294/female 77,987) 25-54 years: 39.48% (male 154,825/female 141,385) 55-64 years: 8.37% (male 29,385/female 33,386) 65 years and over: 7.01% (2020 est.) (male 21,325/female 31,275) Topic: Haiti0-14 years: 31.21% (male 1,719,961/female 1,734,566) 15-24 years: 20.71% (male 1,145,113/female 1,146,741) 25-54 years: 38.45% (male 2,110,294/female 2,145,209) 55-64 years: 5.3% (male 280,630/female 305,584) 65 years and over: 4.33% (2020 est.) (male 210,451/female 269,228) Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Honduras0-14 years: 30.2% (male 1,411,537/female 1,377,319) 15-24 years: 21.03% (male 969,302/female 972,843) 25-54 years: 37.79% (male 1,657,260/female 1,832,780) 55-64 years: 5.58% (male 233,735/female 281,525) 65 years and over: 5.4% (2020 est.) (male 221,779/female 277,260) Topic: Hong Kong0-14 years: 12.81% (male 490,477/female 437,971) 15-24 years: 8.81% (male 334,836/female 303,897) 25-54 years: 42.66% (male 1,328,529/female 1,763,970) 55-64 years: 17.24% (male 582,047/female 668,051) 65 years and over: 18.48% (2020 est.) (male 625,453/female 714,676) Topic: Hungary0-14 years: 14.54% (male 731,542/female 689,739) 15-24 years: 10.43% (male 526,933/female 492,388) 25-54 years: 42.17% (male 2,075,763/female 2,044,664) 55-64 years: 12.17% (male 552,876/female 636,107) 65 years and over: 20.69% (2020 est.) (male 773,157/female 1,248,658) Topic: Iceland0-14 years: 20.31% (male 36,394/female 34,837) 15-24 years: 12.85% (male 22,748/female 22,317) 25-54 years: 39.44% (male 70,227/female 68,095) 55-64 years: 11.94% (male 20,762/female 21,111) 65 years and over: 15.47% (2020 est.) (male 25,546/female 28,697) Topic: India0-14 years: 26.31% (male 185,017,089/female 163,844,572) 15-24 years: 17.51% (male 123,423,531/female 108,739,780) 25-54 years: 41.56% (male 285,275,667/female 265,842,319) 55-64 years: 7.91% (male 52,444,817/female 52,447,038) 65 years and over: 6.72% (2020 est.) (male 42,054,459/female 47,003,975) Topic: Indonesia0-14 years: 23.87% (male 32,473,246/female 31,264,034) 15-24 years: 16.76% (male 22,786,920/female 21,960,130) 25-54 years: 42.56% (male 58,249,570/female 55,409,579) 55-64 years: 8.99% (male 11,033,838/female 12,968,005) 65 years and over: 7.82% (2020 est.) (male 9,099,773/female 11,781,271) Topic: Iran0-14 years: 24.11% (male 10,472,844/female 10,000,028) 15-24 years: 13.36% (male 5,806,034/female 5,537,561) 25-54 years: 48.94% (male 21,235,038/female 20,327,384) 55-64 years: 7.72% (male 3,220,074/female 3,337,420) 65 years and over: 5.87% (2020 est.) (male 2,316,677/female 2,670,254) Topic: Iraq0-14 years: 37.02% (male 7,349,868/female 7,041,405) 15-24 years: 19.83% (male 3,918,433/female 3,788,157) 25-54 years: 35.59% (male 6,919,569/female 6,914,856) 55-64 years: 4.23% (male 805,397/female 839,137) 65 years and over: 3.33% (2020 est.) (male 576,593/female 719,240) Topic: Ireland0-14 years: 21.15% (male 560,338/female 534,570) 15-24 years: 12.08% (male 316,239/female 308,872) 25-54 years: 42.19% (male 1,098,058/female 1,085,794) 55-64 years: 10.77% (male 278,836/female 278,498) 65 years and over: 13.82% (2020 est.) (male 331,772/female 383,592) Topic: Isle of Man0-14 years: 16.28% (male 7,688/female 7,046) 15-24 years: 11.02% (male 5,328/female 4,642) 25-54 years: 37.8% (male 17,080/female 17,131) 55-64 years: 13.82% (male 6,284/female 6,219) 65 years and over: 21.08% (2020 est.) (male 9,023/female 10,058) Topic: Israel0-14 years: 26.76% (male 1,187,819/female 1,133,365) 15-24 years: 15.67% (male 694,142/female 665,721) 25-54 years: 37.2% (male 1,648,262/female 1,579,399) 55-64 years: 8.4% (male 363,262/female 365,709) 65 years and over: 11.96% (2020 est.) (male 467,980/female 569,816) Topic: Italy0-14 years: 13.45% (male 4,292,431/female 4,097,732) 15-24 years: 9.61% (male 3,005,402/female 2,989,764) 25-54 years: 40.86% (male 12,577,764/female 12,921,614) 55-64 years: 14% (male 4,243,735/female 4,493,581) 65 years and over: 22.08% (2020 est.) (male 5,949,560/female 7,831,076) Topic: Jamaica0-14 years: 25.2% (male 360,199/female 347,436) 15-24 years: 17.95% (male 255,102/female 248,927) 25-54 years: 38.06% (male 518,583/female 550,410) 55-64 years: 9.63% (male 133,890/female 136,442) 65 years and over: 9.17% (2020 est.) (male 121,969/female 135,612) Topic: Jan Mayen0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Japan0-14 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) Topic: Jersey0-14 years: 16.63% (male 8,689/female 8,124) 15-24 years: 12.98% (male 6,764/female 6,354) 25-54 years: 40.12% (male 20,499/female 20,054) 55-64 years: 13.22% (male 6,515/female 6,844) 65 years and over: 17.05% (2020 est.) (male 7,324/female 9,906) Topic: Jordan0-14 years: 33.05% (male 1,837,696/female 1,738,935) 15-24 years: 19.77% (male 1,126,567/female 1,012,812) 25-54 years: 38.39% (male 2,250,328/female 1,903,996) 55-64 years: 5.11% (male 290,633/female 262,827) 65 years and over: 3.67% (2020 est.) (male 194,464/female 202,386) Topic: Kazakhstan0-14 years: 26.13% (male 2,438,148/female 2,550,535) 15-24 years: 12.97% (male 1,262,766/female 1,212,645) 25-54 years: 42.23% (male 3,960,188/female 4,102,845) 55-64 years: 10.25% (male 856,180/female 1,099,923) 65 years and over: 8.43% (2020 est.) (male 567,269/female 1,041,450) Topic: Kenya0-14 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) Topic: Kiribati0-14 years: 28.47% (male 16,223/female 15,604) 15-24 years: 20.24% (male 11,171/female 11,459) 25-54 years: 40.05% (male 21,530/female 23,249) 55-64 years: 6.65% (male 3,350/female 4,084) 65 years and over: 4.59% (2020 est.) (male 2,004/female 3,122) Topic: Korea, North0-14 years: 20.33% (male 2,680,145/female 2,571,334) 15-24 years: 14.39% (male 1,873,814/female 1,842,269) 25-54 years: 43.77% (male 5,671,900/female 5,633,861) 55-64 years: 11.77% (male 1,454,000/female 1,585,830) 65 years and over: 9.75% (2021 est.) (male 878,176/female 1,640,031) Topic: Korea, South0-14 years: 12.02% (male 3,191,584/female 3,025,029) 15-24 years: 10.75% (male 2,900,013/female 2,658,057) 25-54 years: 44.83% (male 12,106,860/female 11,077,642) 55-64 years: 15.66% (male 3,958,718/female 4,142,322) 65 years and over: 16.74% (2021 est.) (male 3,766,138/female 4,888,799) Topic: Kosovo0-14 years: 24.07% (male 241,563/female 223,568) 15-24 years: 16.95% (male 170,566/female 157,063) 25-54 years: 42.56% (male 433,914/female 388,595) 55-64 years: 8.67% (male 85,840/female 81,782) 65 years and over: 7.75% (2020 est.) (male 63,943/female 85,940) Topic: Kuwait0-14 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) Topic: Kyrgyzstan0-14 years: 30.39% (male 930,455/female 882,137) 15-24 years: 15.7% (male 475,915/female 460,604) 25-54 years: 40.02% (male 1,172,719/female 1,214,624) 55-64 years: 8.09% (male 210,994/female 271,480) 65 years and over: 5.8% (2020 est.) (male 132,134/female 213,835) Topic: Laos0-14 years: 31.25% (male 1,177,297/female 1,149,727) 15-24 years: 20.6% (male 763,757/female 770,497) 25-54 years: 38.29% (male 1,407,823/female 1,443,774) 55-64 years: 5.73% (male 206,977/female 219,833) 65 years and over: 4.13% (2020 est.) (male 139,665/female 168,046) Topic: Latvia0-14 years: 15.32% (male 148,120/female 140,028) 15-24 years: 9% (male 87,372/female 81,965) 25-54 years: 40.41% (male 380,817/female 379,359) 55-64 years: 14.77% (male 125,401/female 152,548) 65 years and over: 20.5% (2020 est.) (male 128,151/female 257,471) Topic: Lebanon0-14 years: 20.75% (male 581,015/female 554,175) 15-24 years: 14.98% (male 417,739/female 401,357) 25-54 years: 46.69% (male 1,296,250/female 1,257,273) 55-64 years: 9.62% (male 250,653/female 275,670) 65 years and over: 7.96% (2020 est.) (male 187,001/female 248,479) Topic: Lesotho0-14 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) Topic: Liberia0-14 years: 43.35% (male 1,111,479/female 1,087,871) 15-24 years: 20.35% (male 516,136/female 516,137) 25-54 years: 30.01% (male 747,983/female 774,615) 55-64 years: 3.46% (male 89,150/female 86,231) 65 years and over: 2.83% (2020 est.) (male 70,252/female 73,442) Topic: Libya0-14 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) Topic: Liechtenstein0-14 years: 15.2% (male 3,259/female 2,688) 15-24 years: 11.29% (male 2,238/female 2,181) 25-54 years: 40.22% (male 7,869/female 7,872) 55-64 years: 14.41% (male 2,711/female 2,930) 65 years and over: 18.88% (2020 est.) (male 3,403/female 3,986) Topic: Lithuania0-14 years: 15.26% (male 213,802/female 202,948) 15-24 years: 10.23% (male 144,679/female 134,822) 25-54 years: 38.96% (male 528,706/female 535,485) 55-64 years: 15.1% (male 183,854/female 228,585) 65 years and over: 20.45% (2020 est.) (male 190,025/female 368,558) Topic: Luxembourg0-14 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) Topic: Macau0-14 years: 13.43% (male 42,449/female 40,051) 15-24 years: 10.45% (male 33,845/female 30,354) 25-54 years: 49% (male 134,302/female 166,762) 55-64 years: 14.57% (male 44,512/female 45,007) 65 years and over: 12.56% (2020 est.) (male 36,223/female 40,953) Topic: Madagascar0-14 years: 38.86% (male 5,278,838/female 5,196,036) 15-24 years: 20.06% (male 2,717,399/female 2,689,874) 25-54 years: 33.02% (male 4,443,147/female 4,456,691) 55-64 years: 4.6% (male 611,364/female 627,315) 65 years and over: 3.47% (2020 est.) (male 425,122/female 509,951) Topic: Malawi0-14 years: 45.87% (male 4,843,107/female 4,878,983) 15-24 years: 20.51% (male 2,151,417/female 2,195,939) 25-54 years: 27.96% (male 2,944,936/female 2,982,195) 55-64 years: 2.98% (male 303,803/female 328,092) 65 years and over: 2.68% (2020 est.) (male 249,219/female 318,938) Topic: Malaysia0-14 years: 26.8% (male 4,504,562/female 4,246,681) 15-24 years: 16.63% (male 2,760,244/female 2,670,186) 25-54 years: 40.86% (male 6,737,826/female 6,604,776) 55-64 years: 8.81% (male 1,458,038/female 1,418,280) 65 years and over: 6.9% (2020 est.) (male 1,066,627/female 1,184,863) Topic: Maldives0-14 years: 22.13% (male 44,260/female 42,477) 15-24 years: 17.24% (male 37,826/female 29,745) 25-54 years: 48.91% (male 104,217/female 87,465) 55-64 years: 6.91% (male 12,942/female 14,123) 65 years and over: 4.81% (2020 est.) (male 8,417/female 10,432) Topic: Mali0-14 years: 47.69% (male 4,689,121/female 4,636,685) 15-24 years: 19% (male 1,768,772/female 1,945,582) 25-54 years: 26.61% (male 2,395,566/female 2,806,830) 55-64 years: 3.68% (male 367,710/female 352,170) 65 years and over: 3.02% (2020 est.) (male 293,560/female 297,401) Topic: Malta0-14 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) Topic: Marshall Islands0-14 years: 32.94% (male 13,090/female 12,575) 15-24 years: 19.09% (male 7,568/female 7,308) 25-54 years: 37.35% (male 14,834/female 14,270) 55-64 years: 5.92% (male 2,269/female 2,341) 65 years and over: 4.7% (2020 est.) (male 1,805/female 1,857) Topic: Mauritania0-14 years: 37.56% (male 755,788/female 748,671) 15-24 years: 19.71% (male 387,140/female 402,462) 25-54 years: 33.91% (male 630,693/female 727,518) 55-64 years: 4.9% (male 88,888/female 107,201) 65 years and over: 3.92% (2020 est.) (male 66,407/female 90,707) Topic: Mauritius0-14 years: 19.44% (male 137,010/female 131,113) 15-24 years: 14.06% (male 98,480/female 95,472) 25-54 years: 43.11% (male 297,527/female 297,158) 55-64 years: 12.31% (male 80,952/female 88,785) 65 years and over: 11.08% (2020 est.) (male 63,230/female 89,638) Topic: Mexico0-14 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) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of0-14 years: 28.24% (male 14,585/female 14,129) 15-24 years: 18.62% (male 9,473/female 9,461) 25-54 years: 40.81% (male 19,998/female 21,493) 55-64 years: 7.38% (male 3,602/female 3,898) 65 years and over: 4.95% (2021 est.) (male 2,260/female 2,776) Topic: Moldova0-14 years: 18.31% (male 317,243/female 298,673) 15-24 years: 11.27% (male 196,874/female 182,456) 25-54 years: 43.13% (male 738,103/female 712,892) 55-64 years: 13.26% (male 205,693/female 240,555) 65 years and over: 14.03% (2020 est.) (male 186,949/female 285,058) Topic: Monaco0-14 years: 9.41% (male 1,497/female 1,415) 15-24 years: 9.52% (male 1,538/female 1,406) 25-54 years: 30.46% (male 4,779/female 4,644) 55-64 years: 15.47% (male 2,370/female 2,417) 65 years and over: 35.15% (2020 est.) (male 4,817/female 6,057) Topic: Mongolia0-14 years: 26.96% (male 435,596/female 418,524) 15-24 years: 14.93% (male 239,495/female 233,459) 25-54 years: 45.29% (male 694,481/female 740,334) 55-64 years: 8.04% (male 115,560/female 139,129) 65 years and over: 4.78% (2020 est.) (male 60,966/female 90,482) Topic: Montenegro0-14 years: 18.14% (male 57,402/female 53,217) 15-24 years: 12.78% (male 40,220/female 37,720) 25-54 years: 39.65% (male 120,374/female 121,461) 55-64 years: 13.41% (male 40,099/female 41,670) 65 years and over: 16.02% (2020 est.) (male 42,345/female 55,351) Topic: Montserrat0-14 years: 15.87% (male 442/female 417) 15-24 years: 19.67% (male 556/female 509) 25-54 years: 47.09% (male 1,217/female 1,313) 55-64 years: 10.47% (male 258/female 309) 65 years and over: 7.15% (2022 est.) (male 209/female 178) Topic: Morocco0-14 years: 27.04% (male 4,905,626/female 4,709,333) 15-24 years: 16.55% (male 2,953,523/female 2,930,708) 25-54 years: 40.64% (male 7,126,781/female 7,325,709) 55-64 years: 8.67% (male 1,533,771/female 1,548,315) 65 years and over: 7.11% (2020 est.) (male 1,225,307/female 1,302,581) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambique0-14 years: 45.57% (male 6,950,800/female 6,766,373) 15-24 years: 19.91% (male 2,997,529/female 2,994,927) 25-54 years: 28.28% (male 3,949,085/female 4,564,031) 55-64 years: 3.31% (male 485,454/female 509,430) 65 years and over: 2.93% (2020 est.) (male 430,797/female 449,771) Topic: Namibia0-14 years: 35.68% (male 473,937/female 464,453) 15-24 years: 20.27% (male 267,106/female 265,882) 25-54 years: 35.47% (male 449,132/female 483,811) 55-64 years: 4.68% (male 54,589/female 68,619) 65 years and over: 3.9% (2020 est.) (male 43,596/female 58,948) Topic: Nauru0-14 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) Topic: Navassa Island0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Nepal0-14 years: 28.36% (male 4,526,786/female 4,073,642) 15-24 years: 20.93% (male 3,276,431/female 3,070,843) 25-54 years: 38.38% (male 5,251,553/female 6,387,365) 55-64 years: 6.64% (male 954,836/female 1,059,360) 65 years and over: 5.69% (2020 est.) (male 852,969/female 874,092) Topic: Netherlands0-14 years: 16.11% (male 1,425,547/female 1,358,894) 15-24 years: 11.91% (male 1,049,000/female 1,008,763) 25-54 years: 38.47% (male 3,334,064/female 3,313,238) 55-64 years: 13.69% (male 1,177,657/female 1,188,613) 65 years and over: 19.82% (2020 est.) (male 1,558,241/female 1,866,380) Topic: New Caledonia0-14 years: 21.74% (male 32,227/female 30,819) 15-24 years: 15.63% (male 23,164/female 22,163) 25-54 years: 43.73% (male 63,968/female 62,856) 55-64 years: 9.06% (male 12,700/female 13,568) 65 years and over: 9.84% (2020 est.) (male 12,552/female 15,992) Topic: New Zealand0-14 years: 19.63% (male 496,802/female 469,853) 15-24 years: 12.92% (male 328,327/female 308,132) 25-54 years: 39.98% (male 996,857/female 972,566) 55-64 years: 11.93% (male 285,989/female 301,692) 65 years and over: 15.54% (2020 est.) (male 358,228/female 407,031) Topic: Nicaragua0-14 years: 25.63% (male 811,731/female 777,984) 15-24 years: 19.51% (male 609,962/female 600,567) 25-54 years: 42.41% (male 1,254,683/female 1,376,052) 55-64 years: 6.63% (male 188,591/female 222,766) 65 years and over: 5.82% (2020 est.) (male 159,140/female 201,965) Topic: Niger0-14 years: 50.58% (male 5,805,102/female 5,713,815) 15-24 years: 19.99% (male 2,246,670/female 2,306,285) 25-54 years: 23.57% (male 2,582,123/female 2,784,464) 55-64 years: 3.17% (male 357,832/female 364,774) 65 years and over: 2.68% (2020 est.) (male 293,430/female 317,866) Topic: Nigeria0-14 years: 41.7% (male 45,571,738/female 43,674,769) 15-24 years: 20.27% (male 22,022,660/female 21,358,753) 25-54 years: 30.6% (male 32,808,913/female 32,686,474) 55-64 years: 4.13% (male 4,327,847/female 4,514,264) 65 years and over: 3.3% (2020 est.) (male 3,329,083/female 3,733,801) Topic: Niue0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Norfolk Island0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: North Macedonia0-14 years: 16.16% (male 177,553/female 165,992) 15-24 years: 12.65% (male 139,250/female 129,770) 25-54 years: 44.47% (male 480,191/female 465,145) 55-64 years: 12.55% (male 131,380/female 135,407) 65 years and over: 14.17% (2020 est.) (male 131,674/female 169,609) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands0-14 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) Topic: Norway0-14 years: 17.96% (male 503,013/female 478,901) 15-24 years: 12.02% (male 336,597/female 320,720) 25-54 years: 40.75% (male 1,150,762/female 1,077,357) 55-64 years: 11.84% (male 328,865/female 318,398) 65 years and over: 17.43% (2020 est.) (male 442,232/female 510,594) Topic: Oman0-14 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) Topic: Pakistan0-14 years: 36.01% (male 42,923,925/female 41,149,694) 15-24 years: 19.3% (male 23,119,205/female 21,952,976) 25-54 years: 34.7% (male 41,589,381/female 39,442,046) 55-64 years: 5.55% (male 6,526,656/female 6,423,993) 65 years and over: 4.44% (2020 est.) (male 4,802,165/female 5,570,595) Topic: Palau0-14 years: 18.68% (male 2,090/female 1,961) 15-24 years: 15.86% (male 1,723/female 1,716) 25-54 years: 45.33% (male 6,026/female 3,804) 55-64 years: 10.68% (male 853/female 1,463) 65 years and over: 9.45% (2020 est.) (male 501/female 1,548) Topic: Panama0-14 years: 25.56% (male 508,131/female 487,205) 15-24 years: 16.59% (male 329,250/female 316,796) 25-54 years: 40.31% (male 794,662/female 774,905) 55-64 years: 8.54% (male 165,129/female 167,317) 65 years and over: 9.01% (2020 est.) (male 160,516/female 190,171) Topic: Papua New Guinea0-14 years: 31.98% (male 1,182,539/female 1,139,358) 15-24 years: 19.87% (male 731,453/female 711,164) 25-54 years: 37.68% (male 1,397,903/female 1,337,143) 55-64 years: 5.83% (male 218,529/female 204,717) 65 years and over: 4.64% (2020 est.) (male 164,734/female 171,916) Topic: Paracel Islands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Paraguay0-14 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) Topic: Peru0-14 years: 25.43% (male 4,131,985/female 3,984,546) 15-24 years: 17.21% (male 2,756,024/female 2,736,394) 25-54 years: 41.03% (male 6,279,595/female 6,815,159) 55-64 years: 8.28% (male 1,266,595/female 1,375,708) 65 years and over: 8.05% (2020 est.) (male 1,207,707/female 1,361,276) Topic: Philippines0-14 years: 32.42% (male 18,060,976/female 17,331,781) 15-24 years: 19.16% (male 10,680,325/female 10,243,047) 25-54 years: 37.37% (male 20,777,741/female 20,027,153) 55-64 years: 6.18% (male 3,116,485/female 3,633,301) 65 years and over: 4.86% (2020 est.) (male 2,155,840/female 3,154,166) Topic: Pitcairn Islands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Poland0-14 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) Topic: Portugal0-14 years: 13.58% (male 716,102/female 682,582) 15-24 years: 10.94% (male 580,074/female 547,122) 25-54 years: 41.49% (male 2,109,693/female 2,164,745) 55-64 years: 13.08% (male 615,925/female 731,334) 65 years and over: 20.92% (2020 est.) (male 860,198/female 1,294,899) Topic: Puerto Rico0-14 years: 14.22% (male 231,406/female 222,061) 15-24 years: 12.78% (male 207,169/female 200,373) 25-54 years: 37.73% (male 573,114/female 630,276) 55-64 years: 13.5% (male 197,438/female 232,931) 65 years and over: 21.77% (2020 est.) (male 297,749/female 396,551) Topic: Qatar0-14 years: 12.84% (male 158,702/female 155,211) 15-24 years: 11.78% (male 203,703/female 84,323) 25-54 years: 70.66% (male 1,439,364/female 287,575) 55-64 years: 3.53% (male 66,561/female 19,600) 65 years and over: 1.19% (2020 est.) (male 19,067/female 10,068) Topic: Romania0-14 years: 14.12% (male 1,545,196/female 1,463,700) 15-24 years: 10.31% (male 1,126,997/female 1,068,817) 25-54 years: 46.26% (male 4,993,886/female 4,860,408) 55-64 years: 11.73% (male 1,176,814/female 1,322,048) 65 years and over: 17.58% (2020 est.) (male 1,516,472/female 2,228,555) Topic: Russia0-14 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) Topic: Rwanda0-14 years: 39.95% (male 2,564,893/female 2,513,993) 15-24 years: 20.1% (male 1,280,948/female 1,273,853) 25-54 years: 33.06% (male 2,001,629/female 2,201,132) 55-64 years: 4.24% (male 241,462/female 298,163) 65 years and over: 2.65% (2020 est.) (male 134,648/female 201,710) Topic: Saint Barthelemy0-14 years: 14.36% (male 524/female 496) 15-24 years: 7.29% (male 272/female 246) 25-54 years: 41.86% (male 1,618/female 1,363) 55-64 years: 16.43% (male 632/female 535) 65 years and over: 21.17% (2022 est.) (male 753/female 751) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha0-14 years: 14.66% (male 592/female 570) 15-24 years: 11.7% (male 472/female 455) 25-54 years: 42.59% (male 1,679/female 1,692) 55-64 years: 13.53% (male 523/female 549) 65 years and over: 18.06% (2022 est.) (male 730/female 701) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis0-14 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) Topic: Saint Lucia0-14 years: 19.24% (male 16,484/female 15,546) 15-24 years: 13.6% (male 11,475/female 11,165) 25-54 years: 42.83% (male 34,436/female 36,868) 55-64 years: 11.23% (male 8,624/female 10,075) 65 years and over: 13.1% (2020 est.) (male 9,894/female 11,920) Topic: Saint Martin0-14 years: 25.63% (male 4,148/female 4,197) 15-24 years: 10.28% (male 1,647/female 1,701) 25-54 years: 46.2% (male 7,201/female 7,841) 55-64 years: 8.71% (male 1,328/female 1,508) 65 years and over: 9.17% (2020 est.) (male 1,305/female 1,680) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon0-14 years: 13.68% (male 370/female 349) 15-24 years: 8.71% (male 240/female 218) 25-54 years: 40% (male 1,039/female 1,100) 55-64 years: 15.52% (male 419/female 397) 65 years and over: 24.1% (2022 est.) (male 556/female 711) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines0-14 years: 20.15% (male 10,309/female 10,121) 15-24 years: 14.83% (male 7,582/female 7,451) 25-54 years: 42.63% (male 22,395/female 20,824) 55-64 years: 11.68% (male 6,136/female 5,703) 65 years and over: 10.72% (2020 est.) (male 5,167/female 5,702) Topic: Samoa0-14 years: 29.31% (male 30,825/female 28,900) 15-24 years: 19.61% (male 20,519/female 19,439) 25-54 years: 37.4% (male 39,011/female 37,200) 55-64 years: 7.5% (male 7,780/female 7,505) 65 years and over: 6.18% (2020 est.) (male 5,513/female 7,082) Topic: San Marino0-14 years: 14.73% (male 2,662/female 2,379) 15-24 years: 11.64% (male 2,091/female 1,894) 25-54 years: 39.12% (male 6,310/female 7,081) 55-64 years: 14.28% (male 2,367/female 2,520) 65 years and over: 20.24% (2020 est.) (male 3,123/female 3,805) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe0-14 years: 39.77% (male 42,690/female 41,277) 15-24 years: 21.59% (male 23,088/female 22,487) 25-54 years: 31.61% (male 32,900/female 33,834) 55-64 years: 4.17% (male 4,095/female 4,700) 65 years and over: 2.87% (2020 est.) (male 2,631/female 3,420) Topic: Saudi Arabia0-14 years: 24.84% (male 4,327,830/female 4,159,242) 15-24 years: 15.38% (male 2,741,371/female 2,515,188) 25-54 years: 50.2% (male 10,350,028/female 6,804,479) 55-64 years: 5.95% (male 1,254,921/female 778,467) 65 years and over: 3.63% (2020 est.) (male 657,395/female 584,577) Topic: Senegal0-14 years: 40.38% (male 3,194,454/female 3,160,111) 15-24 years: 20.35% (male 1,596,896/female 1,606,084) 25-54 years: 31.95% (male 2,327,424/female 2,700,698) 55-64 years: 4.21% (male 283,480/female 378,932) 65 years and over: 3.1% (2020 est.) (male 212,332/female 275,957) Topic: Serbia0-14 years: 14.07% (male 508,242/female 478,247) 15-24 years: 11.04% (male 399,435/female 374,718) 25-54 years: 41.19% (male 1,459,413/female 1,429,176) 55-64 years: 13.7% (male 464,881/female 495,663) 65 years and over: 20% (2020 est.) (male 585,705/female 816,685) Topic: Seychelles0-14 years: 18.85% (male 9,297/female 8,798) 15-24 years: 12.39% (male 6,283/female 5,607) 25-54 years: 49.03% (male 25,209/female 21,851) 55-64 years: 11.46% (male 5,545/female 5,455) 65 years and over: 8.27% (2020 est.) (male 3,272/female 4,664) Topic: Sierra Leone0-14 years: 41.38% (male 1,369,942/female 1,371,537) 15-24 years: 18.83% (male 610,396/female 636,880) 25-54 years: 32.21% (male 1,020,741/female 1,112,946) 55-64 years: 3.89% (male 121,733/female 135,664) 65 years and over: 3.7% (2020 est.) (male 100,712/female 144,382) Topic: Singapore0-14 years: 12.8% (male 406,983/female 387,665) 15-24 years: 15.01% (male 457,190/female 474,676) 25-54 years: 50.73% (male 1,531,088/female 1,618,844) 55-64 years: 10.58% (male 328,024/female 328,808) 65 years and over: 10.89% (2020 est.) (male 310,123/female 366,259) Topic: Sint Maarten0-14 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) Topic: Slovakia0-14 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) Topic: Slovenia0-14 years: 14.84% (male 160,134/female 151,960) 15-24 years: 9.01% (male 98,205/female 91,318) 25-54 years: 40.73% (male 449,930/female 406,395) 55-64 years: 14.19% (male 148,785/female 149,635) 65 years and over: 21.23% (2020 est.) (male 192,420/female 253,896) Topic: Solomon Islands0-14 years: 32.99% (male 116,397/female 109,604) 15-24 years: 19.82% (male 69,914/female 65,874) 25-54 years: 37.64% (male 131,201/female 126,681) 55-64 years: 5.04% (male 17,844/female 16,704) 65 years and over: 4.51% (2020 est.) (male 14,461/female 16,417) Topic: Somalia0-14 years: 42.38% (male 2,488,604/female 2,493,527) 15-24 years: 19.81% (male 1,167,807/female 1,161,040) 25-54 years: 30.93% (male 1,881,094/female 1,755,166) 55-64 years: 4.61% (male 278,132/female 264,325) 65 years and over: 2.27% (2020 est.) (male 106,187/female 161,242) Topic: South Africa0-14 years: 27.94% (male 7,894,742/female 7,883,266) 15-24 years: 16.8% (male 4,680,587/female 4,804,337) 25-54 years: 42.37% (male 12,099,441/female 11,825,193) 55-64 years: 6.8% (male 1,782,902/female 2,056,988) 65 years and over: 6.09% (2020 est.) (male 1,443,956/female 1,992,205) Topic: South Sudan0-14 years: 41.58% (male 2,238,534/female 2,152,685) 15-24 years: 21.28% (male 1,153,108/female 1,094,568) 25-54 years: 30.67% (male 1,662,409/female 1,577,062) 55-64 years: 3.93% (male 228,875/female 186,571) 65 years and over: 2.53% (2020 est.) (male 153,502/female 113,930) Topic: Spain0-14 years: 15.02% (male 3,861,522/female 3,650,085) 15-24 years: 9.9% (male 2,557,504/female 2,392,498) 25-54 years: 43.61% (male 11,134,006/female 10,675,873) 55-64 years: 12.99% (male 3,177,080/female 3,319,823) 65 years and over: 18.49% (2020 est.) (male 3,970,417/female 5,276,984) Topic: Spratly Islands0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Sri Lanka0-14 years: 23.11% (male 2,696,379/female 2,592,450) 15-24 years: 14.58% (male 1,700,442/female 1,636,401) 25-54 years: 41.2% (male 4,641,842/female 4,789,101) 55-64 years: 10.48% (male 1,110,481/female 1,288,056) 65 years and over: 10.63% (2020 est.) (male 1,023,315/female 1,410,734) Topic: Sudan0-14 years: 42.01% (male 9,726,937/female 9,414,988) 15-24 years: 20.94% (male 4,852,903/female 4,687,664) 25-54 years: 29.89% (male 6,633,567/female 6,986,241) 55-64 years: 4.13% (male 956,633/female 923,688) 65 years and over: 3.03% (2020 est.) (male 729,214/female 649,721) Topic: Suriname0-14 years: 23.38% (male 72,642/female 69,899) 15-24 years: 17.2% (male 53,427/female 51,438) 25-54 years: 44.09% (male 136,889/female 131,868) 55-64 years: 8.78% (male 26,435/female 27,066) 65 years and over: 6.55% (2020 est.) (male 17,437/female 22,468) Topic: Svalbard0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Sweden0-14 years: 17.71% (male 928,413/female 878,028) 15-24 years: 10.8% (male 569,082/female 532,492) 25-54 years: 39.01% (male 2,016,991/female 1,962,617) 55-64 years: 11.9% (male 610,521/female 603,795) 65 years and over: 20.59% (2020 est.) (male 974,410/female 1,126,142) Topic: Switzerland0-14 years: 15.34% (male 664,255/female 625,252) 15-24 years: 10.39% (male 446,196/female 426,708) 25-54 years: 42.05% (male 1,768,245/female 1,765,941) 55-64 years: 13.48% (male 569,717/female 563,482) 65 years and over: 18.73% (2020 est.) (male 699,750/female 874,448) Topic: Syria0-14 years: 33.47% (male 3,323,072/female 3,170,444) 15-24 years: 19.34% (male 1,872,903/female 1,879,564) 25-54 years: 37.31% (male 3,558,241/female 3,679,596) 55-64 years: 5.41% (male 516,209/female 534,189) 65 years and over: 4.46% (2020 est.) (male 404,813/female 459,417) Topic: Taiwan0-14 years: 12.42% (male 1,504,704/female 1,426,494) 15-24 years: 11.62% (male 1,403,117/female 1,339,535) 25-54 years: 45.51% (male 5,351,951/female 5,389,112) 55-64 years: 14.73% (male 1,698,555/female 1,778,529) 65 years and over: 15.72% (2020 est.) (male 1,681,476/female 2,029,576) Topic: Tajikistan0-14 years: 31.43% (male 1,420,271/female 1,368,445) 15-24 years: 18.13% (male 816,658/female 792,231) 25-54 years: 40.58% (male 1,789,271/female 1,811,566) 55-64 years: 6.23% (male 253,862/female 299,378) 65 years and over: 3.63% (2020 est.) (male 132,831/female 189,156) Topic: Tanzania0-14 years: 42.7% (male 12,632,772/female 12,369,115) 15-24 years: 20.39% (male 5,988,208/female 5,948,134) 25-54 years: 30.31% (male 8,903,629/female 8,844,180) 55-64 years: 3.52% (male 954,251/female 1,107,717) 65 years and over: 3.08% (2020 est.) (male 747,934/female 1,056,905) Topic: Thailand0-14 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) Topic: Timor-Leste0-14 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) Topic: Togo0-14 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) Topic: Tokelau0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Tonga0-14 years: 32% (male 17,250/female 16,698) 15-24 years: 19.66% (male 10,679/female 10,175) 25-54 years: 35.35% (male 18,701/female 18,802) 55-64 years: 6.17% (male 3,345/female 3,202) 65 years and over: 6.83% (2020 est.) (male 3,249/female 3,994) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago0-14 years: 19.01% (male 116,953/female 112,805) 15-24 years: 11.28% (male 70,986/female 65,389) 25-54 years: 43.77% (male 276,970/female 252,108) 55-64 years: 13.83% (male 83,650/female 83,585) 65 years and over: 12.11% (2020 est.) (male 64,092/female 82,251) Topic: Tunisia0-14 years: 25.28% (male 1,529,834/female 1,433,357) 15-24 years: 12.9% (male 766,331/female 745,888) 25-54 years: 42.85% (male 2,445,751/female 2,576,335) 55-64 years: 10.12% (male 587,481/female 598,140) 65 years and over: 8.86% (2020 est.) (male 491,602/female 546,458) Topic: Turkey0-14 years: 23.41% (male 9,823,553/female 9,378,767) 15-24 years: 15.67% (male 6,564,263/female 6,286,615) 25-54 years: 43.31% (male 17,987,103/female 17,536,957) 55-64 years: 9.25% (male 3,764,878/female 3,822,946) 65 years and over: 8.35% (2020 est.) (male 3,070,258/female 3,782,174) Topic: Turkmenistan0-14 years: 25.44% (male 713,441/female 693,042) 15-24 years: 16.48% (male 458,566/female 452,469) 25-54 years: 44.14% (male 1,214,581/female 1,226,027) 55-64 years: 8.56% (male 221,935/female 251,238) 65 years and over: 5.38% (2020 est.) (male 129,332/female 167,996) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands0-14 years: 21.33% (male 6,077/female 5,852) 15-24 years: 13.19% (male 3,689/female 3,687) 25-54 years: 52.51% (male 14,729/female 14,637) 55-64 years: 7.81% (male 2,297/female 2,069) 65 years and over: 5.17% (2020 est.) (male 1,364/female 1,525) Topic: Tuvalu0-14 years: 29.42% (male 1,711/female 1,626) 15-24 years: 16.55% (male 986/female 925) 25-54 years: 37.17% (male 2,157/female 2,059) 55-64 years: 9.25% (male 451/female 617) 65 years and over: 7.21% (2022 est.) (male 307/female 525) Topic: Uganda0-14 years: 48.21% (male 10,548,913/female 10,304,876) 15-24 years: 20.25% (male 4,236,231/female 4,521,698) 25-54 years: 26.24% (male 5,202,570/female 6,147,304) 55-64 years: 2.91% (male 579,110/female 681,052) 65 years and over: 2.38% (2020 est.) (male 442,159/female 589,053) Topic: Ukraine0-14 years: 16.16% (male 3,658,127/female 3,438,887) 15-24 years: 9.28% (male 2,087,185/female 1,987,758) 25-54 years: 43.66% (male 9,456,905/female 9,718,758) 55-64 years: 13.87% (male 2,630,329/female 3,463,851) 65 years and over: 17.03% (2020 est.) (male 2,523,600/female 4,957,539) Topic: United Arab Emirates0-14 years: 14.45% (male 745,492/female 698,330) 15-24 years: 7.94% (male 431,751/female 361,804) 25-54 years: 68.03% (male 5,204,618/female 1,592,987) 55-64 years: 7.68% (male 658,892/female 108,850) 65 years and over: 1.9% (2020 est.) (male 146,221/female 43,138) Topic: United Kingdom0-14 years: 17.63% (male 5,943,435/female 5,651,780) 15-24 years: 11.49% (male 3,860,435/female 3,692,398) 25-54 years: 39.67% (male 13,339,965/female 12,747,598) 55-64 years: 12.73% (male 4,139,378/female 4,234,701) 65 years and over: 18.48% (2020 est.) (male 5,470,116/female 6,681,311) Topic: United States0-14 years: 18.46% (male 31,374,555/female 30,034,371) 15-24 years: 12.91% (male 21,931,368/female 21,006,463) 25-54 years: 38.92% (male 64,893,670/female 64,564,565) 55-64 years: 12.86% (male 20,690,736/female 22,091,808) 65 years and over: 16.85% (2020 est.) (male 25,014,147/female 31,037,419) Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Uruguay0-14 years: 19.51% (male 336,336/female 324,563) 15-24 years: 15.14% (male 259,904/female 252,945) 25-54 years: 39.86% (male 670,295/female 679,850) 55-64 years: 10.79% (male 172,313/female 193,045) 65 years and over: 14.71% (2020 est.) (male 200,516/female 297,838) Topic: Uzbekistan0-14 years: 23.19% (male 3,631,693/female 3,456,750) 15-24 years: 16.63% (male 2,601,803/female 2,481,826) 25-54 years: 45.68% (male 6,955,260/female 7,006,172) 55-64 years: 8.63% (male 1,245,035/female 1,392,263) 65 years and over: 5.87% (2020 est.) (male 768,769/female 1,025,840) Topic: Vanuatu0-14 years: 33.65% (male 51,267/female 49,111) 15-24 years: 19.99% (male 29,594/female 30,050) 25-54 years: 36.09% (male 52,529/female 55,130) 55-64 years: 5.89% (male 8,666/female 8,904) 65 years and over: 4.39% (2020 est.) (male 6,518/female 6,564) Topic: Venezuela0-14 years: 25.66% (male 3,759,280/female 3,591,897) 15-24 years: 16.14% (male 2,348,073/female 2,275,912) 25-54 years: 41.26% (male 5,869,736/female 5,949,082) 55-64 years: 8.76% (male 1,203,430/female 1,305,285) 65 years and over: 8.18% (2020 est.) (male 1,069,262/female 1,272,646) Topic: Vietnam0-14 years: 22.61% (male 11,733,704/female 10,590,078) 15-24 years: 15.22% (male 7,825,859/female 7,202,716) 25-54 years: 45.7% (male 22,852,429/female 22,262,566) 55-64 years: 9.55% (male 4,412,111/female 5,016,880) 65 years and over: 6.91% (2020 est.) (male 2,702,963/female 4,121,969) Topic: Virgin Islands0-14 years: 19.71% (male 10,671/female 10,192) 15-24 years: 10.16% (male 5,219/female 5,535) 25-54 years: 36.07% (male 17,844/female 20,342) 55-64 years: 14.24% (male 7,222/female 7,859) 65 years and over: 19.82% (2021 est.) (male 9,424/female 11,562) Topic: Wake Island0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Topic: Wallis and Futuna0-14 years: 20.58% (male 1,702/female 1,561) 15-24 years: 14.72% (male 1,238/female 1,095) 25-54 years: 43.55% (male 3,529/female 3,376) 55-64 years: 9.99% (male 745/female 842) 65 years and over: 11.73% (2022 est.) (male 953/female 911) Topic: West Bank0-14 years: 35.31% (male 525,645/female 498,458) 15-24 years: 20.75% (male 307,420/female 294,469) 25-54 years: 35.19% (male 516,758/female 503,626) 55-64 years: 5.12% (male 76,615/female 72,006) 65 years and over: 3.62% (2020 est.) (male 48,387/female 56,650) Topic: World0-14 years: 25.18% (male 1,010,373,278/female 946,624,579) 15-24 years: 15.29% (male 614,046,344/female 574,513,854) 25-54 years: 40.6% (male 1,597,805,095/female 1,557,807,873) 55-64 years: 9.23% (male 351,094,945/female 366,240,730) 65 years and over: 9.69% (2021 est.) male 337,244,947/female 415,884,753) Topic: Yemen0-14 years: 39.16% (male 5,711,709 /female 5,513,526) 15-24 years: 21.26% (male 3,089,817 /female 3,005,693) 25-54 years: 32.78% (male 4,805,059 /female 4,591,811) 55-64 years: 4% (male 523,769 /female 623,100) 65 years and over: 2.8% (2018 est.) (male 366,891 /female 435,855) Topic: Zambia0-14 years: 45.74% (male 4,005,134/female 3,964,969) 15-24 years: 20.03% (male 1,744,843/female 1,746,561) 25-54 years: 28.96% (male 2,539,697/female 2,506,724) 55-64 years: 3.01% (male 242,993/female 280,804) 65 years and over: 2.27% (2020 est.) (male 173,582/female 221,316) Topic: Zimbabwe0-14 years: 38.32% (male 2,759,155/female 2,814,462) 15-24 years: 20.16% (male 1,436,710/female 1,495,440) 25-54 years: 32.94% (male 2,456,392/female 2,334,973) 55-64 years: 4.07% (male 227,506/female 363,824) 65 years and over: 4.52% (2020 est.) (male 261,456/female 396,396)

20220901

countries-kingman-reef

20220901

field-airports-with-paved-runways

This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m (over 10,000 ft), (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m (8,000 to 10,000 ft), (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m (5,000 to 8,000 ft), (4) 914 to 1,523 m (3,000 to 5,000 ft), and (5) under 914 m (under 3,000 ft). Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. The type of aircraft capable of operating from a runway of a given length is dependent upon a number of factors including elevation of the runway, runway gradient, average maximum daily temperature at the airport, engine types, flap settings, and take-off weight of the aircraft. Topic: Afghanistantotal: 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) Topic: Akrotiri2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Albaniatotal: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Algeriatotal: 67 over 3,047 m: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 27 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: American Samoatotal: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Angolatotal: 32 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 6 (2021) Topic: Anguillatotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Argentinatotal: 161 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 29 1,524 to 2,437 m: 65 914 to 1,523 m: 53 under 914 m: 10 (2021) Topic: Armeniatotal: 10 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Arubatotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Australiatotal: 349 over 3,047 m: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 14 1,524 to 2,437 m: 155 914 to 1,523 m: 155 under 914 m: 14 (2021) Topic: Austriatotal: 24 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 13 (2021) Topic: Azerbaijantotal: 30 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal: 24 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2021) Topic: Bahraintotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Bangladeshtotal: 16 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Barbadostotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Belarustotal: 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) Topic: Belgiumtotal: 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) Topic: Belizetotal: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Benintotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Bermudatotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Bhutantotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Boliviatotal: 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) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Botswanatotal: 10 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Braziltotal: 698 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 27 1,524 to 2,437 m: 179 914 to 1,523 m: 436 (2017) under 914 m: 49 (2021) Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorytotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Bruneitotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Bulgariatotal: 57 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 17 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 under 914 m: 26 (2021) Topic: Burkina Fasototal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Burmatotal: 36 over 3,047 m: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Burunditotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Cabo Verdetotal: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Cambodiatotal: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Cameroontotal: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Canadatotal: 523 over 3,047 m: 21 2,438 to 3,047 m: 19 1,524 to 2,437 m: 147 914 to 1,523 m: 257 under 914 m: 79 (2021) Topic: Cayman Islandstotal: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Central African Republictotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Chadtotal: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Chiletotal: 90 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 23 914 to 1,523 m: 31 under 914 m: 24 (2021) Topic: Chinatotal: 510 over 3,047 m: 87 2,438 to 3,047 m: 187 1,524 to 2,437 m: 109 914 to 1,523 m: 43 under 914 m: 84 (2021) Topic: Christmas Islandtotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Colombiatotal: 121 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 39 914 to 1,523 m: 53 under 914 m: 18 (2021) Topic: Comorostotal: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal: 26 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal: 8 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Cook Islandstotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Costa Ricatotal: 47 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 27 under 914 m: 16 (2021) Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Croatiatotal: 24 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 10 (2021) Topic: Cubatotal: 64 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 27 (2021) Topic: Curacaototal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Cyprustotal: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Czechiatotal: 41 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 16 (2021) Topic: Denmarktotal: 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) Topic: Djiboutitotal: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Dominicatotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Dominican Republictotal: 16 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Ecuadortotal: 104 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 26 under 914 m: 51 (2021) Topic: Egypttotal: 72 over 3,047 m: 15 2,438 to 3,047 m: 36 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 under 914 m: 6 (2021) Topic: El Salvadortotal: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Eritreatotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Estoniatotal: 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) Topic: Eswatinitotal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Ethiopiatotal: 17 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: European Uniontotal: 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) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Faroe Islandstotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Fijitotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Finlandtotal: 74 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 26 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 21 under 914 m: 14 (2021) Topic: Francetotal: 294 over 3,047 m: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 25 1,524 to 2,437 m: 97 914 to 1,523 m: 83 under 914 m: 75 (2021) Topic: French Polynesiatotal: 45 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 33 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Gabontotal: 14 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Gambia, Thetotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Gaza Striptotal: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) note - non-operational Topic: Georgiatotal: 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) Topic: Germanytotal: 318 over 3,047 m: 14 2,438 to 3,047 m: 49 1,524 to 2,437 m: 60 914 to 1,523 m: 70 under 914 m: 125 (2021) Topic: Ghanatotal: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Gibraltartotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Greecetotal: 68 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 15 1,524 to 2,437 m: 19 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 10 (2021) Topic: Greenlandtotal: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 6 (2021) Topic: Grenadatotal: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Guamtotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Guatemalatotal: 16 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Guernseytotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Guineatotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Guyanatotal: 11 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Topic: Haititotal: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Hondurastotal: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Hong Kongtotal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Hungarytotal: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Icelandtotal: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Indiatotal: 253 over 3,047 m: 22 2,438 to 3,047 m: 59 1,524 to 2,437 m: 76 914 to 1,523 m: 82 under 914 m: 14 (2021) Topic: Indonesiatotal: 186 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 21 1,524 to 2,437 m: 51 914 to 1,523 m: 72 under 914 m: 37 (2021) Topic: Irantotal: 140 over 3,047 m: 42 2,438 to 3,047 m: 29 1,524 to 2,437 m: 26 914 to 1,523 m: 36 under 914 m: 7 (2021) Topic: Iraqtotal: 72 over 3,047 m: 20 2,438 to 3,047 m: 34 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 7 (2021) Topic: Irelandtotal: 16 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Isle of Mantotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Israeltotal: 33 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Topic: Italytotal: 98 over 3,047 m: 9 2,438 to 3,047 m: 31 1,524 to 2,437 m: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 29 under 914 m: 11 (2021) Topic: Jamaicatotal: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Japantotal: 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) Topic: Jerseytotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Jordantotal: 16 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Kazakhstantotal: 63 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 25 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Topic: Kenyatotal: 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) Topic: Kiribatitotal: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Korea, Northtotal: 39 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 22 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Korea, Southtotal: 71 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 19 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 13 under 914 m: 23 (2021) Topic: Kosovototal: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Kuwaittotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Laostotal: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Latviatotal: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 7 (2021) Topic: Lebanontotal: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Lesothototal: 3 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Liberiatotal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Libyatotal: 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) Topic: Lithuaniatotal: 22 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 9 (2021) Topic: Luxembourgtotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Macautotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Madagascartotal: 26 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 16 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Malawitotal: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Malaysiatotal: 39 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Topic: Maldivestotal: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Malitotal: 8 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Maltatotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Marshall Islandstotal: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Mauritaniatotal: 9 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Mauritiustotal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Mexicototal: 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) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Moldovatotal: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Mongoliatotal: 15 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Montenegrototal: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Montserrattotal: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Moroccototal: 36 over 3,047 m: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Mozambiquetotal: 21 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Namibiatotal: 19 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Naurutotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Nepaltotal: 11 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Netherlandstotal: 23 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: New Caledoniatotal: 12 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: New Zealandtotal: 39 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Nicaraguatotal: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Nigertotal: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Nigeriatotal: 40 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Niuetotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Norfolk Islandtotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: North Macedoniatotal: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 under 914 m: 6 (2021) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Norwaytotal: 67 2,438 to 3,047 m: 14 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 22 under 914 m: 21 (2021) Topic: Omantotal: 13 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Pakistantotal: 108 over 3,047 m: 15 2,438 to 3,047 m: 20 1,524 to 2,437 m: 43 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 10 (2021) Topic: Palautotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Panamatotal: 57 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 30 (2021) Topic: Papua New Guineatotal: 21 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Paracel Islandstotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Paraguaytotal: 15 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Perutotal: 59 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 21 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 12 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Philippinestotal: 89 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 33 914 to 1,523 m: 34 under 914 m: 10 (2021) Topic: Polandtotal: 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) Topic: Portugaltotal: 43 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 15 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Topic: Puerto Ricototal: 17 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Qatartotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Romaniatotal: 26 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Russiatotal: 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) Topic: Rwandatotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Saint Barthelemytotal: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 Ascension Island - Wideawake Field (ASI) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Saint Helena (HLE); note - weekly commercial air service to South Africa via Namibia commenced on 14 October 2017 Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Saint Luciatotal: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Saint Martintotal: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Samoatotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal: 82 over 3,047 m: 33 2,438 to 3,047 m: 16 1,524 to 2,437 m: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Senegaltotal: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Serbiatotal: 10 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Seychellestotal: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Sierra Leonetotal: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Singaporetotal: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Sint Maartentotal: 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 Topic: Slovakiatotal: 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) Topic: Sloveniatotal: 9 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Solomon Islandstotal: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Somaliatotal: 8 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2021) Topic: South Africatotal: 130 over 3,047 m: 11 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 46 914 to 1,523 m: 60 under 914 m: 7 (2021) Topic: South Sudantotal: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Spaintotal: 102 over 3,047 m: 18 2,438 to 3,047 m: 16 1,524 to 2,437 m: 19 914 to 1,523 m: 26 under 914 m: 23 (2021) Topic: Spratly Islandstotal: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Sri Lankatotal: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Sudantotal: 17 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Surinametotal: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Svalbardtotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Swedentotal: 149 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 75 914 to 1,523 m: 22 under 914 m: 37 (2021) Topic: Switzerlandtotal: 40 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 17 (2021) Topic: Syriatotal: 29 over 3,047 m: 5 2,438 to 3,047 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Topic: Taiwantotal: 35 over 3,047 m: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Tajikistantotal: 17 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Tanzaniatotal: 10 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Thailandtotal: 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) Topic: Timor-Lestetotal: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Togototal: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Tongatotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Tunisiatotal: 15 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2021) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total: 91 over 3,047 m: 16 2,438 to 3,047 m: 38 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 16 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Turkmenistantotal: 21 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Ugandatotal: 5 over 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Ukrainetotal: 108 over 3,047 m: 13 2,438 to 3,047 m: 42 1,524 to 2,437 m: 22 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 28 (2021) Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal: 25 over 3,047 m: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: United Kingdomtotal: 271 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 29 1,524 to 2,437 m: 89 914 to 1,523 m: 80 under 914 m: 66 (2021) Topic: United Statestotal: 5,054 over 3,047 m: 189 2,438 to 3,047 m: 235 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,478 914 to 1,523 m: 2,249 under 914 m: 903 (2021) Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refuges2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2016) - Johnston Atoll; note - abandoned but usable Topic: Uruguaytotal: 11 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Topic: Uzbekistantotal: 33 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 13 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Topic: Vanuatutotal: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Venezuelatotal: 127 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 33 914 to 1,523 m: 62 under 914 m: 17 (2021) Topic: Vietnamtotal: 38 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 9 (2021) Topic: Virgin Islandstotal: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Wake Islandtotal: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: West Banktotal: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Yementotal: 17 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Zambiatotal: 8 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Topic: Zimbabwetotal: 17 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 7 (2021)

20220901

field-inflation-rate-consumer-prices-country-comparison

20220901

field-unemployment-rate-country-comparison

20220901

countries-bulgaria

Topic: Photos of Bulgaria Topic: Introduction Background: The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey Geographic coordinates: 43 00 N, 25 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 110,879 sq km land: 108,489 sq km water: 2,390 sq km Area - comparative: almost identical in size to Virginia; slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: total: 1,806 km border countries (5): Greece 472 km; Macedonia 162 km; Romania 605 km; Serbia 344 km; Turkey 223 km Coastline: 354 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast Elevation: highest point: Musala 2,925 m lowest point: Black Sea 0 m mean elevation: 472 m Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 46.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 29.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.5% (2018 est.) forest: 36.7% (2018 est.) other: 16.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1,020 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, 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, with urban areas attracting larger populations Natural hazards: earthquakes; landslides Geography - note: strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia Map description: Bulgaria map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Black Sea.Bulgaria map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Black Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 6,873,253 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Bulgarian(s) adjective: Bulgarian Ethnic groups: Bulgarian 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 Languages: Bulgarian (official) 76.8%, Turkish 8.2%, Romani 3.8%, other 0.7%, unspecified 10.5% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Светoвен Алманах, незаменимият източник за основна информация. (Bulgarian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Eastern Orthodox 59.4%, Muslim 7.8%, other (including Catholic, Protestant, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox, and Jewish) 1.7%, none 3.7%, unspecified 27.4% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.52% (male 520,190/female 491,506) 15-24 years: 9.4% (male 340,306/female 314,241) 25-54 years: 42.87% (male 1,538,593/female 1,448,080) 55-64 years: 13.15% (male 433,943/female 482,474) 65 years and over: 20.06% (2020 est.) (male 562,513/female 835,053) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 56.6 youth dependency ratio: 23 elderly dependency ratio: 33.6 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 43.7 years male: 41.9 years female: 45.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.67% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.05 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 14.41 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger populations Urbanization: urban population: 76.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.287 million SOFIA (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 26.4 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 10 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 7.98 deaths/1,000 live births male: 9.02 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.57 years male: 72.36 years female: 78.97 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 97.4% of population total: 99% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 2.6% of population total: 1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7.1% (2019) Physicians density: 4.2 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 7.5 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: (2019 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 3,300 (2019 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2019 est.) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 25% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 39% (2020 est.) male: 40.9% (2020 est.) female: 37.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 1.9% (2014) Education expenditures: 4.1% of GDP (2017 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98.4% male: 98.7% female: 98.1% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 14 years female: 14 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.2% male: 14.6% female: 13.7% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes 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 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, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 18.82 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 41.71 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 6.77 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Land use: agricultural land: 46.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 29.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.5% (2018 est.) forest: 36.7% (2018 est.) other: 16.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 76.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.22% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.14% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 3.011 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 572,993 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 19% (2015 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, 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: 882 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 3.942 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 834.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 21.3 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria conventional short form: Bulgaria local long form: Republika Bulgaria local short form: Bulgaria former: Kingdom of Bulgaria, People's Republic of Bulgaria etymology: named after the Bulgar tribes who settled the lower Balkan region in the 7th century A.D. Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Sofia geographic coordinates: 42 41 N, 23 19 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: named after the Saint Sofia Church in the city, parts of which date back to the 4th century A.D. Administrative divisions: 28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Sofia-Grad (Sofia City), Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Yambol Independence: 3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the Ottoman Empire) National holiday: Liberation Day, 3 March (1878) Constitution: history: several previous; latest drafted between late 1990 and early 1991, adopted 13 July 1991 amendments: proposed by the National Assembly or by the president of the republic; passage requires three-fourths majority vote of National Assembly members in three ballots; signed by the National Assembly chairperson; note - under special circumstances, a "Grand National Assembly" is elected with the authority to write a new constitution and amend certain articles of the constitution, including those affecting basic civil rights and national sovereignty; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote in each of several readings; amended several times, last in 2015 Legal system: civil 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 Bulgaria dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Rumen RADEV (since 22 January 2017); Vice President Iliana IOTOVA (since 22 January 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Gulub DONEV (since 2 August 2022); note - Prime Minister DONEV leads a caretaker government until snap elections are held on 2 October 2022 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 in the second round - Rumen RADEV (independent, supported by Bulgarian Socialist Party) 59.4%, Tsetska TSACHEVA (GERB) 36.2%, neither 4.5% 2011: Rosen PLEVNELIEV elected president in the second round; percent of vote in the second round - Rosen PLEVNELIEV (independent) 52.6%, Ivailo KALFIN (BSP) 47.4% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sabranie (240 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 14 November 2021 (next election to be held on 2 October 2022) election results: percent of vote by party/coalition - PP 25.3%, GERB-SDS 22.4%, DPS 12.8%, BSP for Bulgaria 10.1%, ITN 9.4%, DB 6.3%, Revival 4.8%, other 8.9%; seats by party/coalition - PP 67, GERB-SDS 59, DPS 34, BSP for Bulgaria 26, ITN 25, DB 16, Revival 13; composition as of March 2022 - men 186, women 54, percent of women 22.5% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Cassation (consists of a chairman and approximately 72 judges organized into penal, civil, and commercial colleges); Supreme Administrative Court (organized into 2 colleges with various panels of 5 judges each); Constitutional Court (consists of 12 justices); note - Constitutional Court resides outside the judiciary judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Cassation and Supreme Administrative judges elected by the Supreme Judicial Council or SJC (consists of 25 members with extensive legal experience) and appointed by the president; judges can serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; Constitutional Court justices elected by the National Assembly and appointed by the president and the SJC; justices appointed for 9-year terms with renewal of 4 justices every 3 years subordinate courts: appeals courts; regional and district courts; administrative courts; courts martial Political parties and leaders: Agrarian People's Union or ZNS [Roumen YONCHEV] Bulgaria of the Citizens or DBG [Dimitar DELCHEV] Bulgarian Agrarian People’s Union or BZNS [Nikolay NENCHEV] Bulgarian Socialist Party or BSP [Korneliya NINOVA] (alliance of BSP, PKT, New Dawn, Ecoglasnost) Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria or GERB [Boyko BORISOV] (alliance with SDS)  Democratic Bulgaria or DB (alliance of Yes! Bulgaria, DSB, and The Greens) [Atanas ATANASOV, Hristo IVANOV] Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB [Atanas ATANASOV] Ecoglasnost [Emil GEORGIEV] Green Movement or The Greens [Borislav SANDOV, Vladislav PENEV] Middle European Class or SEC [Konstantin BACHIISKI] Movement for Rights and Freedoms or DPS [Mustafa KARADAYI] Movement 21 or D21 [Tatyana DONCHEVA] New Dawn [Mincho MINCHEV] Political Club Thrace or PKT [Stefan NACHEZ] Political Movement "Social Democrats" or PDS  [Elena NONEVA] Revival [Kostadin KOSTADINOV] Stand Up.BG or IS.BG [Maya MONOLOVA] Stand Up.BG, We Are Coming! or IBG-NI [Maya MONOLOVA, Nikolay HADZHIGENOV] (coalition of IS.BG, D21, DBG, ENP, and ZNS) There is Such a People or ITN [Slavi TRIFONOV] United People's Party or ENP [Valentina VASILEVA-FILADELFEVS] Union of Democratic Forces or SDS [Rumen HRISTOV] (alliance with GERB)  Yes! Bulgaria [Hristo IVANOV] Volt Bulgaria or Volt [Nastimir ANANIEV] We Continue the Change of PP [Kiril PETKOV and Asen VASILEV] (electoral alliance of PP, PDS, SEC, and Volt) International organization participation: Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EU, FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Georgi Velikov PANAYOTOV (since 7 June 2022) chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174; [1] (202) 299-0273, [1] (202) 483-1386 FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973 email address and website: office@bulgaria-embassy.org; Embassy.Washington@mfa.bg https://www.bulgaria-embassy.org/en/homepage/ consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Herro MUSTAFA (since 18 October 2019) embassy: 16, Kozyak Street, Sofia 1408 mailing address: 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC  20521-5740 telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100 FAX: [359] (2) 937-5320 email address and website: acs_sofia@state.gov https://bg.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the pan-Slavic white-blue-red colors were modified by substituting a green band (representing freedom) for the blue note: the national emblem, formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe, has been removed National symbol(s): lion; national colors: white, green, red National anthem: name: "Mila Rodino" (Dear Homeland) lyrics/music: Tsvetan Tsvetkov RADOSLAVOV note: adopted 1964; composed in 1885 by a student en route to fight in the Serbo-Bulgarian War National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 10 (7 cultural, 3 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Boyana Church (c); Madara Rider (c); Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (c); Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (c); Rila Monastery (c); Ancient City of Nessebar (c); Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (c); Srebarna Nature Reserve (n); Pirin National Park (n); Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Bulgaria, a former communist country that entered the EU in 2007, has an open economy that historically has demonstrated strong growth, but its per-capita income remains the lowest among EU members and its reliance on energy imports and foreign demand for its exports makes its growth sensitive to external market conditions.   The government undertook significant structural economic reforms in the 1990s to move the economy from a centralized, planned economy to a more liberal, market-driven economy. These reforms included privatization of state-owned enterprises, liberalization of trade, and strengthening of the tax system - changes that initially caused some economic hardships but later helped to attract investment, spur growth, and make gradual improvements to living conditions. From 2000 through 2008, Bulgaria maintained robust, average annual real GDP growth in excess of 6%, which was followed by a deep recession in 2009 as the financial crisis caused domestic demand, exports, capital inflows and industrial production to contract, prompting the government to rein in spending. Real GDP growth remained slow - less than 2% annually - until 2015, when demand from EU countries for Bulgarian exports, plus an inflow of EU development funds, boosted growth to more than 3%. In recent years, strong domestic demand combined with low international energy prices have contributed to Bulgaria’s economic growth approaching 4% and have also helped to ease inflation. Bulgaria’s prudent public financial management contributed to budget surpluses both in 2016 and 2017.   Bulgaria is heavily reliant on energy imports from Russia, a potential vulnerability, and is a participant in EU-backed efforts to diversify regional natural gas supplies. In late 2016, the Bulgarian Government provided funding to Bulgaria’s National Electric Company to cover the $695 million compensation owed to Russian nuclear equipment manufacturer Atomstroyexport for the cancellation of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant project, which the Bulgarian Government terminated in 2012. As of early 2018, the government was floating the possibility of resurrecting the Belene project. The natural gas market, dominated by state-owned Bulgargaz, is also almost entirely supplied by Russia. Infrastructure projects such as the Inter-Connector Greece-Bulgaria and Inter-Connector Bulgaria-Serbia, which would enable Bulgaria to have access to non-Russian gas, have either stalled or made limited progress. In 2016, the Bulgarian Government established the State eGovernment Agency. This new agency is responsible for the electronic governance, coordinating national policies with the EU, and strengthening cybersecurity.   Despite a favorable investment regime, including low, flat corporate income taxes, significant challenges remain. Corruption in public administration, a weak judiciary, low productivity, lack of transparency in public procurements, and the presence of organized crime continue to hamper the country's investment climate and economic prospects.Bulgaria, a former communist country that entered the EU in 2007, has an open economy that historically has demonstrated strong growth, but its per-capita income remains the lowest among EU members and its reliance on energy imports and foreign demand for its exports makes its growth sensitive to external market conditions. The government undertook significant structural economic reforms in the 1990s to move the economy from a centralized, planned economy to a more liberal, market-driven economy. These reforms included privatization of state-owned enterprises, liberalization of trade, and strengthening of the tax system - changes that initially caused some economic hardships but later helped to attract investment, spur growth, and make gradual improvements to living conditions. From 2000 through 2008, Bulgaria maintained robust, average annual real GDP growth in excess of 6%, which was followed by a deep recession in 2009 as the financial crisis caused domestic demand, exports, capital inflows and industrial production to contract, prompting the government to rein in spending. Real GDP growth remained slow - less than 2% annually - until 2015, when demand from EU countries for Bulgarian exports, plus an inflow of EU development funds, boosted growth to more than 3%. In recent years, strong domestic demand combined with low international energy prices have contributed to Bulgaria’s economic growth approaching 4% and have also helped to ease inflation. Bulgaria’s prudent public financial management contributed to budget surpluses both in 2016 and 2017. Bulgaria is heavily reliant on energy imports from Russia, a potential vulnerability, and is a participant in EU-backed efforts to diversify regional natural gas supplies. In late 2016, the Bulgarian Government provided funding to Bulgaria’s National Electric Company to cover the $695 million compensation owed to Russian nuclear equipment manufacturer Atomstroyexport for the cancellation of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant project, which the Bulgarian Government terminated in 2012. As of early 2018, the government was floating the possibility of resurrecting the Belene project. The natural gas market, dominated by state-owned Bulgargaz, is also almost entirely supplied by Russia. Infrastructure projects such as the Inter-Connector Greece-Bulgaria and Inter-Connector Bulgaria-Serbia, which would enable Bulgaria to have access to non-Russian gas, have either stalled or made limited progress. In 2016, the Bulgarian Government established the State eGovernment Agency. This new agency is responsible for the electronic governance, coordinating national policies with the EU, and strengthening cybersecurity. Despite a favorable investment regime, including low, flat corporate income taxes, significant challenges remain. Corruption in public administration, a weak judiciary, low productivity, lack of transparency in public procurements, and the presence of organized crime continue to hamper the country's investment climate and economic prospects. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $155.06 billion (2020 est.) $161.78 billion (2019 est.) $156.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 3.39% (2019 est.) 3.2% (2018 est.) 3.5% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $22,400 (2020 est.) $23,200 (2019 est.) $22,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $68.49 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.1% (2019 est.) 2.8% (2018 est.) 2% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB (2017) Moody's rating: Baa1 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 4.3% (2017 est.) industry: 28% (2017 est.) services: 67.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 61.6% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.2% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.7% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 66.3% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -64.8% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, maize, sunflower seed, milk, barley, rapeseed, potatoes, grapes, tomatoes, watermelons Industries: electricity, gas, water; food, beverages, tobacco; machinery and equipment, automotive parts, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel; outsourcing centers Industrial production growth rate: 3.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 3.113 million (2020 est.) note: number of employed persons Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 6.8% industry: 26.6% services: 66.6% (2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.66% (2019 est.) 6.18% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.2% male: 14.6% female: 13.7% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 23.8% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 40.4 (2017 est.) 38.3 (2016) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.9% highest 10%: 31.2% (2017) Budget: revenues: 20.35 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 19.35 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 1.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 23.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 27.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: defined by the EU's Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year in the following categories of government liabilities: currency and deposits, securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives, and loans; general government sector comprises the subsectors: central government, state government, local government, and social security funds Taxes and other revenues: 35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $2.06 billion (2019 est.) $611 million (2018 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Germany 16%, Romania 8%, Italy 7%, Turkey 7%, Greece 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, packaged medicines, copper, wheat, electricity (2019) Imports: $38.07 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.84 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.91 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Germany 11%, Russia 9%, Italy 7%, Romania 7%, Turkey 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, copper, cars, packaged medicines, refined petroleum (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $28.38 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $25.13 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $39.059 billion (2019 est.) $41.139 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: leva (BGN) per US dollar - 1.61885 (2020 est.) 1.7669 (2019 est.) 1.7172 (2018 est.) 1.7644 (2014 est.) 1.4742 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 22.298 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 23.213 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 35,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 675,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 2.366 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 4,500 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 97,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 119,800 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 15 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 144,300 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 92,720 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 49,260 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 62.439 million cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 2,929,401,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 2.747 million cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 2,950,157,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 5.663 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 38.373 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 103.924 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 872,757 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 7,945,739 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Bulgaria’s telecom market was for some years affected by the difficult macroeconomic climate, as well as by relatively high unemployment and a shrinking population; these factors continue to slow investments in the sector, though revenue growth has returned since 2019; there still remains pressure on revenue growth, with consumers migrating from fixed-line voice telephony to mobile and VoIP alternatives, while the volume of SMS and MMS traffic has been affected by the growing use of alternative OTT messaging services; the mature mobile market has effective competition between A1 Bulgaria, Yettel (branded as Telenor Bulgaria before March 2022, the Telenor Group’s local unit that had been sold to the PPF Group in August 2018), and the incumbent telco Vivacom; competition intensified following the implementation of a streamlined mobile number portability process; customer preference for bundled services has put pressure on pricing and encouraged operators to offer generous voice and data packages; Vivacom was sold to United Group in April 2020, following European Commission approval; the company is investing in network upgrades and its development of services based on 5G have stimulated other market players to invest in their own service provision; A1 Bulgaria and Vivacom both launched commercial 5G services in 2020, and by the end of 2022 about 70% of the population is expected to be covered by 5G; the broadband market in Bulgaria enjoys excellent cross-platform competition; the share of the market held by DSL has fallen steadily as a result of customers being migrated to fiber networks, particularly those operated by the incumbent telco Vivacom; by early 2021 about 65% of fixed-line broadband subscribers were on fiber infrastructure; Bulgaria joins the U.S. State Department’s Clean Network initiative in a bid to protect its 5G communications networks (2022) domestic: fixed-line over 12 per 100 persons, mobile-cellular teledensity, fostered by multiple service providers, is over 114 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 359; Caucasus Cable System via submarine cable provides connectivity to Ukraine, Georgia and Russia; a combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system provides connectivity to Italy, Albania, and Macedonia; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intersputnik in the Atlantic Ocean region, 2 Intelsat in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions) (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 servicesBulgaria’s telecom market was for some years affected by the difficult macroeconomic climate, as well as by relatively high unemployment and a shrinking population; these factors continue to slow investments in the sector, though revenue growth has returned since 2019; there still remains pressure on revenue growth, with consumers migrating from fixed-line voice telephony to mobile and VoIP alternatives, while the volume of SMS and MMS traffic has been affected by the growing use of alternative OTT messaging services; the mature mobile market has effective competition between A1 Bulgaria, Yettel (branded as Telenor Bulgaria before March 2022, the Telenor Group’s local unit that had been sold to the PPF Group in August 2018), and the incumbent telco Vivacom; competition intensified following the implementation of a streamlined mobile number portability process; customer preference for bundled services has put pressure on pricing and encouraged operators to offer generous voice and data packages; Vivacom was sold to United Group in April 2020, following European Commission approval; the company is investing in network upgrades and its development of services based on 5G have stimulated other market players to invest in their own service provision; A1 Bulgaria and Vivacom both launched commercial 5G services in 2020, and by the end of 2022 about 70% of the population is expected to be covered by 5G; the broadband market in Bulgaria enjoys excellent cross-platform competition; the share of the market held by DSL has fallen steadily as a result of customers being migrated to fiber networks, particularly those operated by the incumbent telco Vivacom; by early 2021 about 65% of fixed-line broadband subscribers were on fiber infrastructure; Bulgaria joins the U.S. State Department’s Clean Network initiative in a bid to protect its 5G communications networks Broadcast media: 4 national terrestrial TV stations with 1 state-owned and 3 privately owned; a vast array of TV stations are available from cable and satellite TV providers; state-owned national radio broadcasts over 3 networks; large number of private radio stations broadcasting, especially in urban areas Internet country code: .bg Internet users: total: 4,853,811 (2020 est.) percent of population: 70% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,115,053 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: LZ Airports: total: 68 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 57 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 17 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 under 914 m: 26 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 9 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 2,765 km gas, 346 km oil, 378 km refined products (2017) Railways: total: 5,114 km (2014) standard gauge: 4,989 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (2,880 km electrified) narrow gauge: 125 km (2014) 0.760-m gauge Roadways: total: 19,512 km (2011) paved: 19,235 km (2011) (includes 458 km of expressways) unpaved: 277 km (2011) note: does not include Category IV local roads Waterways: 470 km (2009) Merchant marine: total: 79 by type: bulk carrier 4, general cargo 14, oil tanker 8, other 53 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Burgas, Varna (Black Sea) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Bulgarian Armed Forces: Land Forces (Army), Naval Forces, Bulgarian Air Forces (Voennovazdushni Sili, VVS), Joint Special Forces; Ministry of Interior: Border Guards (2022) Military expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2020) 3.1% of GDP (2019) (approximately $2.95 billion) 1.5% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.72 billion) 1.2% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.5 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 28,000 active duty personnel (17,000 Army; 4,000 Navy; 7,000 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription ended in 2007; service obligation 6-9 months (2021) note: in 2021, women comprised about 17% of the Bulgarian military's full-time personnel Military - note: Bulgaria 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: 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: nonenone Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 19,014 (Syria) (mid-year 2021); 86,489 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 1,143 (mid-year 2021) note: 77,143 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-June 2022); Bulgaria is predominantly a transit country Illicit drugs: source country for amphetamine tablets

20220901

countries-moldova

Topic: Photos of Moldova Topic: Introduction Background: A large portion of present day Moldovan territory became a province of the Russian Empire in 1812 and then unified with Romania in 1918 in the aftermath of World War I. This territory was then incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although Moldova has been independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru River in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Years of Communist Party rule in Moldova from 2001-09 ultimately ended with election-related violent protests and a rerun of parliamentary elections in 2009. A series of pro-Europe ruling coalitions governed Moldova from 2010-19, but pro-Russia Igor DODON won the presidency in 2016 and his Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova won a plurality in the legislative election in 2019. Pro-EU reformist candidate Maia SANDU defeated DODON in his reelection bid in November 2020 and the Party of Action and Solidarity, which SANDU founded in 2015, won a parliamentary majority in an early legislative election in July 2021. Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA and her cabinet took office in August 2021.  A large portion of present day Moldovan territory became a province of the Russian Empire in 1812 and then unified with Romania in 1918 in the aftermath of World War I. This territory was then incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although Moldova has been independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru River in the breakaway region of Transnistria.Years of Communist Party rule in Moldova from 2001-09 ultimately ended with election-related violent protests and a rerun of parliamentary elections in 2009. A series of pro-Europe ruling coalitions governed Moldova from 2010-19, but pro-Russia Igor DODON won the presidency in 2016 and his Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova won a plurality in the legislative election in 2019. Pro-EU reformist candidate Maia SANDU defeated DODON in his reelection bid in November 2020 and the Party of Action and Solidarity, which SANDU founded in 2015, won a parliamentary majority in an early legislative election in July 2021. Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA and her cabinet took office in August 2021. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania Geographic coordinates: 47 00 N, 29 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 33,851 sq km land: 32,891 sq km water: 960 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,885 km border countries (2): Romania 683 km; Ukraine 1202 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: moderate winters, warm summers Terrain: rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea Elevation: highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m mean elevation: 139 m Natural resources: lignite, phosphorites, gypsum, limestone, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 74.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 55.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.) forest: 11.9% (2018 est.) other: 13.2% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 2,283 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Dniester (shared with Ukraine [s/m]) - 1,411 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: pockets of agglomeration exist throughout the country, the largest being in the center of the country around the capital of Chisinau, followed by Tiraspol and Balti Natural hazards: landslides Geography - note: landlocked; well endowed with various sedimentary rocks and minerals including sand, gravel, gypsum, and limestone Map description: Moldova map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Moldova map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 3,287,326 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Moldovan(s) adjective: Moldovan Ethnic groups: Moldovan 75.1%, Romanian 7%, Ukrainian 6.6%, Gagauz 4.6%, Russian 4.1%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 0.8% (2014 est.) Languages: Moldovan/Romanian 80.2% (official) (56.7% identify their mother tongue as Moldovan, which is virtually the same as Romanian; 23.5% identify Romanian as their mother tongue), Russian 9.7%, Gagauz 4.2% (a Turkish language), Ukrainian 3.9%, Bulgarian 1.5%, Romani 0.3%, other 0.2% (2014 est.); note - data represent mother tongue major-language sample(s): Cartea informativa a lumii, sursa indispensabila pentru informatii de baza. (Moldovan/Romanian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%, other 0.1%, agnostic <.1%, atheist 0.2%, unspecified 6.9% (2014 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.31% (male 317,243/female 298,673) 15-24 years: 11.27% (male 196,874/female 182,456) 25-54 years: 43.13% (male 738,103/female 712,892) 55-64 years: 13.26% (male 205,693/female 240,555) 65 years and over: 14.03% (2020 est.) (male 186,949/female 285,058) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 39.6 youth dependency ratio: 22.2 elderly dependency ratio: 17.4 potential support ratio: 5.7 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 37.7 years male: 36.2 years female: 39.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -1.12% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 10.19 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 12.47 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -8.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: pockets of agglomeration exist throughout the country, the largest being in the center of the country around the capital of Chisinau, followed by Tiraspol and Balti Urbanization: urban population: 43.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 491,000 CHISINAU (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.86 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.46 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 25.2 years (2019 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 19 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 11.6 deaths/1,000 live births male: 13.55 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.44 years male: 68.6 years female: 76.52 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.59 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 56% (2020) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.9% of population rural: 87% of population total: 92.1% of population unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population rural: 13% of population total: 7.9% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 6.4% (2019) Physicians density: 3.1 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 5.7 beds/1,000 population (2014) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99% of population rural: 83.1% of population total: 89.9% of population unimproved: urban: 1% of population rural: 16.9% of population total: 10.1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.8% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 14,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 18.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 29% (2020 est.) male: 51.7% (2020 est.) female: 6.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 2.2% (2012) Education expenditures: 6.1% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.4% male: 99.7% female: 99.1% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 14 years female: 15 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.9% male: 9.9% female: 12.3% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: heavy use of agricultural chemicals, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion and declining soil fertility from poor farming methods Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, 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: Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 15.97 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 5.12 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.29 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: moderate winters, warm summers Land use: agricultural land: 74.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 55.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.) forest: 11.9% (2018 est.) other: 13.2% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 43.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.09% 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.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 3,981,200 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 609,920 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.3% (2015 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km; Dniester (shared with Ukraine [s/m]) - 1,411 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: 148 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 650 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 42 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 12.27 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Moldova conventional short form: Moldova local long form: Republica Moldova local short form: Moldova former: Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: named for the Moldova River in neighboring eastern Romania Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Chisinau in Moldovan (Kishinev in Russian) geographic coordinates: 47 00 N, 28 51 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: origin unclear but may derive from the archaic Romanian word "chisla" ("spring" or "water source") and "noua" ("new") because the original settlement was built at the site of a small spring note: pronounced KEE-shee-now (KIH-shi-nyov) Administrative divisions: 32 raions (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities (municipii, singular - municipiul), 1 autonomous territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala) raions: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir, Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari, Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova, Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti, Soroca, Stefan Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Ungheni municipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinau autonomous territorial unit: Gagauzia territorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria)32 raions (raioane, singular - raion), 3 municipalities (municipii, singular - municipiul), 1 autonomous territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala autonoma), and 1 territorial unit (unitatea teritoriala)raions: Anenii Noi, Basarabeasca, Briceni, Cahul, Cantemir, Calarasi, Causeni, Cimislia, Criuleni, Donduseni, Drochia, Dubasari, Edinet, Falesti, Floresti, Glodeni, Hincesti, Ialoveni, Leova, Nisporeni, Ocnita, Orhei, Rezina, Riscani, Singerei, Soldanesti, Soroca, Stefan Voda, Straseni, Taraclia, Telenesti, Unghenimunicipalities: Balti, Bender, Chisinauautonomous territorial unit: Gagauziaterritorial unit: Stinga Nistrului (Transnistria) Independence: 27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 27 August (1991) Constitution: history: previous 1978; latest adopted 29 July 1994, effective 27 August 1994 amendments: proposed by voter petition (at least 200,000 eligible voters), by at least one third of Parliament members, or by the government; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament within one year of initial proposal; revisions to constitutional articles on sovereignty, independence, and neutrality require majority vote by referendum; articles on fundamental rights and freedoms cannot be amended; amended many times, last in 2018 Legal system: civil law system with Germanic law influences; Constitutional Court review of legislative acts International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Moldova dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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: 2020: Maia SANDU elected president; percent of vote (second round results) - Maia SANDU (PAS) 57.7%, Igor DODON (PSRM) 42.3% 2016: Igor DODON elected president; percent of vote 52.1%, and Maia SANDU 47.9% Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament (101 seats; 51 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 50 members directly elected in a single, nationwide constituency by closed party-list proportional representation vote; all members serve 4-year terms elections: last held on 11 July 2021 (next scheduled in July 2025) election results: percent of vote by party - PAS 52.8%, BECS (PSRM+PCRM) 27.1%, SHOR 5.7%; seats by party - PAS 63, BECS 32, SHOR 6; composition as of July 2022 - men 60, women 41, percent of women 40.6%last held on 11 July 2021 (next scheduled in July 2025)percent of vote by party - PAS 52.8%, BECS (PSRM+PCRM) 27.1%, SHOR 5.7%; seats by party - PAS 63, BECS 32, SHOR 6; composition as of July 2022 - men 60, women 41, percent of women 40.6% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice (consists of the chief judge, 3 deputy-chief judges, 45 judges, and 7 assistant judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president and 6 judges); note - the Constitutional Court is autonomous to the other branches of government; the Court interprets the Constitution and reviews the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and decisions, decrees of the president, and acts of the government judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the Superior Council of Magistracy, an 11-member body of judicial officials; all judges serve 4-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed 2 each by Parliament, the president, and the Higher Council of Magistracy for 6-year terms; court president elected by other court judges for a 3-year term subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Court of Business Audit; municipal courts Political parties and leaders: represented in Parliament: Party of Action and Solidarity or PAS [Igor GROSU] Electoral Bloc of Communists and Socialists or BCS [Vlad BATRINCEA, PSRM and Vladimir VORONIN, PCRM] SOR Party or PS [Ilan SHOR]represented in Parliament: Party of Action and Solidarity or PAS [Igor GROSU] Electoral Bloc of Communists and Socialists or BCS [Vlad BATRINCEA, PSRM and Vladimir VORONIN, PCRM] SOR Party or PS [Ilan SHOR] International organization participation: BSEC, CD, CE, CEI, CIS, EAEU (observer), EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Eugen CARAS (since 17 July 2020) chancery: 2101 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 667-1130 FAX: [1] (202) 667-2624 email address and website: washington@mfa.gov.md https://sua.mfa.gov.md/en Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kent D. LOGSDON (since 16 February 2022) embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009 mailing address: 7080 Chisinau Place, Washington DC  20521-7080 telephone: [373] (22) 408-300 FAX: [373] (22) 233-044 email address and website: ChisinauACS@state.gov https://md.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal vertical bands of Prussian blue (hoist side), chrome yellow, and vermilion red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of dark gold (brown) outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized aurochs head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow; based on the color scheme of the flag of Romania - with which Moldova shares a history and culture - but Moldova's blue band is lighter; the reverse of the flag displays a mirrored image of the coat of arms note: one of only three national flags that differ on their obverse and reverse sides - the others are Paraguay and Saudi Arabia National symbol(s): aurochs (a type of wild cattle); national colors: blue, yellow, red National anthem: name: "Limba noastra" (Our Language) lyrics/music: Alexei MATEEVICI/Alexandru CRISTEA note: adopted 1994 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Struve Geodetic Arc Topic: Economy Economic overview: Despite recent progress, Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. With a moderate climate and productive farmland, Moldova's economy relies heavily on its agriculture sector, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, wheat, and tobacco. Moldova also depends on annual remittances of about $1.2 billion - almost 15% of GDP - from the roughly one million Moldovans working in Europe, Israel, Russia, and elsewhere.   With few natural energy resources, Moldova imports almost all of its energy supplies from Russia and Ukraine. Moldova's dependence on Russian energy is underscored by a more than $6 billion debt to Russian natural gas supplier Gazprom, largely the result of unreimbursed natural gas consumption in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Moldova and Romania inaugurated the Ungheni-Iasi natural gas interconnector project in August 2014. The 43-kilometer pipeline between Moldova and Romania, allows for both the import and export of natural gas. Several technical and regulatory delays kept gas from flowing into Moldova until March 2015. Romanian gas exports to Moldova are largely symbolic. In 2018, Moldova awarded a tender to Romanian Transgaz to construct a pipeline connecting Ungheni to Chisinau, bringing the gas to Moldovan population centers. Moldova also seeks to connect with the European power grid by 2022.   The government's stated goal of EU integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. Moldova experienced better than expected economic growth in 2017, largely driven by increased consumption, increased revenue from agricultural exports, and improved tax collection. During fall 2014, Moldova signed an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU (AA/DCFTA), connecting Moldovan products to the world’s largest market. The EU AA/DCFTA has contributed to significant growth in Moldova’s exports to the EU. In 2017, the EU purchased over 65% of Moldova’s exports, a major change from 20 years previously when the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) received over 69% of Moldova’s exports. A $1 billion asset-stripping heist of Moldovan banks in late 2014 delivered a significant shock to the economy in 2015; the subsequent bank bailout increased inflationary pressures and contributed to the depreciation of the leu and a minor recession. Moldova’s growth has also been hampered by endemic corruption, which limits business growth and deters foreign investment, and Russian restrictions on imports of Moldova’s agricultural products. The government’s push to restore stability and implement meaningful reform led to the approval in 2016 of a $179 million three-year IMF program focused on improving the banking and fiscal environments, along with additional assistance programs from the EU, World Bank, and Romania. Moldova received two IMF tranches in 2017, totaling over $42.5 million.   Over the longer term, Moldova's economy remains vulnerable to corruption, political uncertainty, weak administrative capacity, vested bureaucratic interests, energy import dependence, Russian political and economic pressure, heavy dependence on agricultural exports, and unresolved separatism in Moldova's Transnistria region.Despite recent progress, Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. With a moderate climate and productive farmland, Moldova's economy relies heavily on its agriculture sector, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, wheat, and tobacco. Moldova also depends on annual remittances of about $1.2 billion - almost 15% of GDP - from the roughly one million Moldovans working in Europe, Israel, Russia, and elsewhere. With few natural energy resources, Moldova imports almost all of its energy supplies from Russia and Ukraine. Moldova's dependence on Russian energy is underscored by a more than $6 billion debt to Russian natural gas supplier Gazprom, largely the result of unreimbursed natural gas consumption in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Moldova and Romania inaugurated the Ungheni-Iasi natural gas interconnector project in August 2014. The 43-kilometer pipeline between Moldova and Romania, allows for both the import and export of natural gas. Several technical and regulatory delays kept gas from flowing into Moldova until March 2015. Romanian gas exports to Moldova are largely symbolic. In 2018, Moldova awarded a tender to Romanian Transgaz to construct a pipeline connecting Ungheni to Chisinau, bringing the gas to Moldovan population centers. Moldova also seeks to connect with the European power grid by 2022. The government's stated goal of EU integration has resulted in some market-oriented progress. Moldova experienced better than expected economic growth in 2017, largely driven by increased consumption, increased revenue from agricultural exports, and improved tax collection. During fall 2014, Moldova signed an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU (AA/DCFTA), connecting Moldovan products to the world’s largest market. The EU AA/DCFTA has contributed to significant growth in Moldova’s exports to the EU. In 2017, the EU purchased over 65% of Moldova’s exports, a major change from 20 years previously when the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) received over 69% of Moldova’s exports. A $1 billion asset-stripping heist of Moldovan banks in late 2014 delivered a significant shock to the economy in 2015; the subsequent bank bailout increased inflationary pressures and contributed to the depreciation of the leu and a minor recession. Moldova’s growth has also been hampered by endemic corruption, which limits business growth and deters foreign investment, and Russian restrictions on imports of Moldova’s agricultural products. The government’s push to restore stability and implement meaningful reform led to the approval in 2016 of a $179 million three-year IMF program focused on improving the banking and fiscal environments, along with additional assistance programs from the EU, World Bank, and Romania. Moldova received two IMF tranches in 2017, totaling over $42.5 million. Over the longer term, Moldova's economy remains vulnerable to corruption, political uncertainty, weak administrative capacity, vested bureaucratic interests, energy import dependence, Russian political and economic pressure, heavy dependence on agricultural exports, and unresolved separatism in Moldova's Transnistria region. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $32.26 billion (2020 est.) $34.68 billion (2019 est.) $33.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 4.5% (2017 est.) 4.3% (2016 est.) -0.4% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $12,300 (2020 est.) $13,000 (2019 est.) $12,400 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $11.982 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.8% (2019 est.) 3% (2018 est.) 6.5% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: B3 (2010) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 17.7% (2017 est.) industry: 20.3% (2017 est.) services: 62% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 85.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.4% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 42.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -70.7% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: maize, wheat, sunflower seed, grapes, apples, sugar beet, milk, potatoes, barley, plums/sloes Industries: sugar processing, vegetable oil, food processing, agricultural machinery; foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines; hosiery, shoes, textiles Industrial production growth rate: 3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 1.295 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 32.3% industry: 12% services: 55.7% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.99% (2019 est.) 3.16% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 10.9% male: 9.9% female: 12.3% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 7.3% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 25.7 (2018 est.) 26.8 (2014 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.2% highest 10%: 22.1% (2014 est.) Budget: revenues: 2.886 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.947 billion (2017 est.) note: National Public Budget Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 31.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 35.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 30.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$602 million (2017 est.) -$268 million (2016 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Romania 27%, Russia 9%, Italy 9%, Germany 9%, Turkey 6%, Poland 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: insulated wiring, sunflower seeds, wine, corn, seats (2019) Imports: $5.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.62 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $6.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Romania 20%, Russia 10%, Ukraine 9%, Germany 8%, China 7%, Turkey 6%, Italy 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, insulated wiring, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.803 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.206 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $7.232 billion (2019 est.) $7.16 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Moldovan lei (MDL) per US dollar - 18.49 (2017 est.) 19.924 (2016 est.) 19.924 (2015 est.) 19.83 (2014 est.) 14.036 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 133,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 133,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 22,000 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: 232 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 275 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 18,160 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 57,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 2,802,400,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 2,802,344,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 8.114 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 40.398 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,027,689 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 3,420,383 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 85 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the telecom market has been affected by a combination of high unemployment and economic difficulties which have led to constraints on consumer spending; this has resulted in telecom revenue having fallen steadily in recent years; this decline continued into 2020, with a 6.3% in revenue from the important mobile sector alone, year-on-year; Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU have encouraged the government and regulator to adopt a range of measures to bring the country’s telecoms sector into line with EU principles and standards; in July 2017 the Electronic Communications Act was amended to accommodate the 2009 European regulatory framework, while further amendments were adopted in December 2017 and additional changes were proposed in 2019; Moldova is also part of the Eastern Partnership group of countries, and as such has set in train a glide path to reducing roaming charges, effective between 2022 and 2026; the country’s broadband strategy through to 2025 has been supported by the ITU and industry counterparts from Korea; the internet market is developing rapidly, and though the penetration rate is well below the average for most European countries there are many opportunities for further development; the market is highly competitive, with 101 active ISPs as of early 2021, though Moldtelecom and Starnet between them account for most connections; the number of cable broadband subscribers is increasing steadily, though fiber is now by far the strongest sector; by the end of 2020 fiber accounted for about 72.3% of all fixed broadband connections; the mobile market has also grown rapidly, and the sector accounts for the majority of total telecoms revenue; the triopoly of operators is dominated by Orange Moldova, while the launch of LTE services has opened up a new revenue growth opportunity centered on mobile broadband; the near comprehensive geographical reach of their mobile networks, market brand recognition and existing customer relationships will make for steady subscriber growth in coming years. (2021) domestic: competition among mobile telephone providers has spurred subscriptions; little interest in expanding fixed-line service which is roughly 25 per 100; mobile-cellular teledensity nearly 85 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 373; service through Romania and Russia via landline; satellite earth stations - at least 3 - Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik 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 national radio-TV broadcaster operates 1 TV and 1 radio station; a total of nearly 70 terrestrial TV channels and some 50 radio stations are in operation; Russian and Romanian channels also are available (2019) Internet country code: .md Internet users: total: 2,025,380 (2019 est.) percent of population: 76% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 719,001 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: ER Airports: total: 7 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 5 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 2,026 km gas (2021) (2021) Railways: total: 1,171 km (2014) standard gauge: 14 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge broad gauge: 1,157 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge Roadways: total: 9,352 km (2012) paved: 8,835 km (2012) unpaved: 517 km (2012) Waterways: 558 km (2011) (in public use on Danube, Dniester and Prut Rivers) Merchant marine: total: 147 by type: bulk carrier 5, container ship 5, general cargo 97, oil tanker 7, other 33 (2021) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: National Army: Land Forces (Fortele Terestre ale Republicii Moldova, FTRM); Air Forces (Forţele Aeriene ale Republicii Moldova, FARM); Ministry of Internal Affairs: Carabinieri Troops (2022) note: the Carabinieri is a quasi-militarized gendarmerie responsible for protecting public buildings, maintaining public order, and other national security functions Military expenditures: 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $160 million) 0.4% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $130 million) 0.4% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $120 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 6,500 active troops (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; male registration required at age 16; 1-year service obligation (2021) note: as of 2019, women made up about 20% of the military's full-time personnel Military - note: Moldova 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Moldova-Romania: none identified Moldova-Ukraine: Ukraine and Moldova signed an agreement officially delimiting their border in 1999, but the border has not been demarcated due to Moldova's difficulties with the break-away region of Transnistria; Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria region, which remains under the auspices of an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe-mandated peacekeeping mission comprised of Moldovan, Transnistrian, Russian, and Ukrainian troopsMoldova-Romania: none identifiedMoldova-Ukraine: Ukraine and Moldova signed an agreement officially delimiting their border in 1999, but the border has not been demarcated due to Moldova's difficulties with the break-away region of Transnistria; Moldova and Ukraine operate joint customs posts to monitor the transit of people and commodities through Moldova's break-away Transnistria region, which remains under the auspices of an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe-mandated peacekeeping mission comprised of Moldovan, Transnistrian, Russian, and Ukrainian troops Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 89,302 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 3,372 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs from Southwest Asia via Central Asia to Russia, Western Europe, and possibly the US; widespread crime and underground economic activity

20220901

countries-argentina-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay left, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe.In 1816, the United Provinces of the Rio Plata declared their independence from Spain. After Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay left, the area that remained became Argentina. The country's population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from throughout Europe. Topic: Geography Area: total: 2,780,400 sq km land: 2,736,690 sq km water: 43,710 sq km Climate: mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest Natural resources: fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium, arable land Topic: People and Society Population: 46,245,668 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: European (mostly Spanish and Italian descent) and Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) 97.2%, Amerindian 2.4%, African descent 0.4% (2010 est.) Languages: Spanish (official), Italian, English, German, French, indigenous (Mapudungun, Quechua) Religions: Roman Catholic 62.9%, Evangelical 15.3% (Pentecostal 13%, other Evangelical 2.3%), Jehovah's Witness and Church of Jesus Christ 1.4%, other 1.2% (includes Muslim, Jewish), none 18.9% (includes agnostic and atheist), unspecified 0.3% (2019 est.) Population growth rate: 0.82% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Buenos Aires Executive branch: chief 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) Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of: Senate or Senado (72 seats; members directly elected on a provincial basis with 2 seats awarded to the party with the most votes and 1 seat to the party with the second highest number of votes; members serve 6-year terms with one-third of the membership renewed every 2 years) Chamber of Deputies or Cámara de Diputados (257 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote using the D'Hondt method; members serve 4-year terms with one-half of the membership renewed every 2 years) Topic: Economy Economic overview: large diversified economy; financial risks from debt obligations, rapid inflation, and reduced investor appetites; resource-rich, export-led growth model; increasing trade relations with China; G20 and OAS leader; tendency to nationalize businesses and under-report inflationlarge diversified economy; financial risks from debt obligations, rapid inflation, and reduced investor appetites; resource-rich, export-led growth model; increasing trade relations with China; G20 and OAS leader; tendency to nationalize businesses and under-report inflation Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $893.31 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $19,700 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: maize, soybeans, wheat, sugar cane, milk, barley, sunflower seed, beef, grapes, potatoes Industries: food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel Exports: $64.18 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: Brazil 16%, China 11%, United States 7%, Chile 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: soybean products, corn, delivery trucks, wheat, frozen meat, gold (2019) Imports: $52.14 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: Brazil 21%, China 18%, US 14%, Germany 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, refined petroleum, vehicle parts, natural gas, soybeans (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022

20220901

field-taxes-and-other-revenues

This entry records total taxes and other revenues received by the national government during the time period indicated, expressed as a percent of GDP. Taxes include personal and corporate income taxes, value added taxes, excise taxes, and tariffs. Other revenues include social contributions - such as payments for social security and hospital insurance - grants, and net revenues from public enterprises. Normalizing the data, by dividing total revenues by GDP, enables easy comparisons across countries, and provides an average rate at which all income (GDP) is paid to the national level government for the supply of public goods and services. Topic: Afghanistan11.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Albania27.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Algeria32.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: American Samoa37.8% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Andorra69% (of GDP) (2016) Topic: Angola29.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Anguilla46.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda19.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Argentina18.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Armenia22.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Aruba25.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Australia35.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Austria48.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan23.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bahrain16.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bangladesh9.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Barbados29.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Belarus40.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Belgium51.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Belize29.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Benin17.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bermuda16.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bhutan27.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bolivia39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina44% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Botswana30.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Brazil35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islands38.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Brunei18.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Bulgaria35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso21.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Burma13.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Burundi15.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde27.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cambodia17.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cameroon15.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Canada39.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cayman Islands38.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Central African Republic14.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Chad13.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Chile20.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: China21.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Colombia26.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Comoros25.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the11.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the22.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cook Islands29% (of GDP) (2010 est.) Topic: Costa Rica14.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire19.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Croatia46.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Cuba58.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Curacao16.6% (of GDP) (2012 est.) Topic: Cyprus39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Czechia40.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Denmark53% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Djibouti35.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Dominica40.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic14.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ecuador32% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Egypt17.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: El Salvador23.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea16.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Eritrea34.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Estonia39.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Eswatini28.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ethiopia13.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: European Union45.2% (of GDP) (2014) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)32.5% (of GDP) (FY09/10) Topic: Faroe Islands30.2% (of GDP) (2014 est.) Topic: Fiji29.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Finland53.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: France53.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: French Polynesia39.4% (of GDP) (2012) Topic: Gabon17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, The20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Georgia28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Germany45% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ghana20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Gibraltar23.3% (of GDP) (2008 est.) Topic: Greece48.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Greenland77.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Grenada25.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guam21.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Guatemala10.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guernsey20.6% (of GDP) (2005) Topic: Guinea16.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Guyana28.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Haiti18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)NA Topic: Honduras20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Hong Kong23.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Hungary44.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Iceland42.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: India9.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Indonesia13% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Iran17.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Iraq35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ireland26% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Isle of Man14.2% (of GDP) (FY05/06 est.) Topic: Israel26.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Italy46.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Jamaica29.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Japan35.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Jersey16.6% (of GDP) (2005) Topic: Jordan23.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan22.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kenya17.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kiribati76.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Korea, North11.4% (of GDP) (2007 est.) note: excludes earnings from state-operated enterprises Topic: Korea, South23.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kosovo29% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kuwait41.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstan28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Laos18.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Latvia37.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Lebanon21.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Lesotho39.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Liberia16.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Libya51.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Liechtenstein14.9% (of GDP) (2012 est.) Topic: Lithuania33.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Luxembourg44.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Macau29.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Madagascar15.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Malawi21.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Malaysia16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Maldives26.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Mali20% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Malta40.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Marshall Islands52.6% (of GDP) (2013 est.) Topic: Mauritania27.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritius22.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Mexico22.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of65.2% (of GDP) (FY12/13 est.) Topic: Moldova30.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Monaco14.9% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Topic: Mongolia26.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Montenegro37.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Morocco20.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Mozambique26.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Namibia32.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nauru90.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nepal23.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Netherlands43.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: New Caledonia20.4% (of GDP) (2015 est.) Topic: New Zealand36.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nicaragua28% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Niger21.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Nigeria3.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: North Macedonia29% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands31.4% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Norway54.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Oman31.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Pakistan15.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Palau66.1% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Panama20.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea18.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Paraguay14.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Peru27.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Philippines15.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Poland39.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Portugal42.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico8.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Qatar26.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Romania29.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Russia16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Rwanda21.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis31.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia23.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon26.8% (of GDP) (1996 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines28.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Samoa28.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: San Marino40.6% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe26.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia26.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Senegal19.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Serbia42.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Seychelles39.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone15.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Singapore15.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Slovakia39.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Slovenia43.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands41% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Somalia2.1% (of GDP) (2014 est.) Topic: South Africa26.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: South Sudan8.5% (of GDP) (FY2017/18 est.) Topic: Spain37.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka13.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Sudan18.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Suriname16.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: SvalbardNA Topic: Sweden50.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Switzerland35.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Syria4.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Taiwan16% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tajikistan31.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tanzania15.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Thailand15.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste10.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Togo21.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tonga39.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago24.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tunisia24.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Turkey20.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan14.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Tuvalu106.7% (of GDP) (2013 est.) note: revenue data include Official Development Assistance from Australia Topic: Uganda14.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Ukraine26.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates28.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: United Kingdom39.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: United States17% (of GDP) (2017 est.) note: excludes contributions for social security and other programs; if social contributions were added, taxes and other revenues would amount to approximately 22% of GDP Topic: Uruguay29.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan31.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Vanuatu27.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Venezuela44.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Vietnam24.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands28.9% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futuna16.7% (of GDP) (2015 est.) NA Topic: West Bank13.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: World26.7% (of GDP) (2016 est.) Topic: Yemen9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Zambia17.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe21.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.)

20220901

countries-taiwan-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: First inhabited by Austronesian people, Taiwan became home to Han immigrants beginning in the late Ming Dynasty (17th century). With the communist victory in the Chinese civil war in 1949, the Nationalist-controlled Republic of China government and 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and continued to claim to be the legitimate government for mainland China and Taiwan based on a 1947 Constitution.First inhabited by Austronesian people, Taiwan became home to Han immigrants beginning in the late Ming Dynasty (17th century). With the communist victory in the Chinese civil war in 1949, the Nationalist-controlled Republic of China government and 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and continued to claim to be the legitimate government for mainland China and Taiwan based on a 1947 Constitution. Topic: Geography Area: total: 35,980 sq km land: 32,260 sq km water: 3,720 sq km Climate: tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); persistent and extensive cloudiness all year Natural resources: small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, asbestos, arable land Topic: People and Society Population: 23,580,712 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Han 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% Languages: Mandarin (official), Taiwanese (Min Nan), Hakka dialects, approximately 16 indigenous languages Religions: Buddhist 35.3%, Taoist 33.2%, Christian 3.9%, folk religion (includes Confucian) approximately 10%, none or unspecified 18.2% (2005 est.) Population growth rate: 0.04% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Taipei Executive branch: chief 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) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Yuan (113 seats; 73 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 34 directly elected in a single island-wide constituency by proportional representation vote, and 6 directly elected in multi-seat aboriginal constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: high-income East Asian economy; most technologically advanced computer microchip manufacturing; increasing Chinese interference threatens market capabilities; minimum wages rising; longstanding regional socioeconomic inequalityhigh-income East Asian economy; most technologically advanced computer microchip manufacturing; increasing Chinese interference threatens market capabilities; minimum wages rising; longstanding regional socioeconomic inequality Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1,143,277,000,000 (2019 est.) Real GDP per capita: $24,502 (2018 est.) Agricultural products: rice, vegetables, pork, cabbages, poultry, sugar cane, milk, eggs, pineapples, tropical fruit Industries: electronics, communications and information technology products, petroleum refining, chemicals, textiles, iron and steel, machinery, cement, food processing, vehicles, consumer products, pharmaceuticals Exports: $388.49 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: China 26%, United States 14%, Hong Kong 12%, Japan 7%, Singapore 7%, South Korea 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: integrated circuits, office machinery/parts, computers, refined petroleum, liquid crystal displays (2019) Imports: $308.744 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: China 21%, Japan 16%, United States 11%, South Korea 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: integrated circuits, crude petroleum, photography equipment, natural gas, refined petroleum (2019) Exchange rates: New Taiwan dollars (TWD) per US dollar -Page last updated: Monday, Jul 25, 2022

20220901

field-merchant-marine

This entry provides the total and the number of each type of privately or publicly owned commercial ship for each country; military ships are not included; the five ships by type include: bulk carrier - for cargo such as coal, grain, cement, ores, and gravel; container ship - for loads in truck-size containers, a transportation system called containerization; general cargo - also referred to as break-bulk containers - for a wide variety of packaged merchandise, such as textiles, furniture and machinery; oil tanker - for crude oil and petroleum products; other - includes chemical carriers, dredgers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, refrigerated cargo ships called reefers, tugboats, passenger vessels (cruise and ferry), and offshore supply ships  Topic: Albaniatotal: 70 by type: general cargo 47, oil tanker 1, other 22 (2021) Topic: Algeriatotal: 114 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 2, general cargo 11, oil tanker 11, other 89 (2021) Topic: Angolatotal: 54 by type: general cargo 13, oil tanker 8, other 33 (2021) Topic: Anguillatotal: 2 by type: other 2 (2021) Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal: 677 by type: bulk carrier 24, container ship 123, general cargo 473, oil tanker 2, other 55 (2021) Topic: Argentinatotal: 202 by type: container ship 1,bulk carrier 1 general cargo 8, oil tanker 33, other 159 (2021) Topic: Arubatotal: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Topic: Australiatotal: 581 by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 76, oil tanker 7, other 496 (2021) Topic: Austriatotal: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Topic: Azerbaijantotal: 305 by type: general cargo 38, oil tanker 43, other 224 (2021) Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal: 1,323 by type: bulk carrier 333, container ship 45, general cargo 64, oil tanker 224, other 657 (2021) Topic: Bahraintotal: 205 by type: general cargo 12, oil tanker 4, other 189 (2021) Topic: Bangladeshtotal: 468 by type: bulk carrier 48, container ship 6, general cargo 140, oil tanker 144, other 130 (2021) Topic: Barbadostotal: 165 by type: bulk carrier 46, general cargo 103, other 16 (2021) Topic: Belarustotal: 4 by type: other 4 (2021) Topic: Belgiumtotal: 201 by type: bulk carrier 19, container ship 7, general cargo 16, oil tanker 21, other 138 (2021) Topic: Belizetotal: 813 by type: bulk carrier 54, container ship 1, general cargo 428, oil tanker 70, other 260 (2021) Topic: Benintotal: 6 by type: other 6 (2021) Topic: Bermudatotal: 147 by type: container ship 12, oil tanker 18, other 117 (2021) Topic: Boliviatotal: 45 by type: general cargo 29, oil tanker 2, other 14 (2021) Topic: Braziltotal: 864 by type: bulk carrier 11, container ship 19, general cargo 42, oil tanker 31, other 761 (2021) Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal: 30 by type: general cargo 3, other 27 (2021) Topic: Bruneitotal: 96 by type: general cargo 18, oil tanker 3, other 75 (2021) Topic: Bulgariatotal: 79 by type: bulk carrier 4, general cargo 14, oil tanker 8, other 53 (2021) Topic: Burmatotal: 95 by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 39, oil tanker 5, other 49 (2021) Topic: Cabo Verdetotal: 46 by type: general cargo 16, oil tanker 3, other 27 (2021) Topic: Cambodiatotal: 245 by type: container ship 2, general cargo 162, oil tanker 18, other 63 (2021) Topic: Cameroontotal: 94 by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 1,general cargo 35, oil tanker 24, other 31 (2021) Topic: Canadatotal: 679 by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 1, general cargo 66, oil tanker 15, other 575 (2021) Topic: Cayman Islandstotal: 160 by type: bulk carrier 32, container ship 1, general cargo 1, oil tanker 23, other 103 (2021) Topic: Chiletotal: 231 by type: bulk carrier 6, container ship 5, general cargo 58, oil tanker 14, other 148 (2021) Topic: Chinatotal: 6,662 by type: bulk carrier 1,558, container ship 341, general cargo 957, oil tanker 1,061, other 2,745 (2021) Topic: Colombiatotal: 122 by type: general cargo 23, oil tanker 7, other 92 (2021) Topic: Comorostotal: 236 by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 7, general cargo 112, oil tanker 31, other 78 (2021) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal: 22 by type: general cargo 4, oil tanker 2, other 16 (2021) Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal: 11 by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 9 (2021) Topic: Cook Islandstotal: 194 by type: bulk carrier 19, container ship 1, general cargo 57, oil tanker 54, other 63 (2021) Topic: Costa Ricatotal: 11 by type: other 11 (2021) Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal: 25 by type: oil tanker 2, other 23 (2021) Topic: Croatiatotal: 354 by type: bulk carrier 14, general cargo 32, oil tanker 16, other 292 (2021) Topic: Cubatotal: 59 by type: general cargo 12, oil tanker 7, other 40 (2021) Topic: Curacaototal: 63 by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 1, other 56 (2021) Topic: Cyprustotal: 1,051 by type: bulk carrier 269, container ship 182, general cargo 197, oil tanker 59, other 344 (2021) Topic: Denmarktotal: 717 by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 148, general cargo 68, oil tanker 105, other 388 (2021) Topic: Djiboutitotal: 33 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 8, other 21 (2021) Topic: Dominicatotal: 93 by type: general cargo 30, oil tanker 19, other 44 (2021) Topic: Dominican Republictotal: 38 by type: container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 1, other 34 (2021) Topic: Ecuadortotal: 145 by type: container ship 1, general cargo 7, oil tanker 27, other 110 (2021) Topic: Egypttotal: 421 by type: bulk carrier 14, container ship 8, general cargo 27, oil tanker 40, other 332 (2021) Topic: El Salvadortotal: 2 by type: other 2 (2021) Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal: 42 by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 8, oil tanker 6, other 27 (2021) Topic: Eritreatotal: 9 by type: general cargo 4, oil tanker 1, other 4 (2021) Topic: Estoniatotal: 68 by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 4, other 62 (2021) Topic: Ethiopiatotal: 11 by type: general cargo 9, oil tanker 2 (2020) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total: 2 by type: general cargo 1, other 1 (2021) Topic: Faroe Islandstotal: 101 by type: container ships 6, general cargo 48, oil tanker 1, other 46 (2021) Topic: Fijitotal: 73 by type: general cargo 20, oil tanker 4, other 49 (2021) Topic: Finlandtotal: 272 by type: bulk carrier 9, container ship 1, general cargo 74, oil tanker 4, other 184 (2021) Topic: Francetotal: 548 by type: container ship 29, general cargo 50, oil tanker 28, other 441 (2021) note: includes Monaco Topic: French Polynesiatotal: 24 by type: general cargo 14, other 10 (2021) Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landstotal: 2 by type: other 2 (2021) Topic: Gabontotal: 62 by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 17, oil tanker 17, other 27 (2021) Topic: Gambia, Thetotal: 8 by type: other 8 (2021) Topic: Georgiatotal: 25 by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 3, other 20 (2021) Topic: Germanytotal: 599 by type: container ship 77, general cargo 85, oil tanker 36, other 401 (2021) Topic: Ghanatotal: 51 by type: general cargo 7, oil tanker 3, other 41 (2021) Topic: Gibraltartotal: 202 by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 19, general cargo 55, oil tanker 20, other 100 (2021) Topic: Greecetotal: 1,236 by type: bulk carrier 158, container ship 5, general cargo 89, oil tanker 337, other 647 (2021) Topic: Greenlandtotal: 8 by type: other 8 (2021) Topic: Grenadatotal: 6 by type: general cargo 3, other 3 (2021) Topic: Guamtotal: 3 by type: other 3 (2021) Topic: Guatemalatotal: 9 by type: oil tanker 1, other 8 (2021) Topic: Guineatotal: 2 by type: other 2 (2021) Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal: 8 by type: general cargo 5, other 3 (2021) Topic: Guyanatotal: 56 by type: general cargo 26, oil tanker 7, other 23 (2021) Topic: Haititotal: 4 by type: general cargo 3, other 1 (2021) Topic: Hondurastotal: 505 by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 244, oil tanker 82, other 178 (2021) Topic: Hong Kongtotal: 2,718 by type: bulk carrier 1,158, container ship 558, general cargo 184, oil tanker 388, other 430 (2021) Topic: Hungarytotal: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Topic: Icelandtotal: 41 by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 34 (2021) Topic: Indiatotal: 1,801 by type: bulk carrier 63, container ship 22, general cargo 587, oil tanker 136, other 993 (2021) Topic: Indonesiatotal: 10,427 by type: bulk carrier 148, container ship 226, general cargo 2,238, oil tanker 676, other 7,139 (2021) Topic: Irantotal: 893 by type: bulk carrier 32, container ship 31, general cargo 371, oil tanker 84, other 375 (2021) Topic: Iraqtotal: 68 by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 6, other 61 (2021) Topic: Irelandtotal: 96 by type: bulk carrier 12, general cargo 36, oil tanker 1, other 47 (2021) Topic: Israeltotal: 41 by type: container ship 6, general cargo 2, oil tanker 4, other 29 (2021) Topic: Italytotal: 1,296 by type: bulk carrier 36, container ship 7, general cargo 111, oil tanker 103, other 1,039 (2021) Topic: Jamaicatotal: 43 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 5, general cargo 9, oil tanker 1, other 27 (2021) Topic: Japantotal: 5,201 by type: bulk carrier 148, container ship 45, general cargo 1,900, oil tanker 666, other 2,442 (2021) Topic: Jordantotal: 35 by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 1, other 28 (2021) Topic: Kazakhstantotal: 119 by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 7, other 109 (2021) Topic: Kenyatotal: 26 by type: oil tanker 3, other 23 (2021) Topic: Kiribatitotal: 88 by type: bulk carrier 3, general cargo 35, oil tanker 12, other 38 (2021) Topic: Korea, Northtotal: 264 by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 5, general cargo 189, oil tanker 33, other 29 (2021) Topic: Korea, Southtotal: 1,904 by type: bulk carrier 78, container ship 91, general cargo 360, oil tanker 184, other 1,191 (2021) Topic: Kuwaittotal: 165 by type: general cargo 15, oil tanker 28, other 122 (2021) Topic: Laostotal: 1 by type: general cargo 1 (2021) Topic: Latviatotal: 70 by type: general cargo 22, oil tanker 9, other 39 (2021) Topic: Lebanontotal: 48 by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 31, oil tanker 1, other 14 (2021) Topic: Liberiatotal: 3,942 by type: bulk carrier 1,487, container ship 878, general cargo 131, oil tanker 851, other 595 (2021) Topic: Libyatotal: 94 by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 12, other 80 (2021) Topic: Liechtensteintotal: 20 by type: bulk carrier 16, general cargo 1, other 3 (includes Switzerland) (2021) Topic: Lithuaniatotal: 64 by type: container ship 4, general cargo 24, oil tanker 2, other 34 (2021) Topic: Luxembourgtotal: 153 by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 1, general cargo 23, oil tanker 3, other 122 (2021) Topic: Macautotal: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Topic: Madagascartotal: 27 by type: general cargo 14, oil tanker 2, other 11 (2021) Topic: Malaysiatotal: 1,769 by type: bulk carrier 16, container ship 28, general cargo 174, oil tanker 153, other 1,398 (2021) Topic: Maldivestotal: 68 by type: general cargo 21, oil tanker 19, other 28 (2021) Topic: Maltatotal: 2,137 by type: bulk carrier 601, container ship 310, general cargo 218, oil tanker 412, other 596 (2021) Topic: Marshall Islandstotal: 3,817 by type: bulk carrier 1,733, container ship 248, general cargo 66, oil tanker 970, other 800 (2021) Topic: Mauritaniatotal: 5 by type: general cargo 2, other 3 (2021) Topic: Mauritiustotal: 29 by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 4, other 24 (2021) Topic: Mexicototal: 671 by type: container ship 1, bulk carrier 4, general cargo 11, oil tanker 31, other 624 (2021) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal: 38 by type: general cargo 19, oil tanker 4, other 15 (2021) Topic: Moldovatotal: 147 by type: bulk carrier 5, container ship 5, general cargo 97, oil tanker 7, other 33 (2021) Topic: Mongoliatotal: 302 by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 7, general cargo 131, oil tanker 64, other 96 (2021) Topic: Montenegrototal: 17 by type: bulk carrier 4, other 13 (2021) Topic: Moroccototal: 93 by type: container ship 6, general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 80 (2021) Topic: Mozambiquetotal: 30 by type: general cargo 9, other 21 (2021) Topic: Namibiatotal: 14 by type: general cargo 1, other 13 (2021) Topic: Naurutotal: 3 by type: oil tanker 1, other 2 (2021) Topic: Netherlandstotal: 1,199 by type: bulk carrier 10, container ship 40, general cargo 559, oil tanker 26, other 564 (2021) Topic: New Caledoniatotal: 24 by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 18 (2021) Topic: New Zealandtotal: 115 by type: container ship 1, general cargo 12, oil tanker 4, other 98 (2021) Topic: Nicaraguatotal: 5 by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 3 (2021) Topic: Nigertotal: 1 by type: general cargo 1 (2021) Topic: Nigeriatotal: 791 by type: general cargo 14, oil tanker 110, other 667 (2021) Topic: Niuetotal: 69 by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 2, general cargo 25, oil tanker 7, other 32 (2021) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal: 1 by type: other 1 (2019) Topic: Norwaytotal: 1,644 by type: bulk carrier 109, container ship 1, general cargo 242, oil tanker 96, other 1,196 (2021) Topic: Omantotal: 57 by type: general cargo 10, other 47 (2021) Topic: Pakistantotal: 57 by type: bulk carrier 5, oil tanker 7, other 45 (2021) Topic: Palautotal: 264 by type: bulk carrier 16, container ship 7, general cargo 107, oil tanker 40, other 94 (2021) Topic: Panamatotal: 7,980 by type: bulk carrier 2,697, container ship 643, general cargo 1,381, oil tanker 771, other 2,488 (2021) Topic: Papua New Guineatotal: 177 by type: container ship 6, general cargo 81, oil tanker 3, other 87 (2021) Topic: Paraguaytotal: 110 by type: container ship 3, general cargo 25, oil tanker 5, other 77 (2021) note: as of 2017, Paraguay registered 2,012 fluvial vessels of which 1,741 were commercial barges Topic: Perutotal: 98 by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 8, other 89 (2021) Topic: Philippinestotal: 1,805 by type: bulk carrier 62, container ship 44, general cargo 716, oil tanker 205, other 778 (2021) Topic: Polandtotal: 143 by type: general cargo 7, oil tanker 6, other 130 (2021) Topic: Portugaltotal: 726 by type: bulk carrier 86, container ship 267, general cargo 137, oil tanker 27, other 209 (2021) Topic: Qatartotal: 129 by type: bulk carrier 9, container ship 4, general cargo 4, oil tanker 5, other 107 (2021) Topic: Romaniatotal: 121 by type: general cargo 11, oil tanker 6, other 104 (2021) Topic: Russiatotal: 2,873 by type: bulk carrier 13, container ship 17, general cargo 946, oil tanker 406, other 1,491 (2021) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal: 244 by type: bulk carrier 6, container ship 7, general cargo 45, oil tanker 53, other 133 (2021) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal: 792 by type: bulk carrier 27, container ship 17, general cargo 155, oil tanker 16, other 577 (2021) Topic: Samoatotal: 12 by type: general cargo 3, oil tanker 3, other 6 (2021) Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal: 22 by type: general cargo 13, oil tanker 2, other 7 (2021) Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal: 392 by type: bulk carrier 5, container ship 1, general cargo 21, oil tanker 58, other 307 (2021) Topic: Senegaltotal: 35 by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 29 (2021) Topic: Seychellestotal: 27 by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 6, other 16 (2021) Topic: Sierra Leonetotal: 591 by type: bulk carrier 30, container ship 9, general cargo 319, oil tanker 108, other 125 (2021) Topic: Singaporetotal: 3,321 by type: bulk carrier 576, container ship 514, general cargo 113, oil tanker 699, other 1,419 (2021) Topic: Sloveniatotal: 9 by type: other 9 (2021) Topic: Solomon Islandstotal: 24 by type: general cargo 8, oil tanker 1, other 15 (2021) Topic: Somaliatotal: 4 by type: general cargo 1, other 3 (2021) Topic: South Africatotal: 105 by type: bulk carrier 2, general cargo 1, oil tanker 7, other 95 (2021) Topic: Spaintotal: 478 by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 36, oil tanker 24, other 417 (2021) Topic: Sri Lankatotal: 90 by type: bulk carrier 6, general cargo 13, oil tanker 11, other 60 (2021) Topic: Sudantotal: 15 by type: other 15 (2021) Topic: Surinametotal: 10 by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 3, other 2 (2021) Topic: Swedentotal: 370 by type: general cargo 49, oil tanker 22, other 299 (2021) Topic: Switzerlandtotal: 20 by type: bulk carrier 16, general cargo 1, other 3 (includes Liechtenstein) (2021) Topic: Syriatotal: 28 by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 11, other 16 (2021) Topic: Taiwantotal: 429 by type: bulk carrier 37, container ship 49, general cargo 57, oil tanker 33, other 253 (2021) Topic: Tanzaniatotal: 314 by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 6, general cargo 144, oil tanker 49, other 111 (2021) Topic: Thailandtotal: 839 by type: bulk carrier 26, container ship 27, general cargo 94, oil tanker 251, other 441 (2021) Topic: Timor-Lestetotal: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Topic: Togototal: 411 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 9, general cargo 265, oil tanker 56, other 80 (2021) Topic: Tongatotal: 32 by type: container ship 4, general cargo 13, oil tanker 1, other 14 (2021) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal: 105 by type: general cargo 1, other 104 (2021) Topic: Tunisiatotal: 71 by type: container ship 1, general cargo 8 oil tanker 1, other 61 (2021) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)total: 1,217 by type: bulk carrier 39, container ship 41, general cargo 317, oil tanker 126, other 694 (2021) Topic: Turkmenistantotal: 73 by type: general cargo 6, oil tanker 8, other 59 (2021) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal: 3 by type: general cargo 1, other 2 (2021) Topic: Tuvalutotal: 245 by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 3, general cargo 32, oil tanker 21, other 167 (2021) Topic: Ukrainetotal: 409 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 84, oil tanker 15, other 308 (2021) Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal: 623 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 3, general cargo 117, oil tanker 19, other 483 (2021) Topic: United Kingdomtotal: 1,249 by type: bulk carrier 140, container ship 59, general cargo 109, oil tanker 84, other 857 (2021) Topic: United Statestotal: 3,627 by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 60, general cargo 103, oil tanker 69, other 3,391 (2021) Topic: Uruguaytotal: 61 by type: container ship 1, general cargo 4, oil tanker 4, other 52 (2021) Topic: Vanuatutotal: 306 by type: bulk carrier 18, container ship 2, general cargo 55, oil tanker 2, other 229 (2021) Topic: Venezuelatotal: 281 by type: bulk carrier 4, container ship 1, general cargo 26, oil tanker 18, other 232 (2021) Topic: Vietnamtotal: 1,926 by type: bulk carrier 116, container ship 41, general cargo 1,193, oil tanker 125, other 451 (2021) Topic: Virgin Islandstotal: 1,868 by type: bulk carrier 91, container ship 39, general cargo 1,205, oil tanker 118, other 415 (2019) Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal: 1 by type: other 1 (2021) Topic: Worldtotal: 98,202 by type: bulk carrier 12,319, container ship 5,428, general cargo 18,993, oil tanker 11,243, other 50,219 (2021) Topic: Yementotal: 34 by type: general cargo 2, oil tanker 4, other 28 (2021) Topic: Zambiatotal: 2 by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1 (2021)

20220901

field-refined-petroleum-products-production-country-comparison

20220901

countries-norfolk-island

Topic: Photos of Norfolk Island Topic: Introduction Background: Polynesians lived on Norfolk Island between 1200 and 1500 but the remote island was uninhabited by the time British explorer James COOK landed on the island in 1774. Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, almost 200 Pitcairn Islanders - descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions - were relocated to Norfolk Island because of overcrowding on the Pitcairn Islands. Some returned to the Pitcairn Islands over the next few years but most settled permanently on Norfolk Island and recreated the land tenure and governance structures they previously had. Norfolk Island retained a great degree of local control until 1897, when it became a dependency of New South Wales. During World War II, Norfolk Island was an airbase and an important refueling stop in the South Pacific. In 1976, an Australian judge recommended Norfolk Island be incorporated fully into Australia, which Norfolk Islanders rejected. Following an appeal to the UN, Australia granted limited self-government to Norfolk Island in 1979. With growing financial troubles during the 2000s, Australia abolished the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly in 2015, reduced Norfolk Island’s autonomy in 2016, and suspended the local council in 2020. Most services are provided by a mix of the Australian Capital Territory and the states of New South Wales and Queensland. These moves were unpopular on Norfolk Island, which has sought to have its self-government restored.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia Geographic coordinates: 29 02 S, 167 57 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 36 sq km land: 36 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 32 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic island with mostly rolling plains Elevation: highest point: Mount Bates 319 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: fish Land use: agricultural land: 25% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 25% (2018 est.) forest: 11.5% (2018 est.) other: 63.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: population concentrated around the capital of Kingston Natural hazards: tropical cyclones (especially May to July) Geography - note: most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated Map description: Norfolk Island map shows a few population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean.Norfolk Island map shows a few population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,748 (2016 est.) Nationality: noun: Norfolk Islander(s) adjective: Norfolk Islander(s) Ethnic groups: Australian 22.8%, English 22.4%, Pitcairn Islander 20%, Scottish 6%, Irish 5.2% (2011 est.) note: respondents were able to identify up to two ancestries; percentages represent a proportion of all responses from people in Norfolk Island, including those who did not identify an ancestry; only top responses are shownAustralian 22.8%, English 22.4%, Pitcairn Islander 20%, Scottish 6%, Irish 5.2% Languages: English (official) 44.9%, Norfolk (also known as Norfuk or Norf'k, which is a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian) 40.3%, Fijian 1.8%, other 6.8%, unspecified 6.2% (2016 est.) note: data represent language spoken at home Religions: Protestant 46.8% (Anglican 29.2%, Uniting Church in Australia 9.8%, Presbyterian 2.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 2.7%, other 2.2%), Roman Catholic 12.6%, other Christian 2.9%, other 1.4%, none 26.7%, unspecified 9.5% (2016 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Population growth rate: 0.01% (2014 est.) Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Population distribution: population concentrated around the capital of Kingston Sex ratio: NA Infant mortality rate: total: NA male: NA female: NA Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Total fertility rate: NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: NA HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: inadequate solid waste management; most freshwater obtained through rainwater catchment; preservation of unique ecosystem Climate: subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation Land use: agricultural land: 25% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 25% (2018 est.) forest: 11.5% (2018 est.) other: 63.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island conventional short form: Norfolk Island etymology: named by British explorer Captain James COOK after Mary HOWARD, Duchess of Norfolk, in 1774 Government type: non-self-governing overseas territory of Australia; note - the Norfolk Island Regional Council, which began operations 1 July 2016, is responsible for planning and managing a variety of public services, including those funded by the Government of Australia Dependency status: self-governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities & Regional Development Capital: name: Kingston geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends first Sunday in April etymology: the name is a blending of the words "king's" and "town"; the British king at the time of the town's settlement in the late 18th century was George III Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) National holiday: Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856) Constitution: history: previous 1913, 1957; latest effective 7 August 1979 amendments: amended many times, last in 2020 Legal system: English common law and the laws of Australia Citizenship: see Australia Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia General David HURLEY (since 1 July 2019) head of government: Administrator Eric HUTCHINSON (since 1 April 2017) cabinet: Executive Council consists of 4 Legislative Assembly members elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia Legislative branch: description: unicameral Norfolk Island Regional Council (5 seats; councillors directly elected by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms); mayor elected annually by the councillors elections: elections last held 28 May 2016 (next rescheduled to be held in 2022) election results: seats by party - independent 5; composition - men 4, women 1, percent of women 20% note: following an administrative restructuring of local government, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved on 18 June 2015 and replaced by an interim Norfolk Island Advisory Council effective 1 July 2015; the Advisory Council consisted of 5 members appointed by the Norfolk Island administrator based on nominations from the community; following elections on 28 May 2016, the new Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC) commenced operations on 1 July 2016; on 20 December 2020 the NIRC was suspended for three months following a public audit and this suspension was extended on 3 February 2021 for an additional three months pending the outcome of a public inquiry; the council election previously scheduled for 13 March 2021 has been postponed 12 months Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Norfolk Island (consists of the chief justice and several justices); note - appeals beyond the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island are heard by the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor general of Australia from among justices of the Federal Court of Australia; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: Petty Court of Sessions; specialized courts, including a Coroner's Court and the Employment Tribunal Political parties and leaders: Norfolk Island Labor Party [Mike KELLY] Norfolk Liberals [John BROWN] International organization participation: UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (territory of Australia) Flag description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band; green stands for the rich vegetation on the island, and the pine tree - endemic to the island - is a symbol of Norfolk Island note: somewhat reminiscent of the flag of Canada with its use of only two colors and depiction of a prominent local floral symbol in the central white band; also resembles the green and white triband of Nigeria National symbol(s): Norfolk Island pine National anthem: name: "Come Ye Blessed" lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair" (which other Australian territories use); instead "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Norfolk Island is suffering from a severe economic downturn. Tourism, the primary economic activity, is the main driver of economic growth. The agricultural sector has become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): NANA Agricultural products: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry Industries: tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete Labor force: 978 (2006) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 6% industry: 14% services: 80% (2006 est.) Budget: revenues: 4.6 million (FY99/00) expenditures: 4.8 million (FY99/00) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Exports: NANA Exports - partners: Philippines 29%, Singapore 21%, India 14%, Belgium 7%, Australia 5%, Canada 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: soybean meal, Norfolk Island pine seeds, Kentia palm seeds, activated carbon, centrifuges, pesticides, postage stamps (2019) Imports: $NA$NA Imports - partners: New Zealand 23%, Australia 19%, Philippines 19%, Singapore 14%, Fiji 11% (2019) Imports - commodities: clothing and apparel, chemical analysis instruments, refined petroleum, cars, kitchen machinery (2019) Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.311 (2017 est.) 1.3291 (2016 est.) 1.3291 (2015) 1.3291 (2014 est.) 1.1094 (2013 est.) Topic: Communications Telecommunication systems: general assessment: adequate, 4G mobile telecommunication network (2020) domestic: free local calls international: country code - 672; submarine cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1 note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Broadcast media: 1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations available via satellite (2009) Internet country code: .nf Internet users: total: 612 (2016 est.) percent of population: 35% (2016 est.) Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 80 km (2008) paved: 53 km (2008) unpaved: 27 km (2008) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Kingston Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified

20220901

countries-croatia

Topic: Photos of Croatia Topic: Introduction Background: The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the strong hand of Marshal Josip Broz, aka TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Yugoslav forces, dominated by Serb officers, were mostly cleared from Croatian lands, along with a majority of Croatia's ethnic Serb population. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the strong hand of Marshal Josip Broz, aka TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Yugoslav forces, dominated by Serb officers, were mostly cleared from Croatian lands, along with a majority of Croatia's ethnic Serb population. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia Geographic coordinates: 45 10 N, 15 30 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 56,594 sq km land: 55,974 sq km water: 620 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 2,237 km border countries (5): Bosnia and Herzegovina 956 km; Hungary 348 km; Montenegro 19 km; Serbia 314 km; Slovenia 600 km Coastline: 5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km) Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast Terrain: geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands Elevation: highest point: Dinara 1,831 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 331 m Natural resources: oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower Land use: agricultural land: 23.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 16% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.2% (2018 est.) forest: 34.4% (2018 est.) other: 41.9% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 240 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Population distribution: more of the population lives in the northern half of the country, with approximately a quarter of the populace residing in and around the capital of Zagreb; many of the islands are sparsely populated Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes Geography - note: controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits; most Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast of Croatia - some 1,200 islands, islets, ridges, and rocks Map description: Croatia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Adriatic Sea.Croatia map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Adriatic Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 4,188,853 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s) adjective: Croatian note: the French designation of "Croate" to Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century eventually became "Cravate" and later came to be applied to the soldiers' scarves - the cravat; Croatia celebrates Cravat Day every 18 October Ethnic groups: Croat 90.4%, Serb 4.4%, other 4.4% (including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Romani), unspecified 0.8% (2011 est.) Languages: Croatian (official) 95.6%, Serbian 1.2%, other 3% (including Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and Albanian), unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): Knjiga svjetskih činjenica, nužan izvor osnovnih informacija. (Croatian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 86.3%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.5%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.5%, not religious or atheist 3.8% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.16% (male 308,668/female 289,996) 15-24 years: 10.76% (male 233,602/female 221,495) 25-54 years: 39.77% (male 841,930/female 839,601) 55-64 years: 14.24% (male 290,982/female 310,969) 65 years and over: 21.06% (2020 est.) (male 364,076/female 526,427) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.7 youth dependency ratio: 22.6 elderly dependency ratio: 33.1 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 43.9 years male: 42 years female: 45.9 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.47% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.65 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 12.88 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: more of the population lives in the northern half of the country, with approximately a quarter of the populace residing in and around the capital of Zagreb; many of the islands are sparsely populated Urbanization: urban population: 58.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 684,000 ZAGREB (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 29 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 8 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 8.74 deaths/1,000 live births male: 8.52 deaths/1,000 live births female: 8.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.22 years male: 74.1 years female: 80.53 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7% (2019) Physicians density: 3.47 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 5.5 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 98.4% of population total: 99% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 1.6% of population total: 1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,700 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 24.4% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 36.9% (2020 est.) male: 37.6% (2020 est.) female: 36.1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 3.9% of GDP (2017 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.3% male: 99.7% female: 98.9% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 14 years female: 16 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 21.1% male: 18.7% female: 25% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution improving but still a concern in urban settings and in emissions arriving from neighboring countries; surface water pollution in the Danube River Basin Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 17.03 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 17.49 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 3.98 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast Land use: agricultural land: 23.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 16% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.2% (2018 est.) forest: 34.4% (2018 est.) other: 41.9% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 58.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.26% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.654 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 269,933 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 16.3% (2015 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (shared with Germany [s], Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania [m]) - 2,888 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 455 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 184 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 76 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 105.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Croatia conventional short form: Croatia local long form: Republika Hrvatska local short form: Hrvatska former: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia etymology: name derives from the Croats, a Slavic tribe who migrated to the Balkans in the 7th century A.D. Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Zagreb geographic coordinates: 45 48 N, 16 00 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the name seems to be related to "digging"; archeologists suggest that the original settlement was established beyond a water-filled hole or "graba" and that the name derives from this; "za" in Slavic means "beyond"; the overall meaning may be "beyond the trench (fault, channel, ditch)" Administrative divisions: 20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city* (grad - singular) with special county status; Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska (Bjelovar-Bilogora), Brodsko-Posavska (Brod-Posavina), Dubrovacko-Neretvanska (Dubrovnik-Neretva), Istarska (Istria), Karlovacka (Karlovac), Koprivnicko-Krizevacka (Koprivnica-Krizevci), Krapinsko-Zagorska (Krapina-Zagorje), Licko-Senjska (Lika-Senj), Medimurska (Medimurje), Osjecko-Baranjska (Osijek-Baranja), Pozesko-Slavonska (Pozega-Slavonia), Primorsko-Goranska (Primorje-Gorski Kotar), Sibensko-Kninska (Sibenik-Knin), Sisacko-Moslavacka (Sisak-Moslavina), Splitsko-Dalmatinska (Split-Dalmatia), Varazdinska (Varazdin), Viroviticko-Podravska (Virovitica-Podravina), Vukovarsko-Srijemska (Vukovar-Syrmia), Zadarska (Zadar), Zagreb*, Zagrebacka (Zagreb county) Independence: 25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia); note - 25 June 1991 was the day the Croatian parliament voted for independence; following a three-month moratorium to allow the European Community to solve the Yugoslav crisis peacefully, parliament adopted a decision on 8 October 1991 to sever constitutional relations with Yugoslavia; notable earlier dates: ca. 925 (Kingdom of Croatia established); 1 December 1918 (Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia) established) National holiday: Statehood Day (National Day), 30 May (1990); note - marks the day in 1990 that the first modern multi-party Croatian parliament convened Constitution: history: several previous; latest adopted 22 December 1990 amendments: proposed by at least one fifth of the Assembly membership, by the president of the republic, by the Government of Croatia, or through petition by at least 10% of the total electorate; proceedings to amend require majority vote by the Assembly; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly; passage by petition requires a majority vote in a referendum and promulgation by the Assembly; amended several times, last in 2014 Legal system: civil law system influenced by legal heritage of Austria-Hungary; note - Croatian law was fully harmonized with the European Community acquis as of the June 2010 completion of EU accession negotiations International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Croatia dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Zoran MILANOVIC (since 18 February 2020) head of government: Prime Minister Andrej PLENKOVIC (since 19 October 2016); Deputy Prime Ministers Damir KRSTICEVIC (since 19 October 2016), Predrag STROMAR (since 9 June 2017), Marija Pejcinovic BURIC (since 19 June 2017), and Tomislav TOLUSIC (since 25 May 2018) cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and approved by the Assembly elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 December 2019 with a runoff on 5 January 2020 (next to be held in 2024); the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president and approved by the Assembly election results: 2019: Zoran MILANOVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Zoran MILANOVIC (SDP) 52.7%, Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC (HDZ) 47.3% 2015: Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Kolinda GRABAR-KITAROVIC (HDZ) 50.7%, Ivo JOSIPOVIC (Forward Croatia Progressive Alliance) 49.3% Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly or Hrvatski Sabor (151 seats; 140 members in 10 multi-seat constituencies and 3 members in a single constituency for Croatian diaspora directly elected by proportional representation vote using the D'Hondt method with a 5% threshold; an additional 8 members elected from a nationwide constituency by simple majority by voters belonging to minorities recognized by Croatia; the Serb minority elects 3 Assembly members, the Hungarian and Italian minorities elect 1 each, the Czech and Slovak minorities elect 1 jointly, and all other minorities elect 2; all members serve 4-year terms elections: early election held on 5 July 2020 (next to be held by 2024) election results: percent of vote by coalition/party - HDZ-led coalition 37.3%, Restart coalition 24.9%, DPMS-led coalition 10.9%, MOST 7.4%, Green-Left coalition 7%, P-F-SSIP 4%, HNS-LD 1.3%, NS-R 1%, other 6.2%; number of seats by coalition/party - HDZ-led coalition 66, Restart coalition 41, DPMS-led coalition 16, MOST 8, Green-Left coalition 7, P-F-SSIP 3, HNS-LD 1, NS-R 1, national minorities 8; composition as of January 2021 - men 103, women 48, percent of women 31.8% note: seats by party as of March 2021 - HDZ 62, SDP 33, DP 9, Most 6, Croatian Sovereignists 4, We Can! 4, IDS 3, SDSS 3, HSS 2, HSLS 2, BZH 1, Center 1, FOKUS 1, GLAS 1, HDS 1, HSU 1, NL 1, Reformists 1, SSIP 1, RF 1, independent 12 Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the court president and vice president, 25 civil department justices, and 16 criminal department justices) judge selection and term of office: president of Supreme Court nominated by the president of Croatia and elected by the Sabor for a 4-year term; other Supreme Court justices appointed by the National Judicial Council; all judges serve until age 70 subordinate courts: Administrative Court; county, municipal, and specialized courts; note - there is an 11-member Constitutional Court with jurisdiction limited to constitutional issues but is outside of the judicial system Political parties and leaders: Bloc for Croatia or BLOK or BZH [Zlatko HASANBEGOVIC] The Bridge or Most [Bozo PETROV] (formerly the Bridge of Independent Lists) Center or Centar [Ivica PULJAK] (formerly Pametno and Party with a First and Last Name or SSIP)  Civic Liberal Alliance or GLAS [Ankar Mrak TARITAS] Croatian Demochristian Party or HDS [Goran DODIG] Croatian Democratic Alliance of Slavonia and Baranja or HDSSB [Branimir GLAVAS] Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ [Andrej PLENKOVIC] Croatian Democratic Union-led coalition (includes HSLS, HDS, HDSSB) Croatian Party of Pensioners or HSU [Veselko GABRICEVIC] Croatian Peasant Party or HSS [Kreso BELJAK] Croatian People's Party - Liberal Democrats or HNS-LD [Stjepan CURAJ] Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Dario HREBAK] Croatian Sovereignists or HS [Marijan PAVLICEK] Focus on the Important or Focus [Davor NADI] Green-Left coalition [collective leadership] (includes MOZEMO!, NL) Homeland Movement or DP [Ivan PENAVA] (also known as Miroslav Škoro Homeland Movement or DPMS) Independent Democratic Serb Party or SDSS [Milorad PUPOVAC] Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Dalibor PAUS] New Left or NL [Ivana KEKIN] People's Party - Reformists or NS-R [Radimir CACIC] Restart Coalition (includes SDP, HSS, HSU, GLAS, IDS, NS-R) Social Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Peda GRBIN] We Can! or Mozemo! [collective leadership] Workers' Front or RF [collective leadership] International organization participation: Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CD, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EMU, EU, FAO, G-11, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (observer), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pjer SIMUNOVIC (since 8 September 2017) chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899 FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936; [1] (202) 588-8937 email address and website: washington@mvep.hr http://us.mvep.hr/en/ consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle (WA), Washington, DC consulate(s): Anchorage (AL), Houston, Kansas City (MO), New Orleans, Pittsburgh (PA) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Mark FLEMING (since May 2021) embassy: Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb mailing address: 5080 Zagreb Place, Washington DC  20521-5080 telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200 FAX: [385] (1) 661-8933 email address and website: ZagrebACS@state.gov https://hr.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue - the Pan-Slav colors - superimposed by the Croatian coat of arms; the coat of arms consists of one main shield (a checkerboard of 13 red and 12 silver (white) fields) surmounted by five smaller shields that form a crown over the main shield; the five small shields represent five historic regions (from left to right): Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia note: the Pan-Slav colors were inspired by the 19th-century flag of Russia National symbol(s): red-white checkerboard; national colors: red, white, blue National anthem: name: "Lijepa nasa domovino" (Our Beautiful Homeland) lyrics/music: Antun MIHANOVIC/Josip RUNJANIN note: adopted in 1972 while still part of Yugoslavia; "Lijepa nasa domovino," whose lyrics were written in 1835, served as an unofficial anthem beginning in 1891 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 10 (8 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Plitvice Lakes National Park (n); Historic Split (c); Old City of Dubrovnik (c); Euphrasian Basilica; Historic Trogir (c); Šibenik Cathedral (c); Stari Grad Plain (c); Zadar and Fort St. Nikola Venetian Defense Works (c); Primeval Beech Forests (n); Stećci Medieval Tombstones Graveyards (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Though still one of the wealthiest of the former Yugoslav republics, Croatia’s economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war. The country's output during that time collapsed, and Croatia missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6%, led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending. Inflation over the same period remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable.   Croatia experienced an abrupt slowdown in the economy in 2008; economic growth was stagnant or negative in each year between 2009 and 2014, but has picked up since the third quarter of 2014, ending 2017 with an average of 2.8% growth. Challenges remain including uneven regional development, a difficult investment climate, an inefficient judiciary, and loss of educated young professionals seeking higher salaries elsewhere in the EU. In 2016, Croatia revised its tax code to stimulate growth from domestic consumption and foreign investment. Income tax reduction began in 2017, and in 2018 various business costs were removed from income tax calculations. At the start of 2018, the government announced its economic reform plan, slated for implementation in 2019.   Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Croatian economy, comprising 19.6% of Croatia’s GDP. Croatia is working to become a regional energy hub, and is undertaking plans to open a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal by the end of 2019 or early in 2020 to import LNG for re-distribution in southeast Europe.   Croatia joined the EU on July 1, 2013, following a decade-long accession process. Croatia has developed a plan for Eurozone accession, and the government projects Croatia will adopt the Euro by 2024. In 2017, the Croatian government decreased public debt to 78% of GDP, from an all-time high of 84% in 2014, and realized a 0.8% budget surplus - the first surplus since independence in 1991. The government has also sought to accelerate privatization of non-strategic assets with mixed success. Croatia’s economic recovery is still somewhat fragile; Croatia’s largest private company narrowly avoided collapse in 2017, thanks to a capital infusion from an American investor. Restructuring is ongoing, and projected to finish by mid-July 2018.Though still one of the wealthiest of the former Yugoslav republics, Croatia’s economy suffered badly during the 1991-95 war. The country's output during that time collapsed, and Croatia missed the early waves of investment in Central and Eastern Europe that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall. Between 2000 and 2007, however, Croatia's economic fortunes began to improve with moderate but steady GDP growth between 4% and 6%, led by a rebound in tourism and credit-driven consumer spending. Inflation over the same period remained tame and the currency, the kuna, stable. Croatia experienced an abrupt slowdown in the economy in 2008; economic growth was stagnant or negative in each year between 2009 and 2014, but has picked up since the third quarter of 2014, ending 2017 with an average of 2.8% growth. Challenges remain including uneven regional development, a difficult investment climate, an inefficient judiciary, and loss of educated young professionals seeking higher salaries elsewhere in the EU. In 2016, Croatia revised its tax code to stimulate growth from domestic consumption and foreign investment. Income tax reduction began in 2017, and in 2018 various business costs were removed from income tax calculations. At the start of 2018, the government announced its economic reform plan, slated for implementation in 2019. Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Croatian economy, comprising 19.6% of Croatia’s GDP. Croatia is working to become a regional energy hub, and is undertaking plans to open a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal by the end of 2019 or early in 2020 to import LNG for re-distribution in southeast Europe. Croatia joined the EU on July 1, 2013, following a decade-long accession process. Croatia has developed a plan for Eurozone accession, and the government projects Croatia will adopt the Euro by 2024. In 2017, the Croatian government decreased public debt to 78% of GDP, from an all-time high of 84% in 2014, and realized a 0.8% budget surplus - the first surplus since independence in 1991. The government has also sought to accelerate privatization of non-strategic assets with mixed success. Croatia’s economic recovery is still somewhat fragile; Croatia’s largest private company narrowly avoided collapse in 2017, thanks to a capital infusion from an American investor. Restructuring is ongoing, and projected to finish by mid-July 2018. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $107.11 billion (2020 est.) $116.89 billion (2019 est.) $113.64 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.94% (2019 est.) 2.7% (2018 est.) 3.14% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $26,500 (2020 est.) $28,800 (2019 est.) $27,800 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $60.687 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.7% (2019 est.) 1.4% (2018 est.) 1.1% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB- (2019) Moody's rating: Ba1 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.7% (2017 est.) industry: 26.2% (2017 est.) services: 70.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 57.3% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.5% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 51.1% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -48.8% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: maize, wheat, sugar beet, milk, barley, soybeans, potatoes, pork, grapes, sunflower seed Industries: chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper, wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages, tourism Industrial production growth rate: 1.2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 1.656 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.9% industry: 27.3% services: 70.8% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.07% (2019 est.) 9.86% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 21.1% male: 18.7% female: 25% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 18.3% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 30.4 (2017 est.) 32.1 (2014 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7% highest 10%: 23% (2015 est.) Budget: revenues: 25.24 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 24.83 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 0.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 77.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 82.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 46.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $1.597 billion (2019 est.) $1 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $23.66 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.07 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $30.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Italy 13%, Germany 13%, Slovenia 10%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 9%, Austria 6%, Serbia 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cars, medical cultures/vaccines, lumber (2019) Imports: $27.59 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.39 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $31.32 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Italy 14%, Germany 14%, Slovenia 11%, Hungary 7%, Austria 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, cars, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, electricity (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $18.82 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $14.24 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $48.263 billion (2019 est.) $51.176 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: kuna (HRK) per US dollar - 6.2474 (2020 est.) 6.72075 (2019 est.) 6.48905 (2018 est.) 6.8583 (2014 est.) 5.7482 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 4.94 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 16,790,680,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 5.852 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 10.491 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.659 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 41% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 16.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 31.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 9.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 643,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 2,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 644,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 12,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 71,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 65,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 71 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 74,620 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 40,530 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 35,530 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 851.005 million cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 3,009,113,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 34.462 million cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 2,131,802,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 24.919 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 16.752 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.674 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 9.4 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 5.678 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 89.733 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,299,329 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4,375,699 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 107 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Croatia’s telecom market is dominated by the incumbent telco Hrvatski Telekom and the local units of United Group and Telekom Austria, there is effective competition from a number of smaller operators; the regulator has helped promote competition via measures encouraging network access, as well as regional licensing; this has been seen most recently with two 5G licenses having been reserved for regional rather than national operations; the mobile market is served by three MNOs, supplemented by a number of MVNOs; the network operators have focused on improving ARPU by encouraging prepaid subscribers to migrate to postpaid plans, and on developing revenue from mobile data services; 5G services are widely available, though the sector will only show its full potential later in 2021 following the award of licenses in several bands; this will contribute towards the government’s national broadband plan to 2027, which is tied to the EC’s two allied projects aimed at providing gigabit connectivity by the end of 2025; the broadband sector benefits from effective competition between the DSL and cable platforms, while there are also numerous fiber deployments in urban areas; the number of FttP subscribers broached 134,000 in March 2021. (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity has dropped somewhat to about 32 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions are about 107 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 385;  the ADRIA-1 submarine cable provides connectivity to Albania and Greece; digital international service is provided through the main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in the Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic project, which consists of 2 fiber-optic trunk connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk line from Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: the national state-owned public broadcaster, Croatian Radiotelevision, operates 4 terrestrial TV networks, a satellite channel that rebroadcasts programs for Croatians living abroad, and 6 regional TV centers; 2 private broadcasters operate national terrestrial networks; 29 privately owned regional TV stations; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; state-owned public broadcaster operates 4 national radio networks and 23 regional radio stations; 2 privately owned national radio networks and 117 local radio stations (2019) Internet country code: .hr Internet users: total: 3,157,190 (2020 est.) percent of population: 78% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,030,973 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 18 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,093,577 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 530,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9A Airports: total: 69 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 10 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 45 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 6 under 914 m: 38 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 2,410 km gas, 610 km oil (2011) Railways: total: 2,722 km (2014) standard gauge: 2,722 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (980 km electrified) Roadways: total: 26,958 km (2015) (includes 1,416 km of expressways) Waterways: 4,714 km (2022) Danube 2,859 km, Sava 562 km, Drava 505 km, Neretva 20 km, Bosut 151 km, Kupa 296 km, Mura 53 km, Korana 134 km, Lonja 134 km Merchant marine: total: 354 by type: bulk carrier 14, general cargo 32, oil tanker 16, other 292 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Ploce, Rijeka, Sibenik, Split oil terminal(s): Omisalj LNG terminal(s) (import): Krk Island river port(s): Vukovar (Danube) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia (Oruzane Snage Republike Hrvatske, OSRH): Ground Forces (Hrvatska Kopnena Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM; includes Coast Guard), Air Force and Air Defense Forces; Military Police Force supports each of the three Croatian military forces (2022) Military expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2020) 1.6% of GDP (2019) (approximately $1.62 billion) 1.6% of GDP (2018) (approximately $1.52 billion) 1.7% of GDP (2017) (approximately $1.5 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 15,000 active duty personnel (10,000 Army; 1,500 Navy; 1,500 Air force; 2,000 joint/other) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Croatian Armed Forces consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment, although in recent years, it has acquired a limited amount of more modern weapon systems from Western suppliers, including Finland, Germany, and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2008 (2021) note: as of 2019, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 130 Kosovo (KFOR/NATO) (2022) note: in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries have sent additional troops and equipment to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe Military - note: Croatia joined NATO in 2009 Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: dispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Croatia and Slovenia have each claimed sovereignty over Piranski Bay and four villages, and Slovenia has objected to Croatia's claim of an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea; in 2009, however Croatia and Slovenia signed a binding international arbitration agreement to define their disputed land and maritime borders, which led to Slovenia lifting its objections to Croatia joining the EU; Slovenia continues to impose a hard border Schengen regime with Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013 but has not yet fulfilled Schengen requirementsdispute remains with Bosnia and Herzegovina over several small sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinders ratification of the 1999 border agreement; since the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Croatia and Slovenia have each claimed sovereignty over Piranski Bay and four villages, and Slovenia has objected to Croatia's claim of an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea; in 2009, however Croatia and Slovenia signed a binding international arbitration agreement to define their disputed land and maritime borders, which led to Slovenia lifting its objections to Croatia joining the EU; Slovenia continues to impose a hard border Schengen regime with Croatia, which joined the EU in 2013 but has not yet fulfilled Schengen requirements Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 16,829 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 2,910 (mid-year 2021) note: 745,541 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-June 2022) Illicit drugs: drug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European markets  drug trafficking groups are major players in the procurement and transportation of of large quantities of cocaine  destined for  European markets 

20220901

countries-sri-lanka-travel-facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens RECONSIDER TRAVEL to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country. US Embassy/Consulate: [94] (11) 249-8500; US Embassy Colombo, 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; colomboacs@state.gov; https://lk.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 94 Local Emergency Phone: 1 691095, 699935 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October) Currency (Code): Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G Major Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English Major Religions: Buddhist 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3% Time Difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Sigiriya Rock Fort; Yala National Park; Galle Fort; Adam's Peak; Temple of the Tooth; Arugam Bay; Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; Gal Vihara Major Sports: Volleyball, cricket, rugby, athletics (track and field), soccer, netball, tennis Cultural Practices: Flowers are uncommon gifts in Sri Lanka because they are traditionally associated with mourning. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants; if a service charge is included, leave a few extra rupees. Tip bar staff 100 rupees as you leave. Conventionally, 50-100 rupees is a good tip for hotel staff, including porters, room cleaners, and room service personnel. Tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Wednesday, January 12, 2022

20220901

field-debt-external

This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in internationally accepted currencies, goods, or services. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Topic: Afghanistan$284 million (FY10/11) Topic: Albania$9.311 billion (2019 est.) $9.547 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Algeria$5.574 billion (2019 est.) $5.666 billion (2018 est.) Topic: American SamoaNANA Topic: Andorra$0 (2016) Topic: Angola$42.08 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $27.14 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Anguilla$41.04 million (31 December 2013) $8.8 million (1998) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda$441.2 million (31 December 2012) $458 million (June 2010) Topic: Argentina$278.524 billion (2019 est.) $261.949 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Armenia$11.637 billion (2019 est.) $10.785 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Aruba$693.2 million (31 December 2014 est.) $666.4 million (31 December 2013 est.) Topic: Australia$3,115,913,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,837,818,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Austria$688.434 billion (2019 est.) $686.196 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan$17.41 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $13.83 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The$17.56 billion (31 December 2013 est.) $16.35 billion (31 December 2012 est.) Topic: Bahrain$52.15 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $42.55 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Bangladesh$50.26 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $41.85 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Barbados$4.49 billion (2010 est.) $668 million (2003 est.) Topic: Belarus$39.847 billion (2019 est.) $39.297 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Belgium$1,317,513,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,332,358,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Belize$1.315 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.338 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Benin$2.804 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.476 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Bermuda$2.515 billion (2017 est.) $2.435 billion (2015 est.) Topic: Bhutan$2.671 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.355 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Bolivia$12.81 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $7.268 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina$10.87 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $10.64 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Botswana$2.187 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.421 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Brazil$681.336 billion (2019 est.) $660.693 billion (2018 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islands$36.1 million (1997) Topic: Brunei$0 (2014) $0 (2013) note: public external debt only; private external debt unavailable Topic: Bulgaria$39.059 billion (2019 est.) $41.139 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso$3.056 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.88 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Burma$6.594 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $8.2 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Burundi$610.9 million (31 December 2017 est.) $622.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde$1.713 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.688 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Cambodia$11.87 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $10.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Cameroon$9.375 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $7.364 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Canada$2,124,887,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,949,796,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Central African Republic$779.9 million (31 December 2017 est.) $691.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Chad$1.724 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.281 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Chile$193.298 billion (2019 est.) $181.089 billion (2018 est.) Topic: China$2,027,950,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,935,206,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Colombia$135.644 billion (2019 est.) $128.238 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Comoros$199.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $132 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the$4.963 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $5.35 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the$4.605 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $4.721 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Cook Islands$141 million (1996 est.) Topic: Costa Rica$29.589 billion (2019 est.) $28.553 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire$13.07 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $11.02 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Croatia$48.263 billion (2019 est.) $51.176 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Cuba$30.06 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $29.89 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Cyprus$213.19 billion (2019 est.) $231.885 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Czechia$191.871 billion (2019 est.) $200.197 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Denmark$504.808 billion (2019 est.) $517.972 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Djibouti$1.954 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.519 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Dominica$280.4 million (31 December 2017 est.) $314.2 million (31 December 2015 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic$23.094 billion (2019 est.) $21.198 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Ecuador$50.667 billion (2019 est.) $43.224 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Egypt$109.238 billion (2019 est.) $92.638 billion (2018 est.) Topic: El Salvador$17.24 billion (2019 est.) $16.712 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea$1.211 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.074 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Eritrea$792.7 million (31 December 2017 est.) $875.6 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Estonia$23.944 billion (2019 est.) $23.607 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Eswatini$535 million (2019 est.) $456 million (2018 est.) Topic: Ethiopia$27.27 billion (2019 est.) $26.269 billion (2018 est.) Topic: European Union$29.27 trillion (31 December 2016 est.) $28.68 trillion (31 December 2015 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)$0 (2017 est.) $0 (2016 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands$387.6 million (2012) $274.5 million (2010) Topic: Fiji$1.022 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $696.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Finland$631.549 billion (2019 est.) $536.301 billion (2018 est.) Topic: France$6,356,459,000,000 (2019 est.) $6,058,438,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: French PolynesiaNANA Topic: Gabon$6.49 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $5.321 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Gambia, The$586.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $571.2 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Gaza Stripsee entry for the West Banksee entry for the West Bank Topic: Georgia$18.149 billion (2019 est.) $17.608 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Germany$5,671,463,000,000 (2019 est.) $5,751,408,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Ghana$20.467 billion (2019 est.) $17.885 billion (2018 est.) Topic: GibraltarNANA Topic: Greece$484.888 billion (2019 est.) $478.646 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Greenland$36.4 million (2010) $58 million (2009) Topic: Grenada$793.5 million (2017 est.) $682.3 million (2016 est.) Topic: GuamNANA Topic: Guatemala$22.92 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $21.45 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: GuernseyNANA Topic: Guinea$1.458 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.462 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau$1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $941.5 million (31 December 2000 est.) Topic: Guyana$1.69 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.542 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Haiti$2.762 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.17 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Honduras$9.137 billion (2019 est.) $8.722 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Hong Kong$1,648,409,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,670,919,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Hungary$123.256 billion (2019 est.) $125.29 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Iceland$19.422 billion (2019 est.) $22.055 billion (2018 est.) Topic: India$555.388 billion (2019 est.) $518.34 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Indonesia$393.252 billion (2019 est.) $360.945 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Iran$7.995 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $8.196 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Iraq$73.02 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $64.16 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Ireland$2,829,303,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,758,949,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Isle of ManNANA Topic: Israel$132.5 billion (31 December 2020 est.) $99.886 billion (2019 est.) $94.247 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Italy$2,463,208,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,533,153,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Jamaica$13.876 billion (2019 est.) $13.912 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Japan$4,254,271,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,944,898,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: JerseyNANA Topic: Jordan$32.088 billion (2019 est.) $29.916 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan$159.351 billion (2019 est.) $163.73 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kenya$29.289 billion (2019 est.) $25.706 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kiribati$40.9 million (2016 est.) $32.3 million (2015 est.) Topic: Korea, North$5 billion (2013 est.) Topic: Korea, South$457.745 billion (2019 est.) $435.98 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kosovo$2.388 billion (2019 est.) $2.409 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kuwait$47.24 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $38.34 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstan$8.372 billion (2019 est.) $8.066 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Laos$14.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $12.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Latvia$40.164 billion (2019 est.) $42.488 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Lebanon$33.077 billion (2019 est.) $33.655 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Lesotho$868 million (2019 est.) $834 million (2018 est.) Topic: Liberia$826 million (2019 est.) $679 million (2018 est.) Topic: Libya$3.02 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.116 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Liechtenstein$0 (2015 est.) note: public external debt only; private external debt unavailable Topic: Lithuania$37.859 billion (2019 est.) $41.999 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Luxembourg$4,266,792,000,000 (2019 est.) $4,581,617,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Macau$0 (31 December 2013) $0 (31 December 2012) Topic: Madagascar$3.085 billion (2019 est.) $4.107 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Malawi$2.102 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.5 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Malaysia$224.596 billion (2019 est.) $226.901 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Maldives$848.8 million (31 December 2016 est.) $696.2 million (31 December 2015 est.) Topic: Mali$4.192 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.981 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Malta$98.179 billion (2019 est.) $104.467 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Marshall Islands$97.96 million (2013 est.) $87 million (2008 est.) Topic: Mauritania$4.15 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.899 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Mauritius$226.799 billion (2019 est.) $232.17 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Mexico$456.713 billion (2019 est.) $448.268 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of$93.6 million (2013 est.) $93.5 million (2012 est.) Topic: Moldova$7.232 billion (2019 est.) $7.16 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Monaco NA NA Topic: Mongolia$29.945 billion (2019 est.) $28.046 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Montenegro$2.516 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.224 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Montserrat$8.9 million (1997) Topic: Morocco$52.957 billion (2019 est.) $51.851 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Mozambique$10.91 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $10.48 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Namibia$7.969 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $6.904 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Nauru$33.3 million (2004 est.) Topic: Nepal$5.849 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $4.321 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Netherlands$4,345,413,000,000 (2019 est.) $4,625,016,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: New Caledonia$112 million (31 December 2013 est.) $79 million (31 December 1998 est.) Topic: New Zealand$190.621 billion (2019 est.) $192.327 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Nicaragua$11.674 billion (2019 est.) $11.771 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Niger$3.728 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.926 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Nigeria$26.847 billion (2019 est.) $22.755 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Niue$418,000 (2002 est.) Topic: Norfolk IslandNANA Topic: North Macedonia$9.065 billion (2019 est.) $9.398 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsNANA Topic: Norway$651.04 billion (2019 est.) $648.878 billion (2018 est.) note: Norway is a net external creditor Topic: Oman$46.27 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $27.05 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Pakistan$107.527 billion (2019 est.) $95.671 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Palau$18.38 billion (31 December 2014 est.) $16.47 billion (31 December 2013 est.) Topic: Panama$101.393 billion (2019 est.) $94.898 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea$17.94 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $18.28 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Paraguay$16.622 billion (2019 est.) $16.238 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Peru$81.333 billion (2019 est.) $75.467 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Philippines$81.995 billion (2019 est.) $75.192 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Poland$351.77 billion (2019 est.) $373.721 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Portugal$462.431 billion (2019 est.) $483.206 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico$56.82 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $52.98 billion (31 December 2009 est.) Topic: Qatar$167.8 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $157.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Romania$117.829 billion (2019 est.) $115.803 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Russia$479.844 billion (2019 est.) $484.355 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Rwanda$3.258 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.611 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaNANA Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis$201.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $187.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia$570.6 million (31 December 2017 est.) $529 million (31 December 2015 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonNANA Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines$362.2 million (31 December 2017 est.) $330.8 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Samoa$447.2 million (31 December 2013 est.) Topic: San MarinoNANA Topic: Sao Tome and Principe$292.9 million (31 December 2017 est.) $308.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia$205.1 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $189.3 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Senegal$8.571 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $6.327 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Serbia$30.927 billion (2019 est.) $30.618 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Seychelles$4.802 billion (2019 est.) $4.613 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone$1.615 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.503 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Singapore$1,557,646,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,528,177,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Slovakia$115.853 billion (2019 est.) $114.224 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Slovenia$48.656 billion (2019 est.) $50.004 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands$757 million (31 December 2017 est.) $643 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Somalia$5.3 billion (31 December 2014 est.) Topic: South Africa$179.871 billion (2019 est.) $173.714 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Spain$2,338,853,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,366,534,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka$55.332 billion (2019 est.) $52.567 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Sudan$56.05 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $51.26 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Suriname$1.7 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.436 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Sweden$911.317 billion (2019 est.) $1,012,171,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Switzerland$1,909,446,000,000 (2019 est.) $1,930,819,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Syria$4.989 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $5.085 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Taiwan$189.684 billion (2019 est.) $196.276 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Tajikistan$6.47 billion (2019 est.) $5.849 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Tanzania$22.054 billion (2019 est.) $20.569 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Thailand$167.89 billion (2019 est.) $158.964 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste$311.5 million (31 December 2014 est.) $687 million (31 December 2013 est.) Topic: Togo$1.442 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.22 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Tonga$189.9 million (31 December 2017 est.) $198.2 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago$8.238 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $8.746 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Tunisia$35.911 billion (2019 est.) $33.79 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)$438.677 billion (2019 est.) $454.251 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan$539.4 million (31 December 2017 est.) $425.3 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsNANA Topic: TuvaluNANA Topic: Uganda$13.85 billion (2019 est.) $12.187 billion (2018 est.) $6.241 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Ukraine$117.41 billion (2019 est.) $114.449 billion (2018 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates$237.6 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $218.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: United Kingdom$8,721,590,000,000 (2019 est.) $8,696,559,000,000 (2018 est.) Topic: United States$20,275,951,000,000 (2019 est.) $19,452,478,000,000 (2018 est.) note: approximately 4/5ths of US external debt is denominated in US dollars; foreign lenders have been willing to hold US dollar denominated debt instruments because they view the dollar as the world's reserve currency Topic: Uruguay$43.705 billion (2019 est.) $42.861 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan$16.9 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $16.76 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Vanuatu$200.5 million (31 December 2017 est.) $182.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Venezuela$100.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $109.8 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Vietnam$96.58 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $84.34 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Virgin IslandsNANA Topic: Wallis and Futuna$3.67 million (2004) Topic: West Bank$1.662 billion (31 March 2016 est.) $1.467 billion (31 March 2015 est.) note: data include the Gaza Strip Topic: World$76.56 trillion (31 December 2017 est.) $75.09 trillion (31 December 2016 est.) note: this figure is the sum total of all countries' external debt, both public and private Topic: Yemen$6.805 billion (2018 est.) $7.181 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Zambia$11.66 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $9.562 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe$9.357 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $10.14 billion (31 December 2016 est.)

20220901

countries-saudi-arabia-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and held about 16% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2015.Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and held about 16% of the world's proven oil reserves as of 2015. Topic: Geography Area: total: 2,149,690 sq km land: 2,149,690 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper Topic: People and Society Population: 35,354,380 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% Languages: Arabic (official) Religions: Muslim (official; citizens are 85-90% Sunni and 10-12% Shia), other (includes Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh) (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.63% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: absolute monarchy Capital: name: Riyadh Executive branch: chief of state: King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government head of government: King and Prime Minister SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 23 January 2015); Crown Prince MUHAMMAD BIN SALMAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (born 31 August 1985) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 seats plus a speaker; members appointed by the monarch to serve 4-year terms); note - in early 2013, the monarch granted women 30 seats on the Council Topic: Economy Economic overview: high-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC leader; diversifying portfolio; declining per-capita incomes; young labor force; key human capital gaps; heavy bureaucracy and increasing corruption; substantial poverty; low innovation economyhigh-income, oil-based Middle Eastern economy; OPEC leader; diversifying portfolio; declining per-capita incomes; young labor force; key human capital gaps; heavy bureaucracy and increasing corruption; substantial poverty; low innovation economy Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1,543,240,000,000 (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $44,300 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: milk, dates, poultry, fruit, watermelons, barley, wheat, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes Industries: crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction Exports: $184.11 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: China 20%, India 11%, Japan 11%, South Korea 9%, United States 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, polymers, industrial alcohols, natural gas (2019) Imports: $179.8 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: China 18%, United Arab Emirates 12%, United States 9%, Germany 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars, broadcasting equipment, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, telephones (2019)Page last updated: Monday, May 23, 2022

20220901

countries-latvia

Topic: Photos of Latvia Topic: Introduction Background: Several eastern Baltic tribes merged in medieval times to form the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.). The region subsequently came under the control of Germans, Poles, Swedes, and finally, Russians. A Latvian republic emerged following World War I, but it was annexed by the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US and many other countries. Latvia reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 25% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004; it joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. A dual citizenship law was adopted in 2013, easing naturalization for non-citizen children.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania Geographic coordinates: 57 00 N, 25 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 64,589 sq km land: 62,249 sq km water: 2,340 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 1,370 km border countries (4): Belarus 161 km; Estonia 333 km; Lithuania 544 km; Russia 332 km Coastline: 498 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: limits as agreed to by Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters Terrain: low plain Elevation: highest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 87 m Natural resources: peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, timber, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 29.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 18.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.5% (2018 est.) forest: 54.1% (2018 est.) other: 16.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 12 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 Population distribution: largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country Natural hazards: large percentage of agricultural fields can become waterlogged and require drainage Geography - note: most of the country is composed of fertile low-lying plains with some hills in the east Map description: Latvia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea.Latvia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Baltic Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,842,226 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Latvian(s) adjective: Latvian Ethnic groups: Latvian 62.7%, Russian 24.5%, Belarusian 3.1%, Ukrainian 2.2%, Polish 2%, Lithuanian 1.1%, other 1.8%, unspecified 2.6% (2021 est.) Languages: Latvian (official) 56.3%, Russian 33.8%, other 0.6% (includes Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian), unspecified 9.4%; note - data represent language usually spoken at home (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): World Factbook, neaizstājams avots pamata informāciju. (Latvian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Lutheran 36.2%, Roman Catholic 19.5%, Orthodox 19.1%, other Christian 1.6%, other 0.1%, unspecified/none 23.5% (2017 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 15.32% (male 148,120/female 140,028) 15-24 years: 9% (male 87,372/female 81,965) 25-54 years: 40.41% (male 380,817/female 379,359) 55-64 years: 14.77% (male 125,401/female 152,548) 65 years and over: 20.5% (2020 est.) (male 128,151/female 257,471) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 59 youth dependency ratio: 26.1 elderly dependency ratio: 32.9 potential support ratio: 3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 44.4 years male: 40.5 years female: 48 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -1.11% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.73 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 14.65 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -5.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: largest concentration of people is found in and around the port and capital city of Riga; small agglomerations are scattered throughout the country Urbanization: urban population: 68.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 625,000 RIGA (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 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: 0.84 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: 27.3 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 19 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.85 deaths/1,000 live births male: 5.27 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.91 years male: 71.47 years female: 80.56 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.54 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 98.6% of population total: 99.5% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 1.4% of population total: 0.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 6.6% (2019) Physicians density: 3.4 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 5.5 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 98.9% of population rural: 85.3% of population total: 94.6% of population unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population rural: 14.7% of population total: 5.4% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2019 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 5,600 (2019 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2019 est.) <100 Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) vectorborne diseases: tickborne encephalitis Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 23.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 37% (2020 est.) male: 50.3% (2020 est.) female: 23.7% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 4.2% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.9% male: 99.9% female: 99.9% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years male: 16 years female: 17 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.9% male: 14.4% female: 15.5% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: while land, water, and air pollution are evident, Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; improvements have occurred in drinking water quality, sewage treatment, household and hazardous waste management, as well as reduction of air pollution; concerns include nature protection and the management of water resources and the protection of the Baltic Sea Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, 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, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 12.72 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 7 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.85 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters Land use: agricultural land: 29.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 18.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.5% (2018 est.) forest: 54.1% (2018 est.) other: 16.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 68.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.68% 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: 857,000 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 181,941 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21.2% (2015 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 94.4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 25.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 61.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 34.94 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Latvia conventional short form: Latvia local long form: Latvijas Republika local short form: Latvija former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (while occupied by the USSR) etymology: the name "Latvia" originates from the ancient Latgalians, one of four eastern Baltic tribes that formed the ethnic core of the Latvian people (ca. 8th-12th centuries A.D.) Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Riga geographic coordinates: 56 57 N, 24 06 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: of the several theories explaining the name's origin, the one relating to the city's role in Baltic and North Sea commerce is the most probable; the name is likely related to the Latvian word "rija," meaning "warehouse," where the 'j' became a 'g' under the heavy German influence in the city from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century Administrative divisions: 36 municipalities (novadi, singular - novads) and 7 state cities (valstpilsetu pasvaldibas, singular valstspilsetas pasvaldiba) municipalities: Adazi, Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Augsdaugava, Balvi, Bauska, Cesis, Dienvidkurzeme, Dobele, Gulbene, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kekava, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Livani, Ludza, Madona, Marupe, Ogre, Olaine, Preili, Rezekne, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saldus, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi, Tukums, Valka, Valmiera, Varaklani, Ventspils cities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils36 municipalities (novadi, singular - novads) and 7 state cities (valstpilsetu pasvaldibas, singular valstspilsetas pasvaldiba)municipalities: Adazi, Aizkraukle, Aluksne, Augsdaugava, Balvi, Bauska, Cesis, Dienvidkurzeme, Dobele, Gulbene, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kekava, Kraslava, Kuldiga, Limbazi, Livani, Ludza, Madona, Marupe, Ogre, Olaine, Preili, Rezekne, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saldus, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Talsi, Tukums, Valka, Valmiera, Varaklani, Ventspilscities: Daugavpils, Jelgava, Jurmala, Liepaja, Rezekne, Riga, Ventspils Independence: 18 November 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 4 May 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day (Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day), 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 was the date Latvia established its statehood and its concomitant independence from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 was the date it declared the restoration of Latvian statehood and its concomitant independence from the Soviet Union Constitution: history: several previous (pre-1991 independence); note - following the restoration of independence in 1991, parts of the 1922 constitution were reintroduced 4 May 1990 and fully reintroduced 6 July 1993 amendments: proposed by two thirds of Parliament members or by petition of one tenth of qualified voters submitted through the president; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Parliament in each of three readings; amendment of constitutional articles, including national sovereignty, language, the parliamentary electoral system, and constitutional amendment procedures, requires passage in a referendum by majority vote of at least one half of the electorate; amended several times, last in 2019 Legal system: civil law system with traces of socialist legal traditions and practices International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Latvia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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: 2019: Egils LEVITS elected president; Parliament vote - Egils LEVITS 61 votes, Didzis SMITS 24, Juris JANSONS 8; Krisjanis KARINS confirmed prime minister 61-39 2015: Raimonds VEJONIS elected president, 55 votes, Egils LEVITS 42 votes Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 6 October 2018 (next to be held in October 2022) election results: percent of vote by party - S 19.8%, KPV LV 14.3%, JKP 13.6%, AP! 12%, NA 11%, ZZS 9.9%, JV 6.7%, other 12.7%; seats by party - S 23, KPV LV 16, JKP 16, AP! 13, NA 13, ZZS 11, JV 8; composition as of April 2022 - men 73, women 27, percent of women 27% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the Senate with 36 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 7 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by chief justice and confirmed by the Saeima; judges serve until age 70, but term can be extended 2 years; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by Saeima members, 2 by Cabinet ministers, and 2 by plenum of Supreme Court; all judges confirmed by Saeima majority vote; Constitutional Court president and vice president serve in their positions for 3 years; all judges serve 10-year terms; mandatory retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: district (city) and regional courts Political parties and leaders: Development/For! or AP! [Daniels PAVLUTS, Juris PUCE] For a Humane Latvia previously known as Who Owns the State? or PCL [Jurgis MIEZAINIS] National Alliance "All For Latvia!"-"For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK" or NA [Raivis DZINTARS] New Conservative Conservative Party or K [Janis BORDANS] New Unity or JV [Arvils ASERADENS] Social Democratic Party "Harmony" or S [Janis URBANOVICS] Union of Greens and Farmers or ZZS [Armands KRAUZE] International organization participation: Australia Group, BA, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maris SELGA (since 16 September 2019) chancery: 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 328-2840 FAX: [1] (202) 328-2860 email address and website: embassy.usa@mfa.gov.lv https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/en/usa Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John Leslie CARWILE (since 5 November 2019) embassy: 1 Samnera Velsa Street (former Remtes), Riga LV-1510 mailing address: 4520 Riga Place, Washington DC  20521-4520 telephone: [371] 6710-7000 FAX: [371] 6710-7050 email address and website: askconsular-riga@state.gov https://lv.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon; the flag is one of the older banners in the world; a medieval chronicle mentions a red standard with a white stripe being used by Latvian tribes in about 1280 National symbol(s): white wagtail (bird); national colors: maroon, white National anthem: name: "Dievs, sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia) lyrics/music: Karlis BAUMANIS note: adopted 1920, restored 1990; first performed in 1873 while Latvia was a part of Russia; banned during the Soviet occupation from 1940 to 1990 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center of Riga; Struve Geodetic Arc Topic: Economy Economic overview: Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing more than half of GDP. Due to its geographical location, transit services are highly-developed, along with timber and wood-processing, agriculture and food products, and manufacturing of machinery and electronics industries. Corruption continues to be an impediment to attracting foreign direct investment and Latvia's low birth rate and decreasing population are major challenges to its long-term economic vitality.   Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07, but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the slowing world economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP plunged by more than 14% in 2009 and, despite strong growth since 2011, the economy took until 2017 return to pre-crisis levels in real terms. Strong investment and consumption, the latter stoked by rising wages, helped the economy grow by more than 4% in 2017, while inflation rose to 3%. Continued gains in competitiveness and investment will be key to maintaining economic growth, especially in light of unfavorable demographic trends, including the emigration of skilled workers, and one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU.   In the wake of the 2008-09 crisis, the IMF, EU, and other international donors provided substantial financial assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro in exchange for the government's commitment to stringent austerity measures. The IMF/EU program successfully concluded in December 2011, although, the austerity measures imposed large social costs. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises, including 80% ownership of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia also joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016.Latvia is a small, open economy with exports contributing more than half of GDP. Due to its geographical location, transit services are highly-developed, along with timber and wood-processing, agriculture and food products, and manufacturing of machinery and electronics industries. Corruption continues to be an impediment to attracting foreign direct investment and Latvia's low birth rate and decreasing population are major challenges to its long-term economic vitality. Latvia's economy experienced GDP growth of more than 10% per year during 2006-07, but entered a severe recession in 2008 as a result of an unsustainable current account deficit and large debt exposure amid the slowing world economy. Triggered by the collapse of the second largest bank, GDP plunged by more than 14% in 2009 and, despite strong growth since 2011, the economy took until 2017 return to pre-crisis levels in real terms. Strong investment and consumption, the latter stoked by rising wages, helped the economy grow by more than 4% in 2017, while inflation rose to 3%. Continued gains in competitiveness and investment will be key to maintaining economic growth, especially in light of unfavorable demographic trends, including the emigration of skilled workers, and one of the highest levels of income inequality in the EU. In the wake of the 2008-09 crisis, the IMF, EU, and other international donors provided substantial financial assistance to Latvia as part of an agreement to defend the currency's peg to the euro in exchange for the government's commitment to stringent austerity measures. The IMF/EU program successfully concluded in December 2011, although, the austerity measures imposed large social costs. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises, including 80% ownership of the Latvian national airline. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999 and the EU in May 2004. Latvia also joined the euro zone in 2014 and the OECD in 2016. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $56.92 billion (2020 est.) $59.06 billion (2019 est.) $57.88 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.08% (2019 est.) 4.2% (2018 est.) 3.23% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $29,900 (2020 est.) $30,900 (2019 est.) $30,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $34.084 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2019 est.) 2.5% (2018 est.) 2.9% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A- (2014) Moody's rating: A3 (2015) Standard & Poors rating: A+ (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.9% (2017 est.) industry: 22.4% (2017 est.) services: 73.7% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 61.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 18.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 1.5% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 60.6% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -61.9% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, milk, rapeseed, barley, oats, potatoes, rye, beans, pork, poultry Industries: processed foods, processed wood products, textiles, processed metals, pharmaceuticals, railroad cars, synthetic fibers, electronics Industrial production growth rate: 10.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 885,000 (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 7.7% industry: 24.1% services: 68.1% (2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.14% (2019 est.) 6.51% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.9% male: 14.4% female: 15.5% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 22.9% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35.6 (2017 est.) 35.4 (2014) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.2% highest 10%: 26.3% (2015) Budget: revenues: 11.39 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 11.53 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 36.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 37.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt, and includes 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: 37.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$222 million (2019 est.) -$99 million (2018 est.) Exports: $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 Exports - partners: Lithuania 16%, Estonia 10%, Russia 9%, Germany 7%, Sweden 6%, United Kingdom 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: lumber, broadcasting equipment, whiskey and other hard liquors, wheat, packaged medicines (2019) Imports: $19.84 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $20.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $21.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Russia 21%, Lithuania 14%, Germany 9%, Poland 7%, Estonia 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, cars, packaged medicines, aircraft (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $4.614 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.514 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $40.164 billion (2019 est.) $42.488 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: 3.089 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.) Electricity generation sources: fossil 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.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 39,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 3,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 40,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 1,600 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 39,900 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: 16,180 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 54,370 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 1,067,798,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 1,067,798,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 8.45 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.) Energy consumption per capita: 86.645 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 211,849 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2,051,359 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 109 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the telecom market continues to benefit from investment and from regulatory measures aimed at developing 5G and fiber based infrastructure; there is effective competition in the mobile market, with extensive services based on LTE-A technologies to boost data speeds; operators such as Bité Latvia and Tele2 Latvia have also begun transitioning their networks to support services and applications based on 5G, though with the existing capacity of LTE infrastructure a large scale 5G deployment is not expected until 2023; to facilitate this progress, the regulator in March 2021 approved an application from Tele2 Latvia and Bité to share almost half of their spectrum assets; in the fixed-line broadband sector, the country is ranked second highest in Europe (after Iceland) for fiber coverage and take-up, closely followed by Lithuania; with this infrastructure in place, the country has also developed a sophisticated digital economy, with e-commerce and e-government services widely available. (2021) domestic: fixed-line roughly 11 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 109 per 100 subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 371; the Latvian network is now connected via fiber-optic cable to Estonia, Finland, and Sweden 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: several national and regional commercial TV stations are foreign-owned, 2 national TV stations are publicly owned; system supplemented by privately owned regional and local TV stations; cable and satellite multi-channel TV services with domestic and foreign broadcasts available; publicly owned broadcaster operates 4 radio networks with dozens of stations throughout the country; dozens of private broadcasters also operate radio stations Internet country code: .lv Internet users: total: 1,691,400 (2020 est.) percent of population: 89% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 490,569 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 26 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number 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 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: YL Airports: total: 42 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 18 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 7 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 24 under 914 m: 24 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 1,213 km gas, 417 km refined products (2018) Railways: total: 1,860 km (2018) narrow gauge: 34 km (2018) 0.750-m gauge broad gauge: 1,826 km (2018) 1.520-m gauge Roadways: total: 70,244 km (2018) paved: 15,158 km (2018) unpaved: 55,086 km (2018) Waterways: 300 km (2010) (navigable year-round) Merchant marine: total: 70 by type: general cargo 22, oil tanker 9, other 39 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Riga, Ventspils Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: National Armed Forces (Nacionalie Brunotie Speki): Land Forces (Latvijas Sauszemes Speki), Naval Force (Latvijas Juras Speki, includes Coast Guard (Latvijas Kara Flote)), Air Force (Latvijas Gaisa Speki), National Guard (2022) Military expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.2% of GDP (2020) 2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $920 million) 2.1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $900 million) 1.6% of GDP (2017) (approximately $740 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 7,500 active duty troops (6,500 Land Forces; 500 Naval Force/Coast Guard; 500 Air Force; note - some Land Forces are considered joint forces); 8,200 National Guard (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the 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) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (abolished 2007) (2022) note 1: in July 2022, the Latvian Government announced that it was reinstating mandatory military service for men aged 18-27 (women voluntarily) beginning in July 2023; service would be for 1 year in the Land Forces or alternatively in internal affairs, health, or welfare structures note 2: as of 2019, women comprised about 16% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 130 Kosovo (KFOR/NATO) (2022) Military - note: Latvia 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Latvia-Belarus: Belarus and Latvia signed joint demarcation map in September 2008 Latvia-Estonia: demarcation reportedly completed in 1998 Latvia-Lithuania: boundary demarcation was completed by the end of 1998; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights Latvia-Russia: Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; in March 2007, Latvia and Russia signed a border treaty, which includes Latvia withdrawing claims to a district now in Russia that was part of Latvia before WWII; the permanent demarcation of the boundary between Latvia and Russia was completed and came into force in April 2018; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with RussiaLatvia-Belarus: Belarus and Latvia signed joint demarcation map in September 2008Latvia-Estonia: demarcation reportedly completed in 1998Latvia-Lithuania: boundary demarcation was completed by the end of 1998; the Latvian parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rightsLatvia-Russia: Russia demands better Latvian treatment of ethnic Russians in Latvia; in March 2007, Latvia and Russia signed a border treaty, which includes Latvia withdrawing claims to a district now in Russia that was part of Latvia before WWII; the permanent demarcation of the boundary between Latvia and Russia was completed and came into force in April 2018; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Latvia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules with Russia Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 36,161 (Ukraine) (as of 9 August 2022) stateless persons: 209,168 (mid-year 2021); note - individuals who were Latvian citizens prior to the 1940 Soviet occupation and their descendants were recognized as Latvian citizens when the country's independence was restored in 1991; citizens of the former Soviet Union residing in Latvia who have neither Latvian nor other citizenship are considered non-citizens (officially there is no statelessness in Latvia) and are entitled to non-citizen passports; children born after Latvian independence to stateless parents are entitled to Latvian citizenship upon their parents' request; non-citizens cannot vote or hold certain government jobs and are exempt from military service but can travel visa-free in the EU under the Schengen accord like Latvian citizens; non-citizens can obtain naturalization if they have been permanent residents of Latvia for at least five years, pass tests in Latvian language and history, and know the words of the Latvian national anthem Illicit drugs: transshipment and destination point for cocaine, synthetic drugs, opiates, and cannabis from Southwest Asia, Western Europe, Latin America, and neighboring Baltic countries; despite improved legislation, vulnerable to money laundering due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies and the gaming industry; CIS organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds

20220901

field-life-expectancy-at-birth-country-comparison

20220901

field-elevation

This entry includes the mean elevation and elevation extremes, lowest point and highest point. Topic: Afghanistanhighest point: Noshak 7,492 m lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m mean elevation: 1,884 m Topic: Albaniahighest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 708 m Topic: Algeriahighest point: Tahat 2,908 m lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m mean elevation: 800 m Topic: American Samoahighest point: Lata Mountain 964 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Andorrahighest point: Pic de Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m mean elevation: 1,996 m Topic: Angolahighest point: Moca 2,620 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,112 m Topic: Anguillahighest point: Crocus Hill 73 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Antarcticahighest point: Vinson Massif 4,892 m lowest point: Denman Glacier more than -3,500 m (-11,500 ft) below sea level mean elevation: 2,300 m note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Denman Glacier; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater Topic: Antigua and Barbudahighest point: Mount Obama 402 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Arctic Oceanhighest point: sea level lowest point: Molloy Deep -5,577 m mean depth: -1,205 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. Topic: Argentinahighest point: Cerro Aconcagua (located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza; highest point in South America) 6,962 m lowest point: Laguna del Carbon (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz) -105 m mean elevation: 595 m Topic: Armeniahighest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m lowest point: Debed River 400 m mean elevation: 1,792 m Topic: Arubahighest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandshighest point: Cartier Island 5 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: Atlantic Oceanhighest point: sea level lowest point: Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m mean depth: -3,646 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. Topic: Australiahighest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,228 m lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m mean elevation: 330 m Topic: Austriahighest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m mean elevation: 910 m Topic: Azerbaijanhighest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,466 m lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m mean elevation: 384 m Topic: Bahamas, Thehighest point: 1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island 64 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it indicates the wrong high elevation point lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Bahrainhighest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 135 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m Topic: Bangladeshhighest point: Mowdok Taung 1,060 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 85 m Topic: Barbadoshighest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Belarushighest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m mean elevation: 160 m Topic: Belgiumhighest point: Botrange 694 m lowest point: North Sea 0 m mean elevation: 181 m Topic: Belizehighest point: Doyle's Delight 1,124 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 173 m Topic: Beninhighest point: unnamed elevation located 2.5 km southeast of the town of Kotopounga 675 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 273 m Topic: Bermudahighest point: Town Hill 79 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Bhutanhighest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m mean elevation: 2,220 m Topic: Boliviahighest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m mean elevation: 1,192 m Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinahighest point: Maglic 2,386 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 500 m Topic: Botswanahighest point: Manyelanong Hill 1,495 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m mean elevation: 1,013 m Topic: Bouvet Islandhighest point: Olavtoppen (Olav Peak) 780 m lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Brazilhighest point: Pico da Neblina 2,994 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 320 m Topic: British Indian Ocean Territoryhighest point: ocean-side dunes on Diego Garcia 9 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: British Virgin Islandshighest point: Mount Sage 521 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Bruneihighest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m mean elevation: 478 m Topic: Bulgariahighest point: Musala 2,925 m lowest point: Black Sea 0 m mean elevation: 472 m Topic: Burkina Fasohighest point: Tena Kourou 749 m lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m mean elevation: 297 m Topic: Burmahighest point: Gamlang Razi 5,870 m lowest point: Andaman Sea/Bay of Bengal 0 m mean elevation: 702 m Topic: Burundihighest 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 Topic: Cabo Verdehighest point: Mt. Fogo (a volcano on Fogo Island) 2,829 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Cambodiahighest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m mean elevation: 126 m Topic: Cameroonhighest point: Fako on Mont Cameroun 4,045 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 667 m Topic: Canadahighest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m lowest point: Atlantic/Pacific/Arctic Oceans 0 m mean elevation: 487 m Topic: Cayman Islandshighest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Central African Republichighest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,410 m lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m mean elevation: 635 m Topic: Chadhighest point: Emi Koussi 3,445 m lowest point: Djourab 160 m mean elevation: 543 m Topic: Chilehighest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,893 m (highest volcano in the world) lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,871 m Topic: Chinahighest point: Mount Everest (highest peak in Asia and highest point on earth above sea level) 8,849 m lowest point: Turpan Pendi (Turfan Depression) -154 m mean elevation: 1,840 m Topic: Christmas Islandhighest point: Murray Hill 361 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: Clipperton Islandhighest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandshighest point: South Point on South Island 9 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: Colombiahighest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,730 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 593 m Topic: Comoroshighest point: Karthala 2,360 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thehighest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 726 m Topic: Congo, Republic of thehighest point: Mont Nabeba 1,020 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 430 m Topic: Cook Islandshighest point: Te Manga 652 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Coral Sea Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 9 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Costa Ricahighest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,819 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 746 m Topic: Cote d'Ivoirehighest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m mean elevation: 250 m Topic: Croatiahighest point: Dinara 1,831 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 331 m Topic: Cubahighest point: Pico Turquino 1,974 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 108 m Topic: Curacaohighest point: Mt. Christoffel 372 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Cyprushighest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 91 m Topic: Czechiahighest point: Snezka 1,602 m lowest point: Labe (Elbe) River 115 m mean elevation: 433 m Topic: Denmarkhighest point: Store Mollehoj 171 m lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m mean elevation: 34 m Topic: Djiboutihighest point: Moussa Ali 2,021 m lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m mean elevation: 430 m Topic: Dominicahighest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Dominican Republichighest point: Pico Duarte 3,098 m lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m mean elevation: 424 m Topic: Ecuadorhighest point: Chimborazo 6,267 lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,117 m note: because the earth is not a perfect sphere and has an equatorial bulge, the highest point on the planet farthest from its center is Mount Chimborazo not Mount Everest, which is merely the highest peak above sea level Topic: Egypthighest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m mean elevation: 321 m Topic: El Salvadorhighest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 442 m Topic: Equatorial Guineahighest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 577 m Topic: Eritreahighest point: Soira 3,018 m lowest point: near Kulul within the Danakil Depression -75 m mean elevation: 853 m Topic: Estoniahighest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 61 m Topic: Eswatinihighest point: Emlembe 1,862 m lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m mean elevation: 305 m Topic: Ethiopiahighest point: Ras Dejen 4,550 m lowest point: Danakil Depression -125 m mean elevation: 1,330 m Topic: European Unionhighest point: Mont Blanc, France 4,810 m lowest point: Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Faroe Islandshighest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Fijihighest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Finlandhighest point: Halti (alternatively Haltia, Haltitunturi, Haltiatunturi) 1,328 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 164 m Topic: Francehighest point: Mont Blanc 4,810 lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m mean elevation: 375 m note: to assess the possible effects of climate change on the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been extensively measured in recent years; these new peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit Topic: French Polynesiahighest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: French Southern and Antarctic Landshighest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest points throughout the French Southern and Antarctic Lands: unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m;24 unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m Topic: Gabonhighest point: Mont Bengoue 1,050 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong high elevation lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 377 m Topic: Gambia, Thehighest 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 Topic: Gaza Striphighest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m Topic: Georgiahighest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,193 m lowest point: Black Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,432 m Topic: Germanyhighest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.5 m mean elevation: 263 m Topic: Ghanahighest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 190 m Topic: Gibraltarhighest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m Topic: Greecehighest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 498 m note: Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks but its highest point, Mytikas (meaning "nose"), rises to 2,917 meters; in Greek mythology, Olympus' Mytikas peak was the home of the Greek gods Topic: Greenlandhighest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,694 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,792 m Topic: Grenadahighest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Guamhighest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Guatemalahighest point: Volcan Tajumulco (highest point in Central America) 4,220 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 759 m Topic: Guernseyhighest point: Le Moulin on Sark 114 m lowest point: English Channel 0 m Topic: Guineahighest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 472 m Topic: Guinea-Bissauhighest 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 Topic: Guyanahighest point: Laberintos del Norte on Mount Roraima 2,775 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 207 m Topic: Haitihighest point: Pic la Selle 2,674 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 470 m Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandshighest point: Mawson Peak on Big Ben volcano 2,745 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)highest point: Vatican Gardens (Vatican Hill) 78 m lowest point: Saint Peter's Square 19 m Topic: Hondurashighest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 684 m Topic: Hong Konghighest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m Topic: Hungaryhighest point: Kekes 1,014 m lowest point: Tisza River 78 m mean elevation: 143 m Topic: Icelandhighest point: Hvannadalshnukur (at Vatnajokull Glacier) 2,110 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 557 m Topic: Indiahighest point: Kanchenjunga 8,586 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 160 m Topic: Indian Oceanhighest 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. Topic: Indonesiahighest point: Puncak Jaya 4,884 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 367 m Topic: Iranhighest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,625 m lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m mean elevation: 1,305 m Topic: Iraqhighest point: Cheekha Dar (Kurdish for "Black Tent") 3,611 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m mean elevation: 312 m Topic: Irelandhighest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 118 m Topic: Isle of Manhighest point: Snaefell 621 m lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m Topic: Israelhighest point: Mitspe Shlagim 2,224 m; note - this is the highest named point, the actual highest point is an unnamed dome slightly to the west of Mitspe Shlagim at 2,236 m; both points are on the northeastern border of Israel, along the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m mean elevation: 508 m note - does not include elevation data from the Golan Heights Topic: Italyhighest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur (a secondary peak of Mont Blanc) 4,748 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 538 m Topic: Jamaicahighest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 18 m Topic: Jan Mayenhighest point: Haakon VII Toppen on Beerenberg 2,277 lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m note: Beerenberg volcano has numerous peaks; the highest point on the volcano rim is named Haakon VII Toppen, after Norway's first king following the reestablishment of Norwegian independence in 1905 Topic: Japanhighest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m mean elevation: 438 m Topic: Jerseyhighest point: Les Platons 136 m lowest point: English Channel 0 m Topic: Jordanhighest point: Jabal Umm ad Dami 1,854 m lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m mean elevation: 812 m Topic: Kazakhstanhighest point: Pik Khan-Tengri 7,010 m note - the northern most 7,000 meter peak in the World lowest point: Qauyndy Oyysy -132 m mean elevation: 387 m Topic: Kenyahighest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 762 m Topic: Kiribatihighest point: unnamed elevation on Banaba 81 m m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 2 m Topic: Korea, Northhighest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m mean elevation: 600 m Topic: Korea, Southhighest point: Halla-san 1,950 m lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m mean elevation: 282 m Topic: Kosovohighest point: Gjeravica/Deravica 2,656 m lowest point: Drini i Bardhe/Beli Drim (located on the border with Albania) 297 m mean elevation: 450 m Topic: Kuwaithighest point: 3.6 km W. of Al-Salmi Border Post 300 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m mean elevation: 108 m Topic: Kyrgyzstanhighest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m mean elevation: 2,988 m Topic: Laoshighest point: Phu Bia 2,817 m lowest point: Mekong River 70 m mean elevation: 710 m Topic: Latviahighest point: Gaizina Kalns 312 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 87 m Topic: Lebanonhighest point: Qornet es Saouda 3,088 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,250 m Topic: Lesothohighest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m mean elevation: 2,161 m Topic: Liberiahighest point: Mount Wuteve 1,447 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 243 m Topic: Libyahighest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m mean elevation: 423 m Topic: Liechtensteinhighest point: Vorder-Grauspitz 2,599 m lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m Topic: Lithuaniahighest point: Aukstojas 294 m lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 110 m Topic: Luxembourghighest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m lowest point: Moselle River 133 m mean elevation: 325 m Topic: Macauhighest point: Alto Coloane 172 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m Topic: Madagascarhighest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 615 m Topic: Malawihighest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique 37 m mean elevation: 779 m Topic: Malaysiahighest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,095 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 419 m Topic: Maldiveshighest point: 8th tee, golf course, Villingi Island 5 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 2 m Topic: Malihighest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m lowest point: Senegal River 23 m mean elevation: 343 m Topic: Maltahighest point: Ta'Dmejrek on Dingli Cliffs 253 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m Topic: Marshall Islandshighest point: East-central Airik Island, Maloelap Atoll 14 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 2 m Topic: Mauritaniahighest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m mean elevation: 276 m Topic: Mauritiushighest point: Mont Piton 828 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: Mexicohighest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,636 m lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m mean elevation: 1,111 m Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofhighest point: Nanlaud on Pohnpei 782 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Moldovahighest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m lowest point: Dniester (Nistru) 2 m mean elevation: 139 m Topic: Monacohighest point: Chemin des Revoires on Mont Agel 162 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m Topic: Mongoliahighest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Khuiten Peak) 4,374 m lowest point: Hoh Nuur 560 m mean elevation: 1,528 m Topic: Montenegrohighest point: Zia Kolata 2,534 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,086 m Topic: Montserrathighest point: Soufriere Hills volcano pre-eruption height was 915 m; current lava dome is subject to periodic build up and collapse; estimated dome height was 1,050 m in 2015 lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Moroccohighest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m lowest point: Sebkha Tah -59 m mean elevation: 909 m Topic: Mozambiquehighest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 345 m Topic: Namibiahighest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,141 m Topic: Nauruhighest point: Command Ridge 70 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Navassa Islandhighest point: 200 m NNW of lighthouse 85 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Nepalhighest point: Mount Everest (highest peak in Asia and highest point on earth above sea level) 8,849 m lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m mean elevation: 2,565 m Topic: Netherlandshighest point: Mount Scenery (on the island of Saba in the Caribbean, now considered an integral part of the Netherlands following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles) 862 m lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m mean elevation: 30 m note: the highest point on continental Netherlands is Vaalserberg at 322 m Topic: New Caledoniahighest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: New Zealandhighest point: Aoraki/Mount Cook 3,724 m; note - the mountain's height was 3,764 m until 14 December 1991 when it lost about 10 m in an avalanche of rock and ice; erosion of the ice cap since then has brought the height down another 30 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 388 m Topic: Nicaraguahighest point: Mogoton 2,085 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 298 m Topic: Nigerhighest point: Idoukal-n-Taghes 2,022 m lowest point: Niger River 200 m mean elevation: 474 m Topic: Nigeriahighest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 380 m Topic: Niuehighest point: unnamed elevation 1.4 km east of Hikutavake 80 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Norfolk Islandhighest point: Mount Bates 319 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: North Macedoniahighest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m lowest point: Vardar River 50 m mean elevation: 741 m Topic: Northern Mariana Islandshighest point: Agrihan Volcano 965 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Norwayhighest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m mean elevation: 460 m Topic: Omanhighest point: Jabal Shams 3,004 m lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m mean elevation: 310 m Topic: Pacific Oceanhighest 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. Topic: Pakistanhighest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m mean elevation: 900 m Topic: Palauhighest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Panamahighest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 360 m Topic: Papua New Guineahighest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 667 m Topic: Paracel Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m Topic: Paraguayhighest point: Cerro Pero 842 m lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m mean elevation: 178 m Topic: Peruhighest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,746 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,555 m Topic: Philippineshighest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m mean elevation: 442 m Topic: Pitcairn Islandshighest point: Palwala Valley Point on Big Ridge 347 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Polandhighest point: Rysy 2,499 m lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m mean elevation: 173 m Topic: Portugalhighest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in the Azores 2,351 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 372 m Topic: Puerto Ricohighest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 261 m Topic: Qatarhighest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m mean elevation: 28 m Topic: Romaniahighest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m lowest point: Black Sea 0 m mean elevation: 414 m Topic: Russiahighest point: Gora El'brus (highest point in Europe) 5,642 m lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m mean elevation: 600 m Topic: Rwandahighest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m mean elevation: 1,598 m Topic: Saint Barthelemyhighest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhahighest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 859 m; Green Mountain on Ascension Island 818 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena Island 2,060 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevishighest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Saint Luciahighest point: Mount Gimie 948 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Saint Martinhighest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonhighest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadineshighest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Samoahighest point: Mount Silisili 1,857 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: San Marinohighest point: Monte Titano 739 m lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m Topic: Sao Tome and Principehighest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: Saudi Arabiahighest point: As Sarawat range, 3,000 m lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m mean elevation: 665 m Topic: Senegalhighest point: unnamed elevation 2.8 km southeast of Nepen Diaka 648 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 69 m Topic: Serbiahighest point: Midzor 2,169 m lowest point: Danube and Timok Rivers 35 m mean elevation: 442 m Topic: Seychelleshighest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Topic: Sierra Leonehighest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 279 m Topic: Singaporehighest point: Bukit Timah 166 m lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m Topic: Sint Maartenhighest point: Mount Flagstaff 383 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Slovakiahighest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m mean elevation: 458 m Topic: Sloveniahighest point: Triglav 2,864 m lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m mean elevation: 492 m Topic: Solomon Islandshighest point: Mount Popomanaseu 2,335 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Somaliahighest point: Mount Shimbiris 2,460 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 410 m Topic: South Africahighest point: Ntheledi (Mafadi) 3,450 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,034 m Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandshighest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Topic: South Sudanhighest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m lowest point: White Nile 381 m Topic: Southern Oceanhighest 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. Topic: Spainhighest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 660 m Topic: Spratly Islandshighest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 6 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m Topic: Sri Lankahighest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 228 m Topic: Sudanhighest point: Jabal Marrah 3,042 m lowest point: Red Sea 0 m mean elevation: 568 m Topic: Surinamehighest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m mean elevation: 246 m Topic: Svalbardhighest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m Topic: Swedenhighest point: Kebnekaise South 2,100 m lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.4 m mean elevation: 320 m Topic: Switzerlandhighest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m mean elevation: 1,350 m Topic: Syriahighest point: Mount Hermon (Jabal a-Shayk) 2,814 m lowest point: Yarmuk River -66 m mean elevation: 514 m Topic: Taiwanhighest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,150 m Topic: Tajikistanhighest point: Qullai Somoniyon 7,495 m lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m mean elevation: 3,186 m Topic: Tanzaniahighest point: Kilimanjaro (highest point in Africa) 5,895 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,018 m Topic: Thailandhighest point: Doi Inthanon 2,565 m lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m mean elevation: 287 m Topic: Timor-Lestehighest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m Topic: Togohighest point: Mont Agou 986 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 236 m Topic: Tokelauhighest point: unnamed location 5 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Tongahighest point: Kao Volcano on Kao Island 1,046 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Trinidad and Tobagohighest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 83 m Topic: Tunisiahighest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m mean elevation: 246 m Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)highest point: Mount Ararat 5,137 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 1,132 m Topic: Turkmenistanhighest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya (Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina Akchanaya, the lake has dropped as low as -110 m) -81 m mean elevation: 230 m Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandshighest point: Blue Hill on Providenciales and Flamingo Hill on East Caicos 48 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Tuvaluhighest point: unnamed location 5 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 2 m Topic: Ugandahighest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m lowest point: Albert Nile 614 m Topic: Ukrainehighest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m lowest point: Black Sea 0 m mean elevation: 175 m Topic: United Arab Emirateshighest point: Jabal Bil 'Ays 1,905 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m mean elevation: 149 m Topic: United Kingdomhighest point: Ben Nevis 1,345 m lowest point: The Fens -4 m mean elevation: 162 m Topic: United Stateshighest point: Denali 6,190 m (Mount McKinley) (highest point in North America) lowest point: Death Valley (lowest point in North America) -86 m mean elevation: 760 m note: Denali is one of the most striking features on the entire planet; at 20,310 feet, it is the crowning peak of the Alaska Range and the highest mountain on North America; it towers three and one-half vertical miles above its base, making it a mile taller from base to summit than Mt. Everest; Denali's base sits at about 2,000 feet above sea level and rises over three and one-half miles to its 20,310 foot summit; Everest begins on a 14,000-foot high plain, then summits at 29,028 feet. note: the peak of Mauna Kea (4,207 m above sea level) on the island of Hawaii rises about 10,200 m above the Pacific Ocean floor; by this measurement, it is the world's tallest mountain - higher than Mount Everest (8,850 m), which is recognized as the tallest mountain above sea level Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugeshighest point: Baker Island, unnamed location 8 m; Howland Island, unnamed location 3 m; Jarvis Island, unnamed location 7 m; Johnston Atoll, Sand Island 10 m; Kingman Reef, unnamed location 2 m; Midway Islands, unnamed location less than 13 m; Palmyra Atoll, unnamed location 3 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Uruguayhighest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 109 m Topic: Uzbekistanhighest point: Xazrat Sulton Tog' 4,643 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location and name of the high elevation lowest point: Sariqamish Kuli -12 m Topic: Vanuatuhighest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Venezuelahighest point: Pico Bolivar 4,978 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 450 m Topic: Vietnamhighest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m lowest point: South China Sea 0 m mean elevation: 398 m Topic: Virgin Islandshighest point: Crown Mountain 474 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Topic: Wake Islandhighest point: unnamed location 8 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: Wallis and Futunahighest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 522 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Topic: West Bankhighest point: Khallat al Batrakh 1,020 m lowest point: Dead Sea -431 m Topic: Worldhighest point: Mount Everest 8,849 m lowest point: Denman Glacier (Antarctica) more than -3,500 m (in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific Ocean) mean elevation: 840 m top ten highest mountains (measured from sea level): Mount Everest (China-Nepal) 8,849 m; K2 (Pakistan) 8,611 m; Kanchenjunga (India-Nepal) 8,598 m; Lhotse (Nepal) 8,516 m; Makalu (China-Nepal) 8,463 m; Cho Oyu (China-Nepal) 8,201 m; Dhaulagiri (Nepal) 8,167 m; Manaslu (Nepal) 8,163 m; Nanga Parbat (Pakistan) 8,125 m; Anapurna (Nepal) 8,091 m; note - Mauna Kea (United States) is the world's tallest mountain as measured from base to summit; the peak of this volcanic colossus lies on the island of Hawaii, but its base begins more than 70 km offshore and at a depth of about 6,000 m; total height estimates range from 9,966 m to 10,203 m top ten highest island peaks: Puncak Jaya (New Guinea) 4,884 m (Indonesia)*; Mauna Kea (Hawaii) 4,207 m (United States); Gunung Kinabalu (Borneo) 4,095 m (Malaysia)*; Yu Shan (Taiwan) 3,952 (Taiwan)*; Mount Kerinci (Sumatra) 3,805 m (Indonesia); Mount Erebus (Ross Island) 3,794 (Antarctica); Mount Fuji (Honshu) 3,776 m (Japan)*; Mount Rinjani (Lombok) 3,726 m (Indonesia); Aoraki-Mount Cook (South Island) 3,724 m (New Zealand)*; Pico de Teide (Tenerife) 3,718 m (Spain)*; note - * indicates the highest peak for that Factbook entry highest point on each continent: Asia - Mount Everest (China-Nepal) 8,849 m; South America - Cerro Aconcagua (Argentina) 6,960 m; North America - Denali (Mount McKinley) (United States) 6,190 m; Africa - Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) 5,895 m; Europe - El'brus (Russia) 5,633 m; Antarctica - Vinson Massif 4,897 m; Australia - Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m highest capital on each continent: South America - La Paz (Bolivia) 3,640 m; Africa - Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) 2,355 m; Asia - Thimphu (Bhutan) 2,334 m; North America - Mexico City (Mexico) 2,240 m; Europe - Andorra la Vella (Andorra) 1,023 m; Australia - Canberra (Australia) 605 m lowest point on each continent: Antarctica - Denman Glacier more than -3,500 m; Asia - Dead Sea (Israel-Jordan) -431 m; Africa - Lac Assal (Djibouti) -155 m; South America - Laguna del Carbon (Argentina) -105 m; North America - Death Valley (United States) -86 m; Europe - Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Russia) -28 m; Australia - Lake Eyre -15 lowest capital on each continent: Asia - Baku (Azerbaijan) -28 m; Europe - Amsterdam (Netherlands) -2 m; Africa - Banjul (Gambia); Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Conakry (Guinea), Djibouti (Djibouti), Libreville (Gabon), Male (Maldives), Monrovia (Liberia), Tunis (Tunisia), Victoria (Seychelles) 0 m; North America - Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), Panama City (Panama), Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Roseau (Dominica), Saint John's (Antigua and Barbuda), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) 0 m; South America - Georgetown (Guyana) 0 m; Australia - Canberra (Australia) 605 m Topic: Yemenhighest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,666 m lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m mean elevation: 999 m Topic: Zambiahighest point: Mafinga Central 2,330 m lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m mean elevation: 1,138 m Topic: Zimbabwehighest point: Inyangani 2,592 m lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save Rivers 162 m mean elevation: 961 m

20220901

countries-trinidad-and-tobago-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was manned by contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962.First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. The islands' sugar industry was manned by contract laborers from India between 1845 and 1917, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export. Independence was attained in 1962. Topic: Geography Area: total: 5,128 sq km land: 5,128 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to December) Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, asphalt Topic: People and Society Population: 1,405,646 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: East 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.) Languages: English (official), Trinidadian Creole English, Tobagonian Creole English, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Trinidadian Creole French, Spanish, Chinese Religions: Protestant 32.1% (Pentecostal/Evangelical/Full Gospel 12%, Baptist 6.9%, Anglican 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 4.1%, Presbyterian/Congregational 2.5%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 21.6%, Hindu 18.2%, Muslim 5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 8.4%, none 2.2%, unspecified 11.1% (2011 est.) Population growth rate: 0.14% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Port of Spain Executive branch: chief of state: President Paula-Mae WEEKES (since 19 March 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Keith ROWLEY (since 9 September 2015) Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (31 seats; 16 members appointed by the ruling party, 9 by the president, and 6 by the opposition party; members serve 5-year terms;) House of Representatives (42 seats; 41 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and the house speaker - usually designated from outside Parliament; members serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: high-income Caribbean island economy; predominantly driven by oil and gas (80% of exports); growing Venezuelan relations threaten US support; growing tourism; key regional finance hub; rising drug-related crime; high public debt; systemic corruptionhigh-income Caribbean island economy; predominantly driven by oil and gas (80% of exports); growing Venezuelan relations threaten US support; growing tourism; key regional finance hub; rising drug-related crime; high public debt; systemic corruption Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $33.21 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $23,700 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: poultry, fruit, coconuts, citrus fruit, milk, plantains, maize, oranges, eggs, gourds Industries: petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles Exports: $9.57 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: United States 33%, Guyana 9%, Spain 6%, China 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: natural gas, industrial alcohols, crude petroleum, ammonia, iron products, refined petroleum (2019) Imports: $7.93 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: United States 40%, Guyana 19%, China 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, excavation machinery, shipping containers, iron, cars (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, Jun 01, 2022

20220901

references-hydrographic-data-codes

IHO 23-4th: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, Draft 4th Edition 1986, published by the International Hydrographic Bureau of the International Hydrographic Organization.IHO 23-3rd: Limits of Oceans and Seas, Special Publication 23, 3rd Edition 1953, published by the International Hydrographic Organization.ACIC M 49-1: Chart of Limits of Seas and Oceans, revised January 1958, published by the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), United States Air Force.DIAM 65-18: Geopolitical Data Elements and Related Features, Data Standard No. 4, Defense Intelligence Agency Manual 65-18, December 1994, published by the Defense Intelligence Agency.The US Government has not yet adopted a standard for hydrographic codes similar to the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 10-4 country codes. The names and limits of the following oceans and seas are not always directly comparable because of differences in the customers, needs, and requirements of the individual organizations. Even the number of principal water bodies varies from organization to organization.  Factbook users, for example, find the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean entries useful, but none of the following standards include those oceans in their entirety. Nor is there any provision for combining codes or overcodes to aggregate water bodies. The recently delimited Southern Ocean is not included.

20220901

countries-faroe-islands

Topic: Photos of Faroe Islands Topic: Introduction Background: The population of the Faroe Islands, a self-governing dependency of Denmark, is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. The Home Rule Act of 1948 granted a high degree of self-Government to the Faroese, who have autonomy over most internal affairs and external trade, while Denmark is responsible for justice, defense, and some foreign affairs. The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 7 00 W Map references: Europe Area: total: 1,393 sq km land: 1,393 sq km water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams) Area - comparative: eight times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 1,117 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line Climate: mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy Terrain: rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast Elevation: highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Natural resources: fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas Land use: agricultural land: 2.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0.1% (2018 est.) other: 97.8% (2018 est.) Population distribution: the island of Streymoy is by far the most populous with over 40% of the population; it has approximately twice as many inhabitants as Eysturoy, the second most populous island; seven of the inhabited islands have fewer than 100 people Natural hazards: strong winds and heavy rains can occur throughout the year Geography - note: archipelago 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 Map description: Faroe Islands map showing the many islands that make up this part of Denmark in the North Atlantic Ocean.Faroe Islands map showing the many islands that make up this part of Denmark in the North Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 52,269 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Faroese (singular and plural) adjective: Faroese Ethnic groups: Faroese 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 Languages: Faroese 93.8% (derived from Old Norse), Danish 3.2%, other 3% (2011 est.) note:  data represent population by primary language Religions: Christian 89.3% (predominantly Evangelical Lutheran), other 1%, none 3.8%, unspecified 6% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 19.69% (male 5,247/female 4,920) 15-24 years: 13.89% (male 3,708/female 3,465) 25-54 years: 37.01% (male 10,277/female 8,828) 55-64 years: 12% (male 3,199/female 2,996) 65 years and over: 17.41% (2020 est.) (male 4,352/female 4,636) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 37.2 years male: 36.9 years female: 37.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.63% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 14.94 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.63 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the island of Streymoy is by far the most populous with over 40% of the population; it has approximately twice as many inhabitants as Eysturoy, the second most populous island; seven of the inhabited islands have fewer than 100 people Urbanization: urban population: 42.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 21,000 TORSHAVN (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.17 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 5.99 deaths/1,000 live births male: 6.61 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.32 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.26 years male: 78.73 years female: 83.97 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.29 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) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: 2.62 physicians/1,000 population (2016) Hospital bed density: 4.2 beds/1,000 population (2016) 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: 8.2% of GDP (2017) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: coastal erosion, landslides and rockfalls, flash flooding, wind storms; oil spills Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 0.63 megatons (2016 est.) Climate: mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy Land use: agricultural land: 2.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0.1% (2018 est.) other: 97.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 42.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2017 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 61,000 tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 40,870 tons (2012 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 67% (2012 est.) Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Faroe Islands local long form: none local short form: Foroyar etymology: the archipelago's name may derive from the Old Norse word "faer," meaning sheep Government type: parliamentary democracy (Faroese Parliament); part of the Kingdom of Denmark Dependency status: part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948 Capital: name: Torshavn geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 6 46 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: the meaning in Danish is Thor's harbor Administrative divisions: part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark; there are 29 first-order municipalities (kommunur, singular - kommuna) Eidhi, Eystur, Famjin, Fuglafjordhur, Fugloy, Hov, Husavik, Hvalba, Hvannasund, Klaksvik, Kunoy, Kvivik, Nes, Porkeri, Runavik, Sandur, Sjovar, Skalavik, Skopun, Skuvoy, Sorvagur, Sumba, Sunda, Torshavn, Tvoroyri, Vagar, Vagur, Vestmanna, Vidhareidhi Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) National holiday: Olaifest (Olavsoka) (commemorates the death in battle of King OLAF II of Norway, later St. OLAF), 29 July (1030) Constitution: history: 5 June 1953 (Danish Constitution), 23 March 1948 (Home Rule Act), and 24 June 2005 (Takeover Act) serve as the Faroe Islands' constitutional position in the Unity of the Realm amendments: see entry for Denmark Legal system: the laws of Denmark apply where applicable Citizenship: see Denmark Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief 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 Legislative branch: description: unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) the Faroe Islands elect 2 members to the Danish Parliament to serve 4-year terms elections: Faroese Parliament - last held on 31 August 2019 (next to be held in 2023) Faroese seats in the Danish Parliament last held on 5 June 2019 (next to be held no later than June 2023) election results: Faroese Parliament percent of vote by party - People's Party 24.5%, JF 22.1%, Union Party 20.3%, Republic 18.1%, Center Party 5.4%, Progress Party 4.6%, Self-Government Party 3.4%, other 1.4%, seats by party - People's Party 8, JF 7, Union Party 7, Republic 6, Center Party 2, Progress Party 2, Self-Government Party 1, composition - men 25, women 8; percent of women 24.2% Faroese seats in Danish Parliament - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - JF 1, Republic 1; composition - men 2 Judicial branch: highest courts: Faroese Court or Raett (Rett - Danish) decides both civil and criminal cases; the Court is part of the Danish legal system subordinate courts: Court of the First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative Law or Tribunal Administratif; Mixed Commercial Court; Land Court Political parties and leaders: Center Party (Midflokkurin) [Jenis av RANA] People's Party (Folkaflokkurin) [Jorgen NICLASEN] Progress Party (Framsokn) [Poul MICHELSEN] Republic (Tjodveldi) [Hogni HOYDAL] (formerly the Republican Party) Self-Government Party (Sjalvstyri or Sjalvstyrisflokkurin) [Jogvan SKORHEIM] Social Democratic Party (Javnadarflokkurin) or JF [Aksel V. JOHANNESEN] Union Party (Sambandsflokkurin) [Bardur A STEIG NIELSEN] International organization participation: Arctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO (associate), UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) Flag description: white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark," the flag resembles those of neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same three colors - but in a different sequence; white represents the clear Faroese sky, as well as the foam of the waves; red and blue are traditional Faroese colors note: the blue on the flag is a lighter blue (azure) than that found on the flags of Iceland or Norway National symbol(s): ram; national colors: red, white, blue National anthem: name: "Mitt alfagra land" (My Fairest Land) lyrics/music: Simun av SKAROI/Peter ALBERG note: adopted 1948; the anthem is also known as "Tu alfagra land mitt" (Thou Fairest Land of Mine); as a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are permitted their own national anthem Topic: Economy Economic overview: The Faroese economy has experienced a period of significant growth since 2011, due to higher fish prices and increased salmon farming and catches in the pelagic fisheries. Fishing has been the main source of income for the Faroe Islands since the late 19th century, but dependence on fishing makes the economy vulnerable to price fluctuations. Nominal GDP, measured in current prices, grew 5.6% in 2015 and 6.8% in 2016. GDP growth was forecast at 6.2% in 2017, slowing to 0.5% in 2018, due to lower fisheries quotas, higher oil prices and fewer farmed salmon combined with lower salmon prices. The fisheries sector accounts for about 97% of exports, and half of GDP. Unemployment is low, estimated at 2.1% in early 2018. Aided by an annual subsidy from Denmark, which amounts to about 11% of Faroese GDP , Faroese have a standard of living equal to that of Denmark. The Faroe Islands have bilateral free trade agreements with the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey.   For the first time in 8 years, the Faroe Islands managed to generate a public budget surplus in 2016, a trend which continued in 2017. The local government intends to use this to reduce public debt, which reached 38% of GDP in 2015. A fiscal sustainability analysis of the Faroese economy shows that a long-term tightening of fiscal policy of 5% of GDP is required for fiscal sustainability.   Increasing public infrastructure investments are likely to lead to continued growth in the short term, and the Faroese economy is becoming somewhat more diversified. Growing industries include financial services, petroleum-related businesses, shipping, maritime manufacturing services, civil aviation, IT, telecommunications, and tourism.The Faroese economy has experienced a period of significant growth since 2011, due to higher fish prices and increased salmon farming and catches in the pelagic fisheries. Fishing has been the main source of income for the Faroe Islands since the late 19th century, but dependence on fishing makes the economy vulnerable to price fluctuations. Nominal GDP, measured in current prices, grew 5.6% in 2015 and 6.8% in 2016. GDP growth was forecast at 6.2% in 2017, slowing to 0.5% in 2018, due to lower fisheries quotas, higher oil prices and fewer farmed salmon combined with lower salmon prices. The fisheries sector accounts for about 97% of exports, and half of GDP. Unemployment is low, estimated at 2.1% in early 2018. Aided by an annual subsidy from Denmark, which amounts to about 11% of Faroese GDP , Faroese have a standard of living equal to that of Denmark. The Faroe Islands have bilateral free trade agreements with the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey. For the first time in 8 years, the Faroe Islands managed to generate a public budget surplus in 2016, a trend which continued in 2017. The local government intends to use this to reduce public debt, which reached 38% of GDP in 2015. A fiscal sustainability analysis of the Faroese economy shows that a long-term tightening of fiscal policy of 5% of GDP is required for fiscal sustainability. Increasing public infrastructure investments are likely to lead to continued growth in the short term, and the Faroese economy is becoming somewhat more diversified. Growing industries include financial services, petroleum-related businesses, shipping, maritime manufacturing services, civil aviation, IT, telecommunications, and tourism. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.001 billion (2014 est.) $1.89 billion (2013 est.) $1.608 billion (2012 est.) Real GDP growth rate: 5.9% (2017 est.) 7.5% (2016 est.) 2.4% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $40,000 (2014 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $2.765 billion (2014 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.3% (2016) -1.7% (2015) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 18% (2013 est.) industry: 39% (2013 est.) services: 43% (2013 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 52% (2013) government consumption: 29.6% (2013) investment in fixed capital: 18.4% (2013) Agricultural products: potatoes, mutton, sheep skins, sheep offals, beef, sheep fat, cattle offals, cattle hides, cattle fat Industries: fishing, fish processing, tourism, small ship repair and refurbishment, handicrafts Industrial production growth rate: 3.4% (2009 est.) Labor force: 27,540 (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 15% industry: 15% services: 70% (December 2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.2% (2017 est.) 3.4% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: 10% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 22.7 (2013 est.) 21.6 (2011 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 835.6 million (2014 est.) expenditures: 883.8 million (2014) note: Denmark supplies the Faroe Islands with almost one-third of its public funds Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.7% (of GDP) (2014 est.) Public debt: 35% of GDP (2014 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 30.2% (of GDP) (2014 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Exports: $1.184 billion (2016 est.) $1.019 billion (2015 est.) Exports - partners: Russia 26.4%, UK 14.1%, Germany 8.4%, China 7.9%, Spain 6.8%, Denmark 6.2%, US 4.7%, Poland 4.4%, Norway 4.1% (2017) Exports - commodities: fish and fish products (97%) (2017 est.) Imports: $978.4 million (2016 est.) $906.1 million (2015 est.) Imports - partners: Denmark 33%, China 10.7%, Germany 7.6%, Poland 6.8%, Norway 6.7%, Ireland 5%, Chile 4.3% (2017) Imports - commodities: goods for household consumption, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, raw materials and semi-manufactures, cars Debt - external: $387.6 million (2012) $274.5 million (2010) Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 6.586 (2017 est.) 6.7269 (2016 est.) 6.7269 (2015 est.) 6.7236 (2014 est.) 5.6125 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity - production: 307 million kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - consumption: 285.5 million kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - installed generating capacity: 128,300 kW (2016 est.) Electricity - from fossil fuels: 54% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 31% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Electricity - from other renewable sources: 16% 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: 4,600 bbl/day (2016 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 4,555 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: 15,341 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 31 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 59,213 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: good international and domestic communications; telecommunications network of high standards with excellent coverage throughout most parts of the country and at competitive prices (2020) domestic: roughly 31 per 100 teledensity for fixed-line and nearly 121 per 100 for mobile-cellular; both NMT (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed (2020) international: country code - 298; landing points for the SHEFA-2, FARICE-1, and CANTAT-3 fiber-optic submarine cables from the Faroe Islands, to Denmark, Germany, UK and Iceland; satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Broadcast media: 1 publicly owned TV station; the Faroese telecommunications company distributes local and international channels through its digital terrestrial network; publicly owned radio station supplemented by 3 privately owned stations broadcasting over multiple frequencies Internet country code: .fo Internet users: total: 47,703 (2019 est.) percent of population: 98% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 18,443 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 38 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in Denmark) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 (registered in Denmark) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: OY-H Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 960 km (2017) paved: 500 km (2017) unpaved: 460 km (2017) note: those islands not connected by roads (bridges or tunnels) are connected by seven different ferry links operated by the nationally owned company SSL; 28 km of tunnels Merchant marine: total: 101 by type: container ships 6, general cargo 48, oil tanker 1, other 46 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Fuglafjordur, Torshavn, Vagur Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces or conscription (2021) Military - note: the 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim to UNCLOS that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nmbecause anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim to UNCLOS that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

20220901

countries-tunisia-summaries

Topic: Introduction Background: Tunisia has been the nexus of many different colonizations including those of the Phoenicians (as early as the 12 century B.C.), the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, various Arab and Berber kingdoms, and the Ottomans. In 1818, France established a protectorate. The French recognized Tunisia as an independent state in 1956.Tunisia has been the nexus of many different colonizations including those of the Phoenicians (as early as the 12 century B.C.), the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, various Arab and Berber kingdoms, and the Ottomans. In 1818, France established a protectorate. The French recognized Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. Topic: Geography Area: total: 163,610 sq km land: 155,360 sq km water: 8,250 sq km Climate: temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south Natural resources: petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt Topic: People and Society Population: 11,896,972 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1% Languages: Arabic (official, one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce), Berber (Tamazight); note - despite having no official status, French plays a major role in the country and is spoken by about two thirds of the population Religions: Muslim (official; Sunni) 99%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Shia Muslim, and Baha'i) <1% Population growth rate: 0.69% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Tunis Executive branch: chief 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) Legislative branch: description: note: on 25 July 2021, President SAIED suspended indefinitely the Assembly, and on 30 March 2022 he dissolved the Assembly unicameral Assembly of the Representatives of the People or Majlis Nuwwab ash-Sha'b (Assemblee des representants du peuple) (217 seats; 199 members directly elected in Tunisian multi-seat constituencies and 18 members in multi-seat constituencies living abroad by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: lower middle-income North African economy; drafting reforms for foreign lenders; high unemployment, especially for youth and women; hit hard by COVID-19; high public sector wages; high public debt; protectionist austerity measures; key EU trade partnerlower middle-income North African economy; drafting reforms for foreign lenders; high unemployment, especially for youth and women; hit hard by COVID-19; high public sector wages; high public debt; protectionist austerity measures; key EU trade partner Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $114.97 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $9,700 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: wheat, milk, tomatoes, barley, olives, watermelons, green chillies/peppers, potatoes, dates, green onions/shallots Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate, iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, agribusiness, beverages Exports: $19.17 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: France 29%, Italy 17%, Germany 13% (2019) Exports - commodities: insulated wiring, clothing and apparel, crude petroleum, olive oil, vehicle parts (2019) Imports: $23.42 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: France 17%, Italy 16%, Germany 8%, China 8%, Algeria 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, natural gas, low-voltage protection equipment, cars, insulated wiring (2019) Exchange rates: Tunisian dinars (TND) per US dollar -Page last updated: Friday, May 13, 2022