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20220901
field-military-service-age-and-obligation
This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation. Topic: Afghanistannot available Topic: Albania19 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; 18 is the legal minimum age in case of general/partial compulsory mobilization; conscription abolished 2010 (2021) note - as of 2020, women comprised about 14% of the military's full-time personnel, including 20% of the officers Topic: Algeria18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service (including women); 19-30 years of age for compulsory service (all Algerian men must register at age 17); conscript service obligation reduced from 18 to 12 months in 2014 (2022) note - as of 2020, conscripts comprised an estimated 70% of the military Topic: Angola20-45 years of age for compulsory male and 18-45 years for voluntary male military service (registration at age 18 is mandatory); 20-45 years of age for voluntary female service; 2-year conscript service obligation; Angolan citizenship required; the Navy (MGA) is entirely staffed with volunteers (2021) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda18-23 years of age for voluntary military service for both males and females; no conscription (2022) Topic: Argentina18-24 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); conscription suspended in 1995; citizens can still be drafted in times of crisis, national emergency, or war, or if the Defense Ministry is unable to fill all vacancies to keep the military functional (2022) note - as of 2021, women made up over 21% of the active duty military Topic: Armenia18-27 years of age for voluntary (men and women) or compulsory (men only) military service; 2-year conscript service obligation, which can be served as an officer upon deferment for university studies if enrolled in officer-producing program; 17-year-olds are eligible to become cadets at military higher education institutes, where they are classified as military personnel; citizens aged 27 to 50 are registered in the military reserve and may be called to serve if mobilization is declared; males under the age 36 years, who have not previously served as contract servicemen and are registered in the reserve, as well as females, regardless of whether they are registered in the reserve can be enrolled in contractual military service as privates (2021) note - as of 2021, conscripts comprised about half of the military's active personnel; as of 2018, women made up about 13% of the active duty military Topic: Australia17 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 Topic: Austriaregistration requirement at age 17, the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; 18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory military service (6 months), or optionally, alternative civil/community service (9 months); males 18 to 50 years old in the militia or inactive reserve are subject to compulsory service; in a January 2012 referendum, a majority of Austrians voted in favor of retaining the system of compulsory military service (with the option of alternative/non-military service) instead of switching to a professional army system (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 4% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Azerbaijanmen 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 Topic: Bahamas, The18 years of age for voluntary male and female service; no conscription (2022) Topic: Bahrain18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription (2022) Topic: Bangladesh16-21 years of age for voluntary military service; Bangladeshi nationality and 10th grade education required; officers: 17-21 years of age, Bangladeshi nationality, and 12th grade education required (2022) Topic: Barbadosvoluntary service only (men and women); 17 years, 9 months to 17 years, 11 months with letter of consent from a parent or guardian, or be in the age range of 18-25 years at the start of recruit training; citizens of Barbados by descent or naturalization (2022) Topic: Belarus18-27 years of age for compulsory military or alternative service; conscript service obligation is 12-18 months, depending on academic qualifications, and 24-36 months for alternative service, depending on academic qualifications; 17-year-olds are eligible to become cadets at military higher education institutes, where they are classified as military personnel (2021) note - conscripts can be assigned to the military, as well as the Ministry of Interior as internal or border troops; as of 2020, conscripts comprised an estimated 40% of the military Topic: Belgium18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 1995 (2021) note - in 2020, women comprised about 9% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Belize18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient, but conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1; initial service obligation 12 years (2022) Topic: Benin18-35 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; a higher education diploma is required; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months (2021) Topic: Bermudafemales and males who are Commonwealth citizens and 18-45 years of age for voluntary enlistment in the Bermuda Regiment; service is for a minimum period of three years and two months from the date of enlistment; service can be extended only by volunteering or an executive order from the Governor; annual training commitment is about 30 days a year, which includes a two-week camp, weekends, and drill nights (2021) Topic: Bhutan18 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) Topic: Boliviacompulsory for all men between the ages of 18 and 22; men can volunteer from the age of 16, women from 18; service is for one year; Search and Rescue service can be substituted for citizens who have reached the age of compulsory military service; duration of this service is 2 years (2022) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina18 years of age for voluntary military service; mandatory retirement at age 35 or after 15 years of service for junior enlisted personnel (E-1 to E-4), mandatory retirement at age 50 and 30 years of service for non-commissioned officers (E-5 to E-9), mandatory retirement at age 55 and 30 years of service for all commissioned officers; conscription abolished in 2005 (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Botswana18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) Topic: Brazil18-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men (women exempted); only 5-10% of those inducted are required to serve; conscript service obligation is 10-12 months; 17-45 years of age for voluntary service (2022) note - in 2020, women comprised approximately 9% of the Brazilian military Topic: Brunei17 years of age for voluntary military service; non-Malays are ineligible to serve; recruits from the army, navy, and air force all undergo 43-week initial training (2021) Topic: Bulgaria18-27 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 Topic: Burkina Faso18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women may serve in supporting roles (2021) Topic: Burma18-35 years of age (men) and 18-27 years of age (women) for voluntary military service; no conscription (a 2010 law reintroducing conscription has not yet entered into force); 2-year service obligation; male (ages 18-45) and female (ages 18-35) professionals (including doctors, engineers, mechanics) serve up to 3 years; service terms may be stretched to 5 years in an officially declared emergency (2021) Topic: Burundi18 years of age for voluntary military service (2021) Topic: Cabo Verde18-35 years of age for male and female selective compulsory military service; 2-years conscript service obligation; 17 years of age for voluntary service (with parental consent) (2021) Topic: Cambodia18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory and voluntary military service (conscription only selectively enforced since 1993); women may volunteer (2021) note - in 2018, women made up an estimated 6% of the active duty military Topic: Cameroon18-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; high school graduation required; service obligation 4 years (2021) Topic: Canada17 years of age for voluntary male and female military service (with parental consent); 16 years of age for Reserve and Military College applicants; Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status required; maximum 34 years of age; service obligation 3-9 years (2022) note(s) - Canada opened up all military occupations to women in 2001; in 2020, women comprised about 16% of the CAF Topic: Central African Republic18 years of age for military service; no conscription (2021) Topic: Chad20 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) Topic: Chile18-45 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; selective compulsory service (there are usually enough volunteers to make compulsory service unnecessary); service obligation is a minimum of 12 months for Army and 22 months for Navy and Air Force (2022) note - as of 2021, women comprised approximately 18% of the armed forces Topic: China18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service, with a 2-year service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military jobs (2022) Topic: Colombia18-24 years of age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; conscript service obligation is 18 months; conscripted soldiers reportedly include regular soldiers (conscripts without a high school degree), drafted high school graduates (bachilleres), and rural (campesino) soldiers who serve in their home regions (2022) note - in 2020, conscripts reportedly comprised about 50% of the Colombian military's active force with approximately 60-90,000 conscripts brought into the military annually Topic: Comoros18 years of age for 2-year voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (2021) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the18-45 years of age for voluntary (men and women) and compulsory (men only) military service; unclear how much conscription is used (2021) Topic: Congo, Republic of the18 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in the armed forces (2021) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary male and female military service; conscription is not enforced; voluntary recruitment of former rebels into the new national army is restricted to ages 22-29 (2021) Topic: Croatia18-27 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 Topic: Cuba17-28 years of age for compulsory (men) and volunteer (men and women) military service; 2-year service obligation for men (2022) Topic: CyprusCypriot National Guard (CNG): 18-50 years of age for compulsory military service for all Greek Cypriot males; 17 years of age for voluntary service; 14-month service obligation (2021) Topic: Czechia18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription abolished 2004 (2021) note - as of 2019, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Denmark18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months depending on specialization; former conscripts are assigned to mobilization units; women eligible to volunteer for military service; in addition to full time employment, the Danish Military offers reserve contracts in all three branches (2021) note(s) - women have been able serve in all military occupations, including combat arms, since 1988; as of 2019, they made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel; conscientious objectors can choose to instead serve 6 months in a non-military position, for example in Beredskabsstyrelsen (dealing with non-military disasters like fires, flood, pollution, etc.) or overseas foreign aid work Topic: Djibouti18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 16-25 years of age for voluntary military training; no conscription (2021) Topic: Dominican Republic17-21 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); recruits must have completed primary school and be Dominican Republic citizens; women may volunteer (2022) note - as of 2021, women made up approximately 20% of the active duty military Topic: Ecuador18 years of age for selective conscript military service, although conscription was suspended in 2008; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; Ecuadorian birth requirement; 1-year service obligation; females have been allowed to serve in all branches since 2012 (2022) note - in 2017, women made up an estimated 3% of the military Topic: Egyptvoluntary enlistment possible from age 16 (men and women); 18-30 years of age for male conscript military service; service obligation - 14-36 months, followed by a 9-year reserve obligation; active service length depends on education; high school drop-outs serve for the full 36 months, while college graduates serve for lesser periods of time, depending on their education (2022) note - as of 2020, conscripts were estimated to comprise over half of the military, as well as a considerable portion of the Central Security Force Topic: El Salvador18 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 16-22 years of age for voluntary male or female service; service obligation is 12 months, with 11 months for officers and NCOs (2022) note - as of 2016, women made up about 6% of the active duty military Topic: Equatorial Guinea18 years of age for selective compulsory military service, although conscription is rare in practice; 2-year service obligation; women hold only administrative positions in the Navy (2021) Topic: Eritrea18-40 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 Topic: Estoniamen 18-27 for compulsory military or governmental service, conscript service requirement 8-11 months depending on education; NCOs, reserve officers, and specialists serve 11 months; women can volunteer and as of 2018, women could serve in any branch of the military (2021) note(s) - conscripts comprise about half (approximately 3,000-3,300) of the Estonian military's 6,500 active personnel and serve in all branches, except for the Air Force, which does not have conscripts; in 2020, women comprised about 10% of the full-time professional military force Topic: Eswatini18-30 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (2021) Topic: Ethiopia18 years of age for voluntary military service; no compulsory military service, but the military can conduct callups when necessary and compliance is compulsory (2021) note - in November 2021, the Ethiopian Government issued a nationwide state of emergency that enabled officials to order military-age citizens to undergo training and accept military duty in support of the Tigray conflict Topic: Fiji18 years of age for voluntary military service; mandatory retirement at age 55 (2021) Topic: Finlandat age 18, all Finnish men are obligated to serve 5.5-12 months of service within a branch of the military or the Border Guard (length of service depends on the type of duty), and women 18-29 may volunteer for service; there is also an option to perform non-military service which lasts for 8.5 or 11.5 months; after completing their initial conscript obligation, individuals enter the reserves and remain eligible for mobilization until the age of 50 for rank-and-file and 60 for non-commissioned and commissioned officers (2022) note(s) - the military trains approximately 21,000 (20,000 Army) conscripts each year; as of 2019, women made up about 4% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: France18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 2001); 1-year service obligation; women serve in noncombat posts (2021) note(s) - men between the ages of 17.5 and 39.5 years of age, of any nationality, may join the French Foreign Legion; those volunteers selected for service sign 5-year contracts; in 2019, women comprised approximately approximately 16% of the uniformed armed forces (21% including civilians)  Topic: Gabon20 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2021) Topic: Gambia, The18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (18-22 for officers); no conscription; service obligation 6 months (2021) Topic: Georgia18-27 years of age for voluntary active duty military service; conscription abolished in 2016, but reinstated in 2017 for men 18 to 27 years of age; conscript service obligation is 12 months (2021) note(s) - approximately 6-7,000 individuals are called up annually for conscription for service; approximately 25% enter the Defense Forces, while the remainder serve in the Ministry of Internal Affairs or as prison guards in the Ministry of Corrections; as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Germany17-23 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (must have completed compulsory full-time education and have German citizenship); conscription ended July 2011; service obligation 7-23 months or 12 years; women have been eligible for voluntary service in all military branches and positions since 2001 (2022) note - in 2021, women accounted for about 12% of the German military Topic: Ghana18-26 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic education certificate; no conscription (2021) Topic: Greece19-45 years of age for compulsory military service; 12-month obligation for all services (note - as an exception, the duration of the full military service is 9 instead of 12 months if conscripts, after the initial training, serve the entire remaining time in certain areas of the eastern borders, in Cyprus, or in certain military units); 18 years of age for volunteers; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2021) note(s) - approximately 40-50% of the Greek military is comprised of conscripts; as of 2019, women comprised approximately 19% of the full-time military personnel Topic: Guatemalaall male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are eligible for military service; in practice, most of the force is volunteer, however, a selective draft system is employed, resulting in a small portion of 17-21 year-olds conscripted; conscript service obligation varies from 1 to 2 years; women may volunteer (2022) note - as of 2017, women made up an estimated 5-10% of the active military Topic: GuineaVoluntary and selective conscripted service, 9-24 mos (2021) Topic: Guinea-Bissau18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger, with parental consent, for voluntary service (2021) Topic: Guyana18 years of age or older for voluntary military service; no conscription (2022) Topic: Haitinot available Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps: 19-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; must be Roman Catholic, a single male, and a Swiss citizen, with a secondary education; service is for 26 months (2022) Topic: Honduras18 years of age for voluntary 2- to 3-year military service (men and women); no conscription (2022) note - as of 2017, women made up over 4% of the active duty military Topic: Hungary18-25 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 Topic: India16-18 years of age for voluntary military service (Army 17 1/2, Air Force 17, Navy 16 1/2); no conscription; women may join as officers, currently serve in combat roles as Air Force pilots, and under consideration for Army and Navy combat roles (currently can fly naval reconnaissance aircraft) (2022) Topic: Indonesia18-45 years of age for voluntary military service, with selective conscription authorized (males, age 18), but not utilized; 2-year service obligation, with reserve obligation to age 45 (officers) (2021) Topic: Iran18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15 years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript military service obligation is 18-24 months, depending on the location of service (soldiers serving in places of high security risk and deprived areas serve shorter terms); women exempt from military service (2021) note - as of 2019, approximately 80% of Artesh ground forces personnel were conscripts, while Navy and Air/Air Defense Force personnel were primarily volunteers; conscripts reportedly comprised more than 50 percent of the IRGC (most volunteers were reportedly recruited from the Basij Forces) Topic: Iraq18-40 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 2003) (2022) note - in late 2021, the Iraqi Government approved a draft conscription law for the Council of Representatives to debate Topic: Ireland18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service recruits to the Defence Forces (18-27 years of age for the Naval Service); 18-26 for cadetship (officer) applicants; 12-year service (5 active, 7 reserves); Irish citizen, European Economic Area citizenship, or refugee status (2022) note - as of 2019, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Israel18 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of age for voluntary military service; Jews and Druze can be conscripted; Christians, Circassians, and Muslims may volunteer; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript liability 48 months for officers, 32 months for men of other ranks, 24 for women;  conscript service obligation - 32 months for enlisted men and about 24 months for enlisted women (varies based on military occupation), 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9-year service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), age 24 (women) (2022) note(s) - women have served in the Israeli military since its establishment in 1948; as of 2021, women made up about 35% of IDF personnel; more than 90% of military specialties, including combat specialties, were open to women and more than 3,000 women were serving in combat units; the IDF's first mixed-gender infantry unit, the Caracal Battalion, was established in 2004; as of 2021, conscripts comprised about 70% of the IDF ground forces Topic: Italy18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in any military branch; Italian citizenship required; 1-year service obligation; conscription abolished 2004 (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Jamaicano conscription; 18-23 for voluntary military service (17 with parental consent; 18-28 for the reserves); since 2017, the JDF's standard mode of recruitment is to enroll recruits ages 18-23 through the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC); in the JNSC, soldiers receive basic military, vocational, and life skills training; upon completion of 1-year of service, soldiers can continue on with the JDF or seek other opportunities with law enforcement (2022) Topic: Japan18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (maximum enlistment age 32); no conscription (2021) note - as of 2020, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Jordan17 years of age for voluntary male military service (women can volunteer to serve in noncombat military positions in the Royal Jordanian Arab Army Women's Corps and RJAF); initial service term 2 years, with option to reenlist for 18 years; conscription abolished in 1991; however, in 2020, Jordan announced the reinstatement of compulsory military service for jobless men aged between 25 and 29 with 12 months of service, made up of 3 months of military training and 9 months of professional and technical training; in 2019, announced a voluntary 4-month National Military Service program for men and women aged between 18-25 years who have been unemployed for at least 6 months; service would include 1 month for military training with the remaining 3 months dedicated to vocational training in the sectors of construction and tourism (2022) note - most women serve in the medical service; outside the medical service, women comprised about 1.5% of the military as of 2019; the Jordanian Government intended to raise this to 3% Topic: Kazakhstanall men 18-27 are required to serve in the military for at least one year (2022) Topic: Kenyano conscription; 18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary service (under 18 with parental consent; upper limit 30 years of age for specialists, tradesmen, or women with a diploma; 39 years of age for chaplains/imams), with a 9-year obligation (7 years for Kenyan Navy) and subsequent 3-year re-enlistments; applicants must be Kenyan citizens (2022) Topic: Korea, North17 years of age for compulsory male and female military service; service obligation 10 years for men, to age 23 for women (reportedly reduced in 2021 to 7-8 years for men and 5 years for women) (2021) note(s) - the bulk of the KPA is made up of conscripts; as many as 20 percent of North Korean males between the ages of 16 and 54 are in the military at a given time and possibly up to 30 percent of males between the ages of 18 and 27, not counting the reserves or paramilitary units Topic: Korea, South18-28 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum conscript service obligation varies by service- 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service  (2021) note(s) - women, in service since 1950, are able to serve in all branches, including as officers, and in 2020 comprised about 7.5% of the active duty military; in 2021, about 330,000 of the military's active personnel were conscripts; South Korea intends to reduce the length of military service to 18 – 22 months by 2022 Topic: Kosovoservice is voluntary; must be over the age of 18 and a citizen of Kosovo; upper age for enlisting is 30 for officers, 25 for other ranks, although these may be waived for recruits with key skills considered essential for the KSF (2021) Topic: Kuwait17-21 years of age for voluntary military service; Kuwait reintroduced one-year mandatory service for men aged 18-35 in May 2017 after having suspended conscription in 2001; service is divided in two phases – four months for training and eight months for military service; women were allowed to volunteer in 2021 (2022)   Topic: Kyrgyzstan18-27 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) Topic: Laos18 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - minimum 18 months (2021) Topic: Latvia18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (abolished 2007) (2021) note - as of 2019, women comprised about 16% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Lebanon17-25 years of age for voluntary military service (including women); no conscription (2022) note - as of 2020, women comprised about 5% of the active duty military Topic: Lesotho18-24 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women can serve as commissioned officers (2021) Topic: Liberia18-35 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) note - as of 2020, women made up about .4% of the active military Topic: Libyanot available Topic: Lithuania19-26 years of age for conscripted military service (males); 9-month service obligation; in 2015, Lithuania reinstated conscription after having converted to a professional military in 2008; 18-38 for voluntary service (male and female) (2021) note(s) - Lithuania conscripts up to 4,000 males each year; conscripts are selected using an automated lottery system; as of 2019, women comprised about 12% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Luxembourg18-26 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (abolished 1969); Luxembourg citizen or EU citizen with 3-year residence in Luxembourg (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Madagascar18-25 years of age for males; service obligation 18 months; no conscription; women are permitted to serve in all branches (2022) Topic: Malawi18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); high school equivalent required for enlisted recruits and college equivalent for officer recruits; initial engagement is 7 years for enlisted personnel and 10 years for officers (2021) Topic: Malaysia17 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 Topic: Maldives18-28 years of age for voluntary service; no conscription; 10th grade or equivalent education required; must not be a member of a political party (2022) Topic: Mali18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service (men and women); 2-year conscript service obligation (2022) Topic: Malta18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) Topic: Mauritania18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2022) Topic: Mauritiusservice is voluntary (2022) Topic: Mexico18 years of age for compulsory military service for males (selection for service determined by lottery); conscript service obligation is 12 months; those selected serve on Saturdays in a Batallón del Servicio Militar Nacional (National Military Service Battalion) composed entirely of 1-year Servicio Militar Nacional (SMN) conscripts; conscripts remain in reserve status until the age of 40; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary enlistment; cadets enrolled in military schools from the age of 15 are considered members of the armed forces; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2022) note - as of 2022, women comprised about 15% of the active duty military Topic: Moldova18-27 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 Topic: Mongolia18-27 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; 1-year conscript service obligation in army or air forces or police for males only (can be exchanged for a 24‐month stint in the civil service or a tax voucher); after conscription, soldiers can contract into military service for 2 or 4 years; citizens can also voluntarily join the armed forces (2021) Topic: Montenegro18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006 (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Morocco19-25 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) Topic: Mozambiqueregistration for military service is mandatory for all males and females at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service; 2-year service obligation; women may serve as officers or enlisted (2021) Topic: Namibia18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) note - as of 2018, women comprised more than 20% of the active military Topic: Nepal18 years of age for voluntary military service (including women); no conscription (2022) note - as of 2020, women comprised about 5% of the active duty military Topic: Netherlands17 years of age for an all-volunteer force; conscription remains in place, but the requirement to show up for compulsory military service was suspended in 1997 (2021) note - in 2019, women made up about 11% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: New Zealand17 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18; no conscription (2022) note - New Zealand opened up all military occupations to women in 2000; in 2019, women accounted for about 18% of the uniformed full-time personnel Topic: Nicaragua18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; tour of duty 18-36 months; requires Nicaraguan nationality and 6th-grade education (2022) Topic: Nigerhas conscription, although it is reportedly not always enforced; 18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory or voluntary military service; enlistees must be Nigerien citizens and unmarried; 2-year service term; women may serve in health care (2022) Topic: Nigeria18-26 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) Topic: North Macedonia18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2007 (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 8% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Norway19-35 years of age for male and female selective compulsory military service; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 19-month service obligation; conscripts first serve 12 months from 19-28, and then up to 4-5 refresher training periods until age 35, 44, 55, or 60 depending on rank and function (2021) note(s) - Norway conscripts about 8,000 individuals annually; Norway was the first NATO country to allow females to serve in all combat arms branches of the military (1985); it also has an all-female special operations unit known as Jegertroppen (The Hunter Troop), which was established in 2014; as of 2019, women comprised about 14% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Oman18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (women have been allowed to serve since 2011); no conscription (2022) Topic: Pakistan16 (or 17 depending on service)-23 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed for combat until age 18; women serve in all three armed forces; reserve obligation to age 45 for enlisted men, age 50 for officers (2022) Topic: Papua New Guinea16 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (2021) Topic: Paraguay18 years of age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy (conscripts also serve in the National Police); volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than 22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2022) note - as of 2021, women made up about 6% of the active military Topic: Peru18-50 years of age for male and 18-45 years of age for female voluntary military service (12 months); no conscription (abolished in 1999) (2022) note - as of 2019, women made up about 10% of the active duty military Topic: Philippines18-23 years of age (officers 21-29; 21-26 for women officers) for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) note - as of 2020, women made up about 6% of the active military; women were allowed to enter the Philippine Military Academy and train as combat soldiers in 1993 Topic: Poland18-28 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription phased out in 2009-12; professional soldiers serve on a permanent basis (for an unspecified period of time) or on a contract basis (for a specified period of time); initial contract period is 24 months; women serve in the military on the same terms as men (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Portugal18-30 years of age for voluntary or contract military service; no compulsory military service (abolished 2004), but conscription possible if insufficient volunteers available; women serve in the armed forces, on naval ships since 1992, but are prohibited from serving in some combatant specialties; contract service lasts for an initial period from two to six years, and can be extended to a maximum of 20 years of service; voluntary military service lasts 12 months; reserve obligation to age 35 (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 12% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Qatarconscription for males aged 18-35 introduced in 2013; compulsory service times range from 4-12 months, depending on the cadets educational and professional circumstances; since 2018, women have been permitted to serve in the armed forces, including as uniformed officers and pilots (2022) note - as of 2020, the military incorporated about 2,000 conscripts annually Topic: Romaniaconscription ended 2006; 18 years of age for male and female voluntary service; all military inductees (including women) contract for an initial 5-year term of service, with subsequent successive 3-year terms until age 36 (2021) Topic: Russia18-27 years of age for compulsory service (males only); 18-40 for voluntary/contractual service; women and non-Russian citizens (18-30) may volunteer; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; 1-year service obligation (Russia offers the option of serving on a 2-year contract instead of completing a 1-year conscription period); reserve obligation for non-officers to age 50; enrollment in military schools from the age of 16, cadets classified as members of the armed forces (2022) note(s) - in May 2022, Russia's parliament approved a law removing the upper age limit for contractual service in the military; in the spring of 2022, Russia drafted 134,500 conscripts into the military; as of 2021, conscripts reportedly comprised about 30% of the Russian military's active duty personnel; in April of 2019, the Russian Government pledged its intent to end conscription as part of a decade-long effort to shift from a large, conscript-based military to a smaller, more professional force; an existing law allows for a 21-month alternative civil service in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities for those who view military duty as incompatible with their beliefs, but military conscription offices reportedly often broadly ignore requests for such service; as of 2020, women made up about 5% of the active duty military Topic: Rwanda18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription; Rwandan citizenship is required; enlistment is either as contract (5-years, renewable twice) or career (2021) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis18 years of age for voluntary military service (under 18 with written parental permission); no conscription (2021) Topic: San Marino18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription; government has the authority to call up all San Marino citizens from 16-60 years of age to service in the military (2021) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory military service; 17 is the legal minimum age for voluntary service (2021) Topic: Saudi Arabia17-40 for men; no conscription; as of 2021, women (aged 18-40) were allowed to serve in the Army, Air Defense, Navy, Strategic Missile Force, medical services, and internal security forces up to the rank of non-commissioned officer (2021) Topic: Senegal18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 20 years of age for selective conscript service; 2-year service obligation; women have been accepted into military service since 2008 (2021) Topic: Serbia18 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 Topic: Seychelles18-28 (18-25 for officers) years of age for voluntary military service (including women); 6-year initial commitment; no conscription (2022) Topic: Sierra Leone18-29 for voluntary military service; women are eligible to serve; no conscription (2021) Topic: Singapore18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 1/2 years of age for voluntary enlistment (with parental consent); 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers); women are not conscripted, but they are allowed to volunteer for all services and branches, including combat arms (2021) note(s) - under the Enlistment Act, all male Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, unless exempted, are required to enter National Service (NS) upon attaining the age of 18; most NS conscripts serve in the SAF, but some go into the Police Force or Civil Defense Force; as of 2020, conscripts comprised over half of the defense establishment; as of 2017, women made up about 7% of the active force Topic: Slovakia18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription in peacetime suspended in 2004; women are eligible to serve (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up around 12% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Slovenia18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); conscription abolished in 2003 (2021) note - as of 2019, women comprised about 15% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Somalia18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscription is authorized, but not currently utilized (2021) Topic: South Africa18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women are eligible to serve in noncombat roles; 2-year service obligation (2021) note - in 2019, women comprised about 30% of the SANDF Topic: South Sudan18 is the legal minimum age for compulsory (men) and voluntary (men and women) military service; 12-24 months service (2022) note - in 2019, women made up less than 10% of the active military Topic: Spain18-26 years of age for voluntary military service by a Spanish citizen or legal immigrant, 2-3 year obligation; women allowed to serve in all SAF branches, including combat units; no conscription (abolished 2001), but Spanish Government retains right to mobilize citizens 19-25 years of age in a national emergency (2021) note - as of 2019, women comprised about 13% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Sri Lanka18-22 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2022) Topic: Sudan18-33 years of age for male and female compulsory or voluntary military service; 1-2 year service obligation (2022) note - implementation of conscription is reportedly uneven Topic: Suriname18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2022) Topic: Sweden18-47 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; service obligation: 7.5 months (Army), 7-15 months (Navy), 8-12 months (Air Force); after completing initial service, soldiers have a reserve commitment until age 47; compulsory military service, abolished in 2010, was reinstated in January 2018; conscription is selective, includes both female and male (age 18), and requires 9-12 months of service (2021) note(s) - Sweden conscripts about 5,500 men and women each year; as of 2021, women made up about 11% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Switzerland18-30 years of age generally for male compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; every Swiss male has to serve at least 245 days in the armed forces; conscripts receive 18 weeks of mandatory training, followed by six 19-day intermittent recalls for training during the next 10 years (2021) note - conscientious objectors can choose 390 days of community service instead of military service Topic: Syria18-42 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation is 18 months; women are not conscripted but may volunteer to serve (2022) note - the SAF is comprised largely of conscripts Topic: Taiwanstarting with those born in 1994, males 18-36 years of age may volunteer for military service or must complete 4 months of compulsory military training (5 weeks of basic training followed by 11 weeks of specialized training with field units); civil service can be substituted for military service in some cases; men born before December 1993 are required to complete compulsory service for 1 year (military or civil); men are subject to training recalls up to four times for periods not to exceed 20 days for 8 years after discharge; women may enlist, but are restricted to noncombat roles in most cases; as part of its transition to an all-volunteer military in December 2018, the last cohort of one-year military conscripts completed their service obligations (2022) note - as of 2021, women made up about 15% of the active duty military Topic: Tajikistan18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service for men; 24-month conscript service obligation; in August 2021, the Tajik Government began allowing men to pay a fee in order to avoid conscription (2022) Topic: Tanzania18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; 6-year commitment (2-year contracts afterwards); selective conscription for 2 years of public service (2022) Topic: Thailand18 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); 21 years of age for compulsory military service (men only); males register at 18 years of age; 2-year conscript service obligation varies by educational qualifications (2021) note(s) - information varies, but conscripts reportedly comprise as much as 50% of the RTARF; around 100,000 males are drafted each year; as of 2020, women comprised about 8% of active military personnel Topic: Timor-Leste18 years of age for voluntary military service; 18-month service obligation (2021) Topic: Togo18 years of age for military service; 2-year service obligation; no conscription; women have been able to serve since 2007 (2021) Topic: Tongamen and women, 18-25, may volunteer; no conscription (2021) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women; some age variations between services, reserves); no conscription (2022) note - as of 2017, women comprised about 14% of the active military Topic: Tunisiamen 20-23 years of age for compulsory service, 1-year service obligation; individuals engaged in higher education or vocational training programs prior to their military drafting are allowed to delay service until they have completed their programs; 18-23 years of age for voluntary service; women may volunteer (2022) note(s) - as of 2021, approximately 20-25,000 active military personnel were conscripts; women have been allowed in the service since 1975 as volunteers only, although as recently as 2018, the Tunisian Government has discussed the possibility of conscripting women; as of 2018, women constituted less than 7% of the military and served in all three services Topic: TurkeyPresident Erdoğan on 25 June 2019 signed a new law cutting the men’s mandatory military service period in half, as well as making paid military service permanent; with the new system, the period of conscription was reduced from 12 months to six months for privates and non-commissioned soldiers (the service term for reserve officers chosen among university or college graduates will remain 12 months); after completing six months of service, if a conscripted soldier wants to and is suitable for extending his military service, he may do so for an additional six months in return for a monthly salary; under the new law, all male Turkish citizens over the age of 20 will be required to undergo a one month military training period, but they can obtain an exemption from the remaining five months of their mandatory service by paying 31,000 Turkish Liras (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about .3% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: Turkmenistan18-30 years of age for compulsory male military service; 2-year conscript service obligation (2.5 years for the Navy); 20 years of age for voluntary service (including females); males may enroll in military schools from age 15 (2022) Topic: Uganda18-25 years of age for voluntary military duty (men and women); 9-year service obligation (2021) Topic: Ukraineconscription abolished in 2012, but reintroduced in 2014; 20-27 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months (2021) note(s) - the Ukrainian military has a mix of conscripts (14,000 conscripted in 2021) and professional soldiers on contracts; women can volunteer and have served in the Ukrainian armed forces since 1993; as of 2021, women comprised approximately 15-20% of the military; in late 2021, the Ukrainian Government began requiring women between 18 and 60 who are fit for military service and work in a broad range of professions to register with Ukraine's armed forces   Topic: United Arab Emirates18-30 years of age for compulsory military service for men (compulsory service initiated in 2014); 17 years of age for male volunteers with parental approval; males can volunteer up to age 40; 24-month general service obligation, 16 months for secondary school graduates; women can volunteer to serve for 9 months regardless of education (2022) note - compulsory service may be completed in the uniformed military, the Ministry of Interior, the State Security Service, or other institutions designated by the military leadership Topic: United Kingdomslight variations by service, but generally 16-36 years of age for enlisted (with parental consent under 18) and 18-29 for officers; minimum length of service 4 years; women serve in military services including ground combat roles; conscription abolished in 1963 (2021) note - as of 2019, women made up about 11% of the military's full-time personnel Topic: United States18 years of age (17 years of age with parental consent) for male and female voluntary service; no conscription  (currently inactive, but males aged 18-25 must register with Selective Service in case conscription is reinstated in the future); maximum enlistment age 34 (Army), 39 (Air Force), 39 (Navy), 28 (Marines), 31 (Coast Guard); 8-year service obligation, including 2-5 years active duty (Army), 2 years active (Navy), 4 years active (Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard); all military occupations and positions open to women (2021) note - in 2019, women comprised about 18% of the total US military Topic: Uruguay18-30 years of age (18-22 years of age for Navy) for male or female voluntary military service; up to 40 years of age for specialists; enlistment is voluntary in peacetime, but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies (2022) note - as of 2017, women comprised about 19% of the active military Topic: Uzbekistan18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; 1-year conscript service obligation for males (conscripts have the option of paying for a shorter service of one month while remaining in the reserves until the age of 27); Uzbek citizens who have completed their service terms in the armed forces have privileges in employment and admission to higher educational institutions (2022) Topic: Venezuela18-30 (25 for women) for voluntary service; the minimum service obligation is 24-30 months; all citizens of military service age (18-50 years old) are obligated to register for military service and subject to military training, although “forcible recruitment” is forbidden (2022) note - as of 2017, women made up more than 20% of the active duty military Topic: Vietnam18-27 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (females eligible for conscription, but in practice only males are drafted); conscription typically takes place twice annually and service obligation is 2 years (Army, Air Defense) and 3 years (Navy and Air Force) (2021) Topic: West Banknot available Topic: Yemen18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2001; 2-year service obligation (note - limited information since the start of the civil war) (2021) Topic: Zambia18-25 years of age for male and female voluntary military service (16 with parental consent); no conscription; 12-year enlistment period (7 years active, 5 in the Reserves) (2021) Topic: Zimbabwe18-22 years of age for voluntary military service (18-24 for officer cadets; 18-30 for technical/specialist personnel); no conscription; women are eligible to serve (2021)
20220901
countries-portugal
Topic: Photos of Portugal Topic: Introduction Background: 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.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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain Geographic coordinates: 39 30 N, 8 00 W Map references: Europe Area: total: 92,090 sq km land: 91,470 sq km water: 620 sq km note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Virginia Land boundaries: total: 1,224 km border countries (1): Spain 1,224 km Coastline: 1,793 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: maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south Terrain: the west-flowing Tagus River divides the country: the north is mountainous toward the interior, while the south is characterized by rolling plains Elevation: highest 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 Natural resources: fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, hydropower Land use: agricultural land: 39.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 7.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20% (2018 est.) forest: 37.8% (2018 est.) other: 22.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 5,400 sq km (2012) Population distribution: concentrations are primarily along or near the Atlantic coast; both Lisbon and the second largest city, Porto, are coastal cities Natural hazards: Azores subject to severe earthquakesvolcanism: limited volcanic activity in the Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (1,043 m) last erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries; historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico, Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and TerceiraAzores subject to severe earthquakesvolcanism: limited volcanic activity in the Azores Islands; Fayal or Faial (1,043 m) last erupted in 1958; most volcanoes have not erupted in centuries; historically active volcanoes include Agua de Pau, Furnas, Pico, Picos Volcanic System, San Jorge, Sete Cidades, and Terceira Geography - note: Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; they are two of the four North Atlantic archipelagos that make up Macaronesia; the others are the Canary Islands (Spain) and Cabo Verde Map description: Portugal map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding Spain and the North Atlantic Ocean.Portugal map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding Spain and the North Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 10,242,081 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Portuguese (singular and plural) adjective: Portuguese Ethnic groups: Portuguese 95%; citizens from Portugal’s former colonies in Africa, Asia (Han Chinese), and South America (Brazilian) and other foreign born 5% Languages: Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official, but locally used) Religions: Roman 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 Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.8 youth dependency ratio: 20.3 elderly dependency ratio: 35.5 potential support ratio: 2.8 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 44.6 years male: 42.7 years female: 46.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.2% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 10.9 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: concentrations are primarily along or near the Atlantic coast; both Lisbon and the second largest city, Porto, are coastal cities Urbanization: urban population: 67.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 2.986 million LISBON (capital), 1.320 million Porto (2022) 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: 0.98 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.85 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.55 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 29.9 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 8 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 2.5 deaths/1,000 live births male: 2.86 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.5 years male: 78.37 years female: 84.79 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.43 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 73.9% (2014) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 99.7% of population total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 0.3% of population total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 9.5% (2019) Physicians density: 5.48 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 3.5 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.5% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 42,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <500 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 20.8% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 25.4% (2020 est.) male: 30.5% (2020 est.) female: 20.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 0.4% (2015/16) Education expenditures: 4.7% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 96.1% male: 97.4% female: 95.1% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 17 years male: 17 years female: 17 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 22.6% male: 21% female: 24.4% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in urban centers and coastal areas Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, 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 Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south Land use: agricultural land: 39.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 7.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20% (2018 est.) forest: 37.8% (2018 est.) other: 22.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 67.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.13% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.71 million tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 764,433 tons (2014 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 16.2% (2014 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 914.1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 1.497 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 8.767 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 77.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Portuguese Republic conventional short form: Portugal local long form: Republica Portuguesa local short form: Portugal etymology: name derives from the Roman designation "Portus Cale" meaning "Port of Cale"; Cale was an ancient Celtic town and port in present-day northern Portugal Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Lisbon geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 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 time zone note: Portugal has two time zones, including the Azores (UTC-1) etymology: Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest cities (the second oldest capital city after Athens) and the origin of the name is lost in time; it may have been founded as an ancient Celtic settlement that subsequently maintained close commercial relations with the Phoenicians (beginning about 1200 B.C.); the name of the settlement may have been derived from the pre-Roman appellation for the Tagus River that runs through the city, Lisso or Lucio; the Romans named the city "Olisippo" when they took it from the Carthaginians in 205 B.C.; under the Visigoths the city name became "Ulixbona," under the Arabs it was "al-Ushbuna"; the medieval version of "Lissabona" became today's Lisboa Administrative divisions: 18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu Independence: 1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 1 December 1640 (independence reestablished following 60 years of Spanish rule); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed) National holiday: Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis DE CAMOES (1524-80) died Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law system; Constitutional Court review of legislative acts International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Portugal dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years; 6 years if from a Portuguese-speaking country Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (since 9 March 2016) head of government: Prime Minister Antonio Luis Santos da COSTA (since 24 November 2015) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 24 January 2021 (next to be held in January 2026); following legislative elections the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president election results: Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Marcelo REBELO DE SOUSA (PSD) 60.7%, Ana GOMES (ran as an independent but is a member of PS) 12.97%, Andre VENTURA (CH) 11.9%, João FERREIRA (PCP-PEV) 4.32%, Marisa MATIAS (BE) 3.95%, other 6.16% note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative body to the president Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (230 seats; 226 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed-list proportional representation vote and 4 members - 2 each in 2 constituencies representing Portuguese living abroad - directly elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 30 January 2022 (next to be held in January 2026); note - early elections were called after parliament was dissolved on 3 November 2021 because of the 27 October 2021 rejection of the government's budget election results: percent of vote by party - PS 42.5%, PSD 28.4%, Enough 7.4%, IL 5%, BE 4.5%, CDU 4.4%, other 7.8%; seats by party - PS 120, PSD 72, Enough 12, IL 8, CDU 6, BE 5, other 3; composition - men NA, women NA, percent of women NA% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of 12 justices); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 13 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president and appointed by the Assembly of the Republic; judges can serve for life; Constitutional Court judges - 10 elected by the Assembly and 3 elected by the other Constitutional Court judges; judges elected for 6-year nonrenewable terms subordinate courts: Supreme Administrative Court (Supremo Tribunal Administrativo); Audit Court (Tribunal de Contas); appellate, district, and municipal courts Political parties and leaders: Democratic Alliance (2022 electoral alliance in the Azores, includes PSD, CDS-PP, PPM) Democratic and Social Center/Popular Party (Partido do Centro Democratico Social-Partido Popular) or CDS-PP [Nuno MELO] Ecologist Party "The Greens" or "Os Verdes" (Partido Ecologista-Os Verdes) or PEV [Heloisa APOLONIA] Enough (Chega) [Andre VENTURA] Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal) or IL [Joao COTRIM DE FIGUEIREDO] Madeira First (2022 electoral alliance in Madeira, includes PSD, CDS-PP) People-Animals-Nature Party (Pessoas-Animais-Natureza) or PAN [Ines SOUSA REAL] People's Monarchist Party or PPM [Gonçalo DA CAMARA PEREIRA] Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Portugues) or PCP [Jeronimo DE SOUSA] Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata) or PSD (original name Partido Popular Democratico or PPD) [Luis MONTENEGRO] Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) or PS [Antonio COSTA] The Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda) or BE or O Bloco [Catarina MARTINS] Unitary Democratic Coalition (Coligacao Democratica Unitaria) or CDU [Jeronimo DE SOUSA] (includes PCP and PEV) International organization participation: ADB (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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Antonio Duarte LOPES (since 7 June 2022) chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 350-5400; [1] (202) 332-3007 FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726; [1] (202) 387-2768 email address and website: info.washington@mne.pt; sconsular.washington@mne.pt https://washingtondc.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt/en/ consulate(s) general: Boston, Newark (NJ), New York, San Francisco consulate(s): New Bedford (MA), Providence (RI) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Randi Charno LEVINE (since 22 April 2022) embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisboa mailing address: 5320 Lisbon Place, Washington DC  20521-5320 telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300 FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109 email address and website: conslisbon@state.gov https://pt.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores) Flag description: two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the national coat of arms (armillary sphere and Portuguese shield) centered on the dividing line; explanations for the color meanings are ambiguous, but a popular interpretation has green symbolizing hope and red the blood of those defending the nation National symbol(s): armillary sphere (a spherical astrolabe modeling objects in the sky and representing the Republic); national colors: red, green National anthem: name: "A Portugesa" (The Song of the Portuguese) lyrics/music: Henrique LOPES DE MENDOCA/Alfredo KEIL note: adopted 1910; "A Portuguesa" was originally written to protest the Portuguese monarchy's acquiescence to the 1890 British ultimatum forcing Portugal to give up areas of Africa; the lyrics refer to the "insult" that resulted from the event National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 17 (16 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Évora (c); Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores (c); Cultural Landscape of Sintra (c); Laurisilva of Madeira (n); Historic Guimarães (c); Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém in Lisbon (c); Convent of Christ in Tomar (c); Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde (c); University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia (c); Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the European Community - the EU's predecessor - in 1986. Over the following two decades, successive governments privatized many state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The country joined the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999 and began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU members.   The economy grew by more than the EU average for much of the 1990s, but the rate of growth slowed in 2001-08. After the global financial crisis in 2008, Portugal’s economy contracted in 2009 and fell into recession from 2011 to 2013, as the government implemented spending cuts and tax increases to comply with conditions of an EU-IMF financial rescue package, signed in May 2011. Portugal successfully exited its EU-IMF program in May 2014, and its economic recovery gained traction in 2015 because of strong exports and a rebound in private consumption. GDP growth accelerated in 2016, and probably reached 2.5 % in 2017. Unemployment remained high, at 9.7% in 2017, but has improved steadily since peaking at 18% in 2013.   The center-left minority Socialist government has unwound some unpopular austerity measures while managing to remain within most EU fiscal targets. The budget deficit fell from 11.2% of GDP in 2010 to 1.8% in 2017, the country’s lowest since democracy was restored in 1974, and surpassing the EU and IMF projections of 3%. Portugal exited the EU’s excessive deficit procedure in mid-2017.Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the European Community - the EU's predecessor - in 1986. Over the following two decades, successive governments privatized many state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The country joined the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999 and began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU members. The economy grew by more than the EU average for much of the 1990s, but the rate of growth slowed in 2001-08. After the global financial crisis in 2008, Portugal’s economy contracted in 2009 and fell into recession from 2011 to 2013, as the government implemented spending cuts and tax increases to comply with conditions of an EU-IMF financial rescue package, signed in May 2011. Portugal successfully exited its EU-IMF program in May 2014, and its economic recovery gained traction in 2015 because of strong exports and a rebound in private consumption. GDP growth accelerated in 2016, and probably reached 2.5 % in 2017. Unemployment remained high, at 9.7% in 2017, but has improved steadily since peaking at 18% in 2013. The center-left minority Socialist government has unwound some unpopular austerity measures while managing to remain within most EU fiscal targets. The budget deficit fell from 11.2% of GDP in 2010 to 1.8% in 2017, the country’s lowest since democracy was restored in 1974, and surpassing the EU and IMF projections of 3%. Portugal exited the EU’s excessive deficit procedure in mid-2017. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $331.64 billion (2020 est.) $358.78 billion (2019 est.) $350.07 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.24% (2019 est.) 2.85% (2018 est.) 3.51% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $32,200 (2020 est.) $34,900 (2019 est.) $34,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $237.698 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.3% (2019 est.) 0.9% (2018 est.) 1.3% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB (2007) Moody's rating: Baa3 (2018) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.2% (2017 est.) industry: 22.1% (2017 est.) services: 75.7% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: milk, tomatoes, olives, grapes, maize, potatoes, pork, apples, oranges, poultry Industries: textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper and pulp, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, automobiles and auto parts, base metals, minerals, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology, telecommunications; dairy products, wine, other foodstuffs; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism, plastics, financial services, optics Industrial production growth rate: 3.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 4.717 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 8.6% industry: 23.9% services: 67.5% (2014 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.55% (2019 est.) 7.05% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 22.6% male: 21% female: 24.4% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 17.2% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 33.8 (2017 est.) 34 (2014 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.6% highest 10%: 25.9% (2015 est.) Budget: revenues: 93.55 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 100 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 125.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 129.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Taxes and other revenues: 42.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$203 million (2019 est.) $988 million (2018 est.) Exports: $85.28 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $104.77 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $105.76 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Spain 23%, France 13%, Germany 12%, United Kingdom 6%, United States 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, leather footwear, paper products, tires (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: Spain 29%, Germany 13%, France 9%, Italy 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, crude petroleum, aircraft, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, natural gas (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $26.11 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $19.4 billion (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $462.431 billion (2019 est.) $483.206 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.7525 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 22.364 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 48.409 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 6.097 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 7.553 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5.269 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 39% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 23.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 26.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 7.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 957,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 238,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 36 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 8,000 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 249,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 255,400 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 323,000 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 143,500 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 78,700 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 5,935,938,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 6,091,114,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 50.37 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 4.882 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 33.429 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 12.059 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 101.734 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 5,212,507 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 51 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 11,854,999 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 116 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Portugal has a medium-sized telecom market with a strong mobile sector and a growing broadband customer base; before the pandemic, the country had seen improving economic growth, following several years of austerity measures; revenue among some operators remains under pressure, though investments in network upgrades are continuing in an effort to attract customers to high-end services; Portugal’s broadband services have grown steadily in recent years, largely the result of joint efforts between the regulator and the key market operators which have invested in significant infrastructure upgrades; these operators are focused on fiber-based services, resulting in a migration of subscribers from DSL infrastructure; under the ownership of the Altice Group, Altice Portugal is focused on FttP, aiming to have covered 5.3 million premises by the end of 2020, and providing national coverage; the cable sector has also shifted towards fiber, with the principal cable company NOS investing in fiber rather than DOCSIS upgrades; in addition, Vodafone Portugal provides fiber to about two-thirds of premises; the growth in the fiber segment has resulted from shared infrastructure deals, including that between Vodafone and NOS; the government has also supported two open-access wholesale networks being built by dstelecom and Fibroglobal; the mobile market is dominated by the incumbent Altice Portugal, though it is seeing increasing competition from the other network operators, Vodafone Portugal, and NOS; the MVNO market remains largely undeveloped, partly because network operators have their own low-cost brands, in July 2020, for example, NOS launched its sub-brand WOO; collectively, MVNOs have about 2.9% share of the market; in October 2021 Dixarobil and Nowo secured spectrum in the final stage of a protracted 5G auction; population coverage by 3G infrastructure is universal, and most investment in the sector is being directed to LTE and 5G technologies; the MNOs have trialed 5G and are looking to launch commercial services. (2021) domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations; fixed-line roughly 51 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular 116 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 351; landing points for the Ella Link, BUGIO, EIG, SAT-3/WASC, SeaMeWe-3, Equino, MainOne, Tat TGN-Western Europe, WACS, ACE, Atlantis2 and Columbus-III submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, South America and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to Azores (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: Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP), the publicly owned TV broadcaster, operates 4 domestic channels and external service channels to Africa; overall, roughly 40 domestic TV stations; viewers have widespread access to international broadcasters with more than half of all households connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; publicly owned radio operates 3 national networks and provides regional and external services; several privately owned national radio stations and some 300 regional and local commercial radio stations Internet country code: .pt Internet users: total: 8,031,723 (2020 est.) percent of population: 78% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 4,160,795 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 41 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 10 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 168 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 17,367,956 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 454.21 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: CR, CS Airports: total: 64 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 21 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 20 (2021) Pipelines: 1,344 km gas, 11 km oil, 188 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 3,075.1 km (2014) narrow gauge: 108.1 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge broad gauge: 2,439 km (2014) 1.668-m gauge (1,633.4 km electrified) other: 528 km (2014) (gauge unspecified) Roadways: total: 82,900 km (2008) paved: 71,294 km (2008) (includes 2,613 km of expressways) unpaved: 11,606 km (2008) Waterways: 210 km (2011) (on Douro River from Porto) Merchant marine: total: 726 by type: bulk carrier 86, container ship 267, general cargo 137, oil tanker 27, other 209 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Leixoes, Lisbon, Setubal, Sines container port(s) (TEUs): Sines (1,420,000) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Sines Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Portuguese Armed Forces: Portuguese Army (Exercito Portuguesa), Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps), Portuguese Air Force (Forca Aerea Portuguesa, FAP); Portuguese National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana, GNR) (2022) note: the GNR is a national gendarmerie force comprised of military personnel with law enforcement, internal security, civil defense, disaster response, and coast guard duties; it is responsible to the Ministry of Internal Administration and to the Ministry of National Defense; in the event of war or crisis, it may be placed under the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces; the GNR has law enforcement jurisdiction in rural areas, while Public Security Police (also under the Ministry of Internal Administration) has jurisdiction in cities Military expenditures: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020) 1.4% of GDP (2019) (approximately $4.31 billion) 1.3% of GDP (2018) (approximately $4.06 billion) 1.2% of GDP (2017) (approximately $3.62 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: the Portuguese Armed Forces have approximately 27,000 active duty personnel (14,000 Army; 7,000 Navy, including about 1,000 marines; 6,000 Air Force); 24,500 National Republican Guard (military personnel) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Portuguese Armed Forces inventory includes mostly European and US-origin weapons systems along with a smaller mix of domestically-produced equipment; since 2010, Germany and the US are the leading suppliers of armaments to Portugal; Portugal's defense industry is primarily focused on shipbuilding (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-30 years of age for voluntary or contract military service; no compulsory military service (abolished 2004), but conscription possible if insufficient volunteers available; women serve in the armed forces, on naval ships since 1992, but are prohibited from serving in some combatant specialties; contract service lasts for an initial period from two to six years, and can be extended to a maximum of 20 years of service; voluntary military service lasts 12 months; reserve obligation to age 35 (2021) note: as of 2019, women made up about 12% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 200 Central African Republic (MINUSCA/EUTM); up to 120 Lithuania (NATO) (2022) note 1: in 2021, Portugal deployed about 80 troops to Mozambique to assist with the EU training mission note 2: NATO troop deployment numbers in eastern Europe are as of February 2022; in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries, including Portugal, have sent additional troops to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe Military - note: Portugal is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 Topic: 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: Portugal-Spain: Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of BadajozPortugal-Spain: Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 49,718 (Ukraine) (as of 10 August 2022) stateless persons: 45 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian heroin  a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian heroin 
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
countries-cote-divoire
Topic: Photos of Cote d'Ivoire Topic: Introduction Background: 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.  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. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 5 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 322,463 sq km land: 318,003 sq km water: 4,460 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: total: 3,458 km border countries (5): Burkina Faso 545 km; Ghana 720 km; Guinea 816 km; Liberia 778 km; Mali 599 km Coastline: 515 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm Climate: tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest Elevation: highest point: Monts Nimba 1,752 m lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m mean elevation: 250 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower Land use: agricultural land: 64.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 14.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.5% (2018 est.) forest: 32.7% (2018 est.) other: 2.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 730 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Lagune Aby - 780 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Population distribution: the population is primarily located in the forested south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the northern savanna remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations located along transportation corridors as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible Geography - note: most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated Map description: Cote d’Ivoire map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Gulf of Guinea.Cote d’Ivoire map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Gulf of Guinea. Topic: People and Society Population: 28,713,423 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Ivoirian(s) adjective: Ivoirian Ethnic groups: Akan 28.9%, Voltaique or Gur 16.1%, Northern Mande 14.5%, Kru 8.5%, Southern Mande 6.9%, unspecified 0.9%, non-Ivoirian 24.2% (2014 est.) Languages: French (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. Religions: Muslim 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%) Demographic profile: Cote d’Ivoire’s population is likely to continue growing for the foreseeable future because almost 60% of the populace is younger than 25, the total fertility rate is holding steady at about 3.5 children per woman, and contraceptive use is under 20%. The country will need to improve education, health care, and gender equality in order to turn its large and growing youth cohort into human capital. Even prior to 2010 unrest that shuttered schools for months, access to education was poor, especially for women. As of 2015, only 53% of men and 33% of women were literate. The lack of educational attainment contributes to Cote d’Ivoire’s high rates of unskilled labor, adolescent pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS prevalence.Following its independence in 1960, Cote d’Ivoire’s stability and the blossoming of its labor-intensive cocoa and coffee industries in the southwest made it an attractive destination for migrants from other parts of the country and its neighbors, particularly Burkina Faso. The HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY administration continued the French colonial policy of encouraging labor immigration by offering liberal land ownership laws. Foreigners from West Africa, Europe (mainly France), and Lebanon composed about 25% of the population by 1998.Ongoing economic decline since the 1980s and the power struggle after HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY’s death in 1993 ushered in the politics of "Ivoirite," institutionalizing an Ivoirian identity that further marginalized northern Ivoirians and scapegoated immigrants. The hostile Muslim north-Christian south divide snowballed into a 2002 civil war, pushing tens of thousands of foreign migrants, Liberian refugees, and Ivoirians to flee to war-torn Liberia or other regional countries and more than a million people to be internally displaced. Subsequently, violence following the contested 2010 presidential election prompted some 250,000 people to seek refuge in Liberia and other neighboring countries and again internally displaced as many as a million people. By July 2012, the majority had returned home, but ongoing inter-communal tension and armed conflict continue to force people from their homes.Cote d’Ivoire’s population is likely to continue growing for the foreseeable future because almost 60% of the populace is younger than 25, the total fertility rate is holding steady at about 3.5 children per woman, and contraceptive use is under 20%. The country will need to improve education, health care, and gender equality in order to turn its large and growing youth cohort into human capital. Even prior to 2010 unrest that shuttered schools for months, access to education was poor, especially for women. As of 2015, only 53% of men and 33% of women were literate. The lack of educational attainment contributes to Cote d’Ivoire’s high rates of unskilled labor, adolescent pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS prevalence.Following its independence in 1960, Cote d’Ivoire’s stability and the blossoming of its labor-intensive cocoa and coffee industries in the southwest made it an attractive destination for migrants from other parts of the country and its neighbors, particularly Burkina Faso. The HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY administration continued the French colonial policy of encouraging labor immigration by offering liberal land ownership laws. Foreigners from West Africa, Europe (mainly France), and Lebanon composed about 25% of the population by 1998.Ongoing economic decline since the 1980s and the power struggle after HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY’s death in 1993 ushered in the politics of "Ivoirite," institutionalizing an Ivoirian identity that further marginalized northern Ivoirians and scapegoated immigrants. The hostile Muslim north-Christian south divide snowballed into a 2002 civil war, pushing tens of thousands of foreign migrants, Liberian refugees, and Ivoirians to flee to war-torn Liberia or other regional countries and more than a million people to be internally displaced. Subsequently, violence following the contested 2010 presidential election prompted some 250,000 people to seek refuge in Liberia and other neighboring countries and again internally displaced as many as a million people. By July 2012, the majority had returned home, but ongoing inter-communal tension and armed conflict continue to force people from their homes. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 79.8 youth dependency ratio: 74.6 elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 potential support ratio: 19.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 20.3 years male: 20.3 years female: 20.3 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.19% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 28.3 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.6 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the population is primarily located in the forested south, with the highest concentration of people residing in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast; most of the northern savanna remains sparsely populated with higher concentrations located along transportation corridors as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 52.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 231,000 YAMOUSSOUKRO (capital) (2018), 5.516 million ABIDJAN (seat of government) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.6 years (2011/12 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 20-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 617 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 55.67 deaths/1,000 live births male: 62.99 deaths/1,000 live births female: 48.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.26 years male: 60.07 years female: 64.52 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.53 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 23.3% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 89.9% of population rural: 69.1% of population total: 79.8% of population unimproved: urban: 10.1% of population rural: 30.9% of population total: 20.2% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3.3% (2019) Physicians density: 0.16 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 2.1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 380,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 13,000 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies respiratory diseases: meningococcal meningitis Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 10.3% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 9.4% (2020 est.) male: 17.9% (2020 est.) female: 0.9% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 12.8% (2016) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 7% women married by age 18: 27% men married by age 18: 3.5% (2016 est.) Education expenditures: 3.7% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 89.9% male: 93.1% female: 86.7% (2019) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 10 years male: 11 years female: 10 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 5.5% male: 4.7% female: 6.5% (2017 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation (most of the country's forests - once the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water pollution from sewage, and from industrial, mining, and agricultural effluents Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October) Land use: agricultural land: 64.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 14.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.5% (2018 est.) forest: 32.7% (2018 est.) other: 2.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 52.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 2.04% of GDP (2016 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: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies respiratory diseases: meningococcal meningitis Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4,440,814 tons (2010 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 133,224 tons (2005 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 3% (2005 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Lagune Aby - 780 sq km Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 320 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 242 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 600 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 84.14 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire local short form: Cote d'Ivoire former: Ivory Coast etymology: name reflects the intense ivory trade that took place in the region from the 15th to 17th centuries note: pronounced coat-div-whar Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Yamoussoukro (legislative capital), Abidjan (administrative capital); note - although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the administrative capital as well as the officially designated economic capital; the US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan geographic coordinates: 6 49 N, 5 16 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Yamoussoukro is named after Queen YAMOUSSOU, who ruled in the village of N'Gokro in 1929 at the time of French colonization; the village was renamed Yamoussoukro, the suffix "-kro" meaning "town" in the native Baoule language; Abidjan's name supposedly comes from a misunderstanding; tradition states that an old man carrying branches met a European explorer who asked for the name of the nearest village; the man, not understanding and terrified by this unexpected encounter, fled shouting "min-chan m’bidjan," which in the Ebrie language means: "I return from cutting leaves"; the explorer, thinking that his question had been answered, recorded the name of the locale as Abidjan; a different version has the first colonists asking native women the name of the place and getting a similar response Administrative divisions: 12 districts and 2 autonomous districts*; Abidjan*, Bas-Sassandra, Comoe, Denguele, Goh-Djiboua, Lacs, Lagunes, Montagnes, Sassandra-Marahoue, Savanes, Vallee du Bandama, Woroba, Yamoussoukro*, Zanzan Independence: 7 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 7 August (1960) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law system based on the French civil code; judicial review of legislation held in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Cote d'Ivoire dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA (since 4 December 2010); Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet KONE (since 19 April 2022); note - Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet KONE was appointed by President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA before a Congressional meeting on 19 April 2022 head of government: Prime Minister Patrick ACHI (since 19 April 2022); note - Prime Minister ACHI resigned on 13 April 2022 and was reappointed by President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA before a Congressional meeting on 19 April 2022 cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a single renewable 5-year term ; election last held on 31 October 2020 (next to be held in October 2025); vice president elected on same ballot as president; prime minister appointed by the president; note – because President OUATTARA promulgated the new constitution during his second term, he has claimed that the clock is reset on term limits, allowing him to run for up to two additional terms election results: Alassane OUATTARA reelected president; percent of vote - Alassane OUATTARA (RDR) 94.3%, Kouadio Konan BERTIN (PDCI-RDA) 2.0%, other 3.7% (2020) Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate or Senat (99 seats; 66 members indirectly elected by the National Assembly and members of municipal, autonomous districts, and regional councils, and 33 members appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly (255 seats - 254 for 2021-2026 term; members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - first ever held on 25 March 2018 (next to be held on 31 March 2023) National Assembly - last held on 6 March 2021 (next to be held on 31 March 2026) election results: Senate - percent by party NA; seats by party - RHDP 50, independent 16; composition - men 80, women 19, percent of women 19.2% National Assembly - percent of vote by party - RHDP 49.2%, PDCI-RRA-EDS 16.5%, DPIC 6%, TTB 2.1%  IPF 2%  seats by party - RHDP, 137, PDCI-RRA-EDS 50, DPIC 23, EDS 8, TTB 8, IPF 2, independent 26; composition - men 218, women 36, percent of women 14.2%; note - total Parliament percent of women 15.6% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Judicial, Audit, Constitutional, and Administrative Chambers; consists of the court president, 3 vice presidents for the Judicial, Audit, and Administrative chambers, and 9 associate justices or magistrates) judge selection and term of office: judges nominated by the Superior Council of the Magistrature, a 7-member body consisting of the national president (chairman), 3 "bench" judges, and 3 public prosecutors; judges appointed for life subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (organized into civil, criminal, and social chambers); first instance courts; peace courts Political parties and leaders: African Peoples' Party-Cote d'Ivoire or PPA-CI[Laurent GBAGBO] Pan-African Congress for People's Justice and Equalityor COJEP [Charles BLE GOUDE] Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire or PDCI [Henri Konan BEDIE] Ivorian Popular Front or FPI [former pres. [Pascal Affi N'GUESSAN] Liberty and Democracy for the Republic or LIDER [Mamadou KOULIBALY] Movement of the Future Forces or MFA [Innocent Augustin ANAKY KOBENA] Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace or RHDP [Alassane OUATTARA]  Rally of the Republicans or RDR [Henriette DIABATE] Together for Democrary and Sovereignty [Georges Armand OUEGNIN] Together to Build (UDPCI, FPI,and allies) [Toikeuse MABRI] Together to Build (UDPCI, FPI,and allies) [Toikeuse MABRI] Union for Cote d'Ivoire or UPCI [Gnamien KONAN] Union for Democracy and Peace in Cote d'Ivoire or UDPCI [Albert Toikeusse MABRI] International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ibrahima TOURE (since 13 January 2022) chancery: 2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300 FAX: [1] (202) 462-9444 email address and website: info@ambacidc.org https://ambaciusa.org/# Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard K. BELL (since 10 October 2019) embassy: B.P. 730 Abidjan Cidex 03 mailing address: 2010 Abidjan Place, Washington DC  20521-2010 telephone: [225] 27-22-49-40-00 FAX: [225] 27-22-49-43-23 email address and website: AbjAmCit@state.gov https://ci.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green; orange symbolizes the land (savannah) of the north and fertility, white stands for peace and unity, green represents the forests of the south and the hope for a bright future note: similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France National symbol(s): elephant; national colors: orange, white, green National anthem: name: "L'Abidjanaise" (Song of Abidjan) lyrics/music: Mathieu EKRA, Joachim BONY, and Pierre Marie COTY/Pierre Marie COTY and Pierre Michel PANGO note: adopted 1960; although the nation's capital city moved from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro in 1983, the anthem still owes its name to the former capital National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 5 (2 cultural, 3 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Comoé National Park (n); Historic Grand-Bassam (c); Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (n); Sudanese-style Mosques (c); Taï National Park (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: For the last 5 years Cote d'Ivoire's growth rate has been among the highest in the world. Cote d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage roughly two-thirds of the population. Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans and a significant producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products and to climatic conditions. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are the country's top export revenue earners, but the country has targeted agricultural processing of cocoa, cashews, mangoes, and other commodities as a high priority. Mining gold and exporting electricity are growing industries outside agriculture.   Following the end of more than a decade of civil conflict in 2011, Cote d’Ivoire has experienced a boom in foreign investment and economic growth. In June 2012, the IMF and the World Bank announced $4.4 billion in debt relief for Cote d'Ivoire under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.For the last 5 years Cote d'Ivoire's growth rate has been among the highest in the world. Cote d'Ivoire is heavily dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage roughly two-thirds of the population. Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans and a significant producer and exporter of coffee and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products and to climatic conditions. Cocoa, oil, and coffee are the country's top export revenue earners, but the country has targeted agricultural processing of cocoa, cashews, mangoes, and other commodities as a high priority. Mining gold and exporting electricity are growing industries outside agriculture. Following the end of more than a decade of civil conflict in 2011, Cote d’Ivoire has experienced a boom in foreign investment and economic growth. In June 2012, the IMF and the World Bank announced $4.4 billion in debt relief for Cote d'Ivoire under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $136.48 billion (2020 est.) $134.05 billion (2019 est.) $126.19 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 7.8% (2017 est.) 8.3% (2016 est.) 8.8% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $5,200 (2020 est.) $5,200 (2019 est.) $5,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $42.498 billion (2018 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -1.1% (2019 est.) 0.3% (2018 est.) 0.6% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B+ (2015) Moody's rating: Ba3 (2015) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 20.1% (2017 est.) industry: 26.6% (2017 est.) services: 53.3% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: yams, cassava, cocoa, oil palm fruit, sugar cane, rice, plantains, maize, cashew nuts, rubber Industries: foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, gold mining, truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity Industrial production growth rate: 4.2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 8.747 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 68% (2007 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.4% (2013 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 5.5% male: 4.7% female: 6.5% (2017 est.) Population below poverty line: 39.5% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 41.5 (2015 est.) 36.7 (1995) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.2% highest 10%: 31.8% (2008) Budget: revenues: 7.749 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 9.464 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -4.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 47% of GDP (2017 est.) 47% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 19.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$1.86 billion (2017 est.) -$414 million (2016 est.) Exports: $13.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Netherlands 10%, United States 6%, France 6%, Spain 5%, Malaysia 5%, Switzerland 5%, Germany 5%, Vietnam 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: cocoa beans, gold, rubber, refined petroleum, crude petroleum (2019) Imports: $12.88 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $13.18 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 18%, Nigeria 13%, France 11% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, rice, frozen fish, refined petroleum, packaged medicines (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $6.257 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $4.935 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $13.07 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $11.02 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 594.3 (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: 76% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 99% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 51% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 2.197 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 5,924,320,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.178 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 172 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.957 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 75.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 24.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) 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: 33,000 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 56,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 30,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 69,200 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 100 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 69,360 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 31,450 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 7,405 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 2,424,768,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 2,424,768,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 28.317 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 11.88 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 7.332 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 4.548 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 8.225 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 264,073 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 40,095,246 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 152 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: in recent years the government of Ivory Coast has helped develop a competitive telecom sector focused on the provision of converged services, thus allowing operators to offer fixed-line and mobile services under a universal services license regime; there are two fixed network operators, the market is dominated by Orange Group’s local unit, Orange Côte d’Ivoire; the mobile market is more competitive, with Orange Côte d’Ivoire operating alongside MTN Côte d’Ivoire and Moov; over the years a number of alternative operators have either folded, had their licenses evoked, or failed to launch services; the fixed internet and broadband sectors remain underdeveloped; this is a legacy of poor international connectivity, which resulted in high wholesale prices, limited bandwidth, and a lack of access for alternative operators to international infrastructure; these limitations were addressed following the landing of a second cable in November 2011, and the end to the access monopoly held by Orange Côte d’Ivoire; Orange Group has also launched its 20,000km Djoliba cable system, reaching across eight countries in the region, while the 2Africa submarine cable is being developed by a consortium of companies; with a landing station providing connectivity to Côte d'Ivoire, the system is expected to be completed in late 2023. (2022) domestic: 1 per 100 fixed-line teledensity; with multiple mobile-cellular service providers competing in the market, mobile subscriptions have increased to 152 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 225; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, ACE, MainOne, and WACS fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and South and West Africa; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: state-controlled Radiodiffusion Television Ivoirieinne (RTI) is made up of 2 radios stations (Radio Cote d'Ivoire and Frequence2) and 2 television stations (RTI1 and RTI2), with nationwide coverage, broadcasts mainly in French; after 2011 post-electoral crisis, President OUATTARA's administration reopened RTI Bouake', the broadcaster's office in Cote d'Ivoire's 2nd largest city, where facilities were destroyed during the 2002 rebellion; Cote d'Ivoire is also home to 178 proximity radios stations, 16 religious radios stations, 5 commercial radios stations, and 5 international radios stations, according to the Haute Autorite' de la Communication Audiovisuelle (HACA); govt now runs radio UNOCIFM, a radio station previously owned by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire; in Dec 2016, the govt announced 4 companies had been granted licenses to operate -Live TV, Optimum Media Cote d'Ivoire, the Audiovisual Company of Cote d'Ivoire (Sedaci), and Sorano-CI, out of the 4 companies only one has started operating (2019) Internet country code: .ci Internet users: total: 9,496,179 (2020 est.) percent of population: 36% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 260,097 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 10 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 779,482 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 5.8 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: TU Airports: total: 27 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 20 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 101 km condensate, 256 km gas, 118 km oil, 5 km oil/gas/water, 7 km water (2013) Railways: total: 660 km (2008) narrow gauge: 660 km (2008) 1.000-m gauge note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina Faso Roadways: total: 81,996 km (2007) paved: 6,502 km (2007) unpaved: 75,494 km (2007) note: includes intercity and urban roads; another 20,000 km of dirt roads are in poor condition and 150,000 km of dirt roads are impassable Waterways: 980 km (2011) (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons) Merchant marine: total: 25 by type: oil tanker 2, other 23 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Abidjan, San-Pedro oil terminal(s): Espoir Offshore Terminal Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of Cote d'Ivoire (Forces Armees de Cote d'Ivoire, FACI; aka Republican Forces of Ivory Coast, FRCI): Army, Navy, Cote Air Force, Special Forces; National Gendarmerie (under the Ministry of Defense); Ministry of Security and Civil Protection: National Police; Coordination Center for Operational Decisions (a mix of police, gendarmerie, and FACI personnel for assisting police in providing security in some large cities) (2022) Military expenditures: 1.1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $710 million) 1.2% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $780 million) 1.1% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $720 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 25,000 active troops (23,000 Army, including about 2,000 Special Forces; 1,000 Navy; 1,000 Air Force); 5-10,000 Gendarmerie (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the FACI consists mostly of older or second-hand equipment, typically of French or Soviet-era origin; Cote d'Ivoire was under a partial UN arms embargo from 2004 to 2016; since 2016, it has received limited amounts of mostly second-hand equipment from a variety of countries (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for compulsory and voluntary male and female military service; conscription is not enforced; voluntary recruitment of former rebels into the new national army is restricted to ages 22-29 (2022) Military deployments: 850 Mali (MINUSMA) (2022) Military - note: the military has mutinied several times since the late 1990s, most recently in 2017, and has had a large role in the country’s political turmoil; as of 2022, the FACI was focused on internal security and the growing threat posed by Islamic militants associated with the al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) terrorist group operating across the border in Burkina Faso; AQIM militants conducted significant attacks in the country in 2016 and 2020; Côte d’Ivoire since 2016 has stepped up border security and completed building a joint counter-terrorism training center with France near Abidjan in 2020 the UN maintained a 9,000-strong peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) from 2004 until 2017 (2022) 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): al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM); Jama’at Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) 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: disputed maritime border between Cote d'Ivoire and Ghanadisputed maritime border between Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 302,000 (post-election conflict in 2010-11, as well as civil war from 2002-04; land disputes; most pronounced in western and southwestern regions) (2021) stateless persons: 952,969 (mid-year 2021); note - many Ivoirians lack documentation proving their nationality, which prevent them from accessing education and healthcare; birth on Ivorian soil does not automatically result in citizenship; disputes over citizenship and the associated rights of the large population descended from migrants from neighboring countries is an ongoing source of tension and contributed to the country's 2002 civil war; some observers believe the government's mass naturalizations of thousands of people over the last couple of years is intended to boost its electoral support base; the government in October 2013 acceded to international conventions on statelessness and in August 2013 reformed its nationality law, key steps to clarify the nationality of thousands of residents; since the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration to eradicate statelessness in West Africa in February 2015, 6,400 people have received nationality papers; in September 2020, Cote d'Ivoire adopted Africa's first statelessness determination procedure to regularize the status of stateless people Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local consumption; utility as a narcotic transshipment point to Europe reduced by ongoing political instability; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leave the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center
20220901
countries-tajikistan-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Tajikistan 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 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. If travel originates from a country without an Embassy of Tajikistan, it is possible for a traveler to purchase a visa upon arrival at the airport; however, the traveler will need to first apply for a visa online with the Tajikistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), receive a pre-approval confirmation, and a Letter of Invitation from the US Embassy Dushanbe prior to arrival. US Embassy/Consulate: 992-37-229-2000, 992-37-229-2300, (consular direct line); EMER: 992-98-580-1032; US Embassy Dushanbe, 109A, Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 734019; DushanbeConsular@state.gov; https://tj.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 992 Local Emergency Phone: 3 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; Tajikistan 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: Mid-latitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains Currency (Code): Tajikistani somoni (TJS) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: Tajik, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Russian Major Religions: Muslim 98% (Sunni 95%, Shia 3%), other 2% Time Difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Dushanbe; Pamir Highway; Jisev Valley Hiking; Iskanderkul Lake; Murghab; Bulunkul & Yashilkul Lakes Trekking Major Sports: Baseball, soccer, basketball, golf, softball Cultural Practices: Best not to use your left hand for exchanges of money, gifts, shaking hands, or passing food. The use of ones left hand is considered unclean. Tipping Guidelines: It is standard to tip a bellhop $1 (USD) per bag; although not expected, tipping the hotel cleaning staff is appropriate. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. Souvenirs: Arabic words worked into jewelry, musical instruments, utensils, and small sculptures; carved furniture; hand-woven carpets; brocade fabric items; gold-embroidered rumol belts, toki kallapush scullcaps, and other items; dried apricots; Soviet-era memorabilia Traditional Cuisine: Qurutob — dried balls of cheese are soaked in water and the resulting salty liquid is used as the base of the dish; strips of flatbread are placed on top and the mixture is usually topped with a variety of vegetables, meat, or garnished with chili peppers Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022
20220901
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-montserrat
Topic: Photos of Montserrat Topic: Introduction Background: English 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico Geographic coordinates: 16 45 N, 62 12 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 102 sq km land: 102 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland Elevation: highest 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 Natural resources: NEGL Land use: agricultural land: 30% (2018 est.) arable land: 20% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10% (2018 est.) forest: 25% (2018 est.) other: 45% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: only the northern half of the island is populated, the southern portion is uninhabitable due to volcanic activity Natural hazards: volcanic eruptions; severe hurricanes (June to November)volcanism: Soufriere Hills volcano (915 m), has erupted continuously since 1995; a massive eruption in 1997 destroyed most of the capital, Plymouth, and resulted in approximately half of the island becoming uninhabitable; the island of Montserrat is part of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the southvolcanic eruptions; severe hurricanes (June to November)volcanism: Soufriere Hills volcano (915 m), has erupted continuously since 1995; a massive eruption in 1997 destroyed most of the capital, Plymouth, and resulted in approximately half of the island becoming uninhabitable; the island of Montserrat is part of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south Geography - note: the island is entirely volcanic in origin and comprised of three major volcanic centers of differing ages Map description: Montserrat map showing some of the major features of this UK island territory in the Caribbean Sea.Montserrat map showing some of the major features of this UK island territory in the Caribbean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 5,414 (2022 est.) note: an estimated 8,000 refugees left the island following the resumption of volcanic activity in July 1995; some have returned Nationality: noun: Montserratian(s) adjective: Montserratian Ethnic groups: African/Black 86.2%, mixed 4.8%, Hispanic/Spanish 3%, Caucasian/White 2.7%, East Indian/Indian 1.6%, other 1.8% (2018 est.) Languages: English Religions: Protestant 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.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 34.8 years male: 34.1 years female: 35.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.5% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 10.9 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.91 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: only the northern half of the island is populated, the southern portion is uninhabitable due to volcanic activity Urbanization: urban population: 9.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.92 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 10.36 deaths/1,000 live births male: 8.37 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.7 years male: 76.66 years female: 74.7 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.32 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 98.1% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1.9% of population (2020 est.) 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: 9.1% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 13 years female: 15 years (2019) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation Land use: agricultural land: 30% (2018 est.) arable land: 20% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10% (2018 est.) forest: 25% (2018 est.) other: 45% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 9.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Montserrat etymology: island named by explorer Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 after the Benedictine abbey Santa Maria de Montserrat, near Barcelona, Spain Government type: parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Capital: name: Plymouth; note - Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, the de facto capital, in the Carr's Bay/Little Bay vicinity at the northwest end of Montserrat geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: now entirely deserted because of volcanic activity, the city was originally named after Plymouth, England; de jure, Plymouth remains the capital city of Montserrat; it is therefore the only ghost town that serves as the capital of a political entity Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK) National holiday: Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, usually celebrated the Monday after the second Saturday in June (1926) Constitution: history: previous 1960; latest put into force 20 October 2010 (The Montserrat Constitution Order 2010) amendments: amended 2011, 2020 Legal system: English common law Citizenship: see United Kingdom Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Andrew PEARCE (since 1 February 2018) head of government: Premier Easton TAYLOR-FARRELL (since 19 November 2019); note - effective with The Constitution Order 2010, effective October 2010, the office of premier replaced the office of chief minister cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the premier, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes premier Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Assembly (12 seats; 9 members directly elected in a single constituency by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds to serve 5-year terms; the speaker, normally elected from the outside by the Assembly for a 5-year term, and 2 ex-officio members - the attorney general and financial secretary) elections: last held on 18 November 2019 (next scheduled for 2024) election results: percent of vote by party - MCAP 42.7%, PDM 29.9%, other 17.1%; seats by party - MCAP 5, PDM 3, independent 1; composition, including the speaker and 2 ex-officio members - men 8, women 4, percent of women 33.3% 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 1 assigned to Montserrat; Montserrat is also a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the Her Majesty, Queen ELIZABETH II; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, and 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: magistrate's court Political parties and leaders: Movement for Change and Prosperity or MCAP [Easton Taylor FARRELL] People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Donaldson ROMERO] International organization participation: Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK); alternate contact is the US Embassy in Barbados [1] (246) 227-4000; US Embassy Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, WI Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the arms feature a woman in green dress, Erin, the female personification of Ireland, standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large dark cross with her right arm; Erin and the harp are symbols of Ireland reflecting the territory's Irish ancestry; blue represents awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness National anthem: note: as a territory of the UK, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)note: as a territory of the UK, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the airport and seaports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998 but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops.   Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity. Half of the island remains uninhabitable. In January 2013, the EU announced the disbursement of a $55.2 million aid package to Montserrat in order to boost the country's economic recovery, with a specific focus on public finance management, public sector reform, and prudent economic management. Montserrat is tied to the EU through the UK. Although the UK is leaving the EU, Montserrat’s aid will not be affected as Montserrat maintains a direct agreement with the EU regarding aid.Severe volcanic activity, which began in July 1995, has put a damper on this small, open economy. A catastrophic eruption in June 1997 closed the airport and seaports, causing further economic and social dislocation. Two-thirds of the 12,000 inhabitants fled the island. Some began to return in 1998 but lack of housing limited the number. The agriculture sector continued to be affected by the lack of suitable land for farming and the destruction of crops. Prospects for the economy depend largely on developments in relation to the volcanic activity and on public sector construction activity. Half of the island remains uninhabitable. In January 2013, the EU announced the disbursement of a $55.2 million aid package to Montserrat in order to boost the country's economic recovery, with a specific focus on public finance management, public sector reform, and prudent economic management. Montserrat is tied to the EU through the UK. Although the UK is leaving the EU, Montserrat’s aid will not be affected as Montserrat maintains a direct agreement with the EU regarding aid. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $167.4 million (2011 est.) $155.9 million (2010 est.) $162.7 million (2009 est.) Real GDP growth rate: 7.4% (2011 est.) -4.2% (2010 est.) Real GDP per capita: $34,000 (2011 est.) $31,100 (2010 est.) $32,300 (2009 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $167.4 million (2011 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.2% (2017 est.) -0.2% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.9% (2017 est.) industry: 7.8% (2017 est.) services: 90.3% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products Industries: tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances Industrial production growth rate: -21% (2017 est.) Labor force: 4,521 (2012) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.4% industry: 12.7% services: 85.9% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.6% (2017 est.) 6% (1998 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 66.67 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 47.04 million (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: -$15.4 million (2017 est.) -$12.2 million (2016 est.) Exports: $4.4 million (2017 est.) $5.2 million (2016 est.) Exports - partners: Antigua and Barbuda 19%, United States 18%, France 17%, Singapore 14%, Belgium 9%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: sand, iron products, seats, medical instruments, fish (2019) Imports: $39.44 million (2017 est.) $36.1 million (2016 est.) Imports - partners: United States 70%, United Kingdom 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, oranges, electric motors, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $47.58 million (31 December 2017 est.) $51.47 million (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $8.9 million (1997) 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: installed generating capacity: 5,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 21.56 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1 million kWh (2019 est.) 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: 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: 406 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: 33,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 33,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 3,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 60 (2018 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 5,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 101 (2019 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: telecom market one of growth in Caribbean and fully digitalized; high dependency on tourism and offshore financial services; operators expand FttP (Fiber to Home) services; LTE launches and operators invest in mobile networks; effective competition in all sectors (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 60 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity nearly 101 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the ECFS optic submarine cable with links to 14 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad (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: Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station; repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV available (2007) Internet country code: .ms Internet users: total: 2,744 (2019 est.) percent of population: 55% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,700 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 55 (2018 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 3 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VP-M Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: note: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built on the north end of the islandnote: volcanic eruptions that began in 1995 destroyed most of the 227 km road system; a new road infrastructure has been built on the north end of the island Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Little Bay, Plymouth Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Defense Force (ceremonial, civil defense duties), Montserrat Police Force Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified Illicit drugs: transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe
20220901
field-current-account-balance
This entry records a country's net trade in goods and services, plus net earnings from rents, interest, profits, and dividends, and net transfer payments (such as pension funds and worker remittances) to and from the rest of the world during the period specified. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Topic: Afghanistan$1.014 billion (2017 est.) $1.409 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Albania-$908 million (2017 est.) -$899 million (2016 est.) Topic: Algeria-$22.1 billion (2017 est.) -$26.47 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Angola-$1.254 billion (2017 est.) -$4.834 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Anguilla-$23.2 million (2017 est.) -$25.3 million (2016 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda-$112 million (2017 est.) $2 million (2016 est.) Topic: Argentina-$3.997 billion (2019 est.) -$27.049 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Armenia-$328 million (2017 est.) -$238 million (2016 est.) Topic: Aruba$22 million (2017 est.) $133 million (2016 est.) Topic: Australia$8.146 billion (2019 est.) -$29.777 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Austria$12.667 billion (2019 est.) $5.989 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan$1.685 billion (2017 est.) -$1.363 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The-$1.909 billion (2017 est.) -$868 million (2016 est.) Topic: Bahrain-$1.6 billion (2017 est.) -$1.493 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Bangladesh-$5.322 billion (2017 est.) $1.391 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Barbados-$189 million (2017 est.) -$206 million (2016 est.) Topic: Belarus-$931 million (2017 est.) -$1.669 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Belgium$1.843 billion (2019 est.) -$4.135 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Belize-$143 million (2017 est.) -$163 million (2016 est.) Topic: Benin-$1.024 billion (2017 est.) -$808 million (2016 est.) Topic: Bermuda$818.6 million (2017 est.) $763 million (2016 est.) Topic: Bhutan-$547 million (2017 est.) -$621 million (2016 est.) Topic: Bolivia-$2.375 billion (2017 est.) -$1.932 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina-$873 million (2017 est.) -$821 million (2016 est.) Topic: Botswana$2.146 billion (2017 est.) $2.147 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Brazil-$50.927 billion (2019 est.) -$41.54 billion (2018 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islands$362.6 million (2011 est.) $279.8 million (2010 est.) Topic: Brunei$2.021 billion (2017 est.) $1.47 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Bulgaria$2.06 billion (2019 est.) $611 million (2018 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso-$1.019 billion (2017 est.) -$820 million (2016 est.) Topic: Burma$240 million (2019 est.) -$2.398 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Burundi-$418 million (2017 est.) -$411 million (2016 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde-$109 million (2017 est.) -$40 million (2016 est.) Topic: Cambodia-$1.871 billion (2017 est.) -$1.731 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Cameroon-$932 million (2017 est.) -$1.034 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Canada-$35.425 billion (2019 est.) -$42.862 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Cayman Islands-$492.6 million (2017 est.) -$493.5 million (2016 est.) Topic: Central African Republic-$163 million (2017 est.) -$97 million (2016 est.) Topic: Chad-$558 million (2017 est.) -$926 million (2016 est.) Topic: Chile-$10.933 billion (2019 est.) -$10.601 billion (2018 est.) Topic: China$141.335 billion (2019 est.) $25.499 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Colombia-$13.748 billion (2019 est.) -$13.118 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Comoros-$27 million (2017 est.) -$45 million (2016 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the-$200 million (2017 est.) -$1.215 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the-$1.128 billion (2017 est.) -$5.735 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Cook Islands$26.67 million (2005) Topic: Costa Rica-$1.692 billion (2017 est.) -$1.326 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire-$1.86 billion (2017 est.) -$414 million (2016 est.) Topic: Croatia$1.597 billion (2019 est.) $1 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Cuba$985.4 million (2017 est.) $2.008 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Curacao-$400 million (2011 est.) -$600 million (2010 est.) Topic: Cyprus-$1.578 billion (2019 est.) -$958 million (2018 est.) Topic: Czechia-$678 million (2019 est.) $1.259 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Denmark$30.935 billion (2019 est.) $24.821 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Djibouti-$280 million (2017 est.) -$178 million (2016 est.) Topic: Dominica-$70 million (2017 est.) $5 million (2016 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic-$165 million (2017 est.) -$815 million (2016 est.) Topic: Ecuador-$53 million (2019 est.) -$1.328 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Egypt-$8.915 billion (2019 est.) -$7.682 billion (2018 est.) Topic: El Salvador-$501 million (2017 est.) -$500 million (2016 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea-$738 million (2017 est.) -$1.457 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Eritrea-$137 million (2017 est.) -$105 million (2016 est.) Topic: Estonia$616 million (2019 est.) $280 million (2018 est.) Topic: Eswatini$604 million (2017 est.) $642 million (2016 est.) Topic: Ethiopia-$6.551 billion (2017 est.) -$6.574 billion (2016 est.) Topic: European Union$404.9 billion (2017 est.) $359.7 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Fiji-$277 million (2017 est.) -$131 million (2016 est.) Topic: Finland-$603 million (2019 est.) -$4.908 billion (2018 est.) Topic: France-$18.102 billion (2019 est.) -$16.02 billion (2018 est.) Topic: French Polynesia$207.7 million (2014 est.) $158.8 million (2013 est.) Topic: Gabon-$725 million (2017 est.) -$1.389 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Gambia, The-$194 million (2017 est.) -$85 million (2016 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip-$1.444 billion (2017 est.) -$1.348 billion (2016 est.) note: excludes the West Bank Topic: Georgia-$1.348 billion (2017 est.) -$1.84 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Germany$280.238 billion (2019 est.) $297.434 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Ghana-$2.131 billion (2017 est.) -$2.86 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Greece-$3.114 billion (2019 est.) -$6.245 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Grenada-$77 million (2017 est.) -$34 million (2016 est.) Topic: Guatemala$1.134 billion (2017 est.) $1.023 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Guinea-$705 million (2017 est.) -$2.705 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau-$27 million (2017 est.) $16 million (2016 est.) Topic: Guyana-$237 million (2017 est.) $13 million (2016 est.) Topic: Haiti-$348 million (2017 est.) -$83 million (2016 est.) Topic: Honduras-$380 million (2017 est.) -$587 million (2016 est.) Topic: Hong Kong$22.469 billion (2019 est.) $13.516 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Hungary-$392 million (2019 est.) $510 million (2018 est.) Topic: Iceland$1.496 billion (2019 est.) $814 million (2018 est.) Topic: India-$29.748 billion (2019 est.) -$65.939 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Indonesia-$30.359 billion (2019 est.) -$30.633 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Iran$9.491 billion (2017 est.) $16.28 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Iraq$4.344 billion (2017 est.) -$13.38 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Ireland-$44.954 billion (2019 est.) $24.154 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Israel$20.642 billion (2020 est.) $13.411 billion (2019 est.) $7.888 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Italy$59.517 billion (2019 est.) $51.735 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Jamaica-$298 million (2019 est.) -$288 million (2018 est.) Topic: Japan$185.644 billion (2019 est.) $177.08 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Jordan-$1.222 billion (2019 est.) -$2.964 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan-$7.206 billion (2019 est.) -$138 million (2018 est.) Topic: Kenya-$57.594 billion (2019 est.) -$56.194 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kiribati$18 million (2017 est.) $35 million (2016 est.) Topic: Korea, South$59.971 billion (2019 est.) $77.467 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Kosovo-$467 million (2017 est.) -$533 million (2016 est.) Topic: Kuwait$7.127 billion (2017 est.) -$5.056 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstan-$306 million (2017 est.) -$792 million (2016 est.) Topic: Laos-$2.057 billion (2017 est.) -$2.07 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Latvia-$222 million (2019 est.) -$99 million (2018 est.) Topic: Lebanon-$12.37 billion (2017 est.) -$11.18 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Lesotho-$102 million (2017 est.) -$201 million (2016 est.) Topic: Liberia-$627 million (2017 est.) -$464 million (2016 est.) Topic: Libya$2.574 billion (2017 est.) -$4.575 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Lithuania$1.817 billion (2019 est.) $131 million (2018 est.) Topic: Luxembourg$3.254 billion (2019 est.) $3.296 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Macau$16.75 billion (2017 est.) $12.22 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Madagascar-$35 million (2017 est.) $57 million (2016 est.) Topic: Malawi-$591 million (2017 est.) -$744 million (2016 est.) Topic: Malaysia$12.295 billion (2019 est.) $8.027 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Maldives-$876 million (2017 est.) -$1.033 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Mali-$886 million (2017 est.) -$1.015 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Malta$1.561 billion (2019 est.) $1.55 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Marshall Islands-$1 million (2017 est.) $15 million (2016 est.) Topic: Mauritania-$711 million (2017 est.) -$707 million (2016 est.) Topic: Mauritius-$875 million (2017 est.) -$531 million (2016 est.) Topic: Mexico-$4.351 billion (2019 est.) -$25.415 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of$12 million (2017 est.) $11 million (2016 est.) Topic: Moldova-$602 million (2017 est.) -$268 million (2016 est.) Topic: Mongolia-$1.155 billion (2017 est.) -$700 million (2016 est.) Topic: Montenegro-$780 million (2017 est.) -$710 million (2016 est.) Topic: Montserrat-$15.4 million (2017 est.) -$12.2 million (2016 est.) Topic: Morocco-$5.075 billion (2019 est.) -$6.758 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Mozambique-$3.025 billion (2019 est.) -$4.499 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Namibia-$216 million (2019 est.) -$465 million (2018 est.) Topic: Nauru$5 million (2017 est.) $2 million (2016 est.) Topic: Nepal-$93 million (2017 est.) $1.339 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Netherlands$90.207 billion (2019 est.) $98.981 billion (2018 est.) Topic: New Caledonia-$1.469 billion (2014 est.) -$1.861 billion (2013 est.) Topic: New Zealand-$6.962 billion (2019 est.) -$8.742 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Nicaragua-$694 million (2017 est.) -$989 million (2016 est.) Topic: Niger-$1.16 billion (2017 est.) -$1.181 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Nigeria$10.38 billion (2017 est.) $2.714 billion (2016 est.) Topic: North Macedonia-$151 million (2017 est.) -$293 million (2016 est.) Topic: Norway$16.656 billion (2019 est.) $31.111 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Oman-$10.76 billion (2017 est.) -$12.32 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Pakistan-$7.143 billion (2019 est.) -$19.482 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Palau-$53 million (2017 est.) -$36 million (2016 est.) Topic: Panama-$3.036 billion (2017 est.) -$3.16 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea$4.859 billion (2017 est.) $4.569 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Paraguay-$298 million (2017 est.) $416 million (2016 est.) Topic: Peru-$3.531 billion (2019 est.) -$3.821 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Philippines-$3.386 billion (2019 est.) -$8.877 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Poland$2.92 billion (2019 est.) -$7.52 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Portugal-$203 million (2019 est.) $988 million (2018 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico$0 (2017 est.) $0 (2016 est.) Topic: Qatar$6.426 billion (2017 est.) -$8.27 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Romania-$11.389 billion (2019 est.) -$10.78 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Russia$65.311 billion (2019 est.) $115.68 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Rwanda-$622 million (2017 est.) -$1.336 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis-$97 million (2017 est.) -$102 million (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia$21 million (2017 est.) -$31 million (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines-$116 million (2017 est.) -$122 million (2016 est.) Topic: Samoa-$19 million (2017 est.) -$37 million (2016 est.) Topic: San Marino$0 (2017 est.) $0 (2016 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe-$32 million (2017 est.) -$23 million (2016 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia$15.23 billion (2017 est.) -$23.87 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Senegal-$1.547 billion (2017 est.) -$769 million (2016 est.) Topic: Serbia-$2.354 billion (2017 est.) -$1.189 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Seychelles-$307 million (2017 est.) -$286 million (2016 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone-$407 million (2017 est.) -$88 million (2016 est.) Topic: Singapore$63.109 billion (2019 est.) $64.042 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Slovakia-$3.026 billion (2019 est.) -$2.635 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Slovenia$3.05 billion (2019 est.) $3.17 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands-$54 million (2017 est.) -$49 million (2016 est.) Topic: Somalia-$464 million (2017 est.) -$427 million (2016 est.) Topic: South Africa-$10.626 billion (2019 est.) -$13.31 billion (2018 est.) Topic: South Sudan-$154 million (2017 est.) $39 million (2016 est.) Topic: Spain$29.603 billion (2019 est.) $27.206 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka-$10 million (2019 est.) -$17 million (2018 est.) Topic: Sudan-$4.811 billion (2017 est.) -$4.213 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Suriname-$2 million (2017 est.) -$169 million (2016 est.) Topic: Sweden$22.339 billion (2019 est.) $13.902 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Switzerland$79.937 billion (2019 est.) $63.273 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Syria-$2.123 billion (2017 est.) -$2.077 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Taiwan$65.173 billion (2019 est.) $70.843 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Tajikistan-$35 million (2017 est.) -$362 million (2016 est.) Topic: Tanzania-$1.313 billion (2019 est.) -$1.898 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Thailand$37.033 billion (2019 est.) $28.423 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste-$284 million (2017 est.) -$544 million (2016 est.) Topic: Togo-$383 million (2017 est.) -$416 million (2016 est.) Topic: Tonga-$53 million (2017 est.) -$30 million (2016 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago$2.325 billion (2017 est.) -$653 million (2016 est.) Topic: Tunisia-$4.191 billion (2017 est.) -$3.694 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Turkey$8.561 billion (2019 est.) -$20.745 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan-$4.359 billion (2017 est.) -$7.207 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Tuvalu$2 million (2017 est.) $8 million (2016 est.) Topic: Uganda-$1.212 billion (2017 est.) -$707 million (2016 est.) Topic: Ukraine-$4.124 billion (2019 est.) -$6.432 billion (2018 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates$26.47 billion (2017 est.) $13.23 billion (2016 est.) Topic: United Kingdom-$121.921 billion (2019 est.) -$104.927 billion (2018 est.) Topic: United States-$480.225 billion (2019 est.) -$449.694 billion (2018 est.) Topic: Uruguay$879 million (2017 est.) $410 million (2016 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan$1.713 billion (2017 est.) $384 million (2016 est.) Topic: Vanuatu-$13 million (2017 est.) -$37 million (2016 est.) Topic: Venezuela$4.277 billion (2017 est.) -$3.87 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Vietnam$12.478 billion (2019 est.) $5.769 billion (2018 est.) Topic: West Bank-$1.444 billion (2017 est.) -$1.348 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Yemen-$1.236 billion (2017 est.) -$1.868 billion (2016 est.) Topic: Zambia-$1.006 billion (2017 est.) -$934 million (2016 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe-$716 million (2017 est.) -$553 million (2016 est.)
20220901
field-hiv-aids-deaths
This entry gives an estimate of the number of adults and children who died of AIDS during a given calendar year. Topic: Afghanistan(2020 est.) <1,000 Topic: AkrotiriNA Topic: Albania(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Algeria(2020 est.) <200 Topic: American SamoaNA Topic: AndorraNA Topic: Angola16,000 (2020 est.) Topic: AnguillaNA Topic: Antigua and Barbuda(2018) <100 Topic: Argentina1,400 (2020 est.) Topic: Armenia(2020 est.) <100 Topic: ArubaNA Topic: Ashmore and Cartier IslandsNA Topic: Australia(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Austria(2017 est.) <100 Topic: Azerbaijan(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Bahamas, The(2018) <200 Topic: Bahrain(2017 est.) <100 Topic: Bangladesh(2018 est.) <1000 Topic: Barbados(2019 est.) <100 Topic: Belarus(2020 est.) <200 note: estimate does not include children Topic: BelgiumNA Topic: Belize(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Benin2,000 (2020 est.) Topic: BermudaNA Topic: Bhutan(2020) <100 Topic: Bolivia(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina(2018) <100 Topic: Botswana5,100 (2020 est.) Topic: Bouvet IslandNA Topic: Brazil13,000 (2020 est.) Topic: British Indian Ocean TerritoryNA Topic: British Virgin IslandsNA Topic: BruneiNA Topic: Bulgaria(2019 est.) <100 Topic: Burkina Faso3,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Burma7,700 (2019 est.) Topic: Burundi1,700 (2020 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Cambodia1,200 (2020 est.) Topic: Cameroon14,000 (2020 est.) Topic: CanadaNA Topic: Cayman IslandsNA Topic: Central African Republic3,200 (2020 est.) Topic: Chad3,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Chile(2018) <1,000 Topic: ChinaNA Topic: Christmas IslandNA Topic: Clipperton IslandNA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsNA Topic: Colombia3,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Comoros(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the17,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the6,100 (2020 est.) Topic: Cook IslandsNA Topic: Coral Sea IslandsNA Topic: Costa Rica(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Cote d'Ivoire13,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Croatia(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Cuba(2020 est.) <500 Topic: CuracaoNA Topic: Cyprus(2017 est.) <100 Topic: Czechia(2018 est.) <100 Topic: Denmark(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: DhekeliaNA Topic: Djibouti(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Dominica(2018) <100 Topic: Dominican Republic1,900 (2020 est.) Topic: Ecuador(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Egypt(2020 est.) <500 Topic: El Salvador(2020 est.) <1000 Topic: Equatorial Guinea2,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Eritrea(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Estonia(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Eswatini2,400 (2020 est.) Topic: Ethiopia13,000 (2020 est.) Topic: European Unionnote: see individual entries of member states Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)NA Topic: Faroe IslandsNA Topic: Fiji(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Finland(2018) <100 Topic: France(2019 est.) <500 Topic: French PolynesiaNA Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsNA Topic: Gabon(2020 est.) <1000 Topic: Gambia, The1,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Gaza StripNA Topic: Georgia(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Germany(2020 est.) <500 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Ghana13,000 (2020 est.) Topic: GibraltarNA Topic: Greece(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: GreenlandNA Topic: Grenada(2018) <100 Topic: GuamNA Topic: Guatemala(2020 est.) <1,000 Topic: GuernseyNA Topic: Guinea3,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau1,500 (2020 est.) Topic: Guyana(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Haiti2,200 (2020 est.) Topic: Heard Island and McDonald IslandsNA Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)NA Topic: Honduras(2020 est.) <1000 Topic: Hong KongNA Topic: Hungary(2018 est.) <100 Topic: Iceland(2020) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: India69,000 (2017 est.) Topic: Indonesia24,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Iran3,200 (2020 est.) Topic: IraqNA Topic: Ireland(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Isle of ManNA Topic: Israel(2018) <100 Topic: Italy(2020 est.) <1000 Topic: Jamaica(2020 est.) <1,000 Topic: Jan MayenNA Topic: Japan(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: JerseyNA Topic: Jordan(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Kazakhstan(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Kenya29,000 (2020 est.) Topic: KiribatiNA Topic: Korea, NorthNA Topic: Korea, SouthNA Topic: KosovoNA Topic: Kuwait(2018 est.) <100 Topic: Kyrgyzstan(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Laos(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Latvia(2019 est.) <100 Topic: Lebanon(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Lesotho4,700 (2020 est.) Topic: Liberia1,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Libya(2020) <100 Topic: LiechtensteinNA Topic: Lithuania(2019 est.) <100 Topic: Luxembourg(2018 est.) <100 Topic: MacauNA Topic: Madagascar1,800 (2020 est.) Topic: Malawi12,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Malaysia2,000 (2020 est.) Topic: MaldivesNA Topic: Mali4,600 (2020 est.) Topic: Malta(2016 est.) <100 Topic: Marshall IslandsNA Topic: Mauritania(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Mauritius(2020) <1000 Topic: Mexico4,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofNA Topic: Moldova(2020 est.) <500 Topic: MonacoNA Topic: Mongolia(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Montenegro(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: MontserratNA Topic: Morocco(2020 est.) <500 note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambique38,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Namibia3,000 (2020 est.) Topic: NauruNA Topic: Navassa IslandNA Topic: Nepal(2020 est.) <1000 Topic: Netherlands(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: New CaledoniaNA Topic: New Zealand(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Nicaragua(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Niger1,100 (2020 est.) Topic: Nigeria49,000 (2020 est.) Topic: NiueNA Topic: Norfolk IslandNA Topic: North Macedonia300 (2018 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsNA Topic: Norway(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Oman(2019) <100 Topic: Pakistan8,200 (2020 est.) Topic: PalauNA Topic: Panama(2020 est.) <500 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Papua New Guinea(2020 est.) <500 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Paracel IslandsNA Topic: Paraguay(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Peru(2020 est.) <1000 Topic: Philippines1,600 (2020 est.) <1,000 Topic: Pitcairn IslandsNA Topic: PolandNA Topic: Portugal(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Puerto RicoNA Topic: Qatar(2020 est.) <100 Topic: Romania(2020 est.) <500 note: estimate does not include children Topic: RussiaNA Topic: Rwanda2,500 (2020 est.) Topic: Saint BarthelemyNA Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaNA Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis(2018) <100 Topic: Saint Lucia(2018) <100 Topic: Saint MartinNA Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonNA Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines(2018) <100 Topic: SamoaNA Topic: San MarinoNA Topic: Sao Tome and Principe(2020) <100 Topic: Saudi Arabia(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Senegal1,100 (2020 est.) Topic: Serbia(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: SeychellesNA Topic: Sierra Leone3,200 (2020 est.) Topic: Singapore(2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Sint MaartenNA Topic: Slovakia(2018 est.) <100 Topic: Slovenia(2018 est.) <100 Topic: Solomon IslandsNA Topic: Somalia(2020 est.) <500 Topic: South Africa83,000 (2020 est.) Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich IslandsNA Topic: South Sudan8,900 (2020 est.) Topic: Spain(2020) <1,000 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Spratly IslandsNA Topic: Sri Lanka(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Sudan2,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Suriname(2020 est.) <200 Topic: SvalbardNA Topic: SwedenNA Topic: Switzerland(2020) <200 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Syria(2020) <100 Topic: TaiwanNA Topic: Tajikistan(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Tanzania32,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Thailand12,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste(2020) <100 Topic: Togo3,000 (2020 est.) Topic: TokelauNA Topic: TongaNA Topic: Trinidad and Tobago(2020 est.) <200 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Tunisia(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)NA Topic: TurkmenistanNA Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsNA Topic: TuvaluNA Topic: Uganda22,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Ukraine3,100 (2020 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates100 (2020) <100 Topic: United KingdomNA Topic: United StatesNA Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesNA Topic: Uruguay(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Uzbekistan(2020 est.) <1,000 Topic: VanuatuNA Topic: Venezuela4,200 (2020 est.) Topic: Vietnam3,800 (2020 est.) Topic: Virgin IslandsNA Topic: Wake IslandNA Topic: Wallis and FutunaNA Topic: West BankNA Topic: World680,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Yemen(2020 est.) <500 Topic: Zambia24,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe22,000 (2020 est.)
20220901
countries-burkina-faso
Topic: Photos of Burkina Faso Topic: Introduction Background: 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. 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. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Africa, north of Ghana Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 2 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 274,200 sq km land: 273,800 sq km water: 400 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Colorado Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: three climate zones including a hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half, a tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half, and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desertthree climate zones including a hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half, a tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half, and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desert Terrain: mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in the west and southeast; occupies an extensive plateau with savanna that is grassy in the north and gradually gives way to sparse forests in the south Elevation: highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m mean elevation: 297 m Natural resources: gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble, phosphates, pumice, salt Land use: agricultural land: 44.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 22% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 37% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 21.93% (2018 est.) forest: 19.3% (2018 est.) other: 36.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 550 sq km (2016) Major rivers (by length in km): Volta river source (shared with Ghana [m]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Population distribution: Most of the population is located in the center and south. Nearly one-third of the population lives in cities. The capital and largest city is Ouagadougou (Ouaga), with a population of 1.8 million as shown in this population distribution map (2019)Most of the population is located in the center and south. Nearly one-third of the population lives in cities. The capital and largest city is Ouagadougou (Ouaga), with a population of 1.8 million as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: recurring droughts Geography - note: landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red, and White Voltas Map description: Burkina Faso map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Burkina Faso map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 21,935,389 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural) adjective: Burkinabe Ethnic groups: Mossi 52%, Fulani 8.4%, Gurma 7%, Bobo 4.9%, Gurunsi 4.6%, Senufo 4.5%, Bissa 3.7%, Lobi 2.4%, Dagara 2.4%, Tuareg/Bella 1.9%, Dioula 0.8%, unspecified/no answer 0.3%, other 7.2% (2010 est.) Languages: French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population Religions: Muslim 63.2%, Roman Catholic 24.6%, Protestant 6.9%, traditional/animist 4.2%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.4% (2017-18 est.) Demographic profile: Burkina Faso has a young age structure – the result of declining mortality combined with steady high fertility – and continues to experience rapid population growth, which is putting increasing pressure on the country’s limited arable land. More than 65% of the population is under the age of 25, and the population is growing at 3% annually. Mortality rates, especially those of infants and children, have decreased because of improved health care, hygiene, and sanitation, but women continue to have an average of almost 6 children. Even if fertility were substantially reduced, today’s large cohort entering their reproductive years would sustain high population growth for the foreseeable future. Only about a third of the population is literate and unemployment is widespread, dampening the economic prospects of Burkina Faso’s large working-age population. Migration has traditionally been a way of life for Burkinabe, with seasonal migration being replaced by stints of up to two years abroad. Cote d’Ivoire remains the top destination, although it has experienced periods of internal conflict. Under French colonization, Burkina Faso became a main labor source for agricultural and factory work in Cote d’Ivoire. Burkinabe also migrated to Ghana, Mali, and Senegal for work between the world wars. Burkina Faso attracts migrants from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali, who often share common ethnic backgrounds with the Burkinabe. Despite its food shortages and high poverty rate, Burkina Faso has become a destination for refugees in recent years and hosts about 33,500 Malians as of May 2017. (2018)Burkina Faso has a young age structure – the result of declining mortality combined with steady high fertility – and continues to experience rapid population growth, which is putting increasing pressure on the country’s limited arable land. More than 65% of the population is under the age of 25, and the population is growing at 3% annually. Mortality rates, especially those of infants and children, have decreased because of improved health care, hygiene, and sanitation, but women continue to have an average of almost 6 children. Even if fertility were substantially reduced, today’s large cohort entering their reproductive years would sustain high population growth for the foreseeable future. Only about a third of the population is literate and unemployment is widespread, dampening the economic prospects of Burkina Faso’s large working-age population.Migration has traditionally been a way of life for Burkinabe, with seasonal migration being replaced by stints of up to two years abroad. Cote d’Ivoire remains the top destination, although it has experienced periods of internal conflict. Under French colonization, Burkina Faso became a main labor source for agricultural and factory work in Cote d’Ivoire. Burkinabe also migrated to Ghana, Mali, and Senegal for work between the world wars. Burkina Faso attracts migrants from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali, who often share common ethnic backgrounds with the Burkinabe. Despite its food shortages and high poverty rate, Burkina Faso has become a destination for refugees in recent years and hosts about 33,500 Malians as of May 2017. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 87.9 youth dependency ratio: 83.4 elderly dependency ratio: 4.5 potential support ratio: 22.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 17.9 years male: 17 years female: 18.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.53% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 33.57 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.71 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: Most of the population is located in the center and south. Nearly one-third of the population lives in cities. The capital and largest city is Ouagadougou (Ouaga), with a population of 1.8 million as shown in this population distribution map (2019)Most of the population is located in the center and south. Nearly one-third of the population lives in cities. The capital and largest city is Ouagadougou (Ouaga), with a population of 1.8 million as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 31.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 3.056 million OUAGADOUGOU (capital), 1.074 million Bobo-Dioulasso (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.86 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.75 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.4 years (2010 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-29 Maternal mortality ratio: 320 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 49.42 deaths/1,000 live births male: 53.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 45.02 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.44 years male: 61.63 years female: 65.31 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.27 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 30.1% (2020) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 94.7% of population rural: 71.3% of population total: 78.5% of population unimproved: urban: 5.3% of population rural: 28.7% of population total: 21.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.5% (2019) Physicians density: 0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 0.4 beds/1,000 population Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.7% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 97,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,300 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria 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; Burkina Faso 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: 5.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 14.3% (2020 est.) male: 22.1% (2020 est.) female: 6.4% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 16.4% (2019) Education expenditures: 5.8% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 39.3% male: 49.2% female: 31% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 9 years male: 9 years female: 9 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.6% male: 8.9% female: 8.4% (2019) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation (2019) Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: three climate zones including a hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half, a tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half, and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desertthree climate zones including a hot tropical savanna with a short rainy season in the southern half, a tropical hot semi-arid steppe climate typical of the Sahel region in the northern half, and small area of hot desert in the very north of the country bordering the Sahara Desert Land use: agricultural land: 44.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 22% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 37% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 21.93% (2018 est.) forest: 19.3% (2018 est.) other: 36.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 31.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 4.54% 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: dengue fever and malaria 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; Burkina Faso 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 in the north - in the upcoming peak of the lean season, between June and August 2022, 2.6 million people are projected to face severe food insecurity; domestic cereal production in 2021 was estimated at a below-average level due to effects of adverse weather and the civil conflict, further aggravating conditions; in Centre-Nord and Sahel regions, insecurity continues to cause population displacements, further deteriorating the food security situation; a coup d’état on January 2022 is an additional factor that could increase civil insecurity and further stress food insecurity conditions (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2,575,251 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 309,030 tons (2005 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12% (2005 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Volta river source (shared with Ghana [m]) - 1,600 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 375.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 21.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 420.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 13.5 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Burkina Faso local long form: none local short form: Burkina Faso former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta etymology: name translates as "Land of the Honest (Incorruptible) Men" Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Ouagadougou geographic coordinates: 12 22 N, 1 31 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Ouagadougou is a Francophone spelling of the native name "Wogodogo," meaning "where people get honor and respect" Administrative divisions: 13 regions; Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades, Centre, Centre-Est, Centre-Nord, Centre-Ouest, Centre-Sud, Est, Hauts-Bassins, Nord, Plateau-Central, Sahel, Sud-Ouest Independence: 5 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Republic Day, 11 December (1958); note - commemorates the day that Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French Community Constitution: history: 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; 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 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; amended several times Legal system: civil law based on the French model and customary law; in mid-2019, the National Assembly amended the penal code 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 Burkina Faso dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: transitional President Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo DAMIBA (since 2 February 2022); note - on 24 January 2022, a military junta led by DAMIBA, leader of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration, took power and ousted President Roch Marc Christian KABORE head of government: Prime Minister Albert OUEDRAOGO (since 3 March 2022); note - transitional President Lt. Col. DAMIBA appointed OUEDRAOGO Prime Minister on 3 March 2022; the position had been vacant since 24 January 2022 when the military ousted former Prime Minister Lassina ZERBO cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections/appointments: president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second); last held on 22 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2025); prime minister appointed by the president with consent of the National Assembly; note - on 1 March 2022 a transition charter was adopted, allowing military authorities to rule for three years and barring transitional President Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo DAMIBA from being an electoral candidate after the transition. election results: 2020: Roch Marc Christian KABORE reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 57.9%, Eddie KOMBOIGO (CDP) 15.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC)12.5%, other 14.1% 2015: Roch Marc Christian KABORE elected president in first round; percent of vote - Roch Marc Christian KABORE (MPP) 53.5%, Zephirin DIABRE (UPC) 29.6%, Tahirou BARRY (PAREN) 3.1%, Benewende Stanislas SANKARA (UNIR-MS) 2.8%, other 10.9% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly (127 seats; 111 members directly elected in 13 multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote and 26 members elected in a nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; all member serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 22 November 2020 (next to be held in November 2025) election results: percent of vote by party - MPP 34.6%, CDP 13.3%, UPC 10.2%, NTD 5.6%, other 36.3%; seats by party - MPP 56, CDP 20, NTD 13, UPC 12, other 26; composition as of October 2021 - men 119, women 8, percent of women 6.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (consists of NA judges); Council of State (consists of NA judges); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (consists of the council president and 9 members) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judge appointments mostly controlled by the president of Burkina Faso; judges have no term limits; Council of State judge appointment and tenure NA; Constitutional Council judges appointed by the president of Burkina Faso upon the proposal of the minister of justice and the president of the National Assembly; judges appointed for 9-year terms with one-third of membership renewed every 3 years subordinate courts: Appeals Court; High Court; first instance tribunals; district courts; specialized courts relating to issues of labor, children, and juveniles; village (customary) courts Political parties and leaders: African Democratic Rally/Alliance for Democracy and Federation or ADF/RDA [Gilbert Noel OUEDRAOGO] African People’s Movement or MAP [Victorien TOUGOUMA] Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP [Eddie KOMBOIGO] Le Faso Autrement [Ablasse OUEDRAOGO] New Alliance of the Faso or NAFA [Rasmane OUEGRAOGO] New Time for Democracy or NTD [Vincent DABILGOU] Organization for Democracy and Work or ODT [Anatole BONKOUNGOU] Party for Development and Change or PDC [Aziz SEREME] Party for Democracy and Progress-Socialist Party or PDP-PS [Drabo TORO] Party for Democracy and Socialism/Metba or PDS/Metba [Philippe OUEDRAOGO] Party for National Renaissance or PAREN [Michel BERE] People's Movement for Progress or MPP [Roch Marc Christian KABORE] Rally for Democracy and Socialism or RDS [Francois OUEDRAOGO] Rally for the Development of Burkina or RDB [Celestin Saidou COMPAORE] Rally of Ecologists of Burkina Faso or RDEB [Adama SERE] Soleil d’Avenir [Abdoulaye SOMA] Union for a New Burkina or UBN [Diemdioda DICKO] Union for Progress and Change or UPC [Zephirin DIABRE] Union for Rebirth - Sankarist Party or UNIR-MS [Benewende Stanislas SANKARA] Union for the Republic or UPR [Toussaint Abel COULIBALY] Youth Alliance for the Republic and Independence or AJIR [Adama KANAZOE] International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Boulmonli Leonard LOMBO (since 15 April 2022) chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577 FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882 email address and website: contact@burkina-usa.org https://burkina-usa.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sandra E. CLARK (since 25 September 2020) embassy: Secteur 15, Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembene Ousmane, Rue 15.873, Ouagadougou mailing address: 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC  20521-2440 telephone: (226) 25-49-53-00 FAX: (226) 25-49-56-23 email address and website: ouagaACS@state.gov https://bf.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; red recalls the country's struggle for independence, green is for hope and abundance, and yellow represents the country's mineral wealth note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia National symbol(s): white stallion; national colors: red, yellow, green National anthem: name: "Le Ditanye" (Anthem of Victory) lyrics/music: Thomas SANKARA note: adopted 1974; also known as "Une Seule Nuit" (One Single Night); written by the country's former president, an avid guitar player National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 3 (2 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Ruins of Loropéni (c); Ancient Ferrous Metallurgy Sites (c); W-Arly-Pendjari Complex (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Burkina Faso is a poor, landlocked country that depends on adequate rainfall. Irregular patterns of rainfall, poor soil, and the lack of adequate communications and other infrastructure contribute to the economy’s vulnerability to external shocks. About 80% of the population is engaged in subsistence farming and cotton is the main cash crop. The country has few natural resources and a weak industrial base.   Cotton and gold are Burkina Faso’s key exports - gold has accounted for about three-quarters of the country’s total export revenues. Burkina Faso’s economic growth and revenue depends largely on production levels and global prices for the two commodities. The country has seen an upswing in gold exploration, production, and exports.   In 2016, the government adopted a new development strategy, set forth in the 2016-2020 National Plan for Economic and Social Development, that aims to reduce poverty, build human capital, and to satisfy basic needs. A new three-year IMF program (2018-2020), approved in 2018, will allow the government to reduce the budget deficit and preserve critical spending on social services and priority public investments.   While the end of the political crisis has allowed Burkina Faso’s economy to resume positive growth, the country’s fragile security situation could put these gains at risk. Political insecurity in neighboring Mali, unreliable energy supplies, and poor transportation links pose long-term challenges.Burkina Faso is a poor, landlocked country that depends on adequate rainfall. Irregular patterns of rainfall, poor soil, and the lack of adequate communications and other infrastructure contribute to the economy’s vulnerability to external shocks. About 80% of the population is engaged in subsistence farming and cotton is the main cash crop. The country has few natural resources and a weak industrial base. Cotton and gold are Burkina Faso’s key exports - gold has accounted for about three-quarters of the country’s total export revenues. Burkina Faso’s economic growth and revenue depends largely on production levels and global prices for the two commodities. The country has seen an upswing in gold exploration, production, and exports. In 2016, the government adopted a new development strategy, set forth in the 2016-2020 National Plan for Economic and Social Development, that aims to reduce poverty, build human capital, and to satisfy basic needs. A new three-year IMF program (2018-2020), approved in 2018, will allow the government to reduce the budget deficit and preserve critical spending on social services and priority public investments. While the end of the political crisis has allowed Burkina Faso’s economy to resume positive growth, the country’s fragile security situation could put these gains at risk. Political insecurity in neighboring Mali, unreliable energy supplies, and poor transportation links pose long-term challenges. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $45.16 billion (2020 est.) $44.27 billion (2019 est.) $41.88 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 6.4% (2017 est.) 5.9% (2016 est.) 3.9% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,200 (2020 est.) $2,200 (2019 est.) $2,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $14.271 billion (2018 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -3.2% (2019 est.) 1.9% (2018 est.) 1.4% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Standard & Poors rating: B (2017) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 31% (2017 est.) industry: 23.9% (2017 est.) services: 44.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: sorghum, maize, millet, cotton, cow peas, sugar cane, groundnuts, rice, sesame seed, vegetables Industries: cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold Industrial production growth rate: 10.4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 8.501 million (2016 est.) note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 90% industry and services: 10% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: 77% (2004) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.6% male: 8.9% female: 8.4% (2019) Population below poverty line: 41.4% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35.3 (2014 est.) 48.2 (1994) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% highest 10%: 32.2% (2009 est.) Budget: revenues: 2.666 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.655 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -7.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 38.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 38.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 21.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$1.019 billion (2017 est.) -$820 million (2016 est.) Exports: $4.47 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.51 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Switzerland 59%, India 21% (2019) Exports - commodities: gold, cotton, zinc, cashews, sesame seeds (2019) Imports: $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.) Imports - partners: Cote d'Ivoire 15%, China 9%, Ghana 8%, France 8%, India 6%, United States 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, delivery trucks, packaged medicines, electricity, aircraft (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $49 million (31 December 2017 est.) $50.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $3.056 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.88 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 605.3 (2017 est.) 593.01 (2016 est.) 593.01 (2015 est.) 591.45 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 22% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 69% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 2% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 392,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,033,520,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 600 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 248 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 89.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 3.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) 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: 30,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 23,580 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: 4.444 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 4.444 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 3.23 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 75,039 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 22,117,218 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 106 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Burkina Faso’s telecom sector in recent years has made some gains in providing the necessary infrastructure and bandwidth to support telecom services; an IXP completed in September 2020 increased international bandwidth capacity by a third, while in mid-2021 the government was able to start the second phase of a national fiber backbone project; this will link the capital city to an addition 145 municipalities, and provide additional connectivity to terrestrial cables in neighboring countries; this new infrastructure is also making it possible for the government to trial tele medicine, and so address the very poor availability of medical services in almost all parts of the country; the activities of the militants in side areas of the country jeopardize overall security, and render it difficult for the telcos to safeguard their networks and equipment; Burkina Faso joins G5 Sahel countries to eliminate roaming fees (2022) domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage nearly 106 per 100, with multiple providers there is competition and the hope for growth from a low base; Internet penetration is 16% (2020) international: country code - 226; 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: since the official inauguration of Terrestrial Digital Television (TNT) in December 2017, Burkina Faso now has 14 digital TV channels among which 2 are state-owned; there are more than 140 radio stations (commercial, religious, community) available throughout the country including a national and regional state-owned network; the state-owned Radio Burkina and the private Radio Omega are among the most widespread stations and both include broadcasts in French and local languages (2019) Internet country code: .bf Internet users: total: 4,598,721 (2020 est.) percent of population: 22% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 13,979 (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: 3 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 151,531 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 100,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: XT Airports: total: 23 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 21 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 13 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Railways: total: 622 km (2014) narrow gauge: 622 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge note: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote d'Ivoire Roadways: total: 15,304 km (2014) paved: 3,642 km (2014) unpaved: 11,662 km (2014) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of Burkina Faso (FABF): Army of Burkina Faso (L’Armee de Terre, LAT), Air Force of Burkina Faso (Force Aerienne de Burkina Faso, FABF), National Gendarmerie; Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP) (2022) note 1: the National Gendarmerie officially reports to the Ministry of Defense, but usually operates in support of the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Justice; Gendarmerie troops are typically integrated with Army forces in anti-terrorism operations note 2: the VDP is a civilian defense force established in 2019 to act as auxiliaries to the Army in the fight against militants; the volunteers receive two weeks of training and typically assist with carrying out surveillance, information-gathering, and escort duties Military expenditures: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 2.2% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $450 million) 1.9% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $370 million) 1.4% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $260 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 12,000 personnel (7,000 Army; 500 Air Force; 4,500 National Gendarmerie) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FABF has a mix of foreign-supplied weapons; since 2010, it has received limited amounts of mostly donated second-hand equipment from a variety of countries (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; women may serve in supporting roles (2021) Military deployments: 650 (plus about 180 police) Mali (MINUSMA) (May 2022) note: Burkina Faso is 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: including the most recent in January 2022, the military has conducted seven coups since 1960; as of 2022, the military was also actively engaged in combat operations with terrorist groups linked to al-Qa'ida and ISIS, particularly in the northern and eastern regions; in the north, the terrorist group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has exploited ethnic tensions and perceptions of state neglect, as well as grievances over corruption, patronage politics, social stratification, and land disputes; the east is reportedly a stronghold of the Islamic State-Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS) terrorist group (2022) Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Ansarul Islam; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS); al-Mulathamun Battalion (al-Mourabitoun); Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) 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: adding to illicit cross-border activities, Burkina Faso has issues concerning unresolved boundary alignments with its neighbors; demarcation is currently underway with Mali; the dispute with Niger was referred to the ICJ in 2010, and a dispute over several villages with Benin persists; Benin retains a border dispute with Burkina Faso around the town of Koualau/Kourouadding to illicit cross-border activities, Burkina Faso has issues concerning unresolved boundary alignments with its neighbors; demarcation is currently underway with Mali; the dispute with Niger was referred to the ICJ in 2010, and a dispute over several villages with Benin persists; Benin retains a border dispute with Burkina Faso around the town of Koualau/Kourou Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 24,756 (Mali) (2022) IDPs: 1,850,293 (2022)1,850,293 (2022)
20220901
countries-niue
Topic: Photos of Niue Topic: Introduction Background: 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.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.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 Tonga Geographic coordinates: 19 02 S, 169 52 W Map references: Oceania Area: total: 260 sq km land: 260 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau Elevation: highest point: unnamed elevation 1.4 km east of Hikutavake 80 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: agricultural land: 19.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 11.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.8% (2018 est.) forest: 71.2% (2018 est.) other: 9.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: population distributed around the peripheral coastal areas of the island Natural hazards: tropical cyclones Geography - note: one of world's largest coral islands; the only major break in the surrounding coral reef occurs in the central western part of the coast Map description: Niue map showing some population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean.Niue map showing some population centers on this island in the South Pacific Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 2,000 (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 Nationality: noun: Niuean(s) adjective: Niuean Ethnic groups: Niuean 65.4%, part-Niuean 14%, non-Niuean 20.6% (2017 est.) note: data represent the resident population Languages: Niuean (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.) Religions: Ekalesia 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.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-24 years: NA 25-54 years: NA 55-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Population growth rate: -0.03% (2021 est.) Birth rate: NA Death rate: (2021 est.) NA Population distribution: population distributed around the peripheral coastal areas of the island Urbanization: urban population: 47.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1,000 ALOFI (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: NA Infant mortality rate: total: NA male: NA female: NA Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Total fertility rate: (2021 est.) NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 97% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 3% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.3% (2019) Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 95.5% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 4.5% 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: 50% (2016) 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: increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 11.47 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds Land use: agricultural land: 19.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 11.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.8% (2018 est.) forest: 71.2% (2018 est.) other: 9.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 47.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea vectorborne diseases: malaria Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Niue former: Savage Island etymology: the origin of the name is obscure; in Niuean, the word supposedly translates as "behold the coconut" note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee Government type: parliamentary democracy Dependency status: self-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 Capital: name: Alofi geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Administrative divisions: none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order Independence: 19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand) National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy KIRO (since 21 October 2021); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner Helen TUNNAH (since July 2020) head of government: Premier Dalton TAGELAGI (since 10 June 2020) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the premier elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; premier indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly for a 3-year term; election last held on 10 June 2020 (next to be held in 2023) election results: Dalton TAGELAGI elected premier; Legislative Assembly vote - Dalton TAGELAGI (independent) 13, O'Love JACOBSEN (independent) 7; Toke TALAGI lost his seat in election Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly or Fono Ekepule (20 seats; 14 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 6 directly elected from the National Register or "common roll" by majority vote; members serve 3-year terms) elections: last held on 30 May 2020 (next to be held on 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 20 Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and up to 3 judges); note - the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) is the final appeal court beyond the Niue Court of Appeal judge selection and term of office: Niue chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet and tendered by the premier; other judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet and tendered by the chief justice and the minister of justice; judges serve until age 68 subordinate courts: High Court note: Niue is a participant in the Pacific Judicial Development Program, which is designed to build governance and the rule of law in 15 Pacific island countries Political parties and leaders: Alliance of Independents or AI Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN] International organization participation: ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation in the US: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) Flag description: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New Zealand National symbol(s): yellow, five-pointed star; national color: yellow National anthem: name: "Ko e Iki he Lagi" (The Lord in Heaven) lyrics/music: unknown/unknown, prepared by Sioeli FUSIKATA note: adopted 1974 Topic: Economy Economic overview: The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories for processing passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue.   Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Economic aid allocation from New Zealand in FY13/14 was US$10.1 million. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half.   The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses.The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories for processing passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Economic aid allocation from New Zealand in FY13/14 was US$10.1 million. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $10.01 million (2003 est.) Real GDP growth rate: 6.2% (2003 est.) Real GDP per capita: $5,800 (2003 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $10.01 million (2003) (2003) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (2005) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 23.5% (2003) industry: 26.9% (2003) services: 49.5% (2003) Agricultural products: coconuts, taro, fruit, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit, yams, vegetables, lemons, limes, bananas Industries: handicrafts, food processing Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 663 (2001) Labor force - by occupation: note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Boardnote: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board Unemployment rate: 12% (2001) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 15.07 million (FY04/05) expenditures: 16.33 million (FY04/05) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -12.6% (of GDP) (FY04/05) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Exports: $201,400 (2004 est.) Exports - partners: Indonesia 92%, South Korea 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: tanker ships, fruit juice, thermostats, textiles, measurement devices/appliances (2019) Imports: $9.038 million (2004 est.) Imports - partners: New Zealand 43%, United Kingdom 30%, Japan 22% (2019) Imports - commodities: hydraulic engines, ships, refined petroleum, cars, plastics (2019) Debt - external: $418,000 (2002 est.) Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.416 (2017 est.) 1.4279 (2016 est.) 1.4279 (2015) 1.4279 (2014 est.) 1.2039 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity: Installed generating capacity: 3,000 kW (2020 est.) Consumption: 2.6 million kWh (2019 est.) Exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) Imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) Transmission/distribution losses: 400,000 kWh (2019 est.) 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: 100 bbl/day (2019 est.) Crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) Crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) Crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 54 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: 8,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From petroleum and other liquids: 8,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2018 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: sole provider service for over 1000 landlines and fixed wireless lines; cellular telephone service operates on AMPS and GSM platforms; difficult geography presents challenges for rural areas; mobile is primary source of Internet access; mobile broadband demand is growing due to mobile services (2020) domestic: single-line (fixed line) telephone system connects all villages on island; fixed teledensity at nearly 62 per 100 (2018) international: country code - 683; landing point for the Manatua submarine cable linking Niue to several South Pacific Ocean Islands; expansion of satellite services (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 government-owned TV station with many of the programs supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station broadcasting in AM and FM (2019) Internet country code: .nu Internet users: total: 1,292 (2019 est.) percent of population: 80% (2019 est.) Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 234 km (2017) paved: 210 km (2017) unpaved: 24 km Merchant marine: total: 69 by type: bulk carrier 3, container ship 2, general cargo 25, oil tanker 7, other 32 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Alofi Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force Military - note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified
20220901
countries-namibia
Topic: Photos of Namibia Topic: Introduction Background: Various ethnic groups occupied southwestern 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. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa Geographic coordinates: 22 00 S, 17 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 824,292 sq km land: 823,290 sq km water: 1,002 sq km Area - comparative: almost seven times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly more than half the size of Alaska Land boundaries: total: 4,220 km border countries (4): Angola 1,427 km; Botswana 1,544 km; South Africa 1,005 km; Zambia 244 km Coastline: 1,572 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east Elevation: highest point: Konigstein on Brandberg 2,573 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,141 m Natural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, silver, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, tungsten, zinc, salt, hydropower, fish, note, suspected deposits of oil, coal, and iron ore Land use: agricultural land: 47.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 46.2% (2018 est.) forest: 8.8% (2018 est.) other: 44% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 80 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km) Major aquifers: Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Population distribution: population density is very low, with the largest clustering found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: prolonged periods of drought Geography - note: the Namib Desert, after which the country is named, is considered to be the oldest desert in the world; Namibia is the first country in the world to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution; some 14% of the land is protected, including virtually the entire Namib Desert coastal strip; Namib-Naukluft National Park (49,768 sq km), is the largest game park in Africa and one of the largest in the world Map description: Namibia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean.Namibia map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 2,727,409 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Namibian(s) adjective: Namibian Ethnic groups: Ovambo 50%, Kavangos 9%, Herero 7%, Damara 7%, mixed European and African ancestry 6.5%, European 6%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, San 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana .5% Languages: Oshiwambo 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 Religions: Christian 97.5%, other 0.6% (includes Muslim, Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist), unaffiliated 1.9% (2020 est.) Demographic profile: Planning officials view Namibia’s reduced population growth rate as sustainable based on the country’s economic growth over the past decade. Prior to independence in 1990, Namibia’s relatively small population grew at about 3% annually, but declining fertility and the impact of HIV/AIDS slowed this growth to 1.4% by 2011, rebounding to close to 2% by 2016. Namibia’s fertility rate has fallen over the last two decades – from about 4.5 children per woman in 1996 to 3.4 in 2016 – due to increased contraceptive use, higher educational attainment among women, and greater female participation in the labor force. The average age at first birth has stayed fairly constant, but the age at first marriage continues to increase, indicating a rising incidence of premarital childbearing.The majority of Namibians are rural dwellers (about 55%) and live in the better-watered north and northeast parts of the country. Migration, historically male-dominated, generally flows from northern communal areas – non-agricultural lands where blacks were sequestered under the apartheid system – to agricultural, mining, and manufacturing centers in the center and south. After independence from South Africa, restrictions on internal movement eased, and rural-urban migration increased, bolstering urban growth.Some Namibians – usually persons who are better-educated, more affluent, and from urban areas – continue to legally migrate to South Africa temporarily to visit family and friends and, much less frequently, to pursue tertiary education or better economic opportunities. Namibians concentrated along the country’s other borders make unauthorized visits to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Botswana, to visit family and to trade agricultural goods. Few Namibians express interest in permanently settling in other countries; they prefer the safety of their homeland, have a strong national identity, and enjoy a well-supplied retail sector. Although Namibia is receptive to foreign investment and cross-border trade, intolerance toward non-citizens is widespread.Planning officials view Namibia’s reduced population growth rate as sustainable based on the country’s economic growth over the past decade. Prior to independence in 1990, Namibia’s relatively small population grew at about 3% annually, but declining fertility and the impact of HIV/AIDS slowed this growth to 1.4% by 2011, rebounding to close to 2% by 2016. Namibia’s fertility rate has fallen over the last two decades – from about 4.5 children per woman in 1996 to 3.4 in 2016 – due to increased contraceptive use, higher educational attainment among women, and greater female participation in the labor force. The average age at first birth has stayed fairly constant, but the age at first marriage continues to increase, indicating a rising incidence of premarital childbearing.The majority of Namibians are rural dwellers (about 55%) and live in the better-watered north and northeast parts of the country. Migration, historically male-dominated, generally flows from northern communal areas – non-agricultural lands where blacks were sequestered under the apartheid system – to agricultural, mining, and manufacturing centers in the center and south. After independence from South Africa, restrictions on internal movement eased, and rural-urban migration increased, bolstering urban growth.Some Namibians – usually persons who are better-educated, more affluent, and from urban areas – continue to legally migrate to South Africa temporarily to visit family and friends and, much less frequently, to pursue tertiary education or better economic opportunities. Namibians concentrated along the country’s other borders make unauthorized visits to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Botswana, to visit family and to trade agricultural goods. Few Namibians express interest in permanently settling in other countries; they prefer the safety of their homeland, have a strong national identity, and enjoy a well-supplied retail sector. Although Namibia is receptive to foreign investment and cross-border trade, intolerance toward non-citizens is widespread. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 67.9 youth dependency ratio: 61.8 elderly dependency ratio: 6 potential support ratio: 16.6 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 21.8 years male: 21.1 years female: 22.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.82% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 25.01 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.85 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population density is very low, with the largest clustering found in the extreme north-central area along the border with Angola as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 54% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 461,000 WINDHOEK (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.79 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.6 years (2013 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 195 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 29.42 deaths/1,000 live births male: 31.48 deaths/1,000 live births female: 27.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.47 years male: 64.46 years female: 68.53 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.98 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 56.1% (2013) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.9% of population rural: 83.2% of population total: 91.4% of population unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population rural: 16.8% of population total: 8.6% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 8.5% (2019) Physicians density: 0.59 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 2.7 beds/1,000 population Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 11.6% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 210,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,000 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria water contact diseases: schistosomiasis Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 17.2% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 15.1% (2020 est.) male: 24.2% (2020 est.) female: 6% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 13.2% (2013) Education expenditures: 9.4% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 91.5% male: 91.6% female: 91.4% (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 38% male: 37.5% female: 38.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: depletion and degradation of water and aquatic resources; desertification; land degradation; loss of biodiversity and biotic resources; wildlife poaching Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, 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: 22.59 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 4.23 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 10.4 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic Land use: agricultural land: 47.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 46.2% (2018 est.) forest: 8.8% (2018 est.) other: 44% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 54% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.47% 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, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria water contact diseases: schistosomiasis Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to localized shortfalls in cereal production - an estimated 750,000 people are projected to face "Crisis" levels of food insecurity between December 2021 and March 2022, as a result of localized areas that suffered from poor harvests in 2021 and the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily through income and job losses that constrained households’ access to food (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 256,729 tons (1993 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 11,553 tons (2005 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4.5% (2005 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km) Major aquifers: Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 73 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 14 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 201 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 39.91 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Namibia conventional short form: Namibia local long form: Republic of Namibia local short form: Namibia former: German South-West Africa (Deutsch-Suedwestafrika), South-West Africa etymology: named for the coastal Namib Desert; the name "namib" means "vast place" in the Nama/Damara language Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Windhoek geographic coordinates: 22 34 S, 17 05 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in September; ends first Sunday in April etymology: may derive from the Afrikaans word "wind-hoek" meaning "windy corner" Administrative divisions: 14 regions; Erongo, Hardap, //Karas, Kavango East, Kavango West, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Zambezi; note - the Karas Region was renamed //Karas in September 2013 to include the alveolar lateral click of the Khoekhoegowab language Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate) National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: mixed legal system of uncodified civil law based on Roman-Dutch law and customary law International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Namibia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Vice President Nangola MBUMBA (since 8 February 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Hage GEINGOB (since 21 March 2015); Vice President Nangola MBUMBA (since 8 February 2018); Prime Minister Saara KUUGONGELWA-AMADHILA (since 21 March 2015) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among members of the National Assembly elections/appointments: president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 28 November 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: Hage GEINGOB elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Hage GEINGOB (SWAPO) 56.3%, Panduleni ITULA (Independent) 29.4%, McHenry VENAANI (PDM) 5.3%, Bernadus SWARTBOOI (LPM) 2.7%, Apius AUCHAB (UDF) 2.7%, Esther MUINJANGUE (NUDO) 1.5%, other 2% (2019) Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: National Council (42 seats); members indirectly elected 3 each by the 14 regional councils to serve 5-year terms); note - the Council primarily reviews legislation passed and referred by the National Assembly National Assembly (104 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed list, proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 8 nonvoting members appointed by the president) elections: National Council - elections for regional councils to determine members of the National Council held on 25 November 2020 (next to be held on 25 November 2025) National Assembly - last held on 27 November 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SWAPO 28, LPM 6,IPC 2, PDM 2, UDF 2, NUDO 1,  independent 1; composition as of July 2022 - men 36, women 6, percent of women 14.3% National Assembly - percent of vote by party - SWAPO 65.5%, PDM 16.6%, LPM 4.7%, NUDO 1.9%, APP 1.8%, UDF 1.8%, RP 1.8%, NEFF 1.7%, RDP 1.1%, CDV .7%, SWANU .6%, other 1.8%; seats by party - SWAPO 63, PDM 16, LPM 4, NUDO 2, APP 2, UDF 2, RP 2, NEFF 2, RDP 1, CDV 1, SWANU 1; composition as of July 2022 - men 58, women 46, percent of women 44.2%; note - overall percent of women in Parliament 35.6% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 3 judges in quorum sessions) judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president of Namibia upon the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission; judges serve until age 65, but terms can be extended by the president until age 70 subordinate courts: High Court; Electoral Court, Labor Court; regional and district magistrates' courts; community courts Political parties and leaders: All People's Party or APP [Vacant] Christian Democratic Voice or CDV [Gothard KANDUME] Landless People's Movement or LPM [Bernadus SWARTBOOI] National Unity Democratic Organization or NUDO [Estes MUINJANGUE] Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters or NEFF [Epafras MUKWIILONGO] Popular Democratic Movement or PDM (formerly DTA) [McHenry VENAANI] Rally for Democracy and Progress or RDP [Mike KAVEKOTORA] Republican Party or RP [Henk MUDGE] South West Africa National Union or SWANU [Tangeni IIYAMBO] South West Africa People's Organization or SWAPO [Hage GEINGOB] United Democratic Front or UDF [Apius AUCHAB] United People's Movement or UPM [Jan J. VAN WYK] International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret Natalie MENSAH-WILLIAMS (since 18 January 2021) chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540 FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443 email address and website: info@namibiaembassyusa.org https://namibiaembassyusa.org/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Jessica LONG (since 2 July 2021) embassy: 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek mailing address: 2540 Windhoek Place, Washington DC  20521-2540 telephone: [264] (061) 295-8500 FAX: [264] (061) 295-8603 email address and website: ConsularWindhoek@state.gov https://na.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: a wide red stripe edged by narrow white stripes divides the flag diagonally from lower hoist corner to upper fly corner; the upper hoist-side triangle is blue and charged with a golden-yellow, 12-rayed sunburst; the lower fly-side triangle is green; red signifies the heroism of the people and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all; white stands for peace, unity, tranquility, and harmony; blue represents the Namibian sky and the Atlantic Ocean, the country's precious water resources and rain; the golden-yellow sun denotes power and existence; green symbolizes vegetation and agricultural resources National symbol(s): oryx (antelope); national colors: blue, red, green, white, yellow National anthem: name: "Namibia, Land of the Brave" lyrics/music: Axali DOESEB note: adopted 1991 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 2 (1 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes (c); Namib Sand Sea (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Namibia’s economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for about 12.5% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Marine diamond mining is increasingly important as the terrestrial diamond supply has dwindled. The rising cost of mining diamonds, especially from the sea, combined with increased diamond production in Russia and China, has reduced profit margins. Namibian authorities have emphasized the need to add value to raw materials, do more in-country manufacturing, and exploit the services market, especially in the logistics and transportation sectors.   Namibia is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium. The Chinese-owned Husab uranium mine began producing uranium ore in 2017, and is expected to reach full production in August 2018 and produce 15 million pounds of uranium a year. Namibia also produces large quantities of zinc and is a smaller producer of gold and copper. Namibia's economy remains vulnerable to world commodity price fluctuations and drought.   Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years, food shortages are problematic in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, obscures one of the world's most unequal income distributions; the current government has prioritized exploring wealth redistribution schemes while trying to maintain a pro-business environment. GDP growth in 2017 slowed to about 1%, however, due to contractions in both the construction and mining sectors, as well as an ongoing drought. Growth is expected to recover modestly in 2018.   A five-year Millennium Challenge Corporation compact ended in September 2014. As an upper middle income country, Namibia is ineligible for a second compact. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Namibia receives 30%-40% of its revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU); volatility in the size of Namibia's annual SACU allotment and global mineral prices complicates budget planning.Namibia’s economy is heavily dependent on the extraction and processing of minerals for export. Mining accounts for about 12.5% of GDP, but provides more than 50% of foreign exchange earnings. Rich alluvial diamond deposits make Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Marine diamond mining is increasingly important as the terrestrial diamond supply has dwindled. The rising cost of mining diamonds, especially from the sea, combined with increased diamond production in Russia and China, has reduced profit margins. Namibian authorities have emphasized the need to add value to raw materials, do more in-country manufacturing, and exploit the services market, especially in the logistics and transportation sectors. Namibia is one of the world’s largest producers of uranium. The Chinese-owned Husab uranium mine began producing uranium ore in 2017, and is expected to reach full production in August 2018 and produce 15 million pounds of uranium a year. Namibia also produces large quantities of zinc and is a smaller producer of gold and copper. Namibia's economy remains vulnerable to world commodity price fluctuations and drought. Namibia normally imports about 50% of its cereal requirements; in drought years, food shortages are problematic in rural areas. A high per capita GDP, relative to the region, obscures one of the world's most unequal income distributions; the current government has prioritized exploring wealth redistribution schemes while trying to maintain a pro-business environment. GDP growth in 2017 slowed to about 1%, however, due to contractions in both the construction and mining sectors, as well as an ongoing drought. Growth is expected to recover modestly in 2018. A five-year Millennium Challenge Corporation compact ended in September 2014. As an upper middle income country, Namibia is ineligible for a second compact. The Namibian economy is closely linked to South Africa with the Namibian dollar pegged one-to-one to the South African rand. Namibia receives 30%-40% of its revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU); volatility in the size of Namibia's annual SACU allotment and global mineral prices complicates budget planning. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $22.6 billion (2020 est.) $24.56 billion (2019 est.) $24.71 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -1.56% (2019 est.) 1.13% (2018 est.) -1.02% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $8,900 (2020 est.) $9,800 (2019 est.) $10,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $12.372 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (2019 est.) 4.2% (2018 est.) 6.1% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB (2019) Moody's rating: Ba3 (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 6.7% (2016 est.) industry: 26.3% (2016 est.) services: 67% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: roots/tubers nes, milk, maize, onions, beef, grapes, fruit, pulses nes, vegetables, millet Industries: meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, pasta, beverages; mining (diamonds, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper) Industrial production growth rate: -0.4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 956,800 (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 31% industry: 14% services: 54% (2013 est.) note: about half of Namibia's people are unemployed while about two-thirds live in rural areas; roughly two-thirds of rural dwellers rely on subsistence agriculture Unemployment rate: 34% (2016 est.) 28.1% (2014 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 38% male: 37.5% female: 38.5% (2018 est.) Population below poverty line: 17.4% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 59.1 (2015 est.) 70.7 (2003) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.4% highest 10%: 42% (2010) Budget: revenues: 4.268 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 5 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 41.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 39.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 32.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: -$216 million (2019 est.) -$465 million (2018 est.) Exports: $3.56 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.56 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.95 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: China 27%, South Africa 18%, Botswana 8%, Belgium 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: copper, diamonds, uranium, thorium, gold, radioactive chemicals, fish (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: South Africa 47%, Zambia 16% (2019) Imports - commodities: copper, refined petroleum, delivery trucks, diamonds, cars (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.432 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.834 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $7.969 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $6.904 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Namibian dollars (NAD) per US dollar - 13.67 (2017 est.) 14.7096 (2016 est.) 14.7096 (2015 est.) 12.7589 (2014 est.) 10.8526 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 57% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 78% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 36% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 640,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,065,360,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 119 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 3.417 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 270 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 6.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 4.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 88.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 38,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 59,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 26,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 80 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 26,270 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: 62.297 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 3.831 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 66,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 3.764 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 29.811 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 140,370 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2,898,125 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 114 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the government’s Broadband Policy aims to provide 95% population coverage by 2024, supported by the efforts of telcos including Paratus Telecom which continue to invest in their own extensive network objectives; mobile network coverage has increased sharply in recent years; by 2021, 3G infrastructure provided 89% population coverage while LTE infrastructure provided 79% coverage (compared to only 40% a year earlier); despite the relatively advanced nature of the market, progress towards 5G has been slow, partly due to unsubstantiated public concerns over health implications of the technology which caused the government to order an environmental assessment of 5G in mid-2020; the government has requested the regulator to speed up its 5G development strategy; Namibia’s internet and broadband sector is reasonably competitive, its development was for many years held back by high prices for international bandwidth caused by the lack of a direct connection to international submarine cables; this market situation improved after operators invested in diversifying terrestrial access routes to adjacent countries; by the end of 2022 Namibia is expected to be connected by a 1,050km branch line of Google’s Equiano cable running between Portugal and South Africa. (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscribership is less than 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 102 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 264; landing points for the ACE and WACS fiber-optic submarine cable linking southern and western African countries to Europe; satellite earth stations - 4 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: 1 private and 1 state-run TV station; satellite and cable TV service available; state-run radio service broadcasts in multiple languages; about a dozen private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters available Internet country code: .na Internet users: total: 1,041,776 (2020 est.) percent of population: 41% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 71,063 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 21 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 602,893 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 26.29 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: V5 Airports: total: 112 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 93 1,524 to 2,437 m: 25 914 to 1,523 m: 52 under 914 m: 16 (2021) Railways: total: 2,628 km (2014) narrow gauge: 2,628 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge Roadways: total: 48,875 km (2018) paved: 7,893 km (2018) unpaved: 40,982 km (2018) Merchant marine: total: 14 by type: general cargo 1, other 13 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Luderitz, Walvis Bay Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Namibian Defense Force (NDF): Army, Navy, Air Force Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security: Namibian Police Force (includes a paramilitary Special Field Force responsible for protecting borders and government installations) (2022) Military expenditures: 3% of GDP (2021 est.) 3.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.3% of GDP (2019) (approximately $620 million) 3.4% of GDP (2018) (approximately $640 million) 3.6% of GDP (2017) (approximately $670 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 12,500 personnel (11,000 Army; 1,000 Navy; 500 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Namibian Defense Force consists mostly of Soviet-era equipment; China is the leading supplier of weapons to Namibia since 2010 (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women); no conscription (2021) note: as of 2018, women comprised more than 20% of the active military Military - note: the Namibian Defense Force (NDF) was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDFthe Namibian Defense Force (NDF) was created in 1990, largely from demobilized former members of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) and the South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF); PLAN was the armed wing of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), while SWATF was an auxiliary of the South African Defense Force and comprised the armed forces of the former South West Africa, 1977-1989; from 1990-1995, the British military assisted with the forming and training the NDF Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Namibia-Angola-Botswana: concerns from international experts and local populations over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa Falls along the Angola-Namibia border Namibia-Botswana-Zambia-Zimbabwe: Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river; the Kazungula Bridge opened to traffic in May 2021 Namibia-South Africa: the governments of South Africa and Namibia have not signed or ratified the text of the 1994 Surveyor's General agreement placing the boundary in the middle of the Orange River; Namibia claims a median line boundary, while South Africa supports the northern bank of the river  Namibia-Angola-Botswana: concerns from international experts and local populations over the Okavango Delta ecology in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on Popa Falls along the Angola-Namibia borderNamibia-Botswana-Zambia-Zimbabwe: Namibia has supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing a short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary in the river; the Kazungula Bridge opened to traffic in May 2021Namibia-South Africa: the governments of South Africa and Namibia have not signed or ratified the text of the 1994 Surveyor's General agreement placing the boundary in the middle of the Orange River; Namibia claims a median line boundary, while South Africa supports the northern bank of the river  Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 5,982 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2022)
20220901
countries-burundi-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Burundi due to COVID-19. Reconsider travel to Burundi due to crime, health, and political violence. 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: [257] 22-207-000; US Embassy in Bujumbura, B.P. 1720, Avenue Des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura, Burundi; https://bi.usembassy.gov/; BujumburaC@state.gov Telephone Code: 257 Local Emergency Phone: Local numbers only Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17°C but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; two wet seasons (February to May and September to November), and 2 dry seasons (June to August and December to January) Currency (Code): Burundian francs (BIF) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E Major Languages: Kirundi, French, Swahili, English Major Religions: Roman Catholic 62.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Muslim 2.5% Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Bujumbura; Kigwena Natural Reserve; Gitega; Gishora; Mount Heha; Saga Beach; Chutes De La Kerera Major Sports: Soccer, basketball, track and field Cultural Practices: Dress is taken seriously, and therefore jeans, t- shirts, and running shoes are considered very casual and are only acceptable for outdoor activities and on weekends. Tipping Guidelines: A 10% tip at restaurants is customary. Porters should be tipped a few francs. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but if the ride was pleasant you should round up. Tipping bartenders is not common.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2022
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-romania-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Romania. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days. US Embassy/Consulate: +(40) (21) 200-3300 and/or +(40) (21) 270-6000; US Embassy Bucharest, 4-6, Dr. Liviu Librescu Blvd., District 1, Bucharest, 015118 Romania; ACSBucharest@state.gov; https://ro.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 40 Local Emergency Phone: 112 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms Currency (Code): Lei (RON) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: Romanian, Hungarian, Romani Major Religions: Eastern Orthodox 81.9%, Protestant 6.4%, Roman Catholic 4.3%, other (includes Muslim) 0.9% Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October Potable Water: Yes, but many opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Bran Castle; Sighisoara Historic Center; Palace of Parliament; Peles Castle; Merry Cemetery; Sibiu; Biertan Fortified Church; Dacian Fortresses; National Museum of Romanian History; Iron Gates in the Danube River Major Sports: Soccer, gymnastics, handball, basketball, rugby Cultural Practices: It is impolite to start eating immediately when seated, wait until your hosts says, "pofta buna" (good appetite). Tipping Guidelines: Tipping 5-10% of the total bill for restaurant staff is appropriate. Hotel housekeeping should be tipped a bit per day or at the end of a longer stay. A porter expects $1 (USD) per bag to carry luggage to a room. Souvenirs: Embroidered items, hand-painted icons and eggs, carved wooden spoons, woven carpets Traditional Cuisine: Sarmale (cabbage rolls) — minced pork and/or poultry mixed with spices, rice, and onions, then rolled up in cabbage leaves and boiled in a sauce made of sauerkraut juice, tomato juice, and other ingredients; typically served with mamaliga (a corn flour mush) and sour creamPlease 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
oceans-southern-ocean
Topic: Photos of Southern Ocean Topic: Introduction Background: A large body of recent oceanographic research has shown that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an ocean current that flows from west to east around Antarctica, plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation. The region where the cold waters of the ACC meet and mingle with the warmer waters of the north defines a distinct border - the Antarctic Convergence - which fluctuates with the seasons, but which encompasses a discrete body of water and a unique ecologic region. The Convergence concentrates nutrients, which promotes marine plant life, and which, in turn, allows for a greater abundance of animal life. In 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization delimited the waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean - the Southern Ocean - by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty region and which approximates the extent of the Antarctic Convergence. As such, the Southern Ocean is now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean). It should be noted that inclusion of the Southern Ocean does not imply recognition of this feature as one of the world's primary oceans by the US Government.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica Geographic coordinates: 60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total: 21.96 million sq km note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies Area - comparative: slightly more than twice the size of the US Coastline: 17,968 km Climate: sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter Terrain: the Southern Ocean is 4,000 to 5,000-m deep over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than a sixfold increase in area major surface currents: the cold, clockwise-flowing Antarctic Circumpolar Current (West Wind Drift; 21,000 km long) moves perpetually eastward around the continent and is the world's largest and strongest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers; it is also the only current that flows all the way around the planet and connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans; the cold Antarctic Coastal Current (East Wind Drift) is the southernmost current in the world, flowing westward and parallel to the Antarctic coastlinethe Southern Ocean is 4,000 to 5,000-m deep over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than a sixfold increase in areamajor surface currents: the cold, clockwise-flowing Antarctic Circumpolar Current (West Wind Drift; 21,000 km long) moves perpetually eastward around the continent and is the world's largest and strongest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers; it is also the only current that flows all the way around the planet and connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans; the cold Antarctic Coastal Current (East Wind Drift) is the southernmost current in the world, flowing westward and parallel to the Antarctic coastline Volume: ocean volume: 71.8 million cu km percent of World Ocean total volume: 5.4% Elevation: highest point: sea level lowest point: southern end of the South Sandwich Trench -7,434 m unnamed deep mean depth: -3,270 m ocean zones: Composed of water and in a fluid state, the oceans are delimited differently than the solid continents. Oceans are divided into three zones based on depth and light level. Although some sea creatures depend on light to live, others can do without it. Sunlight entering the water may travel about 1,000 m into the oceans under the right conditions, but there is rarely any significant light beyond 200 m. The upper 200 m (656 ft) of oceans is called the euphotic, or "sunlight," zone. This zone contains the vast majority of commercial fisheries and is home to many protected marine mammals and sea turtles. Only a small amount of light penetrates beyond this depth. The zone between 200 m (656 ft) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) is usually referred to as the "twilight" zone, but is officially the dysphotic zone. In this zone, the intensity of light rapidly dissipates as depth increases. Such a minuscule amount of light penetrates beyond a depth of 200 m that photosynthesis is no longer possible. The aphotic, or "midnight," zone exists in depths below 1,000 m (3,280 ft). Sunlight does not penetrate to these depths and the zone is bathed in darkness. Natural resources: probable large oil and gas fields on the continental margin; manganese nodules, possible placer deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales, and seals - none exploited; krill, fish Natural hazards: huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5 to 1 m thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances; high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and rescue Geography - note: the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly winds Map description: Southern Ocean map showing the extent of the Ocean – up to 60 degrees south latitude - surrounding Antarctica.Southern Ocean map showing the extent of the Ocean – up to 60 degrees south latitude - surrounding Antarctica. Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: changes to the ocean's physical, chemical, and biological systems have taken place because of climate change, ocean acidification, and commercial exploitation Environment - international agreements: the Southern Ocean is subject to all international agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (regulates fishing) note: mineral exploitation except for scientific research is banned by the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty; additionally, many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the northnote: mineral exploitation except for scientific research is banned by the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty; additionally, many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north Marine fisheries: the Southern Ocean fishery is relatively small with a total catch of 380,771 mt in 2019; the Food and Agriculture Organization has delineated three regions in the Southern Ocean (Regions 48, 58, 88) that generally encompass the waters south of 40° to 60° South latitude; the most important producers in these regions include Norway (230,258 mt), China (50,381 mt), and South Korea (43,336 mt); Antarctic Krill made up 96% of the total catch in 2019, while other important species include Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish Regional fisheries bodies: Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Climate: sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter Topic: Government Country name: etymology: the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) included the ocean and its definition as the waters south of 60 degrees south in its year 2000 revision, but this has not formally been adopted; the 2000 IHO definition, however, was circulated in a draft edition in 2002 and has acquired de facto usage by many nations and organizations, including the CIA Topic: Economy Economic overview: Fisheries in 2013-14 landed 302,960 metric tons, of which 96% (291,370 tons-the highest reported catch since 1991) was krill and 4% (11,590 tons) Patagonian toothfish (also known as Chilean sea bass), compared to 15,330 tons in 2012-13 (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which extends slightly beyond the Southern Ocean area). International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01 season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish. A total of 73,670 tourists visited the Antarctic Treaty area in the 2019-2020 Antarctic summer, 32 percent greater than the 55,489 visitors in 2018-2019. These estimates were provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators and do not include passengers on overflights. Nearly all of the tourists were passengers on commercial ships and several yachts that make trips during the summer. Topic: Transportation Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica note: few ports or harbors exist on the southern side of the Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most to short periods in midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without icebreaker escort; most Antarctic ports are operated by government research stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to commercial or private vessels Transportation - note: Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through the Panama Canal Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Antarctica-various: Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in extending those continental shelf claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to include undersea ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees westAntarctica-various: Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in extending those continental shelf claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to include undersea ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west
20220901
countries-jordan-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Jordan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport 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 required, but single-entry visas are available to US citizens upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and at most international land border crossings. US Embassy/Consulate: [962] (6) 590-6000; US Embassy in Amman, Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St., Amman – Jordan; Amman-ACS@state.gov; https://jo.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 962 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 191; Fire: 193; Police: 192 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: Mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April) Currency (Code): Jordanian dinars (JOD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, F, G, J Major Languages: Arabic, English (widely understood among upper and middle classes) Major Religions: Muslim 97.1% (predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.1% (majority Greek Orthodox), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1% Time Difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Friday in March, ends last Friday in October Potable Water: Yes, but some opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Amman; Petra; Al-Maghtas; Jerash; Dead Sea; Mujib Nature Reserve Major Sports: Soccer, rugby, basketball, handball, volleyball Cultural Practices: Handshakes are very common in Jordan, even in less formal interactions. Don't be surprised if even casual contact includes a handshake. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not expected, but it is always appreciated. Leaving 10% at a restaurant is sufficient. For bellhops and hotel maids, around $2 (USD) per day is considered appropriate.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination. World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination. US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens. To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) How to get help in an emergency?  Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444 Page last updated: Monday, April 18, 2022
20220901
field-heliports
This entry gives the total number of heliports with hard-surface runways, helipads, or landing areas that support routine sustained helicopter operations exclusively and have support facilities including one or more of the following facilities: lighting, fuel, passenger handling, or maintenance. It includes former airports used exclusively for helicopter operations but excludes heliports limited to day operations and natural clearings that could support helicopter landings and takeoffs. Topic: Afghanistan1 (2021) Topic: Algeria4 (2022) Topic: Angola1 (2021) Topic: Antarctica53 (2021) note: all year-round and seasonal stations operated by National Antarctic Programs stations have some kind of helicopter landing facilities, prepared (helipads) or unprepared Topic: Argentina2 (2021) Topic: Australia1 (2021) Topic: Austria1 (2021) Topic: Azerbaijan1 (2021) Topic: Bahamas, The1 (2021) Topic: Bahrain1 (2021) Topic: Bangladesh3 (2021) Topic: Belarus1 (2021) Topic: Belgium1 (2021) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina6 (2021) Topic: Brazil13 (2021) Topic: Brunei3 (2021) Topic: Bulgaria1 (2021) Topic: Burma11 (2021) Topic: Burundi1 (2021) Topic: Cambodia1 (2021) Topic: Canada26 (2021) Topic: Chile1 (2021) Topic: China39 (2021) Topic: Colombia3 (2021) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the1 (2021) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire1 (2021) Topic: Croatia1 (2021) Topic: Cyprus9 (2021) Topic: Czechia1 (2021) Topic: Dominican Republic1 (2021) Topic: Ecuador2 (2021) Topic: Egypt7 (2021) Topic: El Salvador2 (2021) Topic: Eritrea1 (2021) Topic: Estonia1 (2021) Topic: European Union(2021) 90 Topic: France1 (2021) Topic: French Polynesia1 (2021) Topic: Gaza Strip1 (2021) Topic: Georgia2 (2021) Topic: Germany23 (2021) Topic: Greece9 (2021) Topic: Guatemala1 (2021) Topic: Hong Kong9 (2021) Topic: Hungary3 (2021) Topic: India45 (2021) Topic: Indonesia76 (2021) Topic: Iran26 (2021) Topic: Iraq16 (2021) Topic: Israel3 (2021) Topic: Italy5 (2021) Topic: Japan16 (2021) Topic: Jordan1 (2021) Topic: Kazakhstan3 (2021) Topic: Korea, North23 (2021) Topic: Korea, South466 (2021) Topic: Kosovo2 (2021) Topic: Kuwait4 (2021) Topic: Latvia1 (2021) Topic: Lebanon1 (2021) Topic: Libya2 (2021) Topic: Luxembourg1 (2021) Topic: Macau2 (2021) Topic: Malaysia4 (2021) Topic: Mali2 (2021) Topic: Malta2 (2021) Topic: Mexico1 (2021) Topic: Monaco1 (2021) Topic: Mongolia1 (2021) Topic: Montenegro1 (2021) Topic: Morocco1 (2021) Topic: Netherlands1 (2021) Topic: New Caledonia8 (2021) Topic: Niger1 (2021) Topic: Nigeria5 (2021) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands1 (2021) Topic: Norway1 (2021) Topic: Oman3 (2021) Topic: Pakistan23 (2021) Topic: Panama3 (2021) Topic: Papua New Guinea2 (2021) Topic: Peru5 (2021) Topic: Philippines2 (2021) Topic: Poland6 (2021) Topic: Qatar1 (2021) Topic: Romania2 (2021) Topic: Russia49 (2021) Topic: Saudi Arabia10 (2021) Topic: Serbia2 (2021) Topic: Seychelles1 (2021) Topic: Sierra Leone2 (2021) Topic: Slovakia1 (2021) Topic: Solomon Islands3 (2021) Topic: South Sudan3 (2021) Topic: Spain13 (2021) Topic: Spratly Islands5 (2021) Topic: Sri Lanka1 (2021) Topic: Sudan7 (2021) Topic: Svalbard1 (2021) Topic: Sweden2 (2021) Topic: Switzerland2 (2021) Topic: Syria6 (2021) Topic: Taiwan31 (2021) Topic: Thailand7 (2021) Topic: Timor-Leste8 (2021) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)20 (2021) Topic: Turkmenistan1 (2021) Topic: Ukraine9 (2021) Topic: United Arab Emirates5 (2021) Topic: United Kingdom9 (2021) Topic: United States5,287 (2021) Topic: Venezuela3 (2021) Topic: Vietnam1 (2021) Topic: West Bank1 (2021) Topic: World6,524 (2021)
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
europe
20220901
field-life-expectancy-at-birth
This entry contains the average number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and summarizes the mortality at all ages. It can also be thought of as indicating the potential return on investment in human capital and is necessary for the calculation of various actuarial measures. Topic: Afghanistantotal population: 53.65 years male: 52.1 years female: 55.28 years (2022 est.) Topic: Albaniatotal population: 79.47 years male: 76.8 years female: 82.33 years (2022 est.) Topic: Algeriatotal population: 78.03 years male: 76.57 years female: 79.57 years (2022 est.) Topic: American Samoatotal population: 75.32 years male: 72.83 years female: 77.97 years (2022 est.) Topic: Andorratotal population: 83.42 years male: 81.2 years female: 85.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Angolatotal population: 62.11 years male: 60.05 years female: 64.24 years (2022 est.) Topic: Anguillatotal population: 82.2 years male: 79.59 years female: 84.89 years (2022 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudatotal population: 77.8 years male: 75.63 years female: 80.08 years (2022 est.) Topic: Argentinatotal population: 78.31 years male: 75.23 years female: 81.59 years (2022 est.) Topic: Armeniatotal population: 76.13 years male: 72.86 years female: 79.68 years (2022 est.) Topic: Arubatotal population: 78.01 years male: 74.93 years female: 81.15 years (2022 est.) Topic: Australiatotal population: 83.09 years male: 80.93 years female: 85.36 years (2022 est.) Topic: Austriatotal population: 82.27 years male: 79.64 years female: 85.04 years (2022 est.) Topic: Azerbaijantotal population: 74.15 years male: 71.08 years female: 77.41 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bahamas, Thetotal population: 76.13 years male: 73.2 years female: 79.14 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bahraintotal population: 79.9 years male: 77.63 years female: 82.24 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bangladeshtotal population: 74.7 years male: 72.52 years female: 76.96 years (2022 est.) Topic: Barbadostotal population: 78.55 years male: 75.79 years female: 81.35 years (2022 est.) Topic: Belarustotal population: 74.28 years male: 68.9 years female: 79.97 years (2022 est.) Topic: Belgiumtotal population: 81.86 years male: 79.25 years female: 84.59 years (2022 est.) Topic: Belizetotal population: 75.82 years male: 74.23 years female: 77.5 years (2022 est.) Topic: Benintotal population: 62.21 years male: 60.39 years female: 64.14 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bermudatotal population: 82.04 years male: 78.96 years female: 85.28 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bhutantotal population: 72.31 years male: 71.19 years female: 73.49 years (2022 est.) Topic: Boliviatotal population: 72.5 years male: 71.04 years female: 74.02 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinatotal population: 77.98 years male: 75.02 years female: 81.15 years (2022 est.) Topic: Botswanatotal population: 65.64 years male: 63.6 years female: 67.74 years (2022 est.) Topic: Braziltotal population: 75.92 years male: 72.5 years female: 79.5 years (2022 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandstotal population: 79.67 years male: 78.17 years female: 81.25 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bruneitotal population: 78.38 years male: 76.01 years female: 80.86 years (2022 est.) Topic: Bulgariatotal population: 75.57 years male: 72.36 years female: 78.97 years (2022 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasototal population: 63.44 years male: 61.63 years female: 65.31 years (2022 est.) Topic: Burmatotal population: 69.92 years male: 68.27 years female: 71.67 years (2022 est.) Topic: Burunditotal population: 67.42 years male: 65.32 years female: 69.59 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cabo Verdetotal population: 73.75 years male: 71.41 years female: 76.15 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cambodiatotal population: 70.65 years male: 68.79 years female: 72.59 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cameroontotal population: 63.27 years male: 61.49 years female: 65.09 years (2022 est.) Topic: Canadatotal population: 83.8 years male: 81.52 years female: 86.21 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandstotal population: 82.04 years male: 79.35 years female: 84.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Central African Republictotal population: 55.52 years male: 54.19 years female: 56.88 years (2022 est.) Topic: Chadtotal population: 59.15 years male: 57.32 years female: 61.06 years (2022 est.) Topic: Chiletotal population: 79.79 years male: 76.8 years female: 82.92 years (2022 est.) Topic: Chinatotal population: 77.72 years male: 75 years female: 80.7 years (2022 est.) Topic: Christmas Islandtotal population: (2017 est.) NA male: NA female: NA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandstotal population: NA male: NA female: (2021 est.) NA Topic: Colombiatotal population: 74.89 years male: 71.27 years female: 78.69 years (2022 est.) Topic: Comorostotal population: 67.2 years male: 64.93 years female: 69.54 years (2022 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thetotal population: 61.83 years male: 60.03 years female: 63.69 years (2022 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of thetotal population: 62.1 years male: 60.65 years female: 63.61 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cook Islandstotal population: 77.14 years male: 74.32 years female: 80.11 years (2022 est.) Topic: Costa Ricatotal population: 79.64 years male: 76.99 years female: 82.43 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoiretotal population: 62.26 years male: 60.07 years female: 64.52 years (2022 est.) Topic: Croatiatotal population: 77.22 years male: 74.1 years female: 80.53 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cubatotal population: 79.64 years male: 77.29 years female: 82.14 years (2022 est.) Topic: Curacaototal population: 79.42 years male: 77.09 years female: 81.87 years (2022 est.) Topic: Cyprustotal population: 79.74 years male: 76.93 years female: 82.68 years (2022 est.) Topic: Czechiatotal population: 79.73 years male: 76.8 years female: 82.82 years (2022 est.) Topic: Denmarktotal population: 81.66 years male: 79.74 years female: 83.71 years (2022 est.) Topic: Djiboutitotal population: 65.3 years male: 62.72 years female: 67.96 years (2022 est.) Topic: Dominicatotal population: 78.21 years male: 75.25 years female: 81.31 years (2022 est.) Topic: Dominican Republictotal population: 72.56 years male: 70.86 years female: 74.33 years (2022 est.) Topic: Ecuadortotal population: 78 years male: 75.06 years female: 81.1 years (2022 est.) Topic: Egypttotal population: 74.45 years male: 73.26 years female: 75.72 years (2022 est.) Topic: El Salvadortotal population: 75.37 years male: 71.88 years female: 79.04 years (2022 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineatotal population: 63.7 years male: 61.44 years female: 66.03 years (2022 est.) Topic: Eritreatotal population: 66.85 years male: 64.25 years female: 69.53 years (2022 est.) Topic: Estoniatotal population: 77.88 years male: 73.25 years female: 82.73 years (2022 est.) Topic: Eswatinitotal population: 59.69 years male: 57.62 years female: 61.81 years (2022 est.) Topic: Ethiopiatotal population: 68.25 years male: 66.12 years female: 70.44 years (2022 est.) Topic: European Uniontotal population: 77.63 years male: 72.98 years female: 82.51 years (2021 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)total population: 77.9 male: 75.6 female: (2017 est.) 79.6 Topic: Faroe Islandstotal population: 81.26 years male: 78.73 years female: 83.97 years (2022 est.) Topic: Fijitotal population: 74.27 years male: 71.6 years female: 77.07 years (2022 est.) Topic: Finlandtotal population: 81.76 years male: 78.86 years female: 84.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Francetotal population: 82.59 years male: 79.53 years female: 85.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: French Polynesiatotal population: 78.43 years male: 76.11 years female: 80.86 years (2022 est.) Topic: Gabontotal population: 69.7 years male: 67.98 years female: 71.48 years (2022 est.) Topic: Gambia, Thetotal population: 67.6 years male: 65.83 years female: 69.41 years (2022 est.) Topic: Gaza Striptotal population: 75.4 years male: 73.65 years female: 77.25 years (2022 est.) Topic: Georgiatotal population: 77.5 years male: 73.45 years female: 81.74 years (2022 est.) Topic: Germanytotal population: 81.51 years male: 79.15 years female: 84 years (2022 est.) Topic: Ghanatotal population: 69.37 years male: 67.7 years female: 71.09 years (2022 est.) Topic: Gibraltartotal population: 80.42 years male: 77.58 years female: 83.41 years (2022 est.) Topic: Greecetotal population: 81.49 years male: 78.96 years female: 84.2 years (2022 est.) Topic: Greenlandtotal population: 73.98 years male: 71.28 years female: 76.82 years (2022 est.) Topic: Grenadatotal population: 75.74 years male: 73.13 years female: 78.6 years (2022 est.) Topic: Guamtotal population: 77.5 years male: 75.07 years female: 80.08 years (2022 est.) Topic: Guatemalatotal population: 72.91 years male: 70.88 years female: 75.04 years (2022 est.) Topic: Guernseytotal population: 83.23 years male: 80.52 years female: 86.07 years (2022 est.) Topic: Guineatotal population: 63.9 years male: 62.04 years female: 65.82 years (2022 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissautotal population: 63.68 years male: 61.45 years female: 65.99 years (2022 est.) Topic: Guyanatotal population: 71.87 years male: 70.03 years female: 73.8 years (2022 est.) Topic: Haititotal population: 65.95 years male: 63.26 years female: 68.67 years (2022 est.) Topic: Hondurastotal population: 75.17 years male: 71.63 years female: 78.82 years (2022 est.) Topic: Hong Kongtotal population: 83.61 years male: 80.91 years female: 86.46 years (2022 est.) Topic: Hungarytotal population: 77.2 years male: 73.55 years female: 81.06 years (2022 est.) Topic: Icelandtotal population: 83.64 years male: 81.41 years female: 85.97 years (2022 est.) Topic: Indiatotal population: 67.22 years male: 65.46 years female: 69.16 years (2022 est.) Topic: Indonesiatotal population: 73.08 years male: 70.86 years female: 75.4 years (2022 est.) Topic: Irantotal population: 75.25 years male: 73.89 years female: 76.67 years (2022 est.) Topic: Iraqtotal population: 73.18 years male: 71.3 years female: 75.15 years (2022 est.) Topic: Irelandtotal population: 81.66 years male: 79.35 years female: 84.1 years (2022 est.) Topic: Isle of Mantotal population: 82.04 years male: 80.23 years female: 84 years (2022 est.) Topic: Israeltotal population: 83.35 years male: 81.45 years female: 85.34 years (2022 est.) Topic: Italytotal population: 82.59 years male: 80.25 years female: 85.08 years (2022 est.) Topic: Jamaicatotal population: 75.75 years male: 73.98 years female: 77.6 years (2022 est.) Topic: Japantotal population: 84.83 years male: 81.92 years female: 87.9 years (2022 est.) Topic: Jerseytotal population: 82.63 years male: 80.13 years female: 85.28 years (2022 est.) Topic: Jordantotal population: 76.01 years male: 74.51 years female: 77.6 years (2022 est.) Topic: Kazakhstantotal population: 72.53 years male: 67.43 years female: 77.31 years (2022 est.) Topic: Kenyatotal population: 69.69 years male: 67.98 years female: 71.43 years (2022 est.) Topic: Kiribatitotal population: 67.9 years male: 65.3 years female: 70.64 years (2022 est.) Topic: Korea, Northtotal population: 71.77 years male: 67.88 years female: 75.88 years (2022 est.) Topic: Korea, Southtotal population: 82.97 years male: 79.88 years female: 86.24 years (2022 est.) Topic: Kosovototal population: 71.12 years male: 68.83 years female: 73.58 years (2022 est.) Topic: Kuwaittotal population: 79.13 years male: 77.67 years female: 80.65 years (2022 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstantotal population: 72.35 years male: 68.27 years female: 76.71 years (2022 est.) Topic: Laostotal population: 68.15 years male: 66.49 years female: 69.88 years (2022 est.) Topic: Latviatotal population: 75.91 years male: 71.47 years female: 80.56 years (2022 est.) Topic: Lebanontotal population: 78.76 years male: 77.36 years female: 80.23 years (2022 est.) Topic: Lesothototal population: 59.57 years male: 57.57 years female: 61.64 years (2022 est.) Topic: Liberiatotal population: 65.45 years male: 63.19 years female: 67.78 years (2022 est.) Topic: Libyatotal population: 77.18 years male: 74.94 years female: 79.53 years (2022 est.) Topic: Liechtensteintotal population: 82.56 years male: 80.33 years female: 85.38 years (2022 est.) Topic: Lithuaniatotal population: 75.78 years male: 70.42 years female: 81.44 years (2022 est.) Topic: Luxembourgtotal population: 82.98 years male: 80.52 years female: 85.58 years (2022 est.) Topic: Macautotal population: 84.98 years male: 82.09 years female: 88.02 years (2022 est.) Topic: Madagascartotal population: 68.17 years male: 66.8 years female: 69.57 years (2022 est.) Topic: Malawitotal population: 72.44 years male: 69.33 years female: 75.59 years (2022 est.) Topic: Malaysiatotal population: 76.13 years male: 74.5 years female: 77.87 years (2022 est.) Topic: Maldivestotal population: 76.94 years male: 74.57 years female: 79.42 years (2022 est.) Topic: Malitotal population: 62.41 years male: 60.19 years female: 64.7 years (2022 est.) Topic: Maltatotal population: 83.2 years male: 81.11 years female: 85.38 years (2022 est.) Topic: Marshall Islandstotal population: 74.65 years male: 72.4 years female: 77.01 years (2022 est.) Topic: Mauritaniatotal population: 65.22 years male: 62.77 years female: 67.75 years (2022 est.) Topic: Mauritiustotal population: 74.86 years male: 72.04 years female: 77.88 years (2022 est.) Topic: Mexicototal population: 72.32 years male: 68.93 years female: 75.88 years (2022 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States oftotal population: 74.44 years male: 72.34 years female: 76.66 years (2022 est.) Topic: Moldovatotal population: 72.44 years male: 68.6 years female: 76.52 years (2022 est.) Topic: Monacototal population: 89.52 years male: 85.7 years female: 93.49 years (2022 est.) Topic: Mongoliatotal population: 71.37 years male: 67.19 years female: 75.76 years (2022 est.) Topic: Montenegrototal population: 77.75 years male: 75.32 years female: 80.27 years (2022 est.) Topic: Montserrattotal population: 75.7 years male: 76.66 years female: 74.7 years (2022 est.) Topic: Moroccototal population: 73.68 years male: 71.98 years female: 75.46 years (2022 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambiquetotal population: 57.1 years male: 55.76 years female: 58.49 years (2022 est.) Topic: Namibiatotal population: 66.47 years male: 64.46 years female: 68.53 years (2022 est.) Topic: Naurutotal population: 67.93 years male: 64.38 years female: 71.62 years (2022 est.) Topic: Nepaltotal population: 72.4 years male: 71.66 years female: 73.17 years (2022 est.) Topic: Netherlandstotal population: 82.16 years male: 79.93 years female: 84.49 years (2022 est.) Topic: New Caledoniatotal population: 78.83 years male: 74.93 years female: 82.92 years (2022 est.) Topic: New Zealandtotal population: 82.54 years male: 80.78 years female: 84.39 years (2022 est.) Topic: Nicaraguatotal population: 74.78 years male: 72.56 years female: 77.11 years (2022 est.) Topic: Nigertotal population: 60.09 years male: 58.55 years female: 61.68 years (2022 est.) Topic: Nigeriatotal population: 61.33 years male: 59.51 years female: 63.27 years (2022 est.) Topic: Niuetotal population: NA male: NA female: (2021 est.) NA Topic: Norfolk Islandtotal population: (2017 est.) NA male: NA female: NA Topic: North Macedoniatotal population: 76.84 years male: 74.73 years female: 79.08 years (2022 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandstotal population: 76.58 years male: 74.48 years female: 79.03 years (2022 est.) Topic: Norwaytotal population: 82.55 years male: 80.42 years female: 84.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Omantotal population: 76.9 years male: 74.96 years female: 78.93 years (2022 est.) Topic: Pakistantotal population: 69.67 years male: 67.62 years female: 71.82 years (2022 est.) Topic: Palautotal population: 74.64 years male: 71.48 years female: 78 years (2022 est.) Topic: Panamatotal population: 77.62 years male: 74.76 years female: 80.66 years (2022 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineatotal population: 69.43 years male: 67.76 years female: 71.19 years (2022 est.) Topic: Paraguaytotal population: 78.37 years male: 75.72 years female: 81.15 years (2022 est.) Topic: Perutotal population: 68.94 years male: 65.38 years female: 72.67 years (2022 est.) Topic: Philippinestotal population: 70.14 years male: 66.6 years female: 73.86 years (2022 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islandstotal population: NA male: NA female: (2021 est.) NA Topic: Polandtotal population: 78.76 years male: 75.02 years female: 82.73 years (2022 est.) Topic: Portugaltotal population: 81.5 years male: 78.37 years female: 84.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricototal population: 81.68 years male: 78.47 years female: 85.08 years (2022 est.) Topic: Qatartotal population: 79.81 years male: 77.7 years female: 81.96 years (2022 est.) Topic: Romaniatotal population: 75.75 years male: 72.3 years female: 79.4 years (2022 est.) Topic: Russiatotal population: 72.44 years male: 66.92 years female: 78.3 years (2022 est.) Topic: Rwandatotal population: 65.85 years male: 63.89 years female: 67.86 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Barthelemytotal population: 80.58 years male: 77.48 years female: 83.81 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhatotal population: 80.48 years male: 77.58 years female: 83.51 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevistotal population: 77.08 years male: 74.63 years female: 79.58 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Luciatotal population: 78.95 years male: 76.21 years female: 81.84 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Martintotal population: 80.58 years male: 77.48 years female: 83.81 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelontotal population: 81.41 years male: 79.05 years female: 83.9 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinestotal population: 76.68 years male: 74.63 years female: 78.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Samoatotal population: 75.19 years male: 72.28 years female: 78.25 years (2022 est.) Topic: San Marinototal population: 83.86 years male: 81.3 years female: 86.65 years (2022 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principetotal population: 67.06 years male: 65.44 years female: 68.72 years (2022 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiatotal population: 76.65 years male: 75.07 years female: 78.32 years (2022 est.) Topic: Senegaltotal population: 69.96 years male: 68.23 years female: 71.77 years (2022 est.) Topic: Serbiatotal population: 74.17 years male: 71.5 years female: 77 years (2022 est.) Topic: Seychellestotal population: 76.1 years male: 71.67 years female: 80.66 years (2022 est.) Topic: Sierra Leonetotal population: 58.76 years male: 57.16 years female: 60.41 years (2022 est.) Topic: Singaporetotal population: 86.35 years male: 83.65 years female: 89.2 years (2022 est.) Topic: Sint Maartentotal population: 79.26 years male: 76.91 years female: 81.73 years (2022 est.) Topic: Slovakiatotal population: 78.31 years male: 74.83 years female: 82.04 years (2022 est.) Topic: Sloveniatotal population: 81.82 years male: 78.96 years female: 84.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandstotal population: 76.7 years male: 74.05 years female: 79.49 years (2022 est.) Topic: Somaliatotal population: 55.72 years male: 53.39 years female: 58.12 years (2022 est.) Topic: South Africatotal population: 65.32 years male: 63.99 years female: 66.68 years (2022 est.) Topic: South Sudantotal population: 59.16 years male: 57.43 years female: 60.97 years (2022 est.) Topic: Spaintotal population: 82.55 years male: 79.84 years female: 85.4 years (2022 est.) Topic: Sri Lankatotal population: 78 years male: 74.57 years female: 81.56 years (2022 est.) Topic: Sudantotal population: 67.12 years male: 64.89 years female: 69.46 years (2022 est.) Topic: Surinametotal population: 72.42 years male: 68.81 years female: 76.27 years (2022 est.) Topic: Svalbardtotal population: NA male: NA female: (2021 est.) NA Topic: Swedentotal population: 82.7 years male: 80.94 years female: 84.58 years (2022 est.) Topic: Switzerlandtotal population: 83.23 years male: 80.91 years female: 85.67 years (2022 est.) Topic: Syriatotal population: 74.28 years male: 72.82 years female: 75.84 years (2022 est.) Topic: Taiwantotal population: 81.16 years male: 78.17 years female: 84.34 years (2022 est.) Topic: Tajikistantotal population: 69.36 years male: 66.2 years female: 72.69 years (2022 est.) Topic: Tanzaniatotal population: 70.19 years male: 68.42 years female: 72.02 years (2022 est.) Topic: Thailandtotal population: 77.66 years male: 74.65 years female: 80.83 years (2022 est.) Topic: Timor-Lestetotal population: 69.92 years male: 68.25 years female: 71.7 years (2022 est.) Topic: Togototal population: 71.36 years male: 68.76 years female: 74.03 years (2022 est.) Topic: Tokelautotal population: NA male: NA female: (2021 est.) NA Topic: Tongatotal population: 77.53 years male: 75.89 years female: 79.23 years (2022 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagototal population: 75.94 years male: 74.02 years female: 77.93 years (2022 est.) Topic: Tunisiatotal population: 76.82 years male: 75.14 years female: 78.6 years (2022 est.) Topic: Turkeytotal population: 76.21 years male: 73.84 years female: 78.7 years (2022 est.) Topic: Turkmenistantotal population: 71.83 years male: 68.8 years female: 75 years (2022 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandstotal population: 80.82 years male: 78.07 years female: 83.71 years (2022 est.) Topic: Tuvalutotal population: 68.38 years male: 65.96 years female: 70.92 years (2022 est.) Topic: Ugandatotal population: 68.96 years male: 66.71 years female: 71.27 years (2022 est.) Topic: Ukrainetotal population: 73.45 years male: 68.8 years female: 78.39 years (2022 est.) Topic: United Arab Emiratestotal population: 79.56 years male: 78.21 years female: 80.99 years (2022 est.) Topic: United Kingdomtotal population: 81.94 years male: 79.95 years female: 84.04 years (2022 est.) Topic: United Statestotal population: 80.59 years male: 78.36 years female: 82.79 years (2022 est.) Topic: Uruguaytotal population: 78.43 years male: 75.32 years female: 81.64 years (2022 est.) Topic: Uzbekistantotal population: 75.29 years male: 72.27 years female: 78.5 years (2022 est.) Topic: Vanuatutotal population: 75.14 years male: 73.45 years female: 76.91 years (2022 est.) Topic: Venezuelatotal population: 73.29 years male: 70.12 years female: 76.62 years (2022 est.) Topic: Vietnamtotal population: 75.52 years male: 72.95 years female: 78.37 years (2022 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandstotal population: 80.27 years male: 77.08 years female: 83.65 years (2022 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futunatotal population: 80.67 years male: 77.68 years female: 83.81 years (2022 est.) Topic: West Banktotal population: 76.38 years male: 74.29 years female: 78.6 years (2022 est.) Topic: Worldtotal population: 70.5 years male: 68.4 years female: 72.6 years (2020 est.) Topic: Yementotal population: 67.51 years male: 65.19 years female: 69.94 years (2022 est.) Topic: Zambiatotal population: 66.26 years male: 64.52 years female: 68.06 years (2022 est.) Topic: Zimbabwetotal population: 63.32 years male: 61.18 years (2022 est.) female: 65.52 years (2022 est.)
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
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field-life-expectancy-at-birth-country-comparison
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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-brunei-summaries
Topic: Introduction Background: The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate. Independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries.  Topic: Geography Area: total: 5,765 sq km land: 5,265 sq km water: 500 sq km Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber Topic: People and Society Population: 478,054 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Malay 65.8%, Chinese 10.2%, other 24% (2020 est.) Languages: Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects Religions: Muslim (official) 80.9%, Christian 7.1%, Buddhist 7.1%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 5% (2016 est.) Population growth rate: 1.45% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: absolute monarchy or sultanate Capital: name: Bandar Seri Begawan Executive branch: chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both chief of state and head of government head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Council or Majlis Mesyuarat Negara Brunei (33 seats; 20 members appointed by the sultan from ex-officio cabinet ministers, titled people, and prominent citizens in public service and various professional fields and 13 members from 4 multi-seat constituencies, and 3 ex-officio members - the speaker and first and second secretaries Topic: Economy Economic overview: almost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchangealmost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchange Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $27.23 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $62,200 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: poultry, eggs, fruit, cassava, bananas, legumes, cucumbers, rice, pineapples, beef Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation Exports: $7.83 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: Japan 34%, Australia 12%, Singapore 10%, India 8%, Malaysia 8%, Thailand 7%, China 6%, South Korea 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: natural gas, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, industrial alcohols, industrial hydrocarbons (2019) Imports: $6.81 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: Singapore 18%, China 14%, Malaysia 12%, Nigeria 5%, United Arab Emirates 5%, United States 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cars, tug boats, valves (2019)Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022
20220901
countries-mexico
Topic: Photos of Mexico Topic: Introduction Background: The site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations - including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec - Mexico was conquered and colonized by Spain in the early 16th century. Administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain for three centuries, it achieved independence early in the 19th century. Elections held in 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) - defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate Felipe CALDERON, but Enrique PENA NIETO regained the presidency for the PRI in 2012. Left-leaning anti-establishment politician and former mayor of Mexico City (2000-05) Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR, from the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), became president in December 2018. The global financial crisis in late 2008 caused a massive economic downturn in Mexico the following year. Growth rebounded to about 5% in 2010, but then averaged roughly half that for the rest of the decade. Notwithstanding this challenge, Mexico is currently the largest goods trading partner of the US – with $614.5 billion in two-way goods trade during 2019. US exports of goods and services to Mexico supported 1.2 million jobs in the US in 2015 (the latest data available) according to estimates from the Department of Commerce. Mexico's GDP contracted by 8.2% in 2020 due to pandemic-induced closures, its lowest level since the Great Depression, but Mexico’s economy rebounded in 2021 when it grew by 4.8%, driven largely by increased remittances, despite supply chain and pandemic-related challenges. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or T-MEC by its Spanish acronym) entered into force on 1 July 2020 and replaced its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico amended its constitution on 1 May 2019 to facilitate the implementation of the labor components of USMCA. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, high underemployment, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely indigenous population in the impoverished southern states. Since 2007, Mexico's powerful transnational criminal organizations have engaged in a struggle to control criminal markets, resulting in tens of thousands of drug-related homicides and forced disappearances.The site of several advanced Amerindian civilizations - including the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Maya, and Aztec - Mexico was conquered and colonized by Spain in the early 16th century. Administered as the Viceroyalty of New Spain for three centuries, it achieved independence early in the 19th century. Elections held in 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that an opposition candidate - Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) - defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was succeeded in 2006 by another PAN candidate Felipe CALDERON, but Enrique PENA NIETO regained the presidency for the PRI in 2012. Left-leaning anti-establishment politician and former mayor of Mexico City (2000-05) Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR, from the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), became president in December 2018. The global financial crisis in late 2008 caused a massive economic downturn in Mexico the following year. Growth rebounded to about 5% in 2010, but then averaged roughly half that for the rest of the decade. Notwithstanding this challenge, Mexico is currently the largest goods trading partner of the US – with $614.5 billion in two-way goods trade during 2019. US exports of goods and services to Mexico supported 1.2 million jobs in the US in 2015 (the latest data available) according to estimates from the Department of Commerce. Mexico's GDP contracted by 8.2% in 2020 due to pandemic-induced closures, its lowest level since the Great Depression, but Mexico’s economy rebounded in 2021 when it grew by 4.8%, driven largely by increased remittances, despite supply chain and pandemic-related challenges.The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, or T-MEC by its Spanish acronym) entered into force on 1 July 2020 and replaced its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico amended its constitution on 1 May 2019 to facilitate the implementation of the labor components of USMCA.Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, high underemployment, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely indigenous population in the impoverished southern states. Since 2007, Mexico's powerful transnational criminal organizations have engaged in a struggle to control criminal markets, resulting in tens of thousands of drug-related homicides and forced disappearances.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: North America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the United States and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and the United States Geographic coordinates: 23 00 N, 102 00 W Map references: North America Area: total: 1,964,375 sq km land: 1,943,945 sq km water: 20,430 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 4,389 km border countries (3): Belize 276 km; Guatemala 958 km; US 3,155 km Coastline: 9,330 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: varies from tropical to desert Terrain: high, rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desert Elevation: highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,636 m lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m mean elevation: 1,111 m Natural resources: petroleum, silver, antimony, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber Land use: agricultural land: 54.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.7% (2018 est.) forest: 33.3% (2018 est.) other: 11.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 65,000 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Laguna de Chapala - 1,140 sq km Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Terminos - 1,550 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Rio Grande river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 3,057 km; Colorado river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 2,333 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Gulf of Mexico) Rio Grande/Bravo (607,965 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: (Gulf of California) Colorado (703,148 sq km) Major aquifers: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Population distribution: most of the population is found in the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz; approximately a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City Natural hazards: tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coastsvolcanism: volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (3,850 m), which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (5,426 m) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note"tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coastsvolcanism: volcanic activity in the central-southern part of the country; the volcanoes in Baja California are mostly dormant; Colima (3,850 m), which erupted in 2010, is Mexico's most active volcano and is responsible for causing periodic evacuations of nearby villagers; it has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Popocatepetl (5,426 m) poses a threat to Mexico City; other historically active volcanoes include Barcena, Ceboruco, El Chichon, Michoacan-Guanajuato, Pico de Orizaba, San Martin, Socorro, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note" Geography - note: note 1: strategic location on southern border of the US; Mexico is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire note 2: some of the world's most important food crops were first domesticated in Mexico; the "Three Sisters" companion plants - winter squash, maize (corn), and climbing beans - served as the main agricultural crops for various North American Indian groups; all three apparently originated in Mexico but then were widely disseminated through much of North America; avocado, amaranth, and chili peppers also emanate from Mexico, as does vanilla, the world's most popular aroma and flavor spice; although cherry tomatoes originated in Ecuador, their domestication in Mexico transformed them into the larger modern tomato note 3: the Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States) note 4: the prominent Yucatan Peninsula that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; just on the northern coast of Yucatan, near the town of Chicxulub (pronounce cheek-sha-loob), lie the remnants of a massive crater (some 150 km in diameter and extending well out into the Gulf of Mexico); formed by an asteroid or comet when it struck the earth 66 million years ago, the impact is now widely accepted as initiating a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of all the earth's plant and animal species - including the non-avian dinosaursnote 1: strategic location on southern border of the US; Mexico is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 2: some of the world's most important food crops were first domesticated in Mexico; the "Three Sisters" companion plants - winter squash, maize (corn), and climbing beans - served as the main agricultural crops for various North American Indian groups; all three apparently originated in Mexico but then were widely disseminated through much of North America; avocado, amaranth, and chili peppers also emanate from Mexico, as does vanilla, the world's most popular aroma and flavor spice; although cherry tomatoes originated in Ecuador, their domestication in Mexico transformed them into the larger modern tomato note 3: the Sac Actun cave system at 348 km (216 mi) is the longest underwater cave in the world and the second longest cave worldwide, after Mammoth Cave in the United States (see "Geography - note" under United States) note 4: the prominent Yucatan Peninsula that divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea is shared by Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize; just on the northern coast of Yucatan, near the town of Chicxulub (pronounce cheek-sha-loob), lie the remnants of a massive crater (some 150 km in diameter and extending well out into the Gulf of Mexico); formed by an asteroid or comet when it struck the earth 66 million years ago, the impact is now widely accepted as initiating a worldwide climate disruption that caused a mass extinction of 75% of all the earth's plant and animal species - including the non-avian dinosaurs Map description: Mexico map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and bodies of water.Mexico map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and bodies of water. Topic: People and Society Population: 129,150,971 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Mexican(s) adjective: Mexican Ethnic groups: Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 62%, predominantly Amerindian 21%, Amerindian 7%, other 10% (mostly European) (2012 est.) note: Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity Languages: Spanish only 93.8%, Spanish and indigenous languages 5.4%, indigenous only 0.6%, unspecified 0.2%; note - indigenous languages include various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional languages (2020 est.) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant/evangelical Christian 11.2%, other 0.002%, unaffiliated (includes atheism) 10.6% (2020 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 26.01% (male 17,111,199/female 16,349,767) 15-24 years: 16.97% (male 11,069,260/female 10,762,784) 25-54 years: 41.06% (male 25,604,223/female 27,223,720) 55-64 years: 8.29% (male 4,879,048/female 5,784,176) 65 years and over: 7.67% (2020 est.) (male 4,373,807/female 5,491,581) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 50.3 youth dependency ratio: 38.8 elderly dependency ratio: 11.4 potential support ratio: 8.7 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 29.3 years male: 28.2 years female: 30.4 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.51% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 13.55 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.71 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most of the population is found in the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz; approximately a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City Urbanization: urban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 22.085 million MEXICO CITY (capital), 5.340 million Guadalajara, 5.037 million Monterrey, 3.295 million Puebla, 2.576 million Toluca de Lerdo, 2.221 million Tijuana (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.84 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.3 years (2008 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 33 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 11.86 deaths/1,000 live births male: 13.11 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.32 years male: 68.93 years female: 75.88 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 73.1% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 98.3% of population total: 99.7% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 1.7% of population total: 0.3% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 5.4% (2019) Physicians density: 2.43 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 1 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 96.4% of population total: 99.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 3.6% of population total: 0.8% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.4% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 340,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 4,300 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever note: a new coronavirus is causing sustained community spread of respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Mexico; sustained community spread means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not known, and the spread is ongoing; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Mexico has reported a total of 5,782,405 cases of COVID-19 or 4,484.8 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 324,966 cumulative deaths or a rate of 252 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 20 May 2022, 66.68% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 28.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 13.1% (2020 est.) male: 19.9% (2020 est.) female: 6.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 4.7% (2018/19) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 3.6% women married by age 18: 20.7% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 4.3% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 95.2% male: 96.1% female: 94.5% (2020) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 15 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.1% male: 7.8% female: 8.7% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: scarcity of hazardous waste disposal facilities; rural to urban migration; natural freshwater resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; deteriorating agricultural lands; serious air and water pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border; land subsidence in Valley of Mexico caused by groundwater depletion note: the government considers the lack of clean water and deforestation national security issues Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 20.08 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 486.41 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 135.77 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies from tropical to desert Land use: agricultural land: 54.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.7% (2018 est.) forest: 33.3% (2018 est.) other: 11.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.1% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.03% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: intermediate (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever note: a new coronavirus is causing sustained community spread of respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Mexico; sustained community spread means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not known, and the spread is ongoing; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Mexico has reported a total of 5,782,405 cases of COVID-19 or 4,484.8 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 324,966 cumulative deaths or a rate of 252 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 20 May 2022, 66.68% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 53.1 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2.655 million tons (2013 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5% (2013 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Laguna de Chapala - 1,140 sq km Salt water lake(s): Laguna de Terminos - 1,550 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Rio Grande river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 3,057 km; Colorado river mouth (shared with US [s]) - 2,333 km note – [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Gulf of Mexico) Rio Grande/Bravo (607,965 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: (Gulf of California) Colorado (703,148 sq km) Major aquifers: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Total water withdrawal: municipal: 14.23 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 6.814 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 66.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 461.888 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: United Mexican States conventional short form: Mexico local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos local short form: Mexico former: Mexican Republic, Mexican Empire etymology: named after the capital city, whose name stems from the Mexica, the largest and most powerful branch of the Aztecs; the meaning of the name is uncertain Government type: federal presidential republic Capital: name: Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) geographic coordinates: 19 26 N, 99 08 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in April; ends last Sunday in October time zone note: Mexico has four time zones etymology: named after the Mexica, the largest and most powerful branch of the Aztecs; the meaning of the name is uncertain Administrative divisions: 32 states (estados, singular - estado); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Cuidad de Mexico, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas Independence: 16 September 1810 (declared independence from Spain); 27 September 1821 (recognized by Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810) Constitution: history: several previous; latest approved 5 February 1917 amendments: proposed by the Congress of the Union; passage requires approval by at least two thirds of the members present and approval by a majority of the state legislatures; amended many times, last in 2020 Legal system: civil law system with US constitutional law influence; judicial review of legislative acts International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: not specified residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (since 1 December 2018); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (since 1 December 2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president; note - appointment of attorney general, the head of the Bank of Mexico, and senior treasury officials require consent of the Senate elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a single 6-year term; election last held on 1 July 2018 (next to be held in July 2024) election results: 2018: Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR elected president; percent of vote - Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (MORENA) 53.2%, Ricardo ANAYA (PAN) 22.3%, Jose Antonio MEADE Kuribrena (PRI) 16.4%, Jaime RODRIGUEZ Calderon 5.2% (independent), other 2.9% 2012: Enrique PENA NIETO elected president; percent of vote - Enrique PENA NIETO (PRI) 38.2%, Andres Manuel LOPEZ OBRADOR (PRD) 31.6%, Josefina Eugenia VAZQUEZ Mota (PAN) 25.4%, other 4.8% Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists of: Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 32 directly elected in a single, nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms) Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 200 directly elected in a single, nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 3-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 1 July 2018 (next to be held in July 2024) Chamber of Deputies - last held on 6 June 2021 (next to be held in July 2024) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MORENA 58, PAN 22, PRI 14, PRD 9, MC 7, PT 7, PES 5, PVEM 5, PNA/PANAL 1; composition (as of July 2018) - men 65, women 63, percent of women 49.2% Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MORENA 197, PAN 111, PRI 69, PVEM 44, PT 38, MC 25, PRD 16; composition - men 250, women 250, percent of women 50%; note - overall percent of women in National Congress 49.8% note: as of the 2018 election, senators will be eligible for a second term and deputies up to 4 consecutive terms Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nacion (consists of the chief justice and 11 justices and organized into civil, criminal, administrative, and labor panels) and the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (organized into the superior court, with 7 judges including the court president, and 5 regional courts, each with 3 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court justices nominated by the president of the republic and approved by two-thirds vote of the members present in the Senate; justices serve 15-year terms; Electoral Tribunal superior and regional court judges nominated by the Supreme Court and elected by two-thirds vote of members present in the Senate; superior court president elected from among its members to hold office for a 4-year term; other judges of the superior and regional courts serve staggered, 9-year terms subordinate courts: federal level includes circuit, collegiate, and unitary courts; state and district level courts note: in April 2021, the Mexican congress passed a judicial reform which changed 7 articles of the constitution and preceded a new Organic Law on the Judicial Branch of the Federation Political parties and leaders: Citizen's Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) or MC [Clemente CASTANEDA Hoeflich] Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) or PRI [Claudia RUIZ Massieu] Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez] Mexican Green Ecological Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de Mexico) or PVEM [Karen CASTREJON Trujillo] Movement for National Regeneration (Movimiento Regeneracion Nacional) or MORENA [Mario DELGADO Carillo] National Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional) or PAN [Antonio CORTES Mendoza] Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolucion Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ZAMBRANO Grijalva] This Is For Mexico (Va Por Mexico) – alliance that includes PAN, PRI, and PRD Together We Make History (Juntos Hacemos Historia) - alliance that includes MORENA, PT, PVEM Citizen's Movement (Movimiento Ciudadano) or MC [Clemente CASTANEDA Hoeflich] Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional) or PRI [Claudia RUIZ Massieu] Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo) or PT [Alberto ANAYA Gutierrez] Mexican Green Ecological Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de Mexico) or PVEM [Karen CASTREJON Trujillo] Movement for National Regeneration (Movimiento Regeneracion Nacional) or MORENA [Mario DELGADO Carillo] National Action Party (Partido Accion Nacional) or PAN [Antonio CORTES Mendoza] Party of the Democratic Revolution (Partido de la Revolucion Democratica) or PRD [Jesus ZAMBRANO Grijalva] This Is For Mexico (Va Por Mexico) – alliance that includes PAN, PRI, and PRD Together We Make History (Juntos Hacemos Historia) - alliance that includes MORENA, PT, PVEM International organization participation: APEC, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CAN (observer), Caricom (observer), CD, CDB, CE (observer), CELAC, CSN (observer), EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-3, G-15, G-20, G-24, G-5, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, NAFTA, NAM (observer), NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance, Paris Club (associate), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina (observer), UNWTO, UPU, USMCA, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Esteban MOCTEZUMA Barragan (since 20 April 2021) chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600 FAX: [1] (202) 728-1698 email address and website: mexembussa@sre.gob.mx https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua/index.php/en/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta (GA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Chicago (IL), Dallas (TX), Denver (GA), El Paso (TX), Houston (TX), Laredo (TX), Miami (FL), New York (NY), Nogales (AZ), Phoenix (AZ), Raleigh (NC), Sacramento (CA), San Antonio (TX), San Diego (CA), San Francisco (CA), San Jose (CA), San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Brownsville (TX), Calexico (CA), Del Rio (TX), Detroit (MI), Douglas (AZ), Eagle Pass (TX), Fresno (CA), Indianapolis (IN), Kansas City (MO), Las Vegas (NV), Little Rock (AR), Los Angeles (CA), McAllen (TX), Milwaukee (WI), New Orleans (LA), Omaha (NE), Orlando (FL), Oxnard (CA), Philadelphia (PA), Portland (OR), Presidio (TX), Salt Lake City (UT), San Bernardino (CA), Santa Ana (CA), Seattle (WA), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Yuma (AZ)   Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ken SALAZAR (since 14 September 2021) embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, CDMX mailing address: 8700 Mexico City Place, Washington DC  20521-8700 telephone: (011) [52]-55-5080-2000 FAX: (011) 52-55-5080-2005 email address and website: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov https://mx.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; Mexico's coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its beak perched on a cactus) is centered in the white band; green signifies hope, joy, and love; white represents peace and honesty; red stands for hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor; the coat of arms is derived from a legend that the wandering Aztec people were to settle at a location where they would see an eagle on a cactus eating a snake; the city they founded, Tenochtitlan, is now Mexico City note: similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter, uses lighter shades of green and red, and does not display anything in its white band National symbol(s): golden eagle; national colors: green, white, red National anthem: name: "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (National Anthem of Mexico) lyrics/music: Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA/Jaime Nuno ROCA note: adopted 1943, in use since 1854; also known as "Mexicanos, al grito de Guerra" (Mexicans, to the War Cry); according to tradition, Francisco Gonzalez BOCANEGRA, an accomplished poet, was uninterested in submitting lyrics to a national anthem contest; his fiancee locked him in a room and refused to release him until the lyrics were completed National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 35 (27 cultural, 6 natural, 2 mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Mexico City (c); Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries on the Slopes of Popocatepetl (c); Teotihuacan (c); Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino (n); Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (n); Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (m); Historic Puebla (c); El Tajin (c); Historic Tlacotalpan (c); Historic Oaxaca and Monte Albán (c); Palenque (c); Chichen-Itza (c); Uxmal (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Mexico's $2.4 trillion economy – 11th largest in the world - has become increasingly oriented toward manufacturing since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force in 1994. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal.   Mexico has become the US' second-largest export market and third-largest source of imports. In 2017, two-way trade in goods and services exceeded $623 billion. Mexico has free trade agreements with 46 countries, putting more than 90% of its trade under free trade agreements. In 2012, Mexico formed the Pacific Alliance with Peru, Colombia, and Chile.   Mexico's current government, led by President Enrique PENA NIETO, has emphasized economic reforms, passing and implementing sweeping energy, financial, fiscal, and telecommunications reform legislation, among others, with the long-term aim to improve competitiveness and economic growth across the Mexican economy. Since 2015, Mexico has held public auctions of oil and gas exploration and development rights and for long-term electric power generation contracts. Mexico has also issued permits for private sector import, distribution, and retail sales of refined petroleum products in an effort to attract private investment into the energy sector and boost production.   Since 2013, Mexico’s economic growth has averaged 2% annually, falling short of private-sector expectations that President PENA NIETO’s sweeping reforms would bolster economic prospects. Growth is predicted to remain below potential given falling oil production, weak oil prices, structural issues such as low productivity, high inequality, a large informal sector employing over half of the workforce, weak rule of law, and corruption. Mexico’s economy remains vulnerable to uncertainty surrounding the future of NAFTA — because the United States is its top trading partner and the two countries share integrated supply chains — and to potential shifts in domestic policies following the inauguration of a new a president in December 2018.Mexico's $2.4 trillion economy – 11th largest in the world - has become increasingly oriented toward manufacturing since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force in 1994. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Mexico has become the US' second-largest export market and third-largest source of imports. In 2017, two-way trade in goods and services exceeded $623 billion. Mexico has free trade agreements with 46 countries, putting more than 90% of its trade under free trade agreements. In 2012, Mexico formed the Pacific Alliance with Peru, Colombia, and Chile. Mexico's current government, led by President Enrique PENA NIETO, has emphasized economic reforms, passing and implementing sweeping energy, financial, fiscal, and telecommunications reform legislation, among others, with the long-term aim to improve competitiveness and economic growth across the Mexican economy. Since 2015, Mexico has held public auctions of oil and gas exploration and development rights and for long-term electric power generation contracts. Mexico has also issued permits for private sector import, distribution, and retail sales of refined petroleum products in an effort to attract private investment into the energy sector and boost production. Since 2013, Mexico’s economic growth has averaged 2% annually, falling short of private-sector expectations that President PENA NIETO’s sweeping reforms would bolster economic prospects. Growth is predicted to remain below potential given falling oil production, weak oil prices, structural issues such as low productivity, high inequality, a large informal sector employing over half of the workforce, weak rule of law, and corruption. Mexico’s economy remains vulnerable to uncertainty surrounding the future of NAFTA — because the United States is its top trading partner and the two countries share integrated supply chains — and to potential shifts in domestic policies following the inauguration of a new a president in December 2018. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2,306,320,000,000 (2020 est.) $2,513,410,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,514,780,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -0.3% (2019 est.) 2.19% (2018 est.) 2.34% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $17,900 (2020 est.) $19,700 (2019 est.) $19,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1,269,956,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (2019 est.) 4.9% (2018 est.) 6% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB- (2020) Moody's rating: Baa1 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3.6% (2017 est.) industry: 31.9% (2017 est.) services: 64.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 67% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.8% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.3% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.8% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 37.8% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -39.7% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: sugarcane, maize, milk, oranges, sorghum, tomatoes, poultry, wheat, green chillies/peppers, eggs Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism Industrial production growth rate: -0.6% (2017 est.) Labor force: 50.914 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 13.4% industry: 24.1% services: 61.9% (2011) Unemployment rate: 3.49% (2019 est.) 3.33% (2018 est.) note: underemployment may be as high as 25% Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.1% male: 7.8% female: 8.7% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 41.9% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 36.8 (2018 est.) 48.3 (2008) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 40% (2014) Budget: revenues: 261.4 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 273.8 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 54.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 56.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 22.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$4.351 billion (2019 est.) -$25.415 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $434.93 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $492.73 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $480.1 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 75% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, computers, delivery trucks, crude petroleum, insulated wiring (2019) Imports: $410.66 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $495.79 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $505.05 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: United States 54%, China 14% (2019) Imports - commodities: integrated circuits, refined petroleum, cars and vehicle parts, office machinery/parts, telephones (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $175.3 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $178.4 billion (31 December 2016 est.) note: Mexico also maintains access to an $88 million Flexible Credit Line with the IMF Debt - external: $456.713 billion (2019 est.) $448.268 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Mexican pesos (MXN) per US dollar - 19.8 (2020 est.) 19.22824 (2019 est.) 20.21674 (2018 est.) 15.848 (2014 est.) 13.292 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 93.43 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 267.34 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 5.954 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 9.965 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 42.121 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 75.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 3.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 4.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 6.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 7.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 9.886 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 10.241 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 3,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 5.182 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1.211 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 1,905,500 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 1,928,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,283,300 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 3,900 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 5,786,100,000 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 844,600 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 155,800 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 867,500 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 27,037,730,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 86,101,223,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 53.037 million cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 59,119,362,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 180.321 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 463.739 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 43.24 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 260.311 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 160.188 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 61.597 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 24,500,456 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 122,898,392 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 95 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: with a large population and relatively low broadband and mobile penetration, (86 lines for mobile broadband for every 100 habitants in June 2021) Mexico’s telecom sector has potential for growth; adequate telephone service for business and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line subscribers (24.6 million fixed line subscribers and 125 million mobile line subscribers in June 2021); relatively low broadband and mobile penetration, potential for growth and international investment; extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of fiber-optic cable and coaxial cable; 5G development slow in part due to high costs (AT&T announced 5G rollout in some sections of Mexico City in December 2021 and Telcel announced a plan to launch 5G network in 18 cities in February 2022); IXP in Mexico City; exporter of computers and broadcasting equipment to USA and importer of same from China (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity exceeds 65 lines per every 100 households; mobile-cellular teledensity is about 99 per 100 persons; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations (2021) international: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain, and Italy; the ARCOS-1 and the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the U.S.; Pan-American Crossing (PAC) submarine cable system provides access to Panama, California, U.S., and Costa Rica; Lazaro Cardenas-Manzanillo Santiago submarines cable system (LCMSSCS) provides access to Michoacan, Guerrero, and Colima, Mexico; AMX-1 submarine cable system with access to Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Gulf of California Cable submarine cable systems that connects La Paz, Baja California Sur and Topolobambo, Sinaloa; and Aurora submarine cable system provides access to Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and the U.S. satellite earth stations - 124 (36 Intelsat, 1 Solidaridad (giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 9 Panamsat, numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American Microwave System of trunk connections (2022) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: telecom reform in 2013 enabled the creation of new broadcast television channels after decades of a quasi-monopoly; Mexico has 885 TV stations and 1,841 radio stations and most are privately owned; the Televisa group once had a virtual monopoly in TV broadcasting, but new broadcasting groups and foreign satellite and cable operators are now available; in 2016, Mexico became the first country in Latin America to complete the transition from analog to digital transmissions, allowing for better image and audio quality and a wider selection of programming from networks (2022) Internet country code: .mx Internet users: total: 92,831,582 (2020 est.) percent of population: 72% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 21,936,131 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 16 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 370 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 64,569,640 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,090,380,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: XA Airports: total: 1,714 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 243 over 3,047 m: 12 2,438 to 3,047 m: 32 1,524 to 2,437 m: 80 914 to 1,523 m: 86 under 914 m: 33 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1,471 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 42 914 to 1,523 m: 281 under 914 m: 1,146 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 17,210 km natural gas (2022), 9,757 km oil (2017), 10,237 km refined products (2020) Railways: total: 23,389 km (2017) standard gauge: 23,389 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (27 km electrified) Roadways: total: 704,884 km (2017) paved: 175,526 km (2017) (includes 10,845 km of expressways) unpaved: 529,358 km (2017) Waterways: 2,900 km (2012) (navigable rivers and coastal canals mostly connected with ports on the country's east coast) Merchant marine: total: 671 by type: container ship 1, bulk carrier 4, general cargo 11, oil tanker 31, other 624 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Veracruz oil terminal(s): Cayo Arcas terminal, Dos Bocas terminal cruise port(s): Cancun, Cozumel, Ensenada container port(s) (TEUs): Lazaro Cardenas (1,318,732), Manzanillo (3,069,189), Veracruz (1,144,156) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Altamira, Ensenada Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional, SEDENA): Army (Ejercito), Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana, FAM); Secretariat of the Navy (Secretaria de Marina, SEMAR): Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico (ARM), includes Naval Air Force (FAN), Mexican Naval Infantry Corps (Cuerpo de Infanteria de Marina, Mexmar or CIM)); Secretariat of Public Security and Civilian Protection (Secretaria de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana): National Guard (Guardia Nacional) (2022) note: the National Guard was formed in 2019 and consists of personnel from the former Federal Police (disbanded in December 2019) and military police units of the Army and Navy; while the Guard is part of the civilian-led Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection, the Secretariat of National Defense has day-to-day operational control; in addition, the armed forces provide the commanders and the training; the Guard, along with state and municipal police are responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order; the military also actively supports police operations Military expenditures: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2021) 0.6% of GDP (2020) 0.5% of GDP (2019) (approximately $13.4 billion) 0.5% of GDP (2018) (approximately $12.5 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 218,000 armed forces personnel (160,000 Army; 8,000 Air Force; 50,000 Navy, including about 20,000 marines); approximately 110,000 National Guard personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Mexican military inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced and imported equipment from a variety of mostly Western suppliers; since 2010, the US is the leading supplier of military hardware to Mexico; Mexico's defense industry produces naval vessels and light armored vehicles, as well as small arms and other miscellaneous equipment (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service for males (selection for service determined by lottery); conscript service obligation is 12 months; those selected serve on Saturdays in a Batallón del Servicio Militar Nacional (National Military Service Battalion) composed entirely of 1-year Servicio Militar Nacional (SMN) conscripts; conscripts remain in reserve status until the age of 40; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary enlistment; cadets enrolled in military schools from the age of 15 are considered members of the armed forces; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2022) note: as of 2022, women comprised about 15% of the active duty military Military - note: the constitution was amended in 2019 to grant the president the authority to use the armed forces to protect internal and national security, and courts have upheld the legality of the armed forces’ role in law enforcement activities in support of civilian authorities through 2024; as of 2022, Mexican military operations were heavily focused on internal security duties, particularly in countering drug cartels and organized crime groups, as well as border control and immigration enforcement; the armed forces also administered most of the country's land and sea ports and customs services, and it built and ran approximately 2,700 branches of a state-owned development bank; in addition, President LOPEZ OBRADOR has placed the military in charge of a growing number of infrastructure projects, such as building a new airport for Mexico City and sections of a train line in the country’s southeast (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Mexico-Belize: Mexico and Belize are working to solve minor border demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treaty Mexico-Guatemala: Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the US Mexico-US: the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal persons, transport, and commodities across its border with Mexico  Mexico-Belize: Mexico and Belize are working to solve minor border demarcation discrepancies arising from inaccuracies in the 1898 border treatyMexico-Guatemala: Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the USMexico-US: the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal persons, transport, and commodities across its border with Mexico  Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 22,254 (Honduras), 10,662 (El Salvador) (mid-year 2021); 82,976 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum, are recognized as refugees, or have received alternative legal stay) (2021) IDPs: 379,000 (government's quashing of Zapatista uprising in 1994 in eastern Chiapas Region; drug cartel violence and government's military response since 2007; violence between and within indigenous groups) (2021) stateless persons: 13 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: major source and transit country for heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and illicit synthetic drugs including fentanyl and counterfeit pills destined for the United States; main transit country for cocaine from South America, a transit route and destination for fentanyl and associated precursors originating from Chinamajor source and transit country for heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and illicit synthetic drugs including fentanyl and counterfeit pills destined for the United States; main transit country for cocaine from South America, a transit route and destination for fentanyl and associated precursors originating from China
20220901
countries-bangladesh-summaries
Topic: Introduction Background: 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 for much of the first millennium A.D. The Bengali independence  movement, led by the Awami League (AL) and supported by India, won independence for Bangladesh in 1971.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 for much of the first millennium A.D. The Bengali independence  movement, led by the Awami League (AL) and supported by India, won independence for Bangladesh in 1971. Topic: Geography Area: total: 148,460 sq km land: 130,170 sq km water: 18,290 sq km Climate: tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October) Natural resources: natural gas, arable land, timber, coal Topic: People and Society Population: 165,650,475 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Bengali at least 98%, other indigenous ethnic groups 1.1% (2011 est.) Languages: Bangla 98.8% (official, also known as Bengali), other 1.2% (2011 est.) Religions: Muslim 88.4%, other 11.6% (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.93% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Dhaka Executive branch: chief of state: President Abdul HAMID (since 24 April 2013); note - Abdul HAMID served as acting president following the death of Zillur RAHMAN in March 2013; HAMID was subsequently indirectly elected by the National Parliament and sworn in 24 April 2013 head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA Wazed (since 6 January 2009) Legislative branch: description: unicameral House of the Nation or Jatiya Sangsad (350 seats; 300 members in single-seat territorial constituencies directly elected by simple majority vote; 50 members - reserved for women only - indirectly elected by the elected members by proportional representation vote using single transferable vote; all members serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: one of the fastest growing economies; significant poverty reduction; COVID-19 adversely impacted female labor force participation and undermined previously stable financial conditions; looking to diversify beyond clothing industry; fairly low government debt; new taxation law struggling to increase government revenuesone of the fastest growing economies; significant poverty reduction; COVID-19 adversely impacted female labor force participation and undermined previously stable financial conditions; looking to diversify beyond clothing industry; fairly low government debt; new taxation law struggling to increase government revenues Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $793.49 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $4,800 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: rice, potatoes, maize, sugar cane, milk, vegetables, onions, jute, mangoes/guavas, wheat Industries: jute, cotton, garments, paper, leather, fertilizer, iron and steel, cement, petroleum products, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, tea, salt, sugar, edible oils, soap and detergent, fabricated metal products, electricity, natural gas Exports: $38.78 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: United States 15%, Germany 14%, United Kingdom 8%, Spain 7%, France 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: clothing, knitwear, leather footwear (2019) Imports: $57.26 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: China 31%, India 15%, Singapore 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cotton, natural gas, scrap iron, wheat (2019) Exchange rates: taka (BDT) per US dollar -Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022
20220901
countries-monaco
Topic: Photos of Monaco Topic: Introduction Background: The 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy Geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 24 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 2 sq km land: 2 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about three times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 6 km border countries (1): France 6 km Coastline: 4.1 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 12 nm Climate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: hilly, rugged, rocky Elevation: highest point: Chemin des Revoires on Mont Agel 162 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m Natural resources: none Land use: agricultural land: 1% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 99% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: the second most densely populated country in the world (after Macau); its entire population living on 2 square km Natural hazards: none Geography - note: second-smallest independent state in the world (after the Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban Map description: Monaco map identifies some of the major sites of the microstate surrounded by France and the Mediterranean Sea.Monaco map identifies some of the major sites of the microstate surrounded by France and the Mediterranean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 31,400 (2022 est.) note: immigrants make up almost 68% of the total population, according to UN data (2019) Nationality: noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s) adjective: Monegasque or Monacan Ethnic groups: Monegasque 32.1%, French 19.9%, Italian 15.3%, British 5%, Belgian 2.3%, Swiss 2%, German 1.9%, Russian 1.8%, American 1.1%, Dutch 1.1%, Moroccan 1%, other 16.6% (2016 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth Languages: French (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. Religions: Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10% Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 55.4 years male: 53.7 years female: 57 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.6% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 6.66 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 10.7 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 10.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the second most densely populated country in the world (after Macau); its entire population living on 2 square km Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 39,000 MONACO (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 1.76 deaths/1,000 live births male: 2.07 deaths/1,000 live births female: 1.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 89.52 years male: 85.7 years female: 93.49 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.53 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 1.5% (2019) Physicians density: 7.51 physicians/1,000 population (2014) Hospital bed density: 13.8 beds/1,000 population (2012) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.7% male: 25.7% female: 27.9% (2016 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: no serious issues; actively monitors pollution levels in air and water Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, 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 Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 12.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.05 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers Land use: agricultural land: 1% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 99% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 46,000 tons (2012 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,484 tons (2012 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2012 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Principality of Monaco conventional short form: Monaco local long form: Principaute de Monaco local short form: Monaco etymology: founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., the name derives from two Greek words "monos" (single, alone) and "oikos" (house) to convey the sense of a people "living apart" or in a "single habitation" Government type: constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Monaco geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 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: founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., the name derives from two Greek words "monos" (single, alone) and "oikos" (house) to convey the sense of a people "living apart" or in a "single habitation" Administrative divisions: none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo; note - Moneghetti, a part of La Condamine, is sometimes called the 5th quarter of Monaco Independence: 1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of GRIMALDI) National holiday: National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law system influenced by French legal tradition 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 Monaco; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen and father unknown dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005) head of government: Minister of State Pierre DARTOUT (since 1 September 2020) cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 8 directly elected by proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 11 February 2018 (next to be held on 28 February 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - Priorite Monaco 57.7%, Horizon Monaco 26.1%, Union Monegasque 16.2%; seats by party - Priorite Monaco 21, Horizon Monaco 2, Union Monegasque 1; composition - men 16, women 8, percent of women 33.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 5 permanent members and 2 substitutes) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court members appointed by the monarch upon the proposals of the National Council, State Council, Crown Council, Court of Appeal, and Trial Court subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; Civil Court of First Instance Political parties and leaders: Horizon Monaco [Laurent NOUVION] Priorite Monaco [Stephane VALERI] Union Monegasque [Jean-Francois ROBILLON] International organization participation: CD, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maguy MACCARIO-DOYLE (since 3 December 2013) chancery: 888 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 234-1530 FAX: [1] (202) 244-7656 email address and website: info@monacodc.org https://monacodc.org/index.html consulate(s) general: New York Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US Ambassador to France, handles diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco; +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22, enter zero "0" after the automated greeting; US Embassy Paris, 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red National symbol(s): red and white lozenges (diamond shapes); national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "A Marcia de Muneghu" (The March of Monaco) lyrics/music: Louis NOTARI/Charles ALBRECHT note: music adopted 1867, lyrics adopted 1931; although French is commonly spoken, only the Monegasque lyrics are official; the French version is known as "Hymne Monegasque" (Monegasque Anthem); the words are generally only sung on official occasions Topic: Economy Economic overview: Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.   The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's "grey list" of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws and help combat tax evasion. In October 2014, Monaco officially became the 84th jurisdiction participating in the OECD’s Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, an effort to combat offshore tax avoidance and evasion.   Monaco's reliance on tourism and banking for its economic growth has left it vulnerable to downturns in France and other European economies which are the principality's main trade partners. In 2009, Monaco's GDP fell by 11.5% as the euro-zone crisis precipitated a sharp drop in tourism and retail activity and home sales. A modest recovery ensued in 2010 and intensified in 2013, with GDP growth of more than 9%, but Monaco's economic prospects remain uncertain.Monaco, bordering France on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The principality also is a banking center and has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state retains monopolies in a number of sectors, including tobacco, the telephone network, and the postal service. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. Monaco, however, is not a tax-free shelter; it charges nearly 20% value-added tax, collects stamp duties, and companies face a 33% tax on profits unless they can show that three-quarters of profits are generated within the principality. Monaco was formally removed from the OECD's "grey list" of uncooperative tax jurisdictions in late 2009, but continues to face international pressure to abandon its banking secrecy laws and help combat tax evasion. In October 2014, Monaco officially became the 84th jurisdiction participating in the OECD’s Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, an effort to combat offshore tax avoidance and evasion. Monaco's reliance on tourism and banking for its economic growth has left it vulnerable to downturns in France and other European economies which are the principality's main trade partners. In 2009, Monaco's GDP fell by 11.5% as the euro-zone crisis precipitated a sharp drop in tourism and retail activity and home sales. A modest recovery ensued in 2010 and intensified in 2013, with GDP growth of more than 9%, but Monaco's economic prospects remain uncertain. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $7.672 billion (2015 est.) $7.279 billion (2014 est.) $6.79 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 US dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5.4% (2015 est.) 7.2% (2014 est.) 9.6% (2013 est.) Real GDP per capita: $115,700 (2015 est.) $109,200 (2014 est.) $101,900 (2013 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $6.006 billion (2015 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (2010) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0% (2013) industry: 14% (2013) services: 86% (2013) Agricultural products: none Industries: banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products Industrial production growth rate: 6.8% (2015) Labor force: 52,000 (2014 est.) note: includes all foreign workers Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 0% industry: 16.1% services: 83.9% (2012 est.) Unemployment rate: 2% (2012) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 26.7% male: 25.7% female: 27.9% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 896.3 million (2011 est.) expenditures: 953.6 million (2011 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 14.9% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Exports: $964.6 million (2017 est.) $1.115 billion (2011) note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France Exports - partners: Italy 19%, Germany 14%, United Kingdom 9%, Switzerland 9%, Spain 8%, United States 6%, Belgium 5% (2019)Italy 19%, Germany 14%, United Kingdom 9%, Switzerland 9%, Spain 8%, United States 6%, Belgium 5% Exports - commodities: jewelry, perfumes, watches, packaged medicines, plastic products (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: Italy 34%, Switzerland 16%, Germany 9%, United Kingdom 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: jewelry, recreational boats, cars and vehicle parts, watches, general wares (2019) Debt - external:  NA NA Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.885 (2017 est.) 0.903 (2016 est.) 0.9214 (2015 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 43,706 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 111 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 35,485 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 90 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: modern automatic telephone system; the country's sole fixed-line operator offers a full range of services to residential and business customers; competitive mobile telephony market; 4G LTE widely available (2020) domestic: fixed-line a little over 111 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 90 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 377; landing points for the EIG and Italy-Monaco submarine cables connecting Monaco to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system (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: TV Monte-Carlo operates a TV network; cable TV available; Radio Monte-Carlo has extensive radio networks in France and Italy with French-language broadcasts to France beginning in the 1960s and Italian-language broadcasts to Italy beginning in the 1970s; other radio stations include Riviera Radio and Radio Monaco Internet country code: .mc Internet users: total: 37,798 (2019 est.) percent of population: 97% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 20,877 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 53 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 3A Heliports: 1 (2021) Railways: note: Monaco has a single railway station but does not operate its own train service;  the French operator SNCF operates rail services in Monaco Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Hercules Port Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Ministry of Interior: Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince (Prince’s Company of Carabiniers (Palace Guard)), Corps des Sapeurs-pompiers de Monaco (Fire and Emergency), Police Department (2022) Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified
20220901
countries-montenegro-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Montenegro due to COVID-19. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days. US Embassy/Consulate: +382 (0)20 410 500; US Embassy Podgorica, Dzona Dzeksona 2, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro; PodgoricaACS@state.gov; https://me.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 382 Local Emergency Phone: 94 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls inland Currency (Code): Euros (EUR) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: Serbian, Montenegrin, Bosnian, Albanian, Serbo-Croat Major Religions: Orthodox 72.1%, Muslim 19.1%, Catholic 3.4%, atheist 1.2% Time Difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October Potable Water: Yes International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Sveti Stefan; Budva Old Town; Kotor (includes San Giovanni Fortress); Durmitor National Park (includes Tara Canyon, Black Lake); Stecci Medieval Tombstones; Podgorica Major Sports: Soccer, water polo, basketball, football, volleyball Cultural Practices: Conversations in Montenegro may involve more physical touching than those in America, with light touches and taps on the shoulder being common. Tipping Guidelines: Service charges are generally not included in restaurants and hotel bills, so a tip of 10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but a small gratuity is appropriate.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-environment-international-agreements
This entry separates country participation in international environmental agreements into two levels - party to and signed, but not ratified. Agreements are listed in alphabetical order by the abbreviated form of the full name. Topic: Afghanistanparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Albaniaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, 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 Topic: Algeriaparty 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, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Andorraparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Angolaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Antigua and Barbudaparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Argentinaparty 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Armeniaparty 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, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants Topic: Australiaparty 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 Topic: Austriaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Antarctic-Environmental Protection Topic: Azerbaijanparty 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 Topic: Bahamas, Theparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Bahrainparty 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 Topic: Bangladeshparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Barbadosparty 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, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Belarusparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Belgiumparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Belizeparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Beninparty 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, 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 Topic: Bhutanparty 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 Topic: Boliviaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaparty 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 Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Botswanaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Brazilparty 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Protocol Topic: Bruneiparty 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 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Bulgariaparty 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 Topic: Burkina Fasoparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Burmaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Burundiparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Cabo Verdeparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Cambodiaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Topic: Cameroonparty 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 Topic: Canadaparty 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, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, 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, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Central African Republicparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Topic: Chadparty 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 Topic: Chileparty to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Chinaparty to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, 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, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Colombiaparty 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, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Topic: Comorosparty 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 Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Topic: Congo, Republic of theparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Cook Islandsparty to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Costa Ricaparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Topic: Cote d'Ivoireparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Croatiaparty 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 Topic: Cubaparty to: 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, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Topic: Cyprusparty 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, 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: none of the selected agreements Topic: Czechiaparty 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 Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Denmarkparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection Topic: Djiboutiparty 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 Topic: Dominicaparty 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 Topic: Dominican Republicparty 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 Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Ecuadorparty 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Egyptparty to: 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, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: El Salvadorparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Topic: Equatorial Guineaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Eritreaparty 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 Topic: Estoniaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Eswatiniparty 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: none of the selected agreements Topic: Ethiopiaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Topic: European Unionparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006 signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds Topic: Fijiparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, 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 Topic: Finlandparty 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, 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 Topic: Franceparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Gabonparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Gambia, Theparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Georgiaparty to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Germanyparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Ghanaparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Topic: Greeceparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds Topic: Grenadaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Guatemalaparty to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Guineaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Guinea-Bissauparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Guyanaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Haitiparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)party to: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification Topic: Hondurasparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Hungaryparty 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 Topic: Icelandparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, 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 Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Indiaparty to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Indonesiaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Topic: Iranparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Iraqparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Environmental Modification Topic: Irelandparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, 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: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Israelparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Italyparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol Topic: Jamaicaparty 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 Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Japanparty to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Jordanparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Kazakhstanparty 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 Topic: Kenyaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Kiribatiparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Korea, Northparty to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Law of the Sea Topic: Korea, Southparty to: 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 Topic: Kuwaitparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Convention Topic: Kyrgyzstanparty 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 Topic: Laosparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Latviaparty 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 Topic: Lebanonparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Lesothoparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Liberiaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Libyaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Law of the Sea Topic: Liechtensteinparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Law of the Sea Topic: Lithuaniaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Luxembourgparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Topic: Madagascarparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Malawiparty 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, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Malaysiaparty 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 Topic: Maldivesparty 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 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Maliparty 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, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Maltaparty to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Marshall Islandsparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Mauritaniaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Mauritiusparty to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Mexicoparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Moldovaparty 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 Topic: Monacoparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, 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 Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Mongoliaparty to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Montenegroparty 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 Topic: Moroccoparty 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 Topic: Mozambiqueparty 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, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Namibiaparty to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, 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 Topic: Nauruparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Nepalparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Netherlandsparty 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, 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 Topic: New Zealandparty to: 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: Antarctic Seals, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Nicaraguaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Nigerparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Nigeriaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Tropical Timber 2006 Topic: Niueparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: North Macedoniaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Norwayparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Omanparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Pakistanparty to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, 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, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Topic: Palauparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Panamaparty to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, 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: Marine Life Conservation Topic: Papua New Guineaparty 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 Topic: Paraguayparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 2006 Topic: Peruparty to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, 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 Topic: Philippinesparty 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, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Polandparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic- Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants Topic: Portugalparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, 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 Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Qatarparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Romaniaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Russiaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic- Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94 Topic: Rwandaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Saint Luciaparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Samoaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: San Marinoparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution Topic: Sao Tome and Principeparty 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, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Saudi Arabiaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Senegalparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Serbiaparty 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 Topic: Seychellesparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Sierra Leoneparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Topic: Singaporeparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Slovakiaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection Topic: Sloveniaparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic 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 Topic: Solomon Islandsparty 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 Topic: Somaliaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Topic: South Africaparty 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, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: South Sudanparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Southern Oceanthe Southern Ocean is subject to all international agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (regulates fishing) note: mineral exploitation except for scientific research is banned by the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty; additionally, many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the northnote: mineral exploitation except for scientific research is banned by the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty; additionally, many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north Topic: Spainparty 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, 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, 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 Topic: Sri Lankaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Sudanparty 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: none of the selected agreements Topic: Surinameparty 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, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Swedenparty 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 Topic: Switzerlandparty 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 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 Topic: Syriaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Topic: Tajikistanparty to: 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 Topic: Tanzaniaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Thailandparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Timor-Lesteparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Togoparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Tongaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Tunisiaparty 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Environmental Modification Topic: Turkmenistanparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Tuvaluparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Ugandaparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Topic: Ukraineparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds Topic: United Arab Emiratesparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Topic: United Kingdomparty 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, 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 Topic: United Statesparty to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping-London Protocol Topic: Uruguayparty to: 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 Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation Topic: Uzbekistanparty to: 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 Topic: Vanuatuparty to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, 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, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Venezuelaparty 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, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Vietnamparty 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 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Topic: Yemenparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Topic: Zambiaparty 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: none of the selected agreements Topic: Zimbabweparty to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
20220901
countries-tuvalu-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Tuvalu due to COVID-19-related restrictions. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport 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 required, but US citizen travelers may obtain the visa upon entering the country. US Embassy/Consulate: US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu; +(679) 331-4466; EMER: +(679) 772-8049; US Embassy Suva, 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji Islands Telephone Code: 688 Local Emergency Phone: 911 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March) Currency (Code): Tuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars (AUD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I Major Languages: Tuvaluan, English, Samoan, Kiribati (on the island of Nui) Major Religions: Protestant 92.4%, Baha'i 2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Mormon 1% Time Difference: UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Funafuti Marine Conservation Area; Tuvalu Woman's Handicraft Center Major Sports: Kilikiti (similar to cricket), ano (variant of volleyball), soccer, volleyball Cultural Practices: Traditionally, Sundays are a day of rest and church attendance, and visitors are asked to be discreet in their choice of activities. Female visitors are also asked to dress modestly in towns and villages. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not common nor expected. Souvenirs: Carved tuluma wooden tackle boxes, woven cloth, shell jewelry, stamps Traditional Cuisine: Pulaka (similar to taro); often combined with coconut cream and served with fishPlease 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-japan
Topic: Photos of Japan Topic: Introduction Background: In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decision-making power. Following three decades of unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s, but the country remains an economic power. In March 2011, Japan's strongest-ever earthquake, and an accompanying tsunami, devastated the northeast part of Honshu island, killed thousands, and damaged several nuclear power plants. Prime Minister Shinzo ABE was reelected to office in December 2012, and embarked on ambitious economic and security reforms to improve Japan's economy and bolster the country's international standing. In November 2019, ABE became Japan's longest-serving post-war prime minister; he resigned in September 2020 and was succeeded by Yoshihide SUGA. Fumio KISHIDA became prime minister in October 2021.In 1603, after decades of civil warfare, the Tokugawa shogunate (a military-led, dynastic government) ushered in a long period of relative political stability and isolation from foreign influence. For more than two centuries this policy enabled Japan to enjoy a flowering of its indigenous culture. Japan opened its ports after signing the Treaty of Kanagawa with the US in 1854 and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1931-32 Japan occupied Manchuria, and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and an ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, elected politicians hold actual decision-making power. Following three decades of unprecedented growth, Japan's economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s, but the country remains an economic power. In March 2011, Japan's strongest-ever earthquake, and an accompanying tsunami, devastated the northeast part of Honshu island, killed thousands, and damaged several nuclear power plants. Prime Minister Shinzo ABE was reelected to office in December 2012, and embarked on ambitious economic and security reforms to improve Japan's economy and bolster the country's international standing. In November 2019, ABE became Japan's longest-serving post-war prime minister; he resigned in September 2020 and was succeeded by Yoshihide SUGA. Fumio KISHIDA became prime minister in October 2021.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula Geographic coordinates: 36 00 N, 138 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 377,915 sq km land: 364,485 sq km water: 13,430 sq km note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okino-tori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto) Area - comparative: slightly smaller than California Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 29,751 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and the Korea and Tsushima Straits contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous Elevation: highest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m mean elevation: 438 m Natural resources: negligible mineral resources, fish; note - with virtually no natural energy resources, Japan is the world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second largest importer of oil Land use: agricultural land: 12.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 68.5% (2018 est.) other: 19% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 24,690 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Biwa-ko 688 sq km Population distribution: all primary and secondary regions of high population density lie on the coast; one-third of the population resides in and around Tokyo on the central plain (Kanto Plain) Natural hazards: many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors but occasional severe earthquakes) every year; tsunamis; typhoonsvolcanism: both Unzen (1,500 m) and Sakura-jima (1,117 m), which lies near the densely populated city of Kagoshima, have been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano, Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima, Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu; see note 2 under "Geography - note"many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors but occasional severe earthquakes) every year; tsunamis; typhoonsvolcanism: both Unzen (1,500 m) and Sakura-jima (1,117 m), which lies near the densely populated city of Kagoshima, have been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; other notable historically active volcanoes include Asama, Honshu Island's most active volcano, Aso, Bandai, Fuji, Iwo-Jima, Kikai, Kirishima, Komaga-take, Oshima, Suwanosejima, Tokachi, Yake-dake, and Usu; see note 2 under "Geography - note" Geography - note: note 1: strategic location in northeast Asia; composed of four main islands - from north: Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest and most populous), Shikoku, and Kyushu (the "Home Islands") - and 6,848 smaller islands and islets note 2: Japan annually records the most earthquakes in the world; it is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Firenote 1: strategic location in northeast Asia; composed of four main islands - from north: Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest and most populous), Shikoku, and Kyushu (the "Home Islands") - and 6,848 smaller islands and isletsnote 2: Japan annually records the most earthquakes in the world; it is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire Map description: Japan map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic Pacific Ocean country as well as parts of surrounding countries.Japan map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic Pacific Ocean country as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 124,214,766 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Japanese (singular and plural) adjective: Japanese Ethnic groups: Japanese 97.9%, Chinese 0.6%, Korean 0.4%, other 1.1% (includes Vietnamese, Filipino, and Brazilian) (2017 est.) note: data represent population by nationality; up to 230,000 Brazilians of Japanese origin migrated to Japan in the 1990s to work in industries; some have returned to Brazil Languages: Japanese major-language sample(s): 必要不可欠な基本情報の源、ワールド・ファクトブック(Japanese) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Shintoism 70.5%, Buddhism 67.2%, Christianity 1.5%, other 5.9% (2019 est.) note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people practice both Shintoism and Buddhism Age structure: 0-14 years: 12.49% (male 8,047,183/female 7,623,767) 15-24 years: 9.47% (male 6,254,352/female 5,635,377) 25-54 years: 36.8% (male 22,867,385/female 23,317,140) 55-64 years: 12.06% (male 7,564,067/female 7,570,732) 65 years and over: 29.18% (2020 est.) (male 16,034,973/female 20,592,496) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 69 youth dependency ratio: 21 elderly dependency ratio: 48 potential support ratio: 2.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 48.6 years male: 47.2 years female: 50 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.39% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 6.95 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 11.59 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: all primary and secondary regions of high population density lie on the coast; one-third of the population resides in and around Tokyo on the central plain (Kanto Plain) Urbanization: urban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.25% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 37.274 million TOKYO (capital), 19.060 million Osaka, 9.572 million Nagoya, 5.503 million Kitakyushu-Fukuoka, 2.935 million Shizuoka-Hamamatsu, 2.669 million Sapporo (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 30.7 years (2018 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 5 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 1.9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 2 deaths/1,000 live births female: 1.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 84.83 years male: 81.92 years female: 87.9 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.38 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 39.8% (2015) note: percent of women aged 20-49 Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.1% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 10.7% (2019) Physicians density: 2.48 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 13 beds/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: (2020 est.) <.1% HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 30,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <100 note: estimate does not include children Major infectious diseases: respiratory diseases: Covid-19 (see note) (2020) note: clusters of cases of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Japan has reported a total of 8,945,784 cases of COVID-19 or 7,073 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 30,752 cumulative deaths or a rate of 24.3 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 6 June 2022, 82.2% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 4.3% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 20.1% (2020 est.) male: 30.1% (2020 est.) female: 10% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2017 est.) Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 15 years (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 4.6% male: 5% female: 4.2% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life; Japan is one of the largest consumers of fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere; following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan originally planned to phase out nuclear power, but it has now implemented a new policy of seeking to restart nuclear power plants that meet strict new safety standards; waste management is an ongoing issue; Japanese municipal facilities used to burn high volumes of trash, but air pollution issues forced the government to adopt an aggressive recycling policy Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 11.45 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 1,135.89 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 29.99 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north Land use: agricultural land: 12.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 68.5% (2018 est.) other: 19% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.25% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: respiratory diseases: Covid-19 (see note) (2020) note: clusters of cases of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Japan has reported a total of 8,945,784 cases of COVID-19 or 7,073 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 30,752 cumulative deaths or a rate of 24.3 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 6 June 2022, 82.2% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 43.981 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,155,069 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 4.9% (2015 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Biwa-ko 688 sq km Total water withdrawal: municipal: 15.41 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 11.61 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 54.43 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 430 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Japan local long form: Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku local short form: Nihon/Nippon etymology: the English word for Japan comes via the Chinese name for the country "Cipangu"; both Nihon and Nippon mean "where the sun originates" and are frequently translated as "Land of the Rising Sun" Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy Capital: name: Tokyo geographic coordinates: 35 41 N, 139 45 E time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: originally known as Edo, meaning "estuary" in Japanese, the name was changed to Tokyo, meaning "eastern capital," in 1868 Administrative divisions: 47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi Independence: 3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji Constitution); notable earlier dates: 11 February 660 B.C. (mythological date of the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU); 29 November 1890 (Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy) National holiday: Birthday of Emperor NARUHITO, 23 February (1960); note - celebrates the birthday of the current emperor Constitution: history: previous 1890; latest approved 6 October 1946, adopted 3 November 1946, effective 3 May 1947 amendments: proposed by the Diet; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of both houses of the Diet and approval by majority in a referendum; note - the constitution has not been amended since its enactment in 1947 Legal system: civil law system based on German model; system also reflects Anglo-American influence and Japanese traditions; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Japan dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019 head of government: Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA (since 4 October 2021 ) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister election results: Fumio KISHIDA relected prime minister on 10 November 2021 by the lower house with 297 votes against 108 for Yukio EDANO and in the upper houese 141 for KISHIDA and 60 for EDANO  Legislative branch: description: bicameral Diet or Kokkai consists of: House of Councillors or Sangi-in (245 seats, currently 242; 146 members directly elected in multi-seat districts by simple majority vote and 96 directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms with half the membership renewed every 3 years); note - the number of seats increases to 248 at the July 2022 election for renewal of half the membership House of Representatives or Shugi-in (465 seats; 289 members directly elected in single-seat districts by simple majority vote and 176 directly elected in multi-seat districts by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) elections: House of Councillors - last held on 21 July 2019 (next to be held in July 2022) House of Representatives - last held on 31 October 2021 (next to be held by October 2025) election results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDP 55, DP 32, Komeito 14, JCP 6, Osaka Ishin no Kai (Initiatives from Osaka) 7, PLPTYF 1, SDP 1, independent 5; composition - men 186, women 56, percent of women 21.3% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - LDP 261, CDP 96, Ishin 41, Komeito 32, DPFP 11, JCP 10, Reiwa 3, SDP 1, independent 10; composition - men 420, women 45, percent of women 9.7%; note - total Diet percent of women 14.7% note: the Diet in June 2017 redrew Japan's electoral district boundaries and reduced from 475 to 465 seats in the House of Representatives; the amended electoral law, which cuts 6 seats in single-seat districts and 4 in multi-seat districts, was reportedly intended to reduce voting disparities between densely and sparsely populated voting districts Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Saiko saibansho (consists of the chief justice and 14 associate justices); note - the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in constitutional issues judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice designated by the Cabinet and appointed by the monarch; associate justices appointed by the Cabinet and confirmed by the monarch; all justices are reviewed in a popular referendum at the first general election of the House of Representatives following each judge's appointment and every 10 years afterward subordinate courts: 8 High Courts (Koto-saiban-sho), each with a Family Court (Katei-saiban-sho); 50 District Courts (Chiho saibansho), with 203 additional branches; 438 Summary Courts (Kani saibansho) Political parties and leaders: Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan or CDP [Yukio EDANO] Democratic Party for the People Japan or DPFP [Yuichiro TAMAKI] Group of Reformists [Sakihito OZAWA] Japan Communist Party or JCP [Kazuo SHII] Japan Innovation Party or Nippon Ishin no kai or Ishin [Ichiro MATSUI] Party of Hope or Kibo no To [Yuichiro TAMAKI] Komeito [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI] Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Yoshihide SUGA] Liberal Party [Ichiro OZAWA] (formerly People's Life Party & Taro Yamamoto and Friends or PLPTYF)New Renaissance Party [Hiroyuki ARAI] Party for Japanese Kokoro or PJK [Masashi NAKANO] Reiwa Shinsengumi [Taro YAMAMOTO] Social Democratic Party or SDP [Tadatomo YOSHIDA] The Assembly to Energize Japan and the Independents [Kota MATSUDA] International organization participation: ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CE (observer), CERN (observer), CICA (observer), CP, CPLP (associate), EAS, EBRD, EITI (implementing country), FAO, FATF, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SELEC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador TOMITA Koji (since 17 February 2021) chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700 FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187 email address and website: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html consulate(s) general: Anchorage (AK), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver (CO), Detroit (MI), Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville (TN), New York, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), Seattle (WA) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Rahm EMANUEL (since 25 March 2022) embassy: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 mailing address: 9800 Tokyo Place, Washington DC  20521-9800 telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000 FAX: [81] (03) 3224-5856 email address and website: TokyoACS@state.gov https://jp.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya Flag description: white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center National symbol(s): red sun disc, chrysanthemum; national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "Kimigayo" (The Emperor's Reign) lyrics/music: unknown/Hiromori HAYASHI note: adopted 1999; unofficial national anthem since 1883; oldest anthem lyrics in the world, dating to the 10th century or earlier; there is some opposition to the anthem because of its association with militarism and worship of the emperor National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 25 (20 cultural, 5 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area (c); Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (c); Himeji-jo (c); Shiretoko (n); Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan (c); Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape (c); Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (c); Yakushima (n); Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (c); Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Over the past 70 years, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (slightly less than 1% of GDP) have helped Japan develop an advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-World War II economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features have significantly eroded under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change.   Measured on a purchasing power parity basis that adjusts for price differences, Japan in 2017 stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world after first-place China, which surpassed Japan in 2001, and third-place India, which edged out Japan in 2012. For three postwar decades, overall real economic growth was impressive - averaging 10% in the 1960s, 5% in the 1970s, and 4% in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the aftereffects of inefficient investment and the collapse of an asset price bubble in the late 1980s, which resulted in several years of economic stagnation as firms sought to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. Modest economic growth continued after 2000, but the economy has fallen into recession four times since 2008.   Japan enjoyed an uptick in growth since 2013, supported by Prime Minister Shinzo ABE’s "Three Arrows" economic revitalization agenda - dubbed "Abenomics" - of monetary easing, "flexible" fiscal policy, and structural reform. Led by the Bank of Japan’s aggressive monetary easing, Japan is making modest progress in ending deflation, but demographic decline – a low birthrate and an aging, shrinking population – poses a major long-term challenge for the economy. The government currently faces the quandary of balancing its efforts to stimulate growth and institute economic reforms with the need to address its sizable public debt, which stands at 235% of GDP. To help raise government revenue, Japan adopted legislation in 2012 to gradually raise the consumption tax rate. However, the first such increase, in April 2014, led to a sharp contraction, so Prime Minister ABE has twice postponed the next increase, which is now scheduled for October 2019. Structural reforms to unlock productivity are seen as central to strengthening the economy in the long-run.   Scarce in critical natural resources, Japan has long been dependent on imported energy and raw materials. After the complete shutdown of Japan’s nuclear reactors following the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011, Japan's industrial sector has become even more dependent than before on imported fossil fuels. However, ABE’s government is seeking to restart nuclear power plants that meet strict new safety standards and is emphasizing nuclear energy’s importance as a base-load electricity source. In August 2015, Japan successfully restarted one nuclear reactor at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima prefecture, and several other reactors around the country have since resumed operations; however, opposition from local governments has delayed several more restarts that remain pending. Reforms of the electricity and gas sectors, including full liberalization of Japan’s energy market in April 2016 and gas market in April 2017, constitute an important part of Prime Minister Abe’s economic program.   Under the Abe Administration, Japan’s government sought to open the country’s economy to greater foreign competition and create new export opportunities for Japanese businesses, including by joining 11 trading partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Japan became the first country to ratify the TPP in December 2016, but the United States signaled its withdrawal from the agreement in January 2017. In November 2017 the remaining 11 countries agreed on the core elements of a modified agreement, which they renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Japan also reached agreement with the European Union on an Economic Partnership Agreement in July 2017, and is likely seek to ratify both agreements in the Diet this year.Over the past 70 years, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (slightly less than 1% of GDP) have helped Japan develop an advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-World War II economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features have significantly eroded under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change. Measured on a purchasing power parity basis that adjusts for price differences, Japan in 2017 stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world after first-place China, which surpassed Japan in 2001, and third-place India, which edged out Japan in 2012. For three postwar decades, overall real economic growth was impressive - averaging 10% in the 1960s, 5% in the 1970s, and 4% in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the aftereffects of inefficient investment and the collapse of an asset price bubble in the late 1980s, which resulted in several years of economic stagnation as firms sought to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. Modest economic growth continued after 2000, but the economy has fallen into recession four times since 2008. Japan enjoyed an uptick in growth since 2013, supported by Prime Minister Shinzo ABE’s "Three Arrows" economic revitalization agenda - dubbed "Abenomics" - of monetary easing, "flexible" fiscal policy, and structural reform. Led by the Bank of Japan’s aggressive monetary easing, Japan is making modest progress in ending deflation, but demographic decline – a low birthrate and an aging, shrinking population – poses a major long-term challenge for the economy. The government currently faces the quandary of balancing its efforts to stimulate growth and institute economic reforms with the need to address its sizable public debt, which stands at 235% of GDP. To help raise government revenue, Japan adopted legislation in 2012 to gradually raise the consumption tax rate. However, the first such increase, in April 2014, led to a sharp contraction, so Prime Minister ABE has twice postponed the next increase, which is now scheduled for October 2019. Structural reforms to unlock productivity are seen as central to strengthening the economy in the long-run. Scarce in critical natural resources, Japan has long been dependent on imported energy and raw materials. After the complete shutdown of Japan’s nuclear reactors following the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011, Japan's industrial sector has become even more dependent than before on imported fossil fuels. However, ABE’s government is seeking to restart nuclear power plants that meet strict new safety standards and is emphasizing nuclear energy’s importance as a base-load electricity source. In August 2015, Japan successfully restarted one nuclear reactor at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima prefecture, and several other reactors around the country have since resumed operations; however, opposition from local governments has delayed several more restarts that remain pending. Reforms of the electricity and gas sectors, including full liberalization of Japan’s energy market in April 2016 and gas market in April 2017, constitute an important part of Prime Minister Abe’s economic program. Under the Abe Administration, Japan’s government sought to open the country’s economy to greater foreign competition and create new export opportunities for Japanese businesses, including by joining 11 trading partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Japan became the first country to ratify the TPP in December 2016, but the United States signaled its withdrawal from the agreement in January 2017. In November 2017 the remaining 11 countries agreed on the core elements of a modified agreement, which they renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Japan also reached agreement with the European Union on an Economic Partnership Agreement in July 2017, and is likely seek to ratify both agreements in the Diet this year. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $5,224,850,000,000 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $5,210,770,000,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $5,180,326,000,000 (2017 est.) Real GDP growth rate: 0.7% (2019 est.) 0.29% (2018 est.) 2.19% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $41,400 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $41,200 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $40,859 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $5,078,679,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.4% (2019 est.) 0.9% (2018 est.) 0.4% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: A (2015) Moody's rating: A1 (2014) Standard & Poors rating: A+ (2015) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.1% (2017 est.) industry: 30.1% (2017 est.) services: 68.7% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 55.5% (2017 est.) government consumption: 19.6% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 17.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -16.8% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: rice, milk, sugar beet, vegetables, eggs, poultry, potatoes, cabbages, onions, pork Industries: among world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods Industrial production growth rate: 1.4% (2017 est.) Labor force: 66.54 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2.9% industry: 26.2% services: 70.9% (February 2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.36% (2019 est.) 2.44% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 4.6% male: 5% female: 4.2% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 16.1% (2013 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 32.9 (2013 est.) 24.9 (1993) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7% highest 10%: 24.8% (2008) Budget: revenues: 1.714 trillion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.885 trillion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 237.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 235.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 35.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: $185.644 billion (2019 est.) $177.08 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $793.32 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $904.63 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $929.83 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 19%, China 18%, South Korea 6%, Taiwan 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars and vehicle parts, integrated circuits, personal appliances, ships (2019) Imports: $799.52 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $913.25 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $928.42 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: China 23%, United States 11%, Australia 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, natural gas, coal, integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $1.264 trillion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.233 trillion (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $4,254,271,000,000 (2019 est.) $3,944,898,000,000 (2018 est.) Exchange rates: yen (JPY) per US dollar - 104.205 (2020 est.) 108.605 (2019 est.) 112.7 (2018 est.) 121.02 (2014 est.) 97.44 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 348.666 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 903,698,740,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 44.094 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 73.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 4.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 8.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 10% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 29.84 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 210.882 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 3.201 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 174.486 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 350 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 10,200 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 3,739,300 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 3,012,800 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 44.1 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 3.467 million bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 370,900 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 1.1 million bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 1,928,431,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 102,108,738,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 28,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 105,255,103,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 20.898 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 1,103,234,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 439.243 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 444.271 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 219.72 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 147.107 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 61,978,594 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 195,054,893 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 154 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Japan has one of the best developed telecom markets globally, the fixed-line segment remains stagnant and the focus for growth is in the mobile sector; the MNOs have shifted their investment from LTE to 5G, and growth in 5G showed early promise although there have been recent setbacks; these have partly been attributed to the economic difficulties, the impact of restrictions imposed during the pandemic, and unfavourable investment climate (not helped by the delay of the Tokyo Olympics from 2020 to 2021), and to restrictions in the supply of 5G-enabled devices; the fixed broadband market is dominated by fiber, with a strong cable platform also evident; fiber will continue to increase its share of the fixed broadband market, largely at the expense of DSL; the mobile market is dominated by three MNOs (NTT DoCoMo, KDDI, and SoftBank Mobile), while Rakuten Mobile also has a presence; the company is building out its network, and while it is focused of providing 5G services in the major metro areas it relies on roaming agreements to offer services elsewhere; mobile broadband subscriber growth is expected to be relatively low over the next five years, partly due to the high existing subscriptions though growth has been stimulated by measures which have encouraged people to school and work from home; there has also been a boost in accessing entertainment via mobile devices since 2020; NTT DoCoMo becomes wholly owned by NTT Corp, plans to provide 55% population coverage with 5G by March 2022 and nationwide 5G coverage by 2023 (2021) domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of every kind; 49 per 100 for fixed-line and 152 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables with landing points for HSCS, JIH, RJCN, APCN-2, JUS, EAC-C2C, PC-1, Tata TGN-Pacific, FLAG North Asia Loop/REACH North Asia Loop, APCN-2, FASTER, SJC, SJC2, Unity/EAC-Pacific, JGA-N, APG, ASE, AJC, JUPITER, MOC, Okinawa Cellular Cable, KJCN, GOKI, KJCN, and SeaMeWE-3, submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and US; satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 2 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio stations; 6 national terrestrial TV networks including 1 public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable services provide access to international channels (2019) Internet country code: .jp Internet users: total: 113,252,419 (2020 est.) percent of population: 90% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 44,000,791 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 22 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 673 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 126,387,527 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 9,420,660,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: JA Airports: total: 175 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 142 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 45 1,524 to 2,437 m: 38 914 to 1,523 m: 28 under 914 m: 25 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 33 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 28 (2021) Heliports: 16 (2021) Pipelines: 4,456 km gas, 174 km oil, 104 km oil/gas/water (2013) Railways: total: 27,311 km (2015) standard gauge: 4,800 km (2015) 1.435-m gauge (4,800 km electrified) narrow gauge: 124 km (2015) 1.372-m gauge (124 km electrified) dual gauge: 132 km (2015) 1.435-1.067-m gauge (132 km electrified) 22,207 km 1.067-mm gauge (15,430 km electrified) 48 km 0.762-m gauge (48 km electrified) Roadways: total: 1,218,772 km (2015) paved: 992,835 km (2015) (includes 8,428 km of expressways) unpaved: 225,937 km (2015) Waterways: 1,770 km (2010) (seagoing vessels use inland seas) Merchant marine: total: 5,201 by type: bulk carrier 148, container ship 45, general cargo 1,900, oil tanker 666, other 2,442 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Chiba, Kawasaki, Kobe, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Tomakomai, Yokohama container port(s) (TEUs): Kobe (2,871,642), Nagoya (2,844,004), Osaka (2,456,028), Tokyo (4,510,000), Yokohama (2,990,000) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Chita, Fukwoke, Futtsu, Hachinone, Hakodate, Hatsukaichi, Higashi Ohgishima, Higashi Niigata, Himeiji, Joetsu, Kagoshima, Kawagoe, Kita Kyushu, Mizushima, Nagasaki, Naoetsu, Negishi, Ohgishima, Oita, Sakai, Sakaide, Senboku, Shimizu, Shin Minato, Sodegaura, Tobata, Yanai, Yokkaichi Okinawa - Nakagusuku Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF): Ground Self-Defense Force (Rikujou Jieitai, GSDF; includes aviation), Maritime Self-Defense Force (Kaijou Jieitai, MSDF; includes naval aviation), Air Self-Defense Force (Koukuu Jieitai, ASDF); Japan Coast Guard (Ministry of Land, Transport, Infrastructure and Tourism) (2022) Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1% of GDP (2020) 0.9% of GDP (2019) (approximately $53.4 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2018) (approximately $53.5 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2017) (approximately $52.6 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 244,000 active personnel (150,000 Ground; 45,000 Maritime; 45,000 Air; 4,000 Joint Forces); 14,000 Coast Guard (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the JSDF is equipped with a mix of imported and domestically-produced equipment; Japan has a robust defense industry and is capable of producing a wide range of air, ground, and naval weapons systems; the majority of its weapons imports are from the US and some domestically-produced weapons are US-origin and manufactured under license (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (maximum enlistment age 32); no conscription (2021) note: as of 2020, women made up about 7% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: approximately 180 Djibouti (2022) Military - note: Japan was disarmed after its defeat in World War II; shortly after the Korean War began in 1950, US occupation forces in Japan created a 75,000-member lightly armed force called the National Police Reserve; the current Self Defense Force was founded in 1954 in addition to having one of the region’s largest and best equipped militaries, Japan’s alliance with the US (signed in 1951) is one of the cornerstones of the country’s security, as well as a large part of the US security role in Asia; as of 2022, approximately 55,000 US troops and other military assets, including aircraft and naval ships, were stationed in Japan and had exclusive use of more than 80 bases and facilities; in exchange for their use, the US guarantees Japan’s security; the Japanese Government provides about $2 billion per year to offset the cost of stationing US forces in Japan; in addition, it pays compensation to localities hosting US troops, rent for bases, and costs for new facilities to support the US presence Japan has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US; MNNA is a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; while MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Japan-China-Taiwan: the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Tai) are also claimed by China and Taiwan; Senkaku-shoto is situated near key shipping lanes, rich fishing grounds, and possibly significant oil and natural gas reserves Japan-Russia: the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities Japan-South Korea: Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) occupied by South Korea since 1954Japan-China-Taiwan: the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Tai) are also claimed by China and Taiwan; Senkaku-shoto is situated near key shipping lanes, rich fishing grounds, and possibly significant oil and natural gas reservesJapan-Russia: the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kuril Islands," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilitiesJapan-South Korea: Japan and South Korea claim Liancourt Rocks (Take-shima/Tok-do) occupied by South Korea since 1954 Refugees and internally displaced persons: stateless persons: 707 (mid-year 2021)
20220901
countries-bermuda-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Bermuda. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required. US Embassy/Consulate: (441) 295-1342; US Consulate in Hamilton, 16 Middle Road Devonshire, DV 03, Bermuda; https://bm.usconsulate.gov/; HamiltonConsulate@state.gov Telephone Code: 441 Local Emergency Phone: 911 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Currency (Code): Bermudian dollars (BMD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B (US plug) Major Languages: English, Portuguese Major Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholic , Jehovah's Witness, other Christian, Muslim Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March, ends first Sunday in November Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Visitors are not allowed to drive. Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Horseshoe Bay Beach; Hamilton; Saint George's (includes Saint Peter's Church and Island Fortifications); Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo; Royal Naval Dockyard; National Museum of Bermuda; Gibb's Hill Lighthouse Major Sports: Cricket, soccer, rugby, squash Cultural Practices: Bermudans tend to dress up when dining out. Tipping Guidelines: If a service charge has not already been included at the restaurant, a tip of 17% of the bill is normal. Your hotel bill should reflect a 10% service charge for baggage handling and maid service. Souvenirs: Bermuda shorts, handmade cedar furniture and decorative items, costumed dolls, luxury items, rum, perfume Traditional Cuisine: Bermuda fish chowder — fish stock, fish, vegetables, and bacon fat served with spices or black rum and sherry peppersPlease 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-antigua-and-barbuda
Topic: Photos of Antigua and Barbuda Topic: Introduction Background: The 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, to provide labor on 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 of the structures on Barbuda were destroyed and the vegetation stripped, but Antigua was spared the worst.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico Geographic coordinates: 17 03 N, 61 48 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) land: 443 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km Area - comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 153 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas Elevation: highest point: Mount Obama 402 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Natural resources: NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism Land use: agricultural land: 20.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9% (2018 est.) forest: 18.8% (2018 est.) other: 60.8% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1.3 sq km (2012) Population distribution: the island of Antigua is home to approximately 97% of the population; nearly the entire population of Barbuda lives in Codrington Natural hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts Geography - note: Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor Map description: Antigua and Barbuda map showing the two islands situated in the Caribbean Sea.Antigua and Barbuda map showing the two islands situated in the Caribbean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 100,335 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan Ethnic groups: African descent 87.3%, mixed 4.7%, Hispanic 2.7%, White 1.6%, other 2.7%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic group Languages: English (official), Antiguan creole Religions: Protestant 68.3% (Anglican 17.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.4%, Pentecostal 12.2%, Moravian 8.3%, Methodist 5.6%, Wesleyan Holiness 4.5%, Church of God 4.1%, Baptist 3.6%), Roman Catholic 8.2%, other 12.2%, unspecified 5.5%, none 5.9% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 45.3 youth dependency ratio: 31.8 elderly dependency ratio: 13.6 potential support ratio: 7.4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 32.7 years male: 30.7 years female: 34.4 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.15% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 15.16 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.65 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 2.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the island of Antigua is home to approximately 97% of the population; nearly the entire population of Barbuda lives in Codrington Urbanization: urban population: 24.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 21,000 SAINT JOHN'S (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.85 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.8 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 14.3 deaths/1,000 live births male: 17.27 deaths/1,000 live births female: 11.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.8 years male: 75.63 years female: 80.08 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.95 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 96.7% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 3.2% of population (2017 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4.4% (2019) Physicians density: 2.76 physicians/1,000 population (2017) Hospital bed density: 2.9 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: total: 91.7% of population unimproved: total: 8.1% of population (2017 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.1% (2018 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: (2018) <1,000 HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2018) <100 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 18.9% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 3.3% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling total population: 99% male: 98.4% female: 99.4% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 14 years female: 16 years (2012) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: water management - a major concern because of limited natural freshwater resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly 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, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation Land use: agricultural land: 20.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9% (2018 est.) forest: 18.8% (2018 est.) other: 60.8% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 24.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 30,585 tons (2012 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 7.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 2.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 52 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda etymology: "antiguo" is Spanish for "ancient" or "old"; the island was discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and, according to tradition, named by him after the church of Santa Maria la Antigua (Old Saint Mary's) in Seville; "barbuda" is Spanish for "bearded" and the adjective may refer to the alleged beards of the indigenous people or to the island's bearded fig trees Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm Capital: name: Saint John's geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named after Saint John the Apostle Administrative divisions: 6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip Independence: 1 November 1981 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 November (1981) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: common law based on the English model International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Rodney WILLIAMS (since 14 August 2014) head of government: Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE (since 13 June 2014) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor general Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament consists of: Senate (17 seats; members appointed by the governor general) House of Representatives (18 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last appointed on 26 March 2018 (next NA) House of Representatives - last held on 21 March 2018 (next to be held in March 2023) election results: Senate -  composition - men 8, women 9, percent of women 52.9% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - ABLP 59.4%, UPP 37.2%, BPM 1.4%, other 1.9% ; seats by party - ABLP 15, UPP 1, BPM 1; composition - men 16, women 2, percent of women 11.1%; note - total Parliament percent of women 31.4% 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, travelling to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; High Court judges reside in the member states, with 2 assigned to Antigua and Barbuda 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; 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: Industrial Court; Magistrates' Courts Political parties and leaders: Antigua Labor Party or ABLP [Gaston BROWNE] Antigua Barbuda True Labor Party or ABTLP [Sharlene SAMUEL] Barbuda People's Movement or BPM [Trevor WALKER] Democratic National Alliance or DNA [Joanne MASSIAH] Go Green for Life [Owen GEORGE] United Progressive Party or UPP [Harold LOVELL] (a merger of Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement, Progressive Labor Movement, and United National Democratic Party) International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Ronald SANDERS (since 17 September 2015) chancery: 3234 Prospect Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 email address and website: embantbar@aol.com consulate(s) general: Miami, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda; [1] (246) 227-4000 Flag description: red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era, black represents the African heritage of most of the population, blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V" stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand National symbol(s): fallow deer; national colors: red, white, blue, black, yellow National anthem: name: Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee lyrics/music: Novelle Hamilton RICHARDS/Walter Garnet Picart CHAMBERS note: adopted 1967; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, "God Save the Queen" serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom) National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Antigua Naval Dockyard  Topic: Economy Economic overview: Tourism continues to dominate Antigua and Barbuda's economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components.   Like other countries in the region, Antigua's economy was severely hit by effects of the global economic recession in 2009. The country suffered from the collapse of its largest private sector employer, a steep decline in tourism, a rise in debt, and a sharp economic contraction between 2009 and 2011. Antigua has not yet returned to its pre-crisis growth levels. Barbuda suffered significant damages after hurricanes Irma and Maria passed through the Caribbean in 2017.   Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US, Canada, and Europe and could be disrupted by potential damage from natural disasters. The new government, elected in 2014 and led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, continues to face significant fiscal challenges. The government places some hope in a new Citizenship by Investment Program, to both reduce public debt levels and spur growth, and a resolution of a WTO dispute with the US.Tourism continues to dominate Antigua and Barbuda's economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Like other countries in the region, Antigua's economy was severely hit by effects of the global economic recession in 2009. The country suffered from the collapse of its largest private sector employer, a steep decline in tourism, a rise in debt, and a sharp economic contraction between 2009 and 2011. Antigua has not yet returned to its pre-crisis growth levels. Barbuda suffered significant damages after hurricanes Irma and Maria passed through the Caribbean in 2017. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US, Canada, and Europe and could be disrupted by potential damage from natural disasters. The new government, elected in 2014 and led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, continues to face significant fiscal challenges. The government places some hope in a new Citizenship by Investment Program, to both reduce public debt levels and spur growth, and a resolution of a WTO dispute with the US. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.76 billion (2020 est.) $2.09 billion (2019 est.) $2.02 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2.8% (2017 est.) 5.3% (2016 est.) 4.1% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $18,000 (2020 est.) $21,500 (2019 est.) $21,000 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1.524 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (2017 est.) -0.5% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.8% (2017 est.) industry: 20.8% (2017 est.) services: 77.3% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: tropical fruit, milk, mangoes/guavas, melons, tomatoes, pineapples, lemons, limes, eggplants, onions Industries: tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) Industrial production growth rate: 6.8% (2017 est.) Labor force: 30,000 (1991) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 7% industry: 11% services: 82% (1983 est.) Unemployment rate: 11% (2014 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 298.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 334 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.4% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 86.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 86.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 19.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: -$112 million (2017 est.) $2 million (2016 est.) Exports: $1.15 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $56.5 million (2016 est.) Exports - partners: Poland 37%, Suriname 33%, United Arab Emirates 8% (2019) Exports - commodities: ships, refined petroleum, precious/semi-precious metal scraps, rice, corn (2019) Imports: $1.12 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $503.4 million (2016 est.) Imports - partners: United States 39%, Poland 16%, China 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, ships, cars, precious/semi-precious metals, recreational boats (2019) Debt - external: $441.2 million (31 December 2012) $458 million (June 2010) 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: 117,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 278 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 65 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 95.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 91 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 5,065 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: 729,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 729,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 107.154 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 27,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 28 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 184,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 188 (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 teledensity roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is about 193 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-268; landing points for the ECFS and Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cable systems with links to other islands in the eastern Caribbean; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) Broadcast media: state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS) operates 1 TV station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; ABS operates 1 radio station; roughly 15 radio stations, some broadcasting on multiple frequencies Internet country code: .ag Internet users: total: 73,807 (2019 est.) percent of population: 76% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 8,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 10 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 580,174 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 290,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: V2 Airports: total: 3 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 1,170 km (2011) paved: 386 km (2011) unpaved: 784 km (2011) Merchant marine: total: 677 by type: bulk carrier 24, container ship 123, general cargo 473, oil tanker 2, other 55 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Saint John's Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF): Coast Guard and the Antigua and Barbuda Regiment (2022) Military expenditures: not available Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 200 active military personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the ABDF's equipment inventory is limited to small arms, light weapons, and soft-skin vehicles; the Coast Guard maintains ex-US patrol vessels and some smaller boats (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18-23 years of age for voluntary military service for both males and females; no conscription (2022) Military - note: has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified 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-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
field-major-watersheds-area-sq-km
This entry lists the major watersheds or catchment areas of major rivers in a country in terms of their area in sq km. Most of the watersheds listed have an area of at least 500,000 sq km, although some smaller but significant watersheds are also included.  Most watersheds ultimately drain to some portion of the World Ocean. However, some watersheds, known as endorheic basins, drain internally with no external flow to the ocean. An example of an endorheic basin is the Caspian Sea, the World’s largest lake. Given the size of the largest watersheds, they frequently occur across more than one country. Topic: AfghanistanIndian Ocean drainage: Indus (1,081,718 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Amu Darya (534,739 sq km); Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km) Topic: AlbaniaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: AlgeriaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Topic: AngolaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km) Topic: ArgentinaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Paraná (2,582,704 sq km) Topic: AustraliaIndian Ocean drainage: (Great Australian Bight) Murray-Darling (1,050,116 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Eyre (1,212,198 sq km) Topic: AustriaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: BangladeshIndian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km) Topic: BelarusAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Topic: BelgiumAtlantic Ocean drainage: Seine 78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Topic: BeninAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Topic: BoliviaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km) Topic: Bosnia and HerzegovinaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: BotswanaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km) Topic: BrazilAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km), Paraná (2,582,704 sq km), São Francisco (617,814 sq km), Tocantins (764,213 sq km) Topic: BulgariaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: Burkina FasoAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Topic: BurmaIndian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km), Irrawaddy (413,710 sq km), Salween (271,914 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km) Topic: BurundiAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Topic: CambodiaPacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km) Topic: CameroonAtlantic 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) Topic: CanadaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Mississippi* (Gulf of Mexico) (3,202,185 sq km, Canada only 32,000 sq km), Nelson (Hudson Bay) (1,093,141 sq km), Saint Lawrence* (1,049,636 sq km, Canada only 839,200 sq km) Arctic Ocean drainage: Mackenzie (1,706,388 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Yukon* (847,620 sq km, Canada only 823,800 sq km), Columbia* (657,501 sq km, Canada only 103,000 sq km) note - watersheds shared with the US shown with * Topic: Central African RepublicAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Topic: ChadAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Topic: ChinaPacific Ocean drainage: Amur (1,929,955 sq km), Huang He (944,970 sq km), Mekong (805,604 sq km), Yangtze (1,722,193 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km), Indus (1,081,718 sq km), Irrawaddy (413,710 sq km), Salween (271,914 sq km) Arctic Ocean drainage: Ob (2,972,493 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) Topic: ColombiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Topic: Congo, Republic of theAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Topic: Cote d'IvoireAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Topic: CroatiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: CzechiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: EcuadorAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km) Topic: EgyptAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Topic: EthiopiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Topic: FranceAtlantic Ocean drainage: Loire (115,282 sq km), Seine 78,919 sq km), Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km) Topic: GabonAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Topic: GermanyAtlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: GhanaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Volta (410,991 sq km) Topic: GuineaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km) Topic: GuyanaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km) Topic: HungaryAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: IndiaIndian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km), Indus (1,081,718 sq km), Irrawaddy (413,710 sq km) Topic: IranIndian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Topic: IraqIndian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Topic: ItalyAtlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km) Topic: JordanIndian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Topic: KazakhstanInternal (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) Topic: KenyaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Topic: KosovoAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: KuwaitIndian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Topic: KyrgyzstanInternal (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) Topic: LaosPacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km) Topic: LesothoAtlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Topic: LibyaInternal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Topic: LiechtensteinAtlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Topic: LuxembourgAtlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Topic: MalawiAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Topic: MaliAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Topic: MauritaniaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km) Topic: MexicoAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Gulf of Mexico) Rio Grande/Bravo (607,965 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: (Gulf of California) Colorado (703,148 sq km) Topic: MoldovaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: MontenegroAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: MozambiqueIndian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Topic: NamibiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km) Topic: NepalIndian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km), Indus (1,081,718 sq km) Topic: NetherlandsAtlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km) Topic: NigerAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Topic: NigeriaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Topic: North MacedoniaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: PakistanIndian Ocean drainage: Indus (1,081,718 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Tarim Basin (1,152,448 sq km), (Aral Sea basin) Amu Darya (534,739 sq km) Topic: ParaguayAtlantic Ocean drainage: Paraná (2,582,704 sq km) Topic: PeruAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km) Topic: PolandAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: RomaniaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: RussiaArctic Ocean drainage: Kolyma (679,934 sq km), Lena (2,306,743 sq km), Ob (2,972,493 sq km), Pechora (289,532 sq km), Yenisei (2,554,388 sq km) Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Don (458,694 sq km), Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Amur (1,929,955 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: (Caspian Sea basin) Volga (1,410,951 sq km) Topic: RwandaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Topic: Saudi ArabiaIndian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Topic: SenegalAtlantic Ocean drainage: Senegal (456,397 sq km) Topic: SerbiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: Sierra LeoneAtlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km) Topic: SlovakiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: SloveniaAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: South AfricaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Orange (941,351 sq km) Topic: South SudanAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Topic: SudanAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km) Topic: SurinameAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km) Topic: SwitzerlandAtlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km) Topic: SyriaIndian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Topic: TajikistanInternal (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) Topic: TanzaniaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Topic: ThailandIndian Ocean drainage: Salween (271,914 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km) Topic: TogoAtlantic Ocean drainage: Volta (410,991 sq km) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)Indian Ocean drainage: (Persian Gulf) Tigris and Euphrates (918,044 sq km) Topic: TurkmenistanInternal (endorheic basin) drainage: (Aral Sea basin) Amu Darya (534,739 sq km) Topic: UgandaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km) Topic: UkraineAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), Don (458,694 sq km), Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Topic: United StatesAtlantic Ocean drainage: (Gulf of Mexico) Mississippi* (3,202,185 sq km); Rio Grande (607,965 sq km); (Gulf of Saint Lawrence) Saint Lawrence* (1,049,636 sq km total, US only 505,000 sq km) Pacific Ocean drainage: Yukon* (847,620 sq km, US only 23,820 sq km); Colorado (703,148 sq km); Columbia* (657,501 sq km, US only 554,501 sq km) note - watersheds shared with Canada shown with * Topic: UzbekistanInternal (endorheic basin) drainage: (Aral Sea basin) Amu Darya (534,739 sq km), Syr Darya (782,617 sq km) Topic: VenezuelaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km), Orinoco (953,675 sq km) Topic: VietnamPacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km) Topic: Worldsummary statement: a watershed is a drainage basin on an area of land where precipitation collects and drains off into a common outlet, such as into a river, bay, or other body of water; oceans ultimately take in the drainage from 83% of all land area; the remaining 17% of the land drains into internal (endorheic) basins, e.g., the Caspian Sea; The World Factbook lists 51 different watersheds across 102 countries; of these, 18 are in Asia, 9 in Europe, 9 in Africa, 8 in North and Central America, 5 in South America, and 2 in Australia; all watersheds with an area of at least 500,000 sq km have been included along with a number of smaller, regionally significant watersheds; together, these watersheds represent the surface hydrology water flows that are the World's primary sources of fresh water for individual consumption, industry, and agriculture Topic: ZambiaAtlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Topic: ZimbabweIndian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km)
20220901
field-military-expenditures-country-comparison
20220901
countries-guinea
Topic: Photos of Guinea Topic: Introduction Background: 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 22 January 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 22 January 2022. The 81-member CNT is led by Dr. Dansa KOUROUMA and consists of appointed members representing a broad swath of Guinean society.  Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone Geographic coordinates: 11 00 N, 10 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 245,857 sq km land: 245,717 sq km water: 140 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Oregon; slightly larger than twice the size of Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 320 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Terrain: generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior Elevation: highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 472 m Natural resources: bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt Land use: agricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 43.5% (2018 est.) forest: 26.5% (2018 est.) other: 15.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 950 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Niger 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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km) Population distribution: areas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season Geography - note: the Niger and its important tributary the Milo River have their sources in the Guinean highlands Map description: Guinea map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean.Guinea map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 13,237,832 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Guinean(s) adjective: Guinean Ethnic groups: Fulani (Peuhl) 33.4%, Malinke 29.4%, Susu 21.2%, Guerze 7.8%, Kissi 6.2%, Toma 1.6%, other/foreign 0.4% (2018 est.) Languages: French (official), Pular, Maninka, Susu, other native languages note: about 40 languages are spoken; each ethnic group has its own language Religions: Muslim 89.1%, Christian 6.8%, animist 1.6%, other 0.1%, none 2.4% (2014 est.) Demographic profile: Guinea’s strong population growth is a result of declining mortality rates and sustained elevated fertility. The population growth rate was somewhat tempered in the 2000s because of a period of net outmigration. Although life expectancy and mortality rates have improved over the last two decades, the nearly universal practice of female genital cutting continues to contribute to high infant and maternal mortality rates. Guinea’s total fertility remains high at about 5 children per woman because of the ongoing preference for larger families, low contraceptive usage and availability, a lack of educational attainment and empowerment among women, and poverty. A lack of literacy and vocational training programs limit job prospects for youths, but even those with university degrees often have no option but to work in the informal sector. About 60% of the country’s large youth population is unemployed.Tensions and refugees have spilled over Guinea’s borders with Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. During the 1990s Guinea harbored as many as half a million refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia, more refugees than any other African country for much of that decade. About half sought refuge in the volatile "Parrot’s Beak" region of southwest Guinea, a wedge of land jutting into Sierra Leone near the Liberian border. Many were relocated within Guinea in the early 2000s because the area suffered repeated cross-border attacks from various government and rebel forces, as well as anti-refugee violence.Guinea’s strong population growth is a result of declining mortality rates and sustained elevated fertility. The population growth rate was somewhat tempered in the 2000s because of a period of net outmigration. Although life expectancy and mortality rates have improved over the last two decades, the nearly universal practice of female genital cutting continues to contribute to high infant and maternal mortality rates. Guinea’s total fertility remains high at about 5 children per woman because of the ongoing preference for larger families, low contraceptive usage and availability, a lack of educational attainment and empowerment among women, and poverty. A lack of literacy and vocational training programs limit job prospects for youths, but even those with university degrees often have no option but to work in the informal sector. About 60% of the country’s large youth population is unemployed.Tensions and refugees have spilled over Guinea’s borders with Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. During the 1990s Guinea harbored as many as half a million refugees from Sierra Leone and Liberia, more refugees than any other African country for much of that decade. About half sought refuge in the volatile "Parrot’s Beak" region of southwest Guinea, a wedge of land jutting into Sierra Leone near the Liberian border. Many were relocated within Guinea in the early 2000s because the area suffered repeated cross-border attacks from various government and rebel forces, as well as anti-refugee violence. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 85.2 youth dependency ratio: 79.7 elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 potential support ratio: 18.3 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 19.1 years male: 18.9 years female: 19.4 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.76% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 35.67 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.12 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: areas of highest density are in the west and south; interior is sparsely populated as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 37.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 2.049 million CONAKRY (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.9 years (2018 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 20-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 576 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 49.63 deaths/1,000 live births male: 54.39 deaths/1,000 live births female: 44.74 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.9 years male: 62.04 years female: 65.82 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.85 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 10.9% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.5% of population rural: 76.9% of population total: 85.2% of population unimproved: urban: 0.5% of population rural: 23.1% of population total: 14.8% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 4% (2019) Physicians density: 0.23 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 0.3 beds/1,000 population (2011) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.4% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 110,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,300 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies aerosolized dust or soil contact diseases: Lassa fever (2016) note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea 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: 7.7% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 16.3% (2018) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 17% women married by age 18: 46.5% men married by age 18: 1.9% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 39.6% male: 54.4% female: 27.7% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 9 years male: 10 years female: 8 years (2014) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 7.1% male: 6.1% female: 7.9% (2019 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; inadequate potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices lead to environmental damage; water pollution; improper waste disposal Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 22.43 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 3 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 11.13 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Land use: agricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 43.5% (2018 est.) forest: 26.5% (2018 est.) other: 15.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 37.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 4.81% 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 typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies aerosolized dust or soil contact diseases: Lassa fever (2016) note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea 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 reduced incomes - about 740,000 people are projected to face severe food insecurity in the upcoming June to August 2022 period (2022) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 596,911 tons (1996 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 29,846 tons (2005 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5% (2005 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Niger 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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 224.8 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 56.2 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 292.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 226 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea conventional short form: Guinea local long form: Republique de Guinee local short form: Guinee former: French Guinea etymology: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Conakry geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 13 42 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: according to tradition, the name derives from the fusion of the name "Cona," a Baga wine and cheese producer who lived on Tombo Island (the original site of the present-day capital), and the word "nakiri," which in Susu means "the other bank" or "the other side"; supposedly, Baga's palm grove produced the best wine on the island and people traveling to sample his vintage, would say: "I am going to Cona, on the other bank (Cona-nakiri)," which over time became Conakry Administrative divisions: 7 regions administrative (administrative regions) and 1 gouvenorat (governorate)*; Boke, Conakry*, Faranah, Kankan, Kindia, Labe, Mamou, N'Zerekore Independence: 2 October 1958 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 2 October (1958) Constitution: history: previous 1958, 1990; latest 2010, which was suspended on 5 September 2021 via a coup d’etat; on 27 September, the Transitional Charter was released, which supersedes the constitution until a new constitution is promulgated 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 Legal system: civil law system based on the French 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 of Guinea dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: na Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA (since 1 October 2021); note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and People's National Assembly dissolved; on 1 October 2021, DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president head of government: formerly, Prime Minister Mohamed BEAVOGUI (since 6 October 2021); note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government of Prime Minister Ibrahima Kassory FOFANA dissolved cabinet: formerly, the Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note: on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and legislature dissolved elections/appointments: formerly, the president was directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) and the prime minister appointed by the president; election last held on 18 October 2020; note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, and on 1 October 2021,Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president election results: in the election of 18 October 2020, Alpha CONDE reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Alpha CONDE (RPG) 59.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO (UFDG) 33.5%, other 7%; note - following the military coup of 5 September 2021, coup leader Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA was sworn in as transitional president on 1 October 2021 (2020) Legislative branch: description: formerly the People's National Assembly;  note - on 5 September 2021, Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA led a military coup in which President CONDE was arrested and detained, the constitution suspended, and the government and People's National Assembly dissolved; on 22 January 2022, an 81-member Transitional National Council was installed elections: 81 members to the Transitional National Council were appointed by the transitional president Col. Mamady DOUMBOUYA on 22 January 2022; elections for a permanent legislature had not been announced as of late January 2022 election results: 81 members of the National Transitional Council appointed on 22 January 2022 by the transitional president; the members represent all of the country's socio-professional organizations and political parties Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Administrative Chamber and Civil, Penal, and Social Chamber; court consists of the first president, 2 chamber presidents, 10 councilors, the solicitor general, and NA deputies); Constitutional Court - suspended on 5 September 2021 judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court first president appointed by the national president after consultation with the National Assembly; other members appointed by presidential decree; members serve 9-year terms until age 65 subordinate courts: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; High Court of Justice or Cour d'Assises; Court of Account (Court of Auditors); Courts of First Instance (Tribunal de Premiere Instance); labor court; military tribunal; justices of the peace; specialized courts Political parties and leaders: Bloc Liberal or BL [Faya MILLIMONO] National Party for Hope and Development or PEDN [Lansana KOUYATE] Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Vacant] Union for the Progress of Guinea or UPG (Jacques GBONIMY) Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO] Union of Republican Forces or UFR [Sidya TOURE] Democratic Alliance for Renewal or ADR [Alpha Oumar Taran DIALLO] Modern Guinea [Thierno Yaya DIALLO] Party for Progress and Change or PPC [Aboubacar Biro SOUMAH] Rally for the Republic or RPR [Diabaty DORE] Democratic Union for Renewal and Progress or UDRP [Edouard Zoutomou KPOGHOMOU] Guinean Union for Democracy and Development or UGDD [Francis HABA] National Union for Prosperity or UNP [Alpha Mady SOUMAH] Citizen Party for the Defense of Collective Interests or PCDIC [Hamidou BARRY] Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG [Mamadou SYLLA] Union of Democrats for the Renaissance of Guinea or UDRG [Amadou Oury BAH] Party of Citizen Action through Labor or PACT [Makale TRAORE] Union for the Defense of Republican Interests or UDIR [Bouya KONATE] Front for the National Alliance or FAN [Makale CAMARA] Alliance for National Renewal or ARN [Pepe Koulemou KOULEMOU] Democratic Workers' Party of Guinea or PDTG [Talibi Dos CAMARA] Party of Freedom and Progress or PLP [Laye Souleymane DIALLO] Movement for Solidarity and Development or MSD [Abdoulaye DIALLO] New Guinea or NG [Mohamed CISSE] Guinean Party for Peaceful Coexistence and Development or PGCD [Nene Moussa Maleya CAMARA] Guinean Rally for Unity and Development or RGUD [Abraham BOURE] Guinean Party for Solidarity and Democracy or PGSD [Elie KAMANO] New Political Generation or NGP [Badra KONE] African Congress for Democracy and Renewal or CADRE [Daniel KOLIE] Party of Democrats for Hope or PADES [Ousmane KABA] Rally for Renaissance and Development or RRD [Abdoulaye KOUROUMA] Democratic National Movement or MND [Ousmane DORE] New Generation for the Republic or NGR [Abbe SYLLA] Generation for Reconciliation Union and Prosperity or GRUP [Papa Koly KOUROUMA] New Democratic Forces or NFD [Mouctar DIALLO] Union for Progress and Renewal or UPR [Ousmane BAH] National Front for Development or FND [Alhousseine Makanera KAKE] Unity and Progress Party or PUP [Fode BANGOURA] Rally for the Integrated Development of Guinea or RDIG [Jean Marc TELIANO] Alliance for National Renewal or ARENA [Sekou Koureissy CONDE Guinean Rally for Development or RGD [Abdoul Kabele CAMARA] Guinean Renaissance Party or PGR [Ibrahima Sory CONDE] Party of Hope for National Development or PEDN [Lansana KOUYATE] Citizen Generation or GECI [Mohamed SOUMAH] Union of Democratic Forces or UFD [Mamadou Baadiko BAH] Democratic People's Movement of Guinea or MPDG [Siaka BARRY] Guinea for Democracy and Balance or GDE [Aboubacar SOUMAH] Ruling party Guinea is currently lead by the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, the transition government (Comité national du rassemblement et du développement, CNRD) Opposition parties Ruling party Guinea is currently lead by the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, the transition government (Comité national du rassemblement et du développement, CNRD): Opposition parties : International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kerfalla YANSANE (since 24 January 2018)   chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300 FAX: [1] (202) 986-3800 email address and website: http://guineaembassyusa.org/en/welcome-to-the-embassy-of-guinea-washington-usa/  Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Troy FITRELL (since January 2022)  embassy: Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry mailing address: 2110 Conakry Place, Washington DC  20521-2110 telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00 FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97 email address and website: ConakryACS@state.gov https://gn.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal National symbol(s): elephant; national colors: red, yellow, green National anthem: name: "Liberte" (Liberty) lyrics/music: unknown/Fodeba KEITA note: adopted 1958 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve Topic: Economy Economic overview: Guinea is a poor country of approximately 12.9 million people in 2016 that possesses the world's largest reserves of bauxite and largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, as well as gold and diamonds. In addition, Guinea has fertile soil, ample rainfall, and is the source of several West African rivers, including the Senegal, Niger, and Gambia. Guinea's hydro potential is enormous and the country could be a major exporter of electricity. The country also has tremendous agriculture potential. Gold, bauxite, and diamonds are Guinea’s main exports. International investors have shown interest in Guinea's unexplored mineral reserves, which have the potential to propel Guinea's future growth.   Following the death of long-term President Lansana CONTE in 2008 and the coup that followed, international donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, significantly curtailed their development programs in Guinea. However, the IMF approved a 3-year Extended Credit Facility arrangement in 2012, following the December 2010 presidential elections. In September 2012, Guinea achieved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries completion point status. Future access to international assistance and investment will depend on the government’s ability to be transparent, combat corruption, reform its banking system, improve its business environment, and build infrastructure. In April 2013, the government amended its mining code to reduce taxes and royalties. In 2014, Guinea complied with requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative by publishing its mining contracts. Guinea completed its program with the IMF in October 2016 even though some targeted reforms have been delayed. Currently Guinea is negotiating a new IMF program which will be based on Guinea’s new five-year economic plan, focusing on the development of higher value-added products, including from the agro-business sector and development of the rural economy.   Political instability, a reintroduction of the Ebola virus epidemic, low international commodity prices, and an enduring legacy of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of government transparency are factors that could impact Guinea’s future growth. Economic recovery will be a long process while the government adjusts to lower inflows of international donor aid following the surge of Ebola-related emergency support. Ebola stalled promising economic growth in the 2014-15 period and impeded several projects, such as offshore oil exploration and the Simandou iron ore project. The economy, however, grew by 6.6% in 2016 and 6.7% in 2017, mainly due to growth from bauxite mining and thermal energy generation as well as the resiliency of the agricultural sector. The 240-megawatt Kaleta Dam, inaugurated in September 2015, has expanded access to electricity for residents of Conakry. An combined with fears of Ebola virus, continue to undermine Guinea's economic viability.   Guinea’s iron ore industry took a hit in 2016 when investors in the Simandou iron ore project announced plans to divest from the project. In 2017, agriculture output and public investment boosted economic growth, while the mining sector continued to play a prominent role in economic performance.   Successive governments have failed to address the country's crumbling infrastructure. Guinea suffers from chronic electricity shortages; poor roads, rail lines and bridges; and a lack of access to clean water - all of which continue to plague economic development. The present government, led by President Alpha CONDE, is working to create an environment to attract foreign investment and hopes to have greater participation from western countries and firms in Guinea's economic development.Guinea is a poor country of approximately 12.9 million people in 2016 that possesses the world's largest reserves of bauxite and largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, as well as gold and diamonds. In addition, Guinea has fertile soil, ample rainfall, and is the source of several West African rivers, including the Senegal, Niger, and Gambia. Guinea's hydro potential is enormous and the country could be a major exporter of electricity. The country also has tremendous agriculture potential. Gold, bauxite, and diamonds are Guinea’s main exports. International investors have shown interest in Guinea's unexplored mineral reserves, which have the potential to propel Guinea's future growth. Following the death of long-term President Lansana CONTE in 2008 and the coup that followed, international donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, significantly curtailed their development programs in Guinea. However, the IMF approved a 3-year Extended Credit Facility arrangement in 2012, following the December 2010 presidential elections. In September 2012, Guinea achieved Heavily Indebted Poor Countries completion point status. Future access to international assistance and investment will depend on the government’s ability to be transparent, combat corruption, reform its banking system, improve its business environment, and build infrastructure. In April 2013, the government amended its mining code to reduce taxes and royalties. In 2014, Guinea complied with requirements of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative by publishing its mining contracts. Guinea completed its program with the IMF in October 2016 even though some targeted reforms have been delayed. Currently Guinea is negotiating a new IMF program which will be based on Guinea’s new five-year economic plan, focusing on the development of higher value-added products, including from the agro-business sector and development of the rural economy. Political instability, a reintroduction of the Ebola virus epidemic, low international commodity prices, and an enduring legacy of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of government transparency are factors that could impact Guinea’s future growth. Economic recovery will be a long process while the government adjusts to lower inflows of international donor aid following the surge of Ebola-related emergency support. Ebola stalled promising economic growth in the 2014-15 period and impeded several projects, such as offshore oil exploration and the Simandou iron ore project. The economy, however, grew by 6.6% in 2016 and 6.7% in 2017, mainly due to growth from bauxite mining and thermal energy generation as well as the resiliency of the agricultural sector. The 240-megawatt Kaleta Dam, inaugurated in September 2015, has expanded access to electricity for residents of Conakry. An combined with fears of Ebola virus, continue to undermine Guinea's economic viability. Guinea’s iron ore industry took a hit in 2016 when investors in the Simandou iron ore project announced plans to divest from the project. In 2017, agriculture output and public investment boosted economic growth, while the mining sector continued to play a prominent role in economic performance. Successive governments have failed to address the country's crumbling infrastructure. Guinea suffers from chronic electricity shortages; poor roads, rail lines and bridges; and a lack of access to clean water - all of which continue to plague economic development. The present government, led by President Alpha CONDE, is working to create an environment to attract foreign investment and hopes to have greater participation from western countries and firms in Guinea's economic development. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $35.08 billion (2020 est.) $32.78 billion (2019 est.) $31.03 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 8.2% (2017 est.) 10.5% (2016 est.) 3.8% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,700 (2020 est.) $2,600 (2019 est.) $2,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $13.55 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.4% (2019 est.) 9.8% (2018 est.) 8.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 19.8% (2017 est.) industry: 32.1% (2017 est.) services: 48.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: rice, cassava, groundnuts, maize, oil palm fruit, fonio, plantains, sugar cane, sweet potatoes, vegetables Industries: bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron ore; light manufacturing, agricultural processing Industrial production growth rate: 11% (2017 est.) Labor force: 5.558 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 76% industry: 24% (2006 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.7% (2017 est.) 2.8% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 7.1% male: 6.1% female: 7.9% (2019 est.) Population below poverty line: 43.7% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 33.7 (2012 est.) 40.3 (1994) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.7% highest 10%: 30.3% (2007) Budget: revenues: 1.7 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 1.748 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 37.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 41.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 16.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$705 million (2017 est.) -$2.705 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $4.04 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $4.733 billion (2017 est.) Exports - partners: United Arab Emirates 39%, China 36%, India 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: aluminum, gold, bauxite, diamonds, fish, cashews (2019) Imports: $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.) Imports - partners: China 39%, India 8%, Netherlands 6%, Belgium 5%, United Arab Emirates 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: rice, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, delivery trucks, cars (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $331.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $383.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $1.458 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $1.462 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar - 9,953 (2020 est.) 9,542.5 (2019 est.) 9,092 (2018 est.) 7,485.5 (2014 est.) 7,014.1 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 46% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 84% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 24% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 992,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1.781 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 280 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 22.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 77.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) 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: 19,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 18,460 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: 2.981 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 2.981 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 4.133 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 0 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2018 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 13.795 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 105 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Guinea’s telecom market is dominated by MTN and Orange; after the entry of these regional players, the number of mobile subscribers grew strongly while revenue also increased steadily; the debt-stricken incumbent fixed-line network Sotelgui provided a mobile service until it was closed down in late 2012, following a long period of mismanagement; the company itself was declared bankrupt in 2013, and stopped operating; the government since 2019 has sought to secure partners and investors to help launch a replacement operator, Guinea Telecom, but with no success; fixed broadband services are still very limited and expensive, though there have been some positive developments in recent years; the landing of the first international submarine cable in 2012, and the setting up of an IXP in mid-2013, increased the bandwidth available to the ISPs, and helped reduce the cost of internet services for end-users; a National Backbone Network was completed in mid-2020, connecting administrative centers across the country; almost all internet connections are made via mobile networks; GSM services account for a dwindling proportion of connections, in line with the greater reach of services based on 3G and LTE. (2022) domestic: there is national coverage and Conakry is reasonably well-served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate but is improving; fixed-line teledensity is less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is just over 100 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 224; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: Government maintains marginal control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; a dozen private television stations; a steadily increasing number of privately owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign TV programming available via satellite and cable subscription services  (2022)Government maintains marginal control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; a dozen private television stations; a steadily increasing number of privately owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign TV programming available via satellite and cable subscription services  Internet country code: .gn Internet users: total: 3,414,526 (2020 est.) percent of population: 26% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.01 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 3X Airports: total: 16 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 2 (2021) Railways: total: 1,086 km (2017) standard gauge: 279 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 807 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge Roadways: total: 44,301 km (2018) paved: 3,346 km (2018) unpaved: 40,955 km (2018) Waterways: 1,300 km (2011) (navigable by shallow-draft native craft in the northern part of the Niger River system) Merchant marine: total: 2 by type: other 2 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Conakry, Kamsar Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: National Armed Forces: Army, Guinean Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee), Presidential Security Battalion (Battailon Autonome de la Sécurité Presidentielle, BASP), Gendarmerie (2022) note: the National Gendarmerie is overseen by the Ministry of Defense, while the National Police is under the Ministry of Security; the Gendarmerie and National Police share responsibility for internal security, but only the Gendarmerie can arrest police or military officials Military expenditures: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $270 million) 1.8% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $280 million) 1.8% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $260 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 12,000 active personnel (9,000 Army; 400 Navy; 800 Air Force; 300 BASP; 1,500 Gendarmerie) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Guinean military consists largely of ageing and outdated (mostly Soviet-era) equipment; since 2010, it has received small amounts of equipment from China, France, Russia, and South Africa (2022) Military service age and obligation: Voluntary and selective conscripted service, 9-24 mos (2022) Military deployments: 670 Mali (MINUSMA) (May 2022) Military - note: the Army is responsible for external defense, but also has some domestic security responsibilities; piracy and natural resource protection in the Gulf of Guinea are key areas of concern for the small Navy, which possesses only a few patrol boats (2022) 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: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa Rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa Rivers excessive and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands, including the hamlet of Yenga, occupied since 1998 Trafficking in persons: current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and, to a lesser extent, a destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the majority of trafficking victims are Guinean children; Guinean girls are subjected to domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation, while boys are forced to beg, work as street vendors, shoe shiners, or miners; some Guinean children are forced to mine in Senegal, Mali, and possibly other West African countries; Guinean women and girls are subjected to domestic servitude and sex trafficking in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal, Greece, and Spain, while Chinese and Vietnamese women are reportedly forced into prostitution in Guinea tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Guinea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however it is making significant efforts to do so; the government  drafted a new anti-trafficking action plan, provided support to eight victims exploited in the Middle East, and incorporated anti-trafficking training into the law enforcement curriculum; however, the government did not overall increase efforts compared to the last rating period; investigations and prosecutions of trafficking crimes decreased, victim identification was inadequate, and NGO’s providing victim services did not receive government support; for the fourth year, resources for the anti-trafficking committee or the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children and Morals were inadequate; a Quranic teacher was not prosecuted for allegedly forcing child begging; Guinea was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020)
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-chad-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Chad due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. 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 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: [235] 2251-5017; US Embassy N’Djamena, B.P. 413, N’Djamena, Chad; https://td.usembassy.gov/; NdjamenaACS@state.gov Telephone Code: 235 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 997; Fire: 998; Police: 999 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical in south, desert in north Currency (Code): Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (Central African CFA franc, XAF) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, E, F Major Languages: French , Arabic, Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects Major Religions: Muslim 52.1%, Protestant 23.9%, Roman Catholic 20%, animist 0.3%, other Christian 0.2% 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: Chad National Museum; Zakouma National Park; Lakes of Ounianga; Ennedi Massif Major Sports: Soccer, boxing, wrestling Cultural Practices: All photography requires a government permit. Taking photos of military sites, official buildings, and airports is strictly prohibited, even with a permit. Tipping Guidelines: Service charges are not usually included in restaurants and tips of 10% for waiters are acceptable. Taxi fares should be rounded up if the service is good.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-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
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-british-indian-ocean-territory
Topic: Photos of British Indian Ocean Territory Topic: Introduction Background: 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 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 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.  Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about halfway between Africa and Indonesia Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 71 30 E;note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 60 sq km land: 60 sq km (44 Diego Garcia) water: 54,340 sq km note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago of 55 islands Area - comparative: land area is about one-third the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm Environment (Protection and Preservation) Zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (most areas do not exceed two m in elevation) Elevation: highest point: ocean-side dunes on Diego Garcia 9 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m Natural resources: coconuts, fish, sugarcane Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Natural hazards: none; located outside routes of Indian Ocean cyclones Geography - note: note 1: archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, the largest and southernmost island, occupies a strategic location in the central Indian Ocean; the island is the site of a joint US-UK military facility note 2: Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island of the BIOT and one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being Gibraltarnote 1: archipelago of 55 islands; Diego Garcia, the largest and southernmost island, occupies a strategic location in the central Indian Ocean; the island is the site of a joint US-UK military facilitynote 2: Diego Garcia is the only inhabited island of the BIOT and one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being Gibraltar Map description: British Indian Ocean Territory map showing the six island groups and the island of Diego Garcia that make up this UK Territory in the Indian Ocean.British Indian Ocean Territory map showing the six island groups and the island of Diego Garcia that make up this UK Territory in the Indian Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: no 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) 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: wastewater discharge into the lagoon on Diego Garcia Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory conventional short form: none abbreviation: BIOT etymology: self-descriptive name specifying the territory's affiliation and location Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London Legal system: the laws of the UK apply where applicable Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Commissioner Ben MERRICK (since August 2017); Administrator Kit PYMAN; note - both reside in the UK and are represented by Commander Steven R. DRYSDALE, RN, commanding British Forces on Diego Garcia (since 19 February 2021) cabinet: NA elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; commissioner and administrator appointed by the monarch International organization participation: UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK) Flag description: white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown (the symbols of the territory) centered on the outer half of the flag; the wavy stripes represent the Indian Ocean; although not officially described, the six blue stripes may stand for the six main atolls of the archipelago Topic: Economy Economic overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where a joint UK-US military facility is located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installation are performed by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. Some of the natural resources found in this territory include coconuts, fish, and sugarcane. Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used Topic: Communications Telecommunication systems: general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available (2018) domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet (2018) international: country code (Diego Garcia) - 246; landing point for the SAFE submarine cable that provides direct connectivity to Africa, Asia and near-by Indian Ocean island countries; international telephone service is carried by satellite (2019) Broadcast media: Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) broadcasts over 3 separate frequencies for US and UK military personnel stationed on the islands Internet country code: .io Communications - note: Diego Garcia 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)) Topic: Transportation Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: note: short section of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcianote: short section of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Diego Garcia Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK; in November 2016, the UK extended the US lease on Diego Garcia until December 2036 Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Islands; 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, who were evicted between 1967-73; in 2001, the former inhabitants of the archipelago were granted UK citizenship and the right of return; 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; in 2008, a House of Lords' decision overturned lower court rulings, once again denying the right of return to Chagossians; in addition, the UK created the world's largest marine protection area around the Chagos islands prohibiting the extraction of any natural resources thereinMauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Islands; 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, who were evicted between 1967-73; in 2001, the former inhabitants of the archipelago were granted UK citizenship and the right of return; 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; in 2008, a House of Lords' decision overturned lower court rulings, once again denying the right of return to Chagossians; in addition, the UK created the world's largest marine protection area around the Chagos islands prohibiting the extraction of any natural resources therein
20220901
field-geographic-coordinates
This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the centroid or center point of a country expressed in degrees and minutes; it is based on the locations provided in the Geographic Names Server (GNS), maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on behalf of the US Board on Geographic Names. Topic: Afghanistan33 00 N, 65 00 E Topic: Akrotiri34 37 N, 32 58 E Topic: Albania41 00 N, 20 00 E Topic: Algeria28 00 N, 3 00 E Topic: American Samoa14 20 S, 170 00 W Topic: Andorra42 30 N, 1 30 E Topic: Angola12 30 S, 18 30 E Topic: Anguilla18 15 N, 63 10 W Topic: Antarctica90 00 S, 0 00 E Topic: Antigua and Barbuda17 03 N, 61 48 W Topic: Arctic Ocean90 00 N, 0 00 E Topic: Argentina34 00 S, 64 00 W Topic: Armenia40 00 N, 45 00 E Topic: Aruba12 30 N, 69 58 W Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islands12 25 S, 123 20 E note - Ashmore Reef - 12 14 S, 123 05 E; Cartier Islet - 12 32 S, 123 32 E Topic: Atlantic Ocean0 00 N, 25 00 W Topic: Australia27 00 S, 133 00 E Topic: Austria47 20 N, 13 20 E Topic: Azerbaijan40 30 N, 47 30 E Topic: Bahamas, The24 15 N, 76 00 W Topic: Bahrain26 00 N, 50 33 E Topic: Bangladesh24 00 N, 90 00 E Topic: Barbados13 10 N, 59 32 W Topic: Belarus53 00 N, 28 00 E Topic: Belgium50 50 N, 4 00 E Topic: Belize17 15 N, 88 45 W Topic: Benin9 30 N, 2 15 E Topic: Bermuda32 20 N, 64 45 W Topic: Bhutan27 30 N, 90 30 E Topic: Bolivia17 00 S, 65 00 W Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina44 00 N, 18 00 E Topic: Botswana22 00 S, 24 00 E Topic: Bouvet Island54 26 S, 3 24 E Topic: Brazil10 00 S, 55 00 W Topic: British Indian Ocean Territory6 00 S, 71 30 E;note - Diego Garcia 7 20 S, 72 25 E Topic: British Virgin Islands18 30 N, 64 30 W Topic: Brunei4 30 N, 114 40 E Topic: Bulgaria43 00 N, 25 00 E Topic: Burkina Faso13 00 N, 2 00 W Topic: Burma22 00 N, 98 00 E Topic: Burundi3 30 S, 30 00 E Topic: Cabo Verde16 00 N, 24 00 W Topic: Cambodia13 00 N, 105 00 E Topic: Cameroon6 00 N, 12 00 E Topic: Canada60 00 N, 95 00 W Topic: Cayman Islands19 30 N, 80 30 W Topic: Central African Republic7 00 N, 21 00 E Topic: Chad15 00 N, 19 00 E Topic: Chile30 00 S, 71 00 W Topic: China35 00 N, 105 00 E Topic: Christmas Island10 30 S, 105 40 E Topic: Clipperton Island10 17 N, 109 13 W Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islands12 30 S, 96 50 E Topic: Colombia4 00 N, 72 00 W Topic: Comoros12 10 S, 44 15 E Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the0 00 N, 25 00 E Topic: Congo, Republic of the1 00 S, 15 00 E Topic: Cook Islands21 14 S, 159 46 W Topic: Coral Sea Islands18 00 S, 152 00 E Topic: Costa Rica10 00 N, 84 00 W Topic: Cote d'Ivoire8 00 N, 5 00 W Topic: Croatia45 10 N, 15 30 E Topic: Cuba21 30 N, 80 00 W Topic: Curacao12 10 N, 69 00 W12 10 N, 69 00 W Topic: Cyprus35 00 N, 33 00 E Topic: Czechia49 45 N, 15 30 E Topic: Denmark56 00 N, 10 00 E Topic: Dhekelia34 59 N, 33 45 E Topic: Djibouti11 30 N, 43 00 E Topic: Dominica15 25 N, 61 20 W Topic: Dominican Republic19 00 N, 70 40 W Topic: Ecuador2 00 S, 77 30 W Topic: Egypt27 00 N, 30 00 E Topic: El Salvador13 50 N, 88 55 W Topic: Equatorial Guinea2 00 N, 10 00 E Topic: Eritrea15 00 N, 39 00 E Topic: Estonia59 00 N, 26 00 E Topic: Eswatini26 30 S, 31 30 E Topic: Ethiopia8 00 N, 38 00 E Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)51 45 S, 59 00 W Topic: Faroe Islands62 00 N, 7 00 W Topic: Fiji18 00 S, 175 00 E Topic: Finland64 00 N, 26 00 E Topic: Francemetropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E; French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W; Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W; Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W; Mayotte: 12 50 S, 45 10 E; Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 Emetropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E; French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W; Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W; Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W; Mayotte: 12 50 S, 45 10 E; Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E Topic: French Polynesia15 00 S, 140 00 W Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsIle Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E; Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E; Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E; Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 EIle Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E; Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E; Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E; Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 E Topic: Gabon1 00 S, 11 45 E Topic: Gambia, The13 28 N, 16 34 W Topic: Gaza Strip31 25 N, 34 20 E Topic: Georgia42 00 N, 43 30 E Topic: Germany51 00 N, 9 00 E Topic: Ghana8 00 N, 2 00 W Topic: Gibraltar36 08 N, 5 21 W Topic: Greece39 00 N, 22 00 E Topic: Greenland72 00 N, 40 00 W Topic: Grenada12 07 N, 61 40 W Topic: Guam13 28 N, 144 47 E Topic: Guatemala15 30 N, 90 15 W Topic: Guernsey49 28 N, 2 35 W Topic: Guinea11 00 N, 10 00 W Topic: Guinea-Bissau12 00 N, 15 00 W Topic: Guyana5 00 N, 59 00 W Topic: Haiti19 00 N, 72 25 W Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islands53 06 S, 72 31 E Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)41 54 N, 12 27 E Topic: Honduras15 00 N, 86 30 W Topic: Hong Kong22 15 N, 114 10 E Topic: Hungary47 00 N, 20 00 E Topic: Iceland65 00 N, 18 00 W Topic: India20 00 N, 77 00 E Topic: Indian Ocean20 00 S, 80 00 E Topic: Indonesia5 00 S, 120 00 E Topic: Iran32 00 N, 53 00 E Topic: Iraq33 00 N, 44 00 E Topic: Ireland53 00 N, 8 00 W Topic: Isle of Man54 15 N, 4 30 W Topic: Israel31 30 N, 34 45 E Topic: Italy42 50 N, 12 50 E Topic: Jamaica18 15 N, 77 30 W Topic: Jan Mayen71 00 N, 8 00 W Topic: Japan36 00 N, 138 00 E Topic: Jersey49 15 N, 2 10 W Topic: Jordan31 00 N, 36 00 E Topic: Kazakhstan48 00 N, 68 00 E Topic: Kenya1 00 N, 38 00 E Topic: Kiribati1 25 N, 173 00 E Topic: Korea, North40 00 N, 127 00 E Topic: Korea, South37 00 N, 127 30 E Topic: Kosovo42 35 N, 21 00 E Topic: Kuwait29 30 N, 45 45 E Topic: Kyrgyzstan41 00 N, 75 00 E Topic: Laos18 00 N, 105 00 E Topic: Latvia57 00 N, 25 00 E Topic: Lebanon33 50 N, 35 50 E Topic: Lesotho29 30 S, 28 30 E Topic: Liberia6 30 N, 9 30 W Topic: Libya25 00 N, 17 00 E Topic: Liechtenstein47 16 N, 9 32 E Topic: Lithuania56 00 N, 24 00 E Topic: Luxembourg49 45 N, 6 10 E Topic: Macau22 10 N, 113 33 E Topic: Madagascar20 00 S, 47 00 E Topic: Malawi13 30 S, 34 00 E Topic: Malaysia2 30 N, 112 30 E Topic: Maldives3 15 N, 73 00 E Topic: Mali17 00 N, 4 00 W Topic: Malta35 50 N, 14 35 E Topic: Marshall Islands9 00 N, 168 00 E Topic: Mauritania20 00 N, 12 00 W Topic: Mauritius20 17 S, 57 33 E Topic: Mexico23 00 N, 102 00 W Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of6 55 N, 158 15 E Topic: Moldova47 00 N, 29 00 E Topic: Monaco43 44 N, 7 24 E Topic: Mongolia46 00 N, 105 00 E Topic: Montenegro42 30 N, 19 18 E Topic: Montserrat16 45 N, 62 12 W Topic: Morocco28 30 N, 10 00 W Topic: Mozambique18 15 S, 35 00 E Topic: Namibia22 00 S, 17 00 E Topic: Nauru0 32 S, 166 55 E Topic: Navassa Island18 25 N, 75 02 W Topic: Nepal28 00 N, 84 00 E Topic: Netherlands52 31 N, 5 46 E Topic: New Caledonia21 30 S, 165 30 E Topic: New Zealand41 00 S, 174 00 E Topic: Nicaragua13 00 N, 85 00 W Topic: Niger16 00 N, 8 00 E Topic: Nigeria10 00 N, 8 00 E Topic: Niue19 02 S, 169 52 W Topic: Norfolk Island29 02 S, 167 57 E Topic: North Macedonia41 50 N, 22 00 E Topic: Northern Mariana Islands15 12 N, 145 45 E Topic: Norway62 00 N, 10 00 E Topic: Oman21 00 N, 57 00 E Topic: Pacific Ocean0 00 N, 160 00 W Topic: Pakistan30 00 N, 70 00 E Topic: Palau7 30 N, 134 30 E Topic: Panama9 00 N, 80 00 W Topic: Papua New Guinea6 00 S, 147 00 E Topic: Paracel Islands16 30 N, 112 00 E Topic: Paraguay23 00 S, 58 00 W Topic: Peru10 00 S, 76 00 W Topic: Philippines13 00 N, 122 00 E Topic: Pitcairn Islands25 04 S, 130 06 W Topic: Poland52 00 N, 20 00 E Topic: Portugal39 30 N, 8 00 W Topic: Puerto Rico18 15 N, 66 30 W Topic: Qatar25 30 N, 51 15 E Topic: Romania46 00 N, 25 00 E Topic: Russia60 00 N, 100 00 E Topic: Rwanda2 00 S, 30 00 E Topic: Saint Barthelemy17 90 N, 62 85 W Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaSaint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W; Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W; Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 WSaint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W; Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W; Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis17 20 N, 62 45 W Topic: Saint Lucia13 53 N, 60 58 W Topic: Saint Martin18 05 N, 63 57 W Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon46 50 N, 56 20 W Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines13 15 N, 61 12 W Topic: Samoa13 35 S, 172 20 W Topic: San Marino43 46 N, 12 25 E Topic: Sao Tome and Principe1 00 N, 7 00 E Topic: Saudi Arabia25 00 N, 45 00 E Topic: Senegal14 00 N, 14 00 W Topic: Serbia44 00 N, 21 00 E Topic: Seychelles4 35 S, 55 40 E Topic: Sierra Leone8 30 N, 11 30 W Topic: Singapore1 22 N, 103 48 E Topic: Sint Maarten18 4 N, 63 4 W18 4 N, 63 4 W Topic: Slovakia48 40 N, 19 30 E Topic: Slovenia46 07 N, 14 49 E Topic: Solomon Islands8 00 S, 159 00 E Topic: Somalia10 00 N, 49 00 E Topic: South Africa29 00 S, 24 00 E Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands54 30 S, 37 00 W Topic: South Sudan8 00 N, 30 00 E Topic: Southern Ocean60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude Topic: Spain40 00 N, 4 00 W Topic: Spratly Islands8 38 N, 111 55 E Topic: Sri Lanka7 00 N, 81 00 E Topic: Sudan15 00 N, 30 00 E Topic: Suriname4 00 N, 56 00 W Topic: Svalbard78 00 N, 20 00 E Topic: Sweden62 00 N, 15 00 E Topic: Switzerland47 00 N, 8 00 E Topic: Syria35 00 N, 38 00 E Topic: Taiwan23 30 N, 121 00 E Topic: Tajikistan39 00 N, 71 00 E Topic: Tanzania6 00 S, 35 00 E Topic: Thailand15 00 N, 100 00 E Topic: Timor-Leste8 50 S, 125 55 E Topic: Togo8 00 N, 1 10 E Topic: Tokelau9 00 S, 172 00 W Topic: Tonga20 00 S, 175 00 W Topic: Trinidad and Tobago11 00 N, 61 00 W Topic: Tunisia34 00 N, 9 00 E Topic: Turkey39 00 N, 35 00 E Topic: Turkmenistan40 00 N, 60 00 E Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands21 45 N, 71 35 W Topic: Tuvalu8 00 S, 178 00 E Topic: Uganda1 00 N, 32 00 E Topic: Ukraine49 00 N, 32 00 E Topic: United Arab Emirates24 00 N, 54 00 E Topic: United Kingdom54 00 N, 2 00 W Topic: United States38 00 N, 97 00 W Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesBaker 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 Topic: Uruguay33 00 S, 56 00 W Topic: Uzbekistan41 00 N, 64 00 E Topic: Vanuatu16 00 S, 167 00 E Topic: Venezuela8 00 N, 66 00 W Topic: Vietnam16 10 N, 107 50 E Topic: Virgin Islands18 20 N, 64 50 W Topic: Wake Island19 17 N, 166 39 E Topic: Wallis and Futuna13 18 S, 176 12 W Topic: West Bank32 00 N, 35 15 E Topic: Yemen15 00 N, 48 00 E Topic: Zambia15 00 S, 30 00 E Topic: Zimbabwe20 00 S, 30 00 E
20220901
countries-slovenia-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Slovenia. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days in each 180-day period. US Embassy/Consulate: +(386) (1) 200-5500; EMER: +(386) (1) 200-5556; US Embassy Ljubljana, Prešernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; LjubljanaACS@state.gov; https://si.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 386 Local Emergency Phone: 112 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east Currency (Code): Euros (EUR) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: Slovenian, Serbo-Croatian, Italian, Hungarian Major Religions: Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9% 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: Lake Bled; Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle; Piran; Ljubljana; Royal Lipizzaner Horses from Lipica; Triglav National Park & So?a River Major Sports: Soccer, athletics (track and field), basketball, boxing, handball Cultural Practices: It is proper to bring gifts when invited into a household. Chocolates and wine are always appreciated. Tipping Guidelines: In larger cities and major tourist areas, it is customary to leave about 10% of the bill; if you receive exceptional service, leave 15%. Souvenirs: Handmade lace; dragon-, carnation-, folklore-, and beehive-themed ceramic and wood decorative items; replica boats; crystal; gold jewelry; woven baskets; liquor and wine; Soviet-era money, stamps, and military paraphernalia Traditional Cuisine: Štruklji — rolls of filo dough filled with savory or sweet fillings including meat, cottage cheese, apple, or walnuts; the dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or fried and served as a side dish to meat or as a dessertPlease 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-telecommunication-systems
This entry includes a brief general assessment of a country's telecommunications system with details on the domestic and international components. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: 2G - is short for second-generation cellular network. After 2G was launched, the previous mobile wireless network systems were retroactively dubbed 1G. While radio signals on 1G networks are analog, radio signals on 2G networks are digital. Both systems use digital signaling to connect the radio towers (which listen to the devices) to the rest of the mobile system. 3G - is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. It is the upgrade for 2.5G and 2.5G GPRS networks, for faster data transfer.  This increased speed is based on a set of standards used for mobile devices and mobile telecommunications use services and networks that comply with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International Telecommunication Union. 3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls, and mobile TV. 4G - is the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, succeeding 3G. The first-release Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard was commercially deployed in Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden in 2009, and has since been deployed throughout most parts of the world. Applications, include enhanced mobile web access, IP telephony, high-definition mobile TV, and video conferencing. 5G - is the fifth generation technology standard for cellular networks, which cellular phone companies began deploying worldwide in 2019; it is the planned successor to the 4G networks which provide connectivity to most current cellphones. Like its predecessors, 5G networks are cellular networks, in which the service area is divided into small geographical areas called cells. All 5G wireless devices in a cell are connected to the Internet and telephone network by radio waves through a local antenna in the cell. The main advantage of the new networks is that they will have greater bandwidth, allowing higher download speeds, eventually up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s). Due to the increased bandwidth, the expectation is that the new networks will not just serve cellphones like existing cellular networks, but also be used as general Internet service providers for laptops and desktop computers, competing with existing ISPs such as cable Internet. Existing 4G cellphones will not be able to use the new networks, which will require new 5G-enabled wireless devices. ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is a type of digital subscriber line (DSL) that allows faster data transmission via copper service phone lines to a home or business. ADSL provides an “always on” connection and higher speeds than dial-up Internet can provide. In ADSL, bandwidth and bit rate (i.e., speed) are asymmetric, meaning greater toward the customer (downstream) than the reverse (upstream). AngoSat 2 - geostationary communications satellite for ground communication and broadcasting infrastructure in Angola, operated by Angosat and built by the Russian company ISS Reshetnev. Arabsat - Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Cellular telephone system - the telephones in this system are radio transceivers, with each instrument having its own private radio frequency and sufficient radiated power to reach the booster station in its area (cell), from which the telephone signal is fed to a telephone exchange. Central American Microwave System - a trunk microwave radio relay system that links the countries of Central America and Mexico with each other. Coaxial cable - a multichannel communication cable consisting of a central conducting wire, surrounded by and insulated from a cylindrical conducting shell; a large number of telephone channels can be made available within the insulated space by the use of a large number of carrier frequencies. DSL - Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a family of technologies that are used to transmit digital data over telephone lines. e-services - Electronic services rely on information and communication technologies (ICT); the three main components of e-services are the service provider, service receiver (or customer), and the channel for delivery, generally the Internet. E-services have expanded to e-health, e-commerce, e-fleet, and e-government, among other services. E-services are also linked to the development of IoT and smart city technology. ECOWAS telecommunications - Economic Community of West African States regional telecommunications development program, focused on broadband infrastructure, landing of submarine cables, and the establishment of a single liberalized telecoms market. Eutelsat - European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Paris). Fiber-optic cable - a multichannel communications cable using a thread of optical glass fibers as a transmission medium in which the signal (voice, video, etc.) is in the form of a coded pulse of light. FTTX - Fiber to the x (FTTX) is a generic term for any broadband network architecture using optical fiber to provide all or part of the local loop used for last mile telecommunications. As fiber optic cables are able to carry much more data than copper cables, especially over long distances, copper telephone networks built in the 20th century are being replaced by fiber. FTTX is a general term for several configurations of fiber deployment, broadly organized into two groups: FTTN and FTTP /H/B. Fiber to the node (FTTN), also referred to as Fiber to the neighborhood, delivers fiber to within 300m (1,000 ft) of a customer’s premises. Fiber to the premises (FTTP) can be further categorized as fiber to the home (FTTH) or fiber to the building/business (FTTB). FTTN (and FTTC, fiber to the curb (to less than 300m (1,000 ft of a customer’s premises)) are seen as interim steps toward full FTTP. Galileo - Chartered in 2016, Galileo is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) created by the European Union through the European Space Agency (ESA), and operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Headquartered in Prague, Czechia, it has two ground operations centers: one in Fucino, Italy, and the other in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. The project is named after the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei and aims to provide an independent high-precision positioning system. Galileo provides a global search and rescue (SAR) function as part of the MEOSAR system. GPON - stands for Gigabyte Passive Optical Networks, which are networks that rely on optical cables to deliver information from a single feeding fiber from a provider - to multiple destinations - via the use of splitters.  GPONs are currently the leading form of Passive Optical Networks (PON) and offer up to a 1:64 ratio on a single fiber. As opposed to a standard copper wire in most networks, GPONs are 95% more energy efficient. GSM - a global system for mobile (cellular) communications devised by the Groupe Special Mobile of the pan-European standardization organization, Conference Europeanne des Posts et Telecommunications (CEPT) in 1982. HF - high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-kHz range. HSPA - High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) is an amalgamation of two mobile protocols, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), that extends and improves the performance of existing 3G mobile telecommunication networks using the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) protocols. A further improved 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, Evolved High Speed Packet Access (also known as HSPA+), was released late in 2008 with subsequent worldwide adoption beginning in 2010. The newer standard allows bit-rates to reach as high as 337 Mbit/s in the downlink and 34 Mbit/s in the uplink. However, these speeds are rarely achieved in practice. ICT -  Information and communications technology (ICT) encompasses the capture, storage, retrieval, processing, display, representation, presentation, organization, management, security, transfer, and interchange of data and information; includes all categories of ubiquitous technology used for the gathering, storing, transmitting, retrieving, or processing of information. Inmarsat - International Maritime Satellite Organization is a British satellite telecommunications company, offering global mobile services. It provides telephone and data services to users worldwide, via portable or mobile terminals that communicate with ground stations through 13 geostationary telecommunications satellites. Inmarsat’s network provides communications services to a range of governments, aid agencies, media outlets, and businesses (especially in the shipping, airline, and mining industries) with a need to communicate in remote regions or where there is no reliable terrestrial network. Intelsat - Intelsat Corporation (formerly International Telecommunications Satellite Organization, INTEL-SAT, INTELSAT) is a communications satellite services provider. Intersputnik - International Organization of Space Communications (Moscow); first established in the former Soviet Union and the East European countries, it is now marketing its services worldwide with earth stations in North America, Africa, and East Asia. IP - Internet Protocol is a communications protocol for computers connected to a network, especially the Internet, specifying the format for addresses and units of transmitted data; data traversing the Internet is divided into smaller pieces, called packets. IoT - the Internet of Things is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical, and digital machines provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Iridium - the Iridium satellite constellation provides L band (long wavelength band) voice and data information coverage to satellite phones, pagers, and integrated transceivers over the entire surface of the earth. Iridium Communications owns and operates the constellation, additionally selling equipment and access to its services. ITU - the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a United Nations specialized agency that is responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies. Founded in 1865, the ITU is the oldest global international organization. The ITU coordinates the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promotes international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and assists in the development and coordination of worldwide technical standards. The ITU is also active in the areas of broadband Internet, latest-generation wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, satellite-based meteorology, convergence in fixed-mobile phone, Internet access, data, voice, TV broadcasting, and next-generation networks. IXP - an Internet exchange point (IXP) is a physical location through which Internet infrastructure companies such as Internet service providers (ISPs) and content delivery networks (CDNs) connect with each other. Kacific 1 - Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific) is a satellite operator providing high-speed broadband Internet service for the South East Asia and Pacific Islands regions. Its first Ka-band HTS satellite, Kacific1, was designed and built by Boeing and launched into geostationary orbit in December 2019. Landline - communication wire or cable of any sort that is installed on poles or buried in the ground. LTE - Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals Based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA technologies, it increases communication capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements. LTE Advanced - (aka LTE A) is a mobile communication standard and a major enhancement of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. It was submitted as a candidate 4G in late 2009 as meeting the requirements of the IMT-Advanced standard, and was standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in March 2011 as 3GPP Release 10. LTE-TDD & LTE-FDD - There are two major differences between LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD: how data is uploaded and downloaded, and what frequency spectra the networks are deployed in. While LTE-FDD uses paired frequencies to upload and download data, LTE-TDD uses a single frequency, alternating between uploading and downloading data through time. The ratio between uploads and downloads on a LTE-TDD network can be changed dynamically, depending on whether more data needs to be sent or received. LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD also operate on different frequency bands, with LTE-TDD working better at higher frequencies, and LTE-FDD working better at lower frequencies. M-commerce - short for mobile commerce, m-commerce is the use of wireless handheld devices like cellphones and tablets to conduct commercial transactions online, including the purchase and sale of products, online banking, and paying bills. MNO - a mobile network operator (MNO), also known as a wireless service provider, wireless carrier, cellular company, or mobile network carrier, is a provider of wireless communications services that owns or controls all the elements necessary to sell and deliver services to an end user including radio spectrum allocation, wireless network infrastructure, back haul infrastructure, billing, customer care, provisioning computer systems, and marketing and repair organizations. MNP - mobile number portability MVNO - a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) does not own the wireless network infrastructure over which it provides services to its customers. A MVNO enters into a business agreement with a mobile network operator (MNO) to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesale rates, then sets retail prices independently. Medarabtel - the Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) providing a modern telecommunications network, primarily by microwave radio relay, linking Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen; it was initially started in Morocco in 1970 by the Arab Telecommunications Union (ATU) and was known at that time as the Middle East Mediterranean Telecommunications Network. Microwave radio relay - transmission of long distance telephone calls and television programs by highly directional radio microwaves that are received and sent on from one booster station to another on an optical path. NB-IoT - narrowband Internet of Things is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) radio technology. NB-IoT improves the power consumption of user devices, system capacity, and spectrum efficiency. NGN - The next-generation network is the evolution and migration of fixed and mobile network infrastructures from distinct, proprietary networks to converged networks on an IP. One network transports all information and services (voice, data, and media) by encapsulating these into IP packets, similar to those used on the Internet.  The result is unrestricted, consistent and ubiquitous access for users to different service providers. NMT - Nordic Mobile Telephone; NMT is a first generation (1G) mobile cellular phone system based on analog technology that was developed jointly by the national telecommunications authorities of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). NMT-450 analog networks have been replaced with digital networks using the same cellular frequencies.  Orbita - a Russian television service; also the trade name of a packet-switched digital telephone network. PanAmSat - PanAmSat Corporation (Greenwich, CT) was a satellite service provider. Radio telephone communications - the two-way transmission and reception of sounds by broadcast radio on authorized frequencies using telephone handsets. Satellite communication system - a communication system consisting of two or more earth stations and at least one satellite that provide long distance transmission of voice, data, and television; the system usually serves as a trunk connection between telephone exchanges; if the earth stations are in the same country, it is a domestic system. Satellite earth station - a communications facility with a microwave radio transmitting and receiving antenna, and receiving and transmitting equipment required for communicating with satellites. Satellite link - a radio connection between a satellite and an earth station permitting communication between them, either one-way (down link from satellite to earth station - television receive-only transmission) or two-way (telephone channels). SHF - super high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-MHz range. Shortwave - radio frequencies (from 1.605 to 30 MHz) that fall above the commercial broadcast band and are used for communication over long distances. SIM card - subscriber identity/identification module card, is a small, removable integrated circuit used in a mobile phone to store data unique to the user, such as an identification number, passwords, phone numbers, and messages.  Solidaridad - geosynchronous satellites in Mexico's system of international telecommunications in the Western Hemisphere. Spectrum - spectrum management is the allocation and regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum into radio frequency (RF) bands, a procedure normally carried out by governments in most countries. Because radio propagation does not stop at national boundaries, governments have sought to harmonise the allocation of RF bands and their standardization. A spectrum auction is a process whereby a government uses an auction system to sell the rights to transmit signals over specific bands of the electromagnetic spectrum and to assign scarce spectrum resources. Submarine cable - a cable designed for service under water. TE North - A submarine cable linking Egypt with France, with a branching unit to Cyprus, developed by Alcatel-Lucent. Telecommunication (telecom) - is the exchange of signs, signals, messages, words, images and sounds, or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems (i.e., via the use of technology). Telecommunication occurs through a transmission medium, such as over physical media, for example, over electrical cable, or via electromagnetic radiation through space such as radio or light. Teledensity - (telephone density) is the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area. It varies widely between nations and also between urban and rural areas within a country. Telephone density correlates closely with the per capita GDP of an area, and is also used as an indicator of the purchasing power of the middle class of a country or specific region. Telefax - facsimile service between subscriber stations via the public switched telephone network or the international Datel network. Telegraph - a telecommunications system designed for unmodulated electric impulse transmission. Telephony - is the field of technology involving the development, application, and deployment of telecommunication services for the purpose of electronic transmission of voice, fax, or data, between distant parties. The history of telephony is intimately linked to the invention and development of the telephone. Telex - a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges. Trans-Caspian cable - Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic (TCFO) submarine cable; a project between AzerTelecom in Azerbaijan, KazTransCom of Kazakhstan, and Turkmentelekom in Turkmenistan for the construction of a fiber-optic cable in the Caspian Sea. Tropospheric scatter - a form of microwave radio transmission in which the troposphere is used to scatter and reflect a fraction of the incident radio waves back to earth. Powerful, highly directional antennas are used to transmit and receive the microwave signals. Reliable over-the-horizon communications are realized for distances up to 600 miles in a single hop; additional hops can extend the range of this system for very long distances. Trunk network - a network of switching centers, connected by multichannel trunk lines. UHF - ultra high frequency; any radio frequency in the 300- to 3,000-MHz range. VHF - very high frequency; any radio frequency in the 30- to 300-MHz range. VNO - A virtual network operator (VNO) is a management services provider and a network services reseller of other telecommunication service providers. VNOs do not possess a telecom network infrastructure; however, they provide telecom services by acquiring the required capacity from other telecom carriers. These network providers are classified as virtual because they offer network services to clients without possessing the actual network. VNOs usually lease bandwidth at agreed wholesale rates from different telecom providers and then offer solutions to their direct customers. VOD - or video on demand is a video media distribution system that allows users to access video entertainment without a traditional video entertainment device and without the constraints of a typical static broadcasting schedule. Voice over Internet Protocol - VoIP, also called IP telephony, refers to the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. The terms Internet telephony, broadband telephony, and broadband phone service specifically refer to the provisioning of communications services (voice, fax, text-messaging, voice-messaging) over the public Internet, rather than via the public switched telephone network (PSTN), also known as plain old telephone service (POTS). VSAT - a VSAT (very-small-aperture terminal) is a two-way satellite ground station with a dish antenna that is smaller than 3.8 meters. The majority of VSAT antennas range from 75 cm to 1.2 m. Data rates, generally, range from 4 kbit/s up to 16 Mbit/s. WACS - the West Africa Cable System is a submarine communications cable linking South Africa with the UK along the west coast of Africa and Europe; constructed by Alcatel-Lucent. The cable consists of four fiber pairs and is 14,530 Km in length with 14 landing points – 12 along the western coast of Africa and 2 in Europe – with termination in London, UK. WiMAX - stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access; it is a family of wireless broadband communication standards based on the IEEE 802.16 set of standards, which provide multiple physical layer (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) options.2G - is short for second-generation cellular network. After 2G was launched, the previous mobile wireless network systems were retroactively dubbed 1G. While radio signals on 1G networks are analog, radio signals on 2G networks are digital. Both systems use digital signaling to connect the radio towers (which listen to the devices) to the rest of the mobile system. 3G - is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. It is the upgrade for 2.5G and 2.5G GPRS networks, for faster data transfer.  This increased speed is based on a set of standards used for mobile devices and mobile telecommunications use services and networks that comply with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications by the International Telecommunication Union. 3G finds application in wireless voice telephony, mobile Internet access, fixed wireless Internet access, video calls, and mobile TV. 4G - is the fourth generation of broadband cellular network technology, succeeding 3G. The first-release Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard was commercially deployed in Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden in 2009, and has since been deployed throughout most parts of the world. Applications, include enhanced mobile web access, IP telephony, high-definition mobile TV, and video conferencing. 5G - is the fifth generation technology standard for cellular networks, which cellular phone companies began deploying worldwide in 2019; it is the planned successor to the 4G networks which provide connectivity to most current cellphones. Like its predecessors, 5G networks are cellular networks, in which the service area is divided into small geographical areas called cells. All 5G wireless devices in a cell are connected to the Internet and telephone network by radio waves through a local antenna in the cell. The main advantage of the new networks is that they will have greater bandwidth, allowing higher download speeds, eventually up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s). Due to the increased bandwidth, the expectation is that the new networks will not just serve cellphones like existing cellular networks, but also be used as general Internet service providers for laptops and desktop computers, competing with existing ISPs such as cable Internet. Existing 4G cellphones will not be able to use the new networks, which will require new 5G-enabled wireless devices. ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is a type of digital subscriber line (DSL) that allows faster data transmission via copper service phone lines to a home or business. ADSL provides an “always on” connection and higher speeds than dial-up Internet can provide. In ADSL, bandwidth and bit rate (i.e., speed) are asymmetric, meaning greater toward the customer (downstream) than the reverse (upstream). AngoSat 2 - geostationary communications satellite for ground communication and broadcasting infrastructure in Angola, operated by Angosat and built by the Russian company ISS Reshetnev. Arabsat - Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Cellular telephone system - the telephones in this system are radio transceivers, with each instrument having its own private radio frequency and sufficient radiated power to reach the booster station in its area (cell), from which the telephone signal is fed to a telephone exchange. Central American Microwave System - a trunk microwave radio relay system that links the countries of Central America and Mexico with each other. Coaxial cable - a multichannel communication cable consisting of a central conducting wire, surrounded by and insulated from a cylindrical conducting shell; a large number of telephone channels can be made available within the insulated space by the use of a large number of carrier frequencies. DSL - Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a family of technologies that are used to transmit digital data over telephone lines. e-services - Electronic services rely on information and communication technologies (ICT); the three main components of e-services are the service provider, service receiver (or customer), and the channel for delivery, generally the Internet. E-services have expanded to e-health, e-commerce, e-fleet, and e-government, among other services. E-services are also linked to the development of IoT and smart city technology. ECOWAS telecommunications - Economic Community of West African States regional telecommunications development program, focused on broadband infrastructure, landing of submarine cables, and the establishment of a single liberalized telecoms market. Eutelsat - European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Paris). Fiber-optic cable - a multichannel communications cable using a thread of optical glass fibers as a transmission medium in which the signal (voice, video, etc.) is in the form of a coded pulse of light. FTTX - Fiber to the x (FTTX) is a generic term for any broadband network architecture using optical fiber to provide all or part of the local loop used for last mile telecommunications. As fiber optic cables are able to carry much more data than copper cables, especially over long distances, copper telephone networks built in the 20th century are being replaced by fiber. FTTX is a general term for several configurations of fiber deployment, broadly organized into two groups: FTTN and FTTP /H/B. Fiber to the node (FTTN), also referred to as Fiber to the neighborhood, delivers fiber to within 300m (1,000 ft) of a customer’s premises. Fiber to the premises (FTTP) can be further categorized as fiber to the home (FTTH) or fiber to the building/business (FTTB). FTTN (and FTTC, fiber to the curb (to less than 300m (1,000 ft of a customer’s premises)) are seen as interim steps toward full FTTP. Galileo - Chartered in 2016, Galileo is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) created by the European Union through the European Space Agency (ESA), and operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). Headquartered in Prague, Czechia, it has two ground operations centers: one in Fucino, Italy, and the other in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. The project is named after the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei and aims to provide an independent high-precision positioning system. Galileo provides a global search and rescue (SAR) function as part of the MEOSAR system. GPON - stands for Gigabyte Passive Optical Networks, which are networks that rely on optical cables to deliver information from a single feeding fiber from a provider - to multiple destinations - via the use of splitters.  GPONs are currently the leading form of Passive Optical Networks (PON) and offer up to a 1:64 ratio on a single fiber. As opposed to a standard copper wire in most networks, GPONs are 95% more energy efficient. GSM - a global system for mobile (cellular) communications devised by the Groupe Special Mobile of the pan-European standardization organization, Conference Europeanne des Posts et Telecommunications (CEPT) in 1982. HF - high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-kHz range. HSPA - High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) is an amalgamation of two mobile protocols, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), that extends and improves the performance of existing 3G mobile telecommunication networks using the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) protocols. A further improved 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, Evolved High Speed Packet Access (also known as HSPA+), was released late in 2008 with subsequent worldwide adoption beginning in 2010. The newer standard allows bit-rates to reach as high as 337 Mbit/s in the downlink and 34 Mbit/s in the uplink. However, these speeds are rarely achieved in practice. ICT -  Information and communications technology (ICT) encompasses the capture, storage, retrieval, processing, display, representation, presentation, organization, management, security, transfer, and interchange of data and information; includes all categories of ubiquitous technology used for the gathering, storing, transmitting, retrieving, or processing of information. Inmarsat - International Maritime Satellite Organization is a British satellite telecommunications company, offering global mobile services. It provides telephone and data services to users worldwide, via portable or mobile terminals that communicate with ground stations through 13 geostationary telecommunications satellites. Inmarsat’s network provides communications services to a range of governments, aid agencies, media outlets, and businesses (especially in the shipping, airline, and mining industries) with a need to communicate in remote regions or where there is no reliable terrestrial network. Intelsat - Intelsat Corporation (formerly International Telecommunications Satellite Organization, INTEL-SAT, INTELSAT) is a communications satellite services provider. Intersputnik - International Organization of Space Communications (Moscow); first established in the former Soviet Union and the East European countries, it is now marketing its services worldwide with earth stations in North America, Africa, and East Asia. IP - Internet Protocol is a communications protocol for computers connected to a network, especially the Internet, specifying the format for addresses and units of transmitted data; data traversing the Internet is divided into smaller pieces, called packets. IoT - the Internet of Things is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical, and digital machines provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Iridium - the Iridium satellite constellation provides L band (long wavelength band) voice and data information coverage to satellite phones, pagers, and integrated transceivers over the entire surface of the earth. Iridium Communications owns and operates the constellation, additionally selling equipment and access to its services. ITU - the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a United Nations specialized agency that is responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies. Founded in 1865, the ITU is the oldest global international organization. The ITU coordinates the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promotes international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and assists in the development and coordination of worldwide technical standards. The ITU is also active in the areas of broadband Internet, latest-generation wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, satellite-based meteorology, convergence in fixed-mobile phone, Internet access, data, voice, TV broadcasting, and next-generation networks. IXP - an Internet exchange point (IXP) is a physical location through which Internet infrastructure companies such as Internet service providers (ISPs) and content delivery networks (CDNs) connect with each other. Kacific 1 - Kacific Broadband Satellites Group (Kacific) is a satellite operator providing high-speed broadband Internet service for the South East Asia and Pacific Islands regions. Its first Ka-band HTS satellite, Kacific1, was designed and built by Boeing and launched into geostationary orbit in December 2019. Landline - communication wire or cable of any sort that is installed on poles or buried in the ground. LTE - Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard for wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals Based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA technologies, it increases communication capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements. LTE Advanced - (aka LTE A) is a mobile communication standard and a major enhancement of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. It was submitted as a candidate 4G in late 2009 as meeting the requirements of the IMT-Advanced standard, and was standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in March 2011 as 3GPP Release 10. LTE-TDD & LTE-FDD - There are two major differences between LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD: how data is uploaded and downloaded, and what frequency spectra the networks are deployed in. While LTE-FDD uses paired frequencies to upload and download data, LTE-TDD uses a single frequency, alternating between uploading and downloading data through time. The ratio between uploads and downloads on a LTE-TDD network can be changed dynamically, depending on whether more data needs to be sent or received. LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD also operate on different frequency bands, with LTE-TDD working better at higher frequencies, and LTE-FDD working better at lower frequencies. M-commerce - short for mobile commerce, m-commerce is the use of wireless handheld devices like cellphones and tablets to conduct commercial transactions online, including the purchase and sale of products, online banking, and paying bills. MNO - a mobile network operator (MNO), also known as a wireless service provider, wireless carrier, cellular company, or mobile network carrier, is a provider of wireless communications services that owns or controls all the elements necessary to sell and deliver services to an end user including radio spectrum allocation, wireless network infrastructure, back haul infrastructure, billing, customer care, provisioning computer systems, and marketing and repair organizations. MNP - mobile number portability MVNO - a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) does not own the wireless network infrastructure over which it provides services to its customers. A MVNO enters into a business agreement with a mobile network operator (MNO) to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesale rates, then sets retail prices independently. Medarabtel - the Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) providing a modern telecommunications network, primarily by microwave radio relay, linking Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen; it was initially started in Morocco in 1970 by the Arab Telecommunications Union (ATU) and was known at that time as the Middle East Mediterranean Telecommunications Network. Microwave radio relay - transmission of long distance telephone calls and television programs by highly directional radio microwaves that are received and sent on from one booster station to another on an optical path. NB-IoT - narrowband Internet of Things is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) radio technology. NB-IoT improves the power consumption of user devices, system capacity, and spectrum efficiency. NGN - The next-generation network is the evolution and migration of fixed and mobile network infrastructures from distinct, proprietary networks to converged networks on an IP. One network transports all information and services (voice, data, and media) by encapsulating these into IP packets, similar to those used on the Internet.  The result is unrestricted, consistent and ubiquitous access for users to different service providers. NMT - Nordic Mobile Telephone; NMT is a first generation (1G) mobile cellular phone system based on analog technology that was developed jointly by the national telecommunications authorities of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). NMT-450 analog networks have been replaced with digital networks using the same cellular frequencies.  Orbita - a Russian television service; also the trade name of a packet-switched digital telephone network. PanAmSat - PanAmSat Corporation (Greenwich, CT) was a satellite service provider. Radio telephone communications - the two-way transmission and reception of sounds by broadcast radio on authorized frequencies using telephone handsets. Satellite communication system - a communication system consisting of two or more earth stations and at least one satellite that provide long distance transmission of voice, data, and television; the system usually serves as a trunk connection between telephone exchanges; if the earth stations are in the same country, it is a domestic system. Satellite earth station - a communications facility with a microwave radio transmitting and receiving antenna, and receiving and transmitting equipment required for communicating with satellites. Satellite link - a radio connection between a satellite and an earth station permitting communication between them, either one-way (down link from satellite to earth station - television receive-only transmission) or two-way (telephone channels). SHF - super high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-MHz range. Shortwave - radio frequencies (from 1.605 to 30 MHz) that fall above the commercial broadcast band and are used for communication over long distances. SIM card - subscriber identity/identification module card, is a small, removable integrated circuit used in a mobile phone to store data unique to the user, such as an identification number, passwords, phone numbers, and messages.  Solidaridad - geosynchronous satellites in Mexico's system of international telecommunications in the Western Hemisphere. Spectrum - spectrum management is the allocation and regulation of the electromagnetic spectrum into radio frequency (RF) bands, a procedure normally carried out by governments in most countries. Because radio propagation does not stop at national boundaries, governments have sought to harmonise the allocation of RF bands and their standardization. A spectrum auction is a process whereby a government uses an auction system to sell the rights to transmit signals over specific bands of the electromagnetic spectrum and to assign scarce spectrum resources. Submarine cable - a cable designed for service under water. TE North - A submarine cable linking Egypt with France, with a branching unit to Cyprus, developed by Alcatel-Lucent. Telecommunication (telecom) - is the exchange of signs, signals, messages, words, images and sounds, or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical, or other electromagnetic systems (i.e., via the use of technology). Telecommunication occurs through a transmission medium, such as over physical media, for example, over electrical cable, or via electromagnetic radiation through space such as radio or light. Teledensity - (telephone density) is the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area. It varies widely between nations and also between urban and rural areas within a country. Telephone density correlates closely with the per capita GDP of an area, and is also used as an indicator of the purchasing power of the middle class of a country or specific region. Telefax - facsimile service between subscriber stations via the public switched telephone network or the international Datel network. Telegraph - a telecommunications system designed for unmodulated electric impulse transmission. Telephony - is the field of technology involving the development, application, and deployment of telecommunication services for the purpose of electronic transmission of voice, fax, or data, between distant parties. The history of telephony is intimately linked to the invention and development of the telephone. Telex - a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges. Trans-Caspian cable - Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic (TCFO) submarine cable; a project between AzerTelecom in Azerbaijan, KazTransCom of Kazakhstan, and Turkmentelekom in Turkmenistan for the construction of a fiber-optic cable in the Caspian Sea. Tropospheric scatter - a form of microwave radio transmission in which the troposphere is used to scatter and reflect a fraction of the incident radio waves back to earth. Powerful, highly directional antennas are used to transmit and receive the microwave signals. Reliable over-the-horizon communications are realized for distances up to 600 miles in a single hop; additional hops can extend the range of this system for very long distances. Trunk network - a network of switching centers, connected by multichannel trunk lines. UHF - ultra high frequency; any radio frequency in the 300- to 3,000-MHz range. VHF - very high frequency; any radio frequency in the 30- to 300-MHz range. VNO - A virtual network operator (VNO) is a management services provider and a network services reseller of other telecommunication service providers. VNOs do not possess a telecom network infrastructure; however, they provide telecom services by acquiring the required capacity from other telecom carriers. These network providers are classified as virtual because they offer network services to clients without possessing the actual network. VNOs usually lease bandwidth at agreed wholesale rates from different telecom providers and then offer solutions to their direct customers. VOD - or video on demand is a video media distribution system that allows users to access video entertainment without a traditional video entertainment device and without the constraints of a typical static broadcasting schedule. Voice over Internet Protocol - VoIP, also called IP telephony, refers to the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. The terms Internet telephony, broadband telephony, and broadband phone service specifically refer to the provisioning of communications services (voice, fax, text-messaging, voice-messaging) over the public Internet, rather than via the public switched telephone network (PSTN), also known as plain old telephone service (POTS). VSAT - a VSAT (very-small-aperture terminal) is a two-way satellite ground station with a dish antenna that is smaller than 3.8 meters. The majority of VSAT antennas range from 75 cm to 1.2 m. Data rates, generally, range from 4 kbit/s up to 16 Mbit/s. WACS - the West Africa Cable System is a submarine communications cable linking South Africa with the UK along the west coast of Africa and Europe; constructed by Alcatel-Lucent. The cable consists of four fiber pairs and is 14,530 Km in length with 14 landing points – 12 along the western coast of Africa and 2 in Europe – with termination in London, UK. WiMAX - stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access; it is a family of wireless broadband communication standards based on the IEEE 802.16 set of standards, which provide multiple physical layer (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) options. Topic: Afghanistangeneral assessment: before 15 August 2021, Afghanistan had successfully rebuilt infrastructure to create a functional telecom sector that covered nearly all of the population; due to mountainous geography, Afghanistan relies on its mobile network; mobile broadband penetration growing, but is still low compared to other countries in Asia; operator launched LTE in Kabul; World Bank and other donors support development of a nationwide fiber backbone; terrestrial cable connectivity to five neighboring countries; work on the ‘Wakhan Corridor Fiber Optic Survey Project’ to connect to China is nearing completion; major importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE (2021) domestic: before 15 August 2021, less than 1 per 100 for fixed-line teledensity; 59 per 100 for mobile-cellular; an increasing number of Afghans utilize mobile-cellular phone networks (2021) international: country code - 93; multiple VSAT's provide international and domestic voice and data connectivity (2019) Topic: Albaniageneral assessment: Albania’s small telecom market has improved through signatory status of EU accession plan; EU financial aid will build infrastructure and enhance cooperation; operator committed €100 million to upgrade fixed-line infrastructure, supporting broadband services nationally; consistent with the region, fixed-line telephony use and penetration is declining as subscribers prefer mobile solutions; mobile sector is supported through LTE networks; operators have invested in 5G, including the intention to create a corridor with Kosovo; importer of broadcasting equipment from EU neighbors (2021) domestic: fixed-line approximately 8 per 100, teledensity continues to decline due to heavy use of mobile-cellular telephone services; mobile-cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective, 91 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2020) international: country code - 355; submarine cables for the Adria 1 and Italy-Albania provide connectivity to Italy, Croatia, and Greece; a combination submarine cable and land fiber-optic system, provides additional connectivity to Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey; international traffic carried by fiber-optic cable and, when necessary, by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece (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 Topic: Algeriageneral assessment: Algeria has a steadily developing telecom infrastructure through sound regulatory measures and government policies aimed at providing Internet connections across the country, including underserved areas; mobile penetration and LTE services are growing steadily; in common with other markets in the region, mobile connections account for the vast majority of Internet accesses; well served by satellite and submarine cable connections; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2021) domestic: a limited network of fixed-lines with a teledensity of slightly less than 11 telephones per 100 persons has been offset by the rapid increase in mobile-cellular subscribership; mobile-cellular teledensity was approximately 104 telephones per 100 persons in 2020 (2020) international: country code - 213; ALPAL-2 is a submarine telecommunications cable system in the Mediterranean Sea linking Algeria and the Spanish Balearic island of Majorca; ORVAL is a submarine cable to Spain; landing points for the TE North/TGN-Eurasia/SEACOM/SeaMeWe-4 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; MED cable connecting Algeria with France; microwave radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; Algeria part of the 4,500 Km terrestrial Trans Sahara Backbone network which connects to other fiber networks in the region; Alcomstat-1 satellite offering  telemedicine network (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: American Samoageneral assessment: good telex, telegraph, facsimile, and cellular telephone services; one of the most complete and modern telecommunications systems in the South Pacific Islands; all inhabited islands have telephone connectivity domestic: nearly 18 per 100 fixed-line teledensity, domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station (2018) international: country code - 1-684; landing points for the ASH, Southern Cross NEXT and Hawaiki  providing connectivity to New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa, Hawaii, California, and SAS connecting American Samoa with Samoa; 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 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 Topic: Andorrageneral assessment: modern automatic telephone system; broadband Internet and LTE mobile lines for both consumer and enterprise customers available (2019) domestic: about 51 per 100 fixed-line, 114 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and Spain; modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Angolageneral assessment: Angola’s telecom sector shows consistent recovery following political stability, encouraging foreign investment; while the government opened the telecom sector to new competitors, there has been slow progress in LTE network development; only a small proportion of the country is covered by the 3G network infrastructure; Internet and mobile phone penetration remains low, hindered by high costs and poor infrastructure that limits access, especially in rural areas; upgrading telecom will support e-commerce, and rural access to education and health care; AngoSat-2 satellite expected to be ready in 2021; government aims to connect an additional 160,000 people to free Wi-Fi; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2021) domestic: only about one fixed-line per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity about 45 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 244; landing points for the SAT-3/WASC, WACS, ACE and SACS fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to other countries in west Africa, Brazil, Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 29, Angosat-2 satellite expected by 2021 (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 Topic: Anguillageneral assessment: modern internal telephone system with fiber-optic trunk lines; telecom sector provides a relatively high contribution to overall GDP; numerous competitors licensed, but small and localized; major growth sectors include the mobile telephony and data segments (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 42 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 182 per 100 persons (2018) international: country code - 1-264; landing points for the SSCS, ECFS, GCN and Southern Caribbean Fiber with submarine cable links to Caribbean islands and to the US; microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten (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 but the contribution to the sector has been insufficient to offset steep falls in other areas of the market Topic: Antarcticageneral assessment: local systems at some research stations (2019) domestic: commercial cellular networks operating in a small number of locations (2019) international: country code - none allocated; via satellite (including mobile Inmarsat and Iridium systems) to and from all research stations, ships, aircraft, and most field parties Topic: Antigua and Barbudageneral assessment: good automatic telephone system with fiber-optic lines; telecom sector contributes heavily to GDP; numerous mobile network competitors licensed, but small and local; govt. to spend EC80 million in 2019 to improve state-owned telecom market competitiveness; legislative amendments extend jurisdiction of its telecom regulator in Barbuda to include mobile services (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 25 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is about 193 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-268; landing points for the ECFS and Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cable systems with links to other islands in the eastern Caribbean; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) Topic: Argentinageneral assessment: Argentina has one of the most developed mobile markets in Latin America; with additional operators in the market, mobile penetration fell in 2020 as incentives for multiple-SIM card ownership eased; LTE with tests of 5G; government plan to boost fixed broadband coverage nationally and declared TV, cable, and mobile services were essential public services; submarine system linking Sao Paolo and Rio De Janeiro with Buenos Aires is operational; national operator increased investment in Uruguay; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2021) domestic: roughly 16 per 100 fixed-line and 121 per 100 mobile-cellular; microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network (2020) international: country code - 54; landing points for the UNISUR, Bicentenario, Atlantis-2, SAm-1, and SAC, Tannat, Malbec and ARBR submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, South and Central America, and US; satellite earth stations - 112 (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 Topic: Armeniageneral assessment: telecom market struggles to provide an effective national telecom service; country remains dependent on the economic health of  Russian and EU economies; fixed-line penetration falling, driven by growth in mobile and fixed-line broadband; growth of 4G networks and falling prices due to growing competition; fixed broadband is growing but remains low by international comparisons; flat mobile market; strong growth predicted for mobile broadband market; government participating in a project to ensure eventual nationwide 5G network; government approved plans for a new data center built via public-private partnership; communication technologies sectors have attracted foreign investment; top importer of broadcast equipment from China (2020) domestic: roughly 14 per 100 fixed-line and 118 per 100 mobile-cellular; reliable fixed-line and mobile-cellular services are available across Yerevan and in major cities and towns; mobile-cellular coverage available in most rural areas (2020) international: country code - 374; Yerevan is connected to the Caucasus Cable System fiber-optic cable through Georgia and Iran to Europe; additional international service is available by microwave radio relay and landline connections to the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, through the Moscow international switch, and by satellite to the rest of the world; satellite earth stations - 3 (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Arubageneral assessment: modern fully automatic telecommunications system; increased competition through privatization has increased mobile-cellular teledensity; three mobile-cellular service providers are now licensed; MNO (mobile network operator) launched island-wide LTE services; MNP (mobile number portability) introduced (2018) domestic: ongoing changes in regulations and competition improving teledensity; approximately 34 per 100 fixed-line and 135 per 100 mobile-cellular (2018) international: country code - 297; landing points for the PAN-AM, PCCS, Deep Blue Cable, and Alonso de Ojeda submarine telecommunications cable system that extends from Trinidad and Tobago, Florida, Puerto Ricco, Jamaica, Guyana, Sint Eustatius & Saba, Suriname, Dominican Republic, BVI, USVI, Haiti, Cayman Islands, the Netherlands Antilles,  through Aruba to Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile; extensive interisland microwave radio relay links (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 Topic: Australiageneral assessment: excellent domestic and international service with comprehensive population coverage through LTE; domestic satellite system; rapid growth of mobile and fixed-wireless broadband services through multi-technology architecture; emphasis on new technologies; diminished fixed-line market due to mobile and mobile broadband; in fixed broadband, shift to fiber networks through infrastructure build out; mobile network operators continue to work towards the launch of 5G; predicted to be one of the top markets driving the growth of 5G and data markets in Asia; fiber backbone to connect with submarine cables; Oman-Australia cable is estimated to be in service by mid-2022; two of Australia's major imports are broadcast equipment and computers from China (2021) 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 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 Topic: Austriageneral assessment: mature telecom market benefitting from effective competition; government and regulator are focused on improving telecom infrastructure; program to provide a national gigabit service by 2030 based on 5G networks; fixed-line broadband market is dominated by DSL sector, while cable broadband enjoys steady share of connections; fiber penetration remains low pending build out network infrastructure; EU-funded projects develop infrastructure to enable an 'Internet of Services; Vienna is a smart city; importer of broadcasting equipment from Vietnam and China (2020) domestic: developed and efficient; 42 per 100 fixed-line for households, 174 per 100 for companies; roughly 119 per 100 mobile-cellular; broadband: 138 per 100 on smartphones; roughly 29 per 100 fixed broadband and 107 per 100 mobile broadband (2020) international: country code - 43; earth stations available in the Astra, Intelsat, Eutelsat satellite systems (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Azerbaijangeneral assessment: a landlocked country with historically poor infrastructure; state control of telecom systems; progress with Digital Hub project despite economic contraction in 2020; government launched e-school and e-service programs; risk of delays in infrastructure and launch of new technologies, including 5G due to slow market demand; LTE supports most data traffic while mobile broadband subscribership grows rapidly; fixed-line broadband market has slight upward trend; Internet access is expensive and suffers from outages and intentional government disruption; importer of broadcasting equipment from Russia (2020) 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 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 Topic: Bahamas, Thegeneral assessment: the telecom sector across the Caribbean continues to be a growth area, contributing to the country's overall GDP; totally automatic system; highly developed; operators focus investment on mobile networks; the activation of (mobile number portability) MNP in April 2017, allowing mobile subscribers to port their numbers between competing MNO (mobile network operators) has contributed to the competition and liberalization of the market (2020) domestic: 23 per 100 fixed-line, 109 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 1-242; landing points for the ARCOS-1, BICS, Bahamas 2-US, and BDSN fiber-optic submarine cables that provide links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2; the Bahamas Domestic Submarine Network links all of the major islands; (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Bahraingeneral assessment: Bahrain is one of the most technically advanced and connected countries in the world; NGN for increased mobile and Wi-Fi traffic; mobile infrastructure and fiber-optic Internet allows greater Internet penetration and competitive prices; government provides free Internet in schools and public areas, and national broadband with sole control over network; regulator controlled by monarchy; Internet freedom restricted through blocks; well served by satellite and submarine cable access; importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE (2020) domestic: approximately 16 per 100 fixed-line and 103 per 100 mobile-cellular; modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly expanding mobile-cellular telephones (2020) international: country code - 973; landing points for the FALCON, Tata TGN-Gulf, GBICS/MENA, and FOG submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa; tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth station - 1 (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 Topic: Bangladeshgeneral assessment: Bangladesh’s economic constraints hinder network infrastructure, resulting in the lowest fixed-line penetration rate in South Asia and a very low fixed broadband rate; most consumers utilize mobile broadband for data on LTE networks but rates are still well below that of most other Asian countries; the government approved a modernization project to support investment and prepare for 5G launches; 2020 test of 5G technology in Dhaka; government directive allows IoT for smart buildings and automation industries; government project aims to provide network to services and schools; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity remains less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has been increasing rapidly and now exceeds 103 telephones per 100 persons; mobile subscriber growth is anticipated over the next five years to 2023; strong local competition (2020) international: country code - 880; landing points for the SeaMeWe-4 and SeaMeWe-5 fiber-optic submarine cable system that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 6; international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries (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 Topic: Barbadosgeneral assessment: island-wide automatic telephone system; telecom sector across the Caribbean region remains one of the key growth areas and contributors to the overall GDP; numerous competitors licensed, but small and localized (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity of roughly 45 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone density about 115 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-246; landing points for the ECFS and Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cable with links to 15 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Puerto Ricco; satellite earth stations - 1 (Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia (2019) Topic: Belarusgeneral assessment: government owns and administers backbone network and much of telecom market with no independent regulator; government and telecom regulator are concluding three major programs aimed at developing the telecom sector and digital economy to enable 5G services and extension of fiber infrastructure; growing applications for smart cities; developing mobile broadband and data services to rural areas; commercial LTE services extended to 80% of the population; operators provide standalone 5G service and NB-IoT services; international connection through fiber optic and terrestrial link, nascent satellite system; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is improving although rural areas continue to be underserved, approximately 47 per 100 fixed-line; mobile-cellular teledensity now roughly 124 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 375; Belarus is landlocked and therefore a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); 3 fiber-optic segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stations; almost 31,000 base stations in service in 2019 (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Belgiumgeneral assessment: Belgium has a highly developed, technologically advanced telecom system; LTE is nearly universal; ongoing investment in 5G with services to dozens of cities and towns; competition between the DSL and cable platforms with investment in fiber networks; 5G; operators accelerating fiber roll-out program; Brussels Airport collaborating with operator to deploy 5G and IoT solutions; international connections through satellite and submarine cables; importer of broadcast equipment from EU neighbors (2020) domestic: about 31 per 100 fixed-line and 99 per 100 mobile-cellular; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network (2020) international: country code - 32; landing points for Concerto, UK-Belgium, Tangerine, and SeaMeWe-3, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia; satellite earth stations - 7 (Intelsat - 3) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Belizegeneral assessment: Belize’s fixed-line tele-density and mobile penetration is lower than average for the region, due to insufficient competition, underinvestment in services, and lax standards; mobile accounts for 90% of all phones; operator aims to provide cheaper prices and customer retention through investment in broadband to over 80% of premises and LTE infrastructure; operator launched safe cities project to fight crime; government distributed tablets to students to promote e-learning; submarine cable to Ambergris Caye enables FttP service in San Pedro; importer of broadcast equipment from the United States (2020) domestic: roughly 5 per 100 fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity of 65 per 100 persons; mobile sector accounting for over 90% of all phone subscriptions (2019) international: country code - 501; landing points for the ARCOS and SEUL fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 8 (Intelsat - 2, unknown - 6) (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 Topic: Beningeneral assessment: Benin’s telecom market is restricted by poor fixed-line infrastructure; low use of fixed-line voice and Internet; mobile networks account for almost all Internet and voice traffic; progress on fiber infrastructure through World Bank and the government investment to extend broadband and develop Smart Government program; monopolized fixed-line Internet services access is limited; ICT development will provide telecom services to 80% of the country, mostly via mobile and DSL infrastructure; Benin Smart City construction has begun; improved international Internet connectivity supports growth of m-commerce and m-banking; submarine cable connectivity from African coast to Europe (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity only about 1 per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular providers, cellular telephone subscribership has increased rapidly, nearing 92 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 229; landing points for the SAT-3/WASC and ACE fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe, and most West African countries; satellite earth stations - 7 (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 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 Topic: Bermudageneral assessment: a good, fully automatic digital telephone system with fiber-optic trunk lines; telecom sector provides a relatively high contribution to overall GDP; numerous competitors licensed, but small and localized; telecom sector a growth area across the Caribbean (2020) domestic: the system has a high fixed-line teledensity nearing 35 per 100, coupled with a mobile-cellular teledensity of roughly 103 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-441; landing points for the GlobeNet, Gemini Bermuda, CBUS, and the CB-1 submarine cables to the Caribbean, South America and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Bhutangeneral assessment: Bhutan’s telecom market is dominated by the mobile sector for voice and data connections due to poor fixed-line infrastructure and topographic issues; investment is focused on mobile infrastructure and an emergency telecom network for natural disasters; extended LTE to 60% of all mobile Internet users; regulator developing 5G plan; international communication through landline and microwave relay; nascent satellite service; importer of broadcast equipment from India  (2021) 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 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 governmentsBhutan’s telecom market is dominated by the mobile sector for voice and data connections due to poor fixed-line infrastructure and topographic issues; investment is focused on mobile infrastructure and an emergency telecom network for natural disasters; extended LTE to 60% of all mobile Internet users; regulator developing 5G plan; international communication through landline and microwave relay; nascent satellite service; importer of broadcast equipment from India  Topic: Boliviageneral assessment: with low national GDP and remote landlocked geography, Bolivia’s telecom services are historically expensive and neglected resulting in low penetration; fixed telecom market is provided by non-profit cooperatives focused on improvement of services such as broadband and paid TV services; some operators adopted fixed-wireless technologies and fiber-optic capacity; fixed broadband services migrating from DSL to fiber remain expensive and largely unavailable in many areas; historically relied on satellite services or terrestrial links and inaugurated a new cable running via Peru to the Pacific; operator aims to increase coverage through mobile networks for voice and data access, especially to rural areas; space agency plans to boost satellite-based Internet; in 2020, communications towers in Yapacani were destroyed due to pandemic conspiracy fears; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2021) domestic: 5 per 100 fixed-line, mobile-cellular telephone use expanding rapidly and teledensity stands at 101 per 100 persons; most telephones are concentrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and other capital cities (2020) international: country code - 591; Bolivia has no direct access to submarine cable networks and must therefore connect to the rest of the world either via satellite or through terrestrial links across neighboring countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 governmentswith low national GDP and remote landlocked geography, Bolivia’s telecom services are historically expensive and neglected resulting in low penetration; fixed telecom market is provided by non-profit cooperatives focused on improvement of services such as broadband and paid TV services; some operators adopted fixed-wireless technologies and fiber-optic capacity; fixed broadband services migrating from DSL to fiber remain expensive and largely unavailable in many areas; historically relied on satellite services or terrestrial links and inaugurated a new cable running via Peru to the Pacific; operator aims to increase coverage through mobile networks for voice and data access, especially to rural areas; space agency plans to boost satellite-based Internet; in 2020, communications towers in Yapacani were destroyed due to pandemic conspiracy fears; importer of broadcasting equipment from China Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinageneral assessment: Bosnia-Herzegovina aims for national LTE coverage through integration with European Union (EU); roaming agreements with EU and Balkan neighbors; fixed-line broadband is underdeveloped, investments in mobile upgrades facilitate broadband connectivity to a greater extent than in Europe; DSL and cable are the main platforms for fixed-line connectivity while fiber broadband has a small market presence; operators support broadband in rural areas where fixed-line infrastructure is insufficient; LTE services under test licenses; 5G awaits market maturity; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 22 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular subscribership stands at 107 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 387; no satellite earth stations 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 governmentsBosnia-Herzegovina aims for national LTE coverage through integration with European Union (EU); roaming agreements with EU and Balkan neighbors; fixed-line broadband is underdeveloped, investments in mobile upgrades facilitate broadband connectivity to a greater extent than in Europe; DSL and cable are the main platforms for fixed-line connectivity while fiber broadband has a small market presence; operators support broadband in rural areas where fixed-line infrastructure is insufficient; LTE services under test licenses; 5G awaits market maturity; importer of broadcasting equipment from China Topic: Botswanageneral assessment: due to effective regulatory reform and active competition, Botswana’s telecom market is one of the most liberalized in the region; strategy to drive nationwide ICT penetration is slowed; one of the highest mobile penetration rates in Africa; operators developing 3G and LTE; Internet use rising due to lower prices; government has embraced digitalization, e-government and identity programs that require citizens to provide detailed personal information; previously dependent on satellites for international connectivity, country’s new submarine cable landings improved competition and tripled international Internet capacity; importer of broadcast equipment from Hong Kong and China (2020) (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity has declined in recent years and now stands at roughly 6 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 162 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 267; international calls are made via satellite, using international direct dialing; 2 international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian 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 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 governmentsdue to effective regulatory reform and active competition, Botswana’s telecom market is one of the most liberalized in the region; strategy to drive nationwide ICT penetration is slowed; one of the highest mobile penetration rates in Africa; operators developing 3G and LTE; Internet use rising due to lower prices; government has embraced digitalization, e-government and identity programs that require citizens to provide detailed personal information; previously dependent on satellites for international connectivity, country’s new submarine cable landings improved competition and tripled international Internet capacity; importer of broadcast equipment from Hong Kong and China (2020) Topic: Brazilgeneral assessment: Brazil is one of the largest mobile and broadband markets in Latin America with healthy competition and pricing; national 5G rollout planned for 2022; countrywide network spectrum auction held in November 2021; large fixed-line broadband market with focus on fiber; landing point for submarine cables and investment into terrestrial fiber cables to neighboring countries; Internet penetration has increased, access varies along geographic and socio-economic lines; government provides free WiFi in urban public spaces; pioneer in the region for M-commerce; major importer of integrated circuits from South Korea and China, and broadcasting equipment from China   (2021) domestic: fixed-line connections stand at roughly 14 per 100 persons; less-expensive mobile-cellular technology has been a major impetus broadening telephone service to the lower-income segments of the population with mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 97 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 55; landing points for a number of submarine cables, including Malbec, ARBR, Tamnat, SAC, SAm-1, Atlantis -2, Seabras-1, Monet, EllaLink, BRUSA, GlobeNet, AMX-1, Brazilian Festoon, Bicentenario, Unisur, Junior, Americas -II, SAE x1, SAIL, SACS and SABR that provide direct connectivity to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station; satellites is a major communication platform, as it is almost impossible to lay fiber optic cable in the thick vegetation (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  Topic: British Indian Ocean Territorygeneral assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available (2018) domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet (2018) international: country code (Diego Garcia) - 246; landing point for the SAFE submarine cable that provides direct connectivity to Africa, Asia and near-by Indian Ocean island countries; international telephone service is carried by satellite (2019) Topic: British Virgin Islandsgeneral assessment: good overall telephone service; major expansion sectors include the mobile telephony and data segments, which continue to appeal to operator investment; several operators licensed to provide services within individual markets, most of them are small and localized; telecommunication contributes to overall GDP (2020) domestic: fixed-line connections exceed 24 per 100 persons and mobile cellular subscribership is roughly 116 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 1-284; landing points for PCCS, ECFS, CBUS, Deep Blue Cable, East-West, PAN-AM, Americas-1, Southern Caribbean Fiber, Columbus- IIb, St Thomas - St Croix System, Taino-Carib, and Americas I- North via submarine cable to Caribbean, Central and South America, and US (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 Topic: Bruneigeneral assessment: Brunei is improving its national telecom network; telecommunications infrastructure and services are of high standard, due to healthy investment in networks and services; relatively mature telecom system compared to other Asian countries; mobile subscription increasing steadily to high penetration; launch of 5G pilot services in April 2021 aimed to increase awareness of the benefits of 5G and boost the mobile broadband sector; access to telecom services via the Kacific-1 satellite (2021) domestic: every service available; nearly 24 per 100 fixed-line, 120 per 100 mobile-cellular (2020) international: country code - 673; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, SJC, AAG, Lubuan-Brunei Submarine Cable via optical telecommunications submarine cables that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Bulgariageneral assessment: Bulgaria’s telecoms sector benefited from adaptation of EU regulatory measures and privatization; population is moving to fiber over DSL for broadband connection; investment towards rural areas; migration from fixed-line voice to mobile and VoIP; private networks pursuing upgrades and development of services based on 5G; broadband market in Bulgaria enjoys cross-platform competition; operators deploy NB-IoT platform in several cities and released smart platform for utilities; government launched e-learning platform to help students continue their studies during lockdown (2021) (2020) 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 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 governmentsBulgaria’s telecoms sector benefited from adaptation of EU regulatory measures and privatization; population is moving to fiber over DSL for broadband connection; investment towards rural areas; migration from fixed-line voice to mobile and VoIP; private networks pursuing upgrades and development of services based on 5G; broadband market in Bulgaria enjoys cross-platform competition; operators deploy NB-IoT platform in several cities and released smart platform for utilities; government launched e-learning platform to help students continue their studies during lockdown (2021) Topic: Burkina Fasogeneral assessment: Burkina Faso’s telecom services are some of the most expensive in the world, hindered by regulatory procedures, insufficient mobile spectrum, poor fixed-line networks; mobile telephony but below African average; Internet is provided by mobile operators; Internet penetration is low and expensive, despite improved international bandwidth via fiber links through submarine cables to adjacent countries; increased telecom tax; government infrastructure project largely completed; parliament launched inquiry on mobile network infrastructure coverage, pricing of services, and quality of service; government began computer subsidy program for university students; government progressed with large project to provide metropolitan fiber-optic infrastructure (2020) domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage nearly 106 per 100, with multiple providers there is competition and the hope for growth from a low base; Internet penetration is 16% (2020) international: country code - 226; 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 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 Topic: Burmageneral assessment: Burma, one of the least developed telecom markets in Asia, saw growth in mobile and broadband services through foreign competition and roll out of 4G and 5G networks; infrastructure development challenged by flooding, unreliable electricity, inefficient bureaucracy, and corruption; digital divide affects rural areas; fixed broadband remains low due to number of fixed-lines and near saturation of the mobile platform; healthy m-banking platform; tests for NB-IoT; benefit from launch of regional satellite; government utilizes intermittent censorship and shut-down of Internet in political crisis; top importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2021) (2020) domestic: fixed-line is just under 1 per 100, while mobile-cellular is roughly 90 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 95; landing points for the SeaMeWe-3, SeaMeWe-5, AAE-1 and Singapore-Myanmar optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2, Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and ShinSat (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 Topic: Burundigeneral assessment: Burundi’s high population density and low telecom penetration rates make it an attractive market for investors; mobile operators have launched 3G and LTE to meet the demand for Internet; mobile subscription remains low; government/World Bank joint project to build a national broadband backbone connecting to submarine cable landings in Kenya and Tanzania; government launched e-health project (2020) domestic: telephone density one of the lowest in the world; fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage is about 56 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); the government, supported by the Word Bank, has backed a joint venture with a number of prominent telecoms to build a national fiber backbone network, offering onward connectivity to submarine cable infrastructure landings in Kenya and Tanzania (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Cabo Verdegeneral assessment: LTE reaches almost 40% of the population; regulator awards commercial 4G licenses and starts 5G pilot; govt. extends USD 25 million for submarine fiber-optic cable project linking Africa to Portugal and Brazil; major service provider is Cabo Verde Telecom (CVT) (2020) domestic: a little over 10 per 100 fixed-line teledensity and nearly 98 per 100 mobile-cellular; fiber-optic ring, completed in 2001, links all islands providing Internet access and ISDN services; cellular service introduced in 1998; broadband services launched early in the decade (2020) international: country code - 238; landing points for the Atlantis-2, EllaLink, Cabo Verde Telecom Domestic Submarine Cable Phase 1, 2, 3 and WACS fiber-optic transatlantic telephone cable that provides links to South America, Africa, and Europe; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Cambodiageneral assessment: Cambodia’s telecom infrastructure struggles with poor infrastructure and power outages; improvement through competition and foreign investment; fixed-line and fixed/mobile broadband penetration is still low compared to other Asian nations; government and operators preparing for 5G services through Huawei’s infrastructure that will drive mobile broadband through faster speeds; online Internet content subject to government restrictions (2020) domestic: fixed-line connections stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular usage, aided by competition among service providers, is about 130 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 855; landing points for MCT and AAE-1 via submarine cables providing communication to Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (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 Topic: Cameroongeneral assessment: Cameroon’s 3G and LTE services are improving through growing competition and a government program to improve national connectivity and support digital economy; saturated use of transactions through m-commerce; developing broadband sector; improved submarine and terrestrial cable connectivity strengthened international bandwidth and lowered prices; pushing start of fiber link to Congo; fiber rollout continues with new government funding; operators opened new data center in 2020 and developed contracts for satellite broadband; government awarded contract to provide connectivity to universities (2020) 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 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 Topic: Canadageneral assessment: Canada has highly developed, technologically advanced telecom services; LTE and broadband are nearly universal; competition between the DSL and cable platforms with investment in fiber networks; regulatory efforts ensure operators have spectrum available to develop 5G services; policy to improve service speeds and enable digital economy and e-services; operator’s 5G network facilitates smart-city vehicle and pedestrian traffic; high value in e-commerce transactions; international connections through submarine, terrestrial, and satellite systems; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: Nearly 37 per 100 fixed-line and 96 per 100 mobile-cellular teledensity; domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations (2020) international: country code - 1; landing points for the Nunavut Undersea Fiber Optic Network System, Greenland Connect, Persona, GTT Atlantic, and Express, KetchCan 1 Submarine Fiber Cable system, St Pierre and Miquelon Cable submarine cables providing links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean, and 2 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (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 Topic: Cayman Islandsgeneral assessment: reasonably good overall telephone system with a high fixed-line teledensity; given the high dependence of tourism and activities such as fisheries and offshore financial services, the telecom sector provides a relatively high contribution to overall GDP; good competition in all sectors promotes advancement in mobile telephony and data segments (2017) domestic: introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004 boosted subscriptions; nearly 55 per 100 fixed-line and 153 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the Maya-1, Deep Blue Cable, and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Central African Republicgeneral assessment: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and at low-capacity; ongoing conflict has obstructed telecommunication and media development, although there are ISP (Internet service providers) and mobile phone carriers, radio is the most-popular communications medium (2018) domestic: very limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; with the presence of multiple providers mobile-cellular service has reached nearly 34 per 100 mobile-cellular subscribers; cellular usage is increasing from a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services are concentrated in Bangui (2019) international: country code - 236; 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 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 Topic: Chadgeneral assessment: Chad’s inadequate telecom infrastructure, corruption, and high taxes hinder penetration in fixed, mobile, and Internet sectors; with tax reform, operators are investing in voice and data infrastructure to 3G/4G; government approved telecom infrastructure upgrade; World Bank-funded Central African Backbone (CAB) project; Trans-Saharan Backbone project will link a fiber cable to Nigeria and Algeria (2020) 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 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 Topic: Chilegeneral assessment: Chile’s telecom systems are highly competitive and rapidly evolving; mobile penetration rate is among the highest in South America; deployment of 5G networks expected; fixed broadband penetration is high for region, with fast and inexpensive services; government initiatives provide high-capacity connectivity across the country and increase fixed-line broadband penetration; progress with national satellite system; schools received free broadband as part of the ‘Connectivity for Education 2030’ program; submarine cable project to link Chile with New Zealand and Australia; importer of broadcasting equipment from USA (2020) domestic: number of fixed-line connections have dropped to about 13 per 100 in recent years as mobile-cellular usage continues to increase, reaching 131 telephones per 100 persons; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations (2020) international: country code - 56; landing points for the Pan-Am, Prat, SAm-1, American Movil-Telxius West Coast Cable, FOS Quellon-Chacabuco, Fibra Optical Austral, SAC and Curie submarine cables providing links to the US, Caribbean and to Central and South America; 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 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 Topic: Chinageneral assessment: China has the largest Internet market in the world with almost all subscribers accessing Internet through mobile devices; market is driven through government-allied investment; fast-developing data center market; government aims to provide universal and affordable broadband coverage through market competition and private investment in state-controlled enterprises; 3G and LTE subscribers will migrate to 5G aiming for 2 million 5G base stations by the end of 2022; government strengthens IoT policies to boost economic growth; China is pushing development of smart cities beyond Beijing; Beijing residents carry virtual card integrating identity, social security, health, and education documents; government controls gateways to global Internet through censorship, surveillance, and shut-downs; major exporter of broadcasting equipment world-wide (2022) domestic: nearly 13 per 100 fixed line and 118 per 100 mobile-cellular; a domestic satellite system with several earth stations has been in place since 2018 (2020) international: country code - 86; landing points for the RJCN, EAC-C2C, TPE, APCN-2, APG, NCP, TEA, SeaMeWe-3, SJC2, Taiwan Strait Express-1, AAE-1, APCN-2, AAG, FEA, FLAG and TSE submarine cables providing connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the US; satellite earth stations - 7 (5 Intelsat - 4 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean; 1 Intersputnik - Indian Ocean region; and 1 Inmarsat - Pacific and Indian Ocean regions) (2019) Topic: Christmas Islandgeneral assessment: service provided by the Australian network domestic: local area code - 08; GSM mobile-cellular telephone service is provided by Telstra as part of the Australian network international: international code - 61 8; ASC submarine cable to Singapore and Australia; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat provides telephone and telex service) (2019) Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsgeneral assessment: telephone service is part of the Australian network; an operational local mobile-cellular network available; wireless Internet connectivity available domestic: local area code - 08 international: international code - 61 8; telephone, telex, and facsimile communications with Australia and elsewhere via satellite; satellite earth station - 1 (Intelsat) Topic: Colombiageneral assessment: Colombia’s telecom infrastructure has improved through a government program of competition to upgrade services based on LTE and 4G, focusing on infrastructure in small urban centers and rural areas; national ICT Plan increased broadband and fiber connectivity; operators are testing 5G through unallocated spectrum pilots and have completed 20k terrestrial cable connecting 80% of the country; benefit due to access to commercial submarine cable (2020) domestic: fixed-line connections stand at about 14 per 100 persons; mobile cellular telephone subscribership is 133 per 100 persons; Partners Telecom Colombia's (WOM) market entrance in June 2021 increased competition among cellular service providers and is resulting in falling local and international calling rates and contributing to the steep decline in the market share of fixed-line services; domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations (2021) international: country code - 57; landing points for the SAC, Maya-1, SAIT, ACROS, AMX-1, CFX-1, PCCS, Deep Blue Cable, Globe Net, PAN-AM, SAm-1 submarine cable systems providing links to the US, parts of the Caribbean, and Central and South America; satellite earth stations - 10 (6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 3 fully digitalized international switching centers) (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 slowed with 5G auction delayed to 2023; 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 Topic: Comorosgeneral 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 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 Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thegeneral assessment: due to decades of conflict and poor infrastructure, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s telecom system is one of the least developed in the region; government aims to improve loose regulation through legislation; mobile networks are principal providers of telecom; LTE is geographically limited; investment from China and other foreign donors for fiber backbone; international bandwidth through WACS submarine cable; operator licensed to build landing station for submarine cable and tower upgrade that will provide competition in broadband, fixed, and mobile Internet services; operator added fiber link between Brazzaville and Kinshasa (2020) domestic: inadequate fixed-line infrastructure with fixed-line connections less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscriptions over 45 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 243; ACE and WACS submarine cables to West and South Africa and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Congo, Republic of thegeneral assessment: suffering from economic challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty; primary network consists of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable with services barely adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order; youth are seeking the Internet more than their parents and often gain access through cyber cafes; only the most affluent have Internet access in their homes; operator has plans to upgrade national broadband through fiber link to WACS landing station at Pointe-Noire with connections to Angola and DRC; fiber network project with aims to connect north and south regions; DRC operator added fiber link between Brazzaville and Kinshasa (2020) domestic: fixed-line infrastructure inadequate, providing less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has surged to nearly 99 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 242; WACS submarine cables to Europe and Western and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Cook Islandsgeneral assessment: demand for mobile broadband is increasing due to mobile services being the primary and most wide-spread source for Internet access across the region; Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, and fax; individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone (2020) domestic: service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable; nearly 38 per 100 fixed-line and about 83 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 682; the Manatua submarine cable to surrounding islands of Niue, Samoa, French Polynesia and other Cook Islands, the topography of the South Pacific region has made Internet connectivity a serious issue for many of the remote islands; submarine fiber-optic networks are expensive to build and maintain; 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 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 Topic: Costa Ricageneral assessment: Costa Rica has broad telecom coverage though geographical distribution of digital service is unequal; recent regulator liberalization spurred expansion in all sectors; broadband market is the most advanced and highest penetration in Central America yet lags behind many South American countries; operators investing in NGN technology; number portability and cheaper broadband costs will increase competition; government aims to subsidize tele-health and e-learning (2018) domestic: roughly 11 per 100 fixed-line and 148 per 100 mobile-cellular; point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave, fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is available (2020) international: country code - 506; landing points for the ARCOS-1, MAYA-1, and the PAC submarine cables that provide links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central American Microwave System; 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 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 Topic: Cote d'Ivoiregeneral assessment: Côte d'Ivoire telecom systems continue to benefit from strong economic growth; fixed-line, Internet, and broadband sectors remain underdeveloped; mobile sector is strong; progress in national backbone network and connection to submarine cable that will increase Internet bandwidth; country is poised to develop broadband market and digital economy; government further tightened SIM card registration rules (2020) domestic: 1 per 100 fixed-line teledensity; with multiple mobile-cellular service providers competing in the market, mobile subscriptions have increased to 152 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 225; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, ACE, MainOne, and WACS fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and South and West Africa; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Croatiageneral assessment: Croatia’s telecom market improved through partnership with the EU in 2013, opening a competitive market in mobile and broadband and conducive regulatory environment; one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the Balkans, covering most remote areas; local lines are digital; international operator investment provides relatively high broadband penetration; tests for 5G technologies in 2020 (2020) 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 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 Topic: Cubageneral assessment: internet availability has increased substantially over the past few years, but only about 64 percent of Cubans have Internet access, and even fewer Cubans--about 60 percent of the population--have access to cell phone service; in 2021 the Cuban Government passed a decree that strengthened its authority to censor Internet and telephonic communications; state control of the telecom sector hinders development; Cuba has the lowest mobile phone and Internet penetration rates in the region; fixed-line density is also very low; thaw of US-Cuba relations encouraged access to services, such as Wi-Fi hotspots; access to sites is controlled and censored; DSL and Internet are available in Havana, though costs are too high for most Cubans; international investment and agreement to improve Internet access through cost-free and direct connection between networks (2021) domestic: fixed-line density remains low at a little over 13 per 100 inhabitants; mobile-cellular service has expanded to about 59 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 53; the ALBA-1, GTMO-1, and GTMO-PR fiber-optic submarine cables link Cuba, Jamaica, and Venezuela; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region) (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 Topic: Curacaogeneral assessment: fully automatic modern telecommunications system; telecom sector across the Caribbean region continues to be one of the growth areas; given the lack of economic diversity in the region, with a high dependence on tourism and activities such as fisheries and offshore financial services the telecom sector contributes greatly to the GDP (2020) domestic: roughly 33 per 100 users for fixed-line and 113 per 100 users for cellular-mobile, majority of the islanders have Internet; market revenue has been affected in recent quarters as a result of competition and regulatory measures on termination rates and roaming tariffs (2019) international: country code - +599, PCCS submarine cable system to US, Caribbean and Central and South America (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 Topic: Cyprusgeneral assessment: despite the growth of Cyprus's telecom sector, the market is dominated by its state-owned operator; one of the highest broadband penetration rates in the region; DSL remains the dominant access platform as broadband is restricted to a few towns; fixed-line and mobile cable infrastructure available for more than half of premises; fiber infrastructure in development; improved regulations provide confidence for investment in network infrastructure and competing services; operator expanded FttP services and initiated cable connection to France and Egypt; operator signed vendor agreement with international investor, Huawei, to develop 5G; operators extended LTE services and upgraded transmission capacity on TE-North Cable System (2020) domestic: fixed-line about 35 per 100 and about 139 per 100 for mobile-cellular teledensity; open-wire, fiber-optic cable, and microwave radio relay (2020) international: country code - 357 (area administered by Turkish Cypriots uses the country code of Turkey - 90); a number of submarine cables, including the SEA-ME-WE-3, CADMOS, MedNautilus Submarine System, POSEIDON, TE North/TGN-Eurasia/SEACOM/Alexandros/Medes, UGARIT, Aphrodite2, Hawk, Lev Submarine System, and Tamares combine to provide connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Southeast Asia; Turcyos-1 and Turcyos-2 submarine cable in Turkish North Cyprus link to Turkey; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 8 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 2 Eutelsat, 2 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Czechiageneral assessment: Czechia has a sophisticated telecom market with a developed telephone and Internet service attracting European investment; mobile sector showing steady growth through regulatory support for competition; licensees expanding reach of 5G and LTE networks; mobile penetration among the highest in the EU; operators extended fiber to an additional 143 rural zones in 2020 and commit to extending fiber to one million premises by 2027; its top import is broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: roughly 12 fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants and mobile telephone usage of about 121 per 100 inhabitants (2020) international: country code - 420; satellite earth stations - 6 (2 Intersputnik - Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions, 1 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat, 1 Globalstar) (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 Topic: Denmarkgeneral assessment: Denmark has one of the highest broadband penetration rates globally, with near universal availability of superfast connections; progressive regulator encouraged upgrades to cable and DSL infrastructure; fast growing fiber networks with aim for nation-wide build-out; comprehensive LTE with 90% coverage of 5G; operator expands NB-IoT across its LTE network; survey underway for cable connecting Denmark to Norway; upgrades to submarine cable connection to North America; importer of broadcasting equipment from EU neighbors (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 16 per 100 and about 123 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 45; landing points for the NSC, COBRAcable, CANTAT-3, DANICE, Havfrue/AEC-2, TAT-14m Denmark-Norway-5 & 6, Skagenfiber West & East, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC-KPN, Kattegat 1 & 2 & 3, Energinet Lyngsa-Laeso, Energinet Laeso-Varberg, Fehmarn Balt, Baltica, German-Denmark 2 & 3, Ronne-Rodvig, Denmark-Sweden 15 & 16 & 17 & 18, IP-Only Denmark-Sweden, Scandinavian South, Scandinavian Ring North, Danica North, 34 series of fiber-optic submarine cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, US and UK; satellite earth stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Djiboutigeneral assessment: Djibouti has a poor domestic infrastructure and a monopolized telecom system relying on microwave radio relay; rural areas connected via wireless local loop; mobile coverage limited to Djibouti city; despite challenges, foreign investment lends progress toward improvements; one of the best international fiber cables in the region, the Djibouti Internet Exchange, is a meeting point for cable systems passing between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean; national operator managed the Australia West Cable landing and signed an agreement for IP traffic through Paris and Marseille; international operator signed MoU for extension of cable from the Gulf to Djibouti (2020) domestic: about 4 per 100 fixed-line teledensity and nearly 44 per 100 mobile-cellular; Djibouti Telecom (DT) is the sole provider of telecommunications services and utilizes mostly a microwave radio relay network; fiber-optic cable is installed in the capital; rural areas connected via wireless local loop radio systems; mobile cellular coverage is primarily limited to the area in and around Djibouti city (2020) international: country code - 253; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3 & 5, EASSy, Aden-Djibouti, Africa-1, DARE-1, EIG, MENA, Bridge International, PEACE Cable, and SEACOM fiber-optic submarine cable systems providing links to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and Africa; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean and 1 Arabsat) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Dominicageneral assessment: fully automatic network; there are multiple competing operators licensed to provide services, most of them are small and localized; the telecom sector across the Caribbean region remains one of the key growth areas (2020) 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 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 Topic: Dominican Republicgeneral assessment: the Dominican Republic’s fixed-line tele-density is well below the Latin American average due to lack of infrastructure; distribution of telephony services is proportionate to income inequalities; small, localized operators provide services; telecom and mobile broadband growing with LTE available to most of the population; government program aims for universal access to broadband services, and development of a national backbone; 5G launch anticipated in 2021 (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 11 per 100 persons; multiple providers of mobile-cellular service with a subscribership of nearly 83 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 1-809; 1-829; 1-849; landing point for the ARCOS-1, Antillas 1, AMX-1, SAm-1, East-West, Deep Blue Cable and the Fibralink submarine cables that provide links to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Ecuadorgeneral assessment: Ecuador’s remote and mountainous geography lends challenges to tele-density; government-owned provider to improve fixed-line and LTE infrastructure, with emphasis on fiber expansion from urban to rural areas and installation of a 5G network; small telecom market dominated by the non-competitive mobile sector; inadequate fixed-line infrastructure and slowed fixed-line broadband services (2020). (2020) domestic: according to 2021 statistics from the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society, 50 percent of Ecuadorian homes do not have access to fixed internet.  Ecuador’s telecoms regulator, ARCOTEL is currently evaluating and reorganizing the 3.5GHz, 2.5 GHz, 700 MHz and AWS spectrum for future government tenders.  2G/3G technologies have a 91.11 percent of penetration and 4G technologies has 60.74 percent (2021). (2021) international: country code - 593; landing points for the SPSC (Mistral Submarine Cable), Panamerican Cable System (PAN-AM), Pacific Caribbean Cable System (PCCS), America Movil-Telxius West Coast Cable and SAm-1 submarine (SAm-1) cables that provide links to South and Central America, and extending onward to the Caribbean and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) Topic: Egyptgeneral assessment: with a large urbanized population and effective competition, Egypt has one of the largest fixed-line and mobile telecom markets in North Africa; investment has spurred broadband infrastructure and migration to digital economy; operator has ambitions for satellite/smart infrastructure based on 5G and fiber networks; Egypt’s geographical position enabled inexpensive bandwidth through fiber and cable connection to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; rural Internet connections continue to suffer from poor quality and low speeds; government disrupted service during political crises (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 10 per 100, mobile-cellular 93 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 20; landing points for Aletar, Africa-1, FEA, Hawk, IMEWE, and the SEA-ME-WE-3 & 4 submarine cable networks linking to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia ; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean, 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat); tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to Israel; a participant in Medarabtel (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: El Salvadorgeneral assessment: El Salvador’s telecom sector is challenged by low population, poor infrastructure, and unequal income distribution compounded by corruption and criminal influence; liberal regulation promotes mobile penetration in replacement of fixed-line density; operators testing 5G in 2020 (2020) domestic: fixed-line services, roughly 14 per 100, has slowed in the face of mobile-cellular competition now at 161 subscribers per 100 inhabitants (2019) international: country code - 503; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System (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 Topic: Equatorial Guineageneral assessment: Equatorial Guinea’s climate for operator competition boosted mobile subscribership; broadband services are limited and expensive; submarine cable supported broadband and reliability of infrastructure; government backbone network will connect administrative centers; regional roaming agreement in process (2018) domestic: fixed-line density is less than 1 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular subscribership is roughly 45 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 240; landing points for the ACE, Ceiba-1, and Ceiba-2 submarine cables providing communication from Bata and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea to numerous Western African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Eritreageneral assessment: least developed telecommunications market in Africa, largely due to restrictions of state-owned telecom monopoly; most fixed-line telephones are in Asmara; cell phone use is limited by government control of SIM card issuance; low penetration of computer use and Internet; market ripe for competition and investment; direct phone service between Eritrea and Ethiopia restored in September 2018; government operator working on roll-out of 3G network (2020) 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 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 Topic: Estoniageneral assessment: greatly improved telecom service through a range of regulatory measures, competition, and foreign investment, leading to high-quality voice, data, and Internet services; one of the most advanced mobile markets and highest broadband penetration rates in Europe; government commits 20 million euro to rural broadband program; operators supporting LTE infrastructure and launch of smart services; 5G services in major cities; government provides Internet to schools and libraries (2020) domestic: just under 23 per 100 for fixed-line subscribership and approximately 145 per 100 for mobile-cellular; substantial fiber-optic cable systems carry telephone, TV, and radio traffic in the digital mode; Internet services are widely available; schools and libraries are connected to the Internet, a large percentage of the population files income tax returns online, and online voting - in local and parliamentary elections - has climbed steadily since first being introduced in 2005; a large percent of Estonian households have broadband access (2020) international: country code - 372; landing points for the EE-S-1, EESF-3, Baltic Sea Submarine Cable, FEC and EESF-2 fiber-optic submarine cables to other Estonia points, Finland, and Sweden; 2 international switches are located in Tallinn (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Eswatinigeneral assessment: earlier government monopoly in telecom market hindered growth; liberalized regulators aided expansion in the telecom sector; lack of fixed-line infrastructure and competition stymies development of DSL and backbone network; 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE services with coverage to most of the population; landlocked country depends on neighbors for international bandwidth; operator completed terrestrial cable linking Maputo through Eswatini to Johannesburg; importer of broadcasting equipment from South Africa (2019) domestic: Eswatini has 2 mobile-cellular providers; communication infrastructure has a geographic coverage of about 90% and a rising subscriber base; fixed-line stands at nearly 4 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 94 telephones per 100 persons; telephone system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay (2019) international: country code - 268; 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 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 Topic: Ethiopiageneral assessment: telecom market challenged by political factionalism and reorganization of ruling party; despite some gains in access, Ethiopia remains one of the least-connected countries in the world; state-owned telecom held a monopoly over services until 2019 when government approved legislation and opened the market to competition and foreign investment; new expansion of LTE services; government reduced tariffs leading to increases in data and voice traffic; government launched mobile app as part of e-government initiative to build smart city; Huawei provides infrastructure to government operator and built data center in Addis Ababa; government disrupted service during political crises; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions at about 1 per 100 while mobile-cellular stands at a little over 37 per 100; the number of mobile telephones is increasing steadily (2019) international: country code - 251; open-wire to Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; 2 domestic satellites provide the national trunk service; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean) (2016) 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 Topic: European Unionnote - see individual country entries of member states Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)general assessment: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands domestic: fixed-line subscriptions approximately 65 per 100, 163 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries (2015) Topic: Faroe Islandsgeneral 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 Topic: Fijigeneral assessment: Fiji has a relatively sophisticated communications infrastructure with the highest mobile and Internet penetration in the Pacific Islands; aggressively developing LTE and 5G, though the pandemic negatively affected the economy, largely reliant on tourism; population is spread across more than 100 islands, yet most live on two main islands, with communications based on link by a submarine cable system; cables provide a secure link during natural disasters, protecting telecom connectivity; provider plans to expand fiber infrastructure to remote islands (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 9 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 118 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 679; landing points for the ICN1, SCCN, Southern Cross NEXT, Tonga Cable and Tui-Samoa submarine cable links to US, NZ, Australia and Pacific islands of Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Fallis & Futuna, and American Samoa; satellite earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (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 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 Topic: Finlandgeneral assessment: Finland’s telecom market is among most progressive in Europe through favorable regulatory action and competitive technological innovation; orientation towards high technology, research, and development with high investment in information and communication sectors; large proportion of population on 5G and most on LTE; high broadband and mobile penetration; fixed-voice density falling; government provided universal 5Mb/s broadband (2020) domestic: fixed-line 4 per 100 subscriptions and nearly 129 per 100 mobile-cellular (2020) international: country code - 358; landing points for Botnia, BCS North-1 & 2, SFL, SFS-4, C-Lion1, Eastern Lights, Baltic Sea Submarine Cable, FEC, and EESF-2 & 3 submarine cables that provide links to many Finland points, Estonia, Sweden, Germany, and Russia; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) (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 Topic: Francegeneral assessment: one of the largest mobile phone markets in Europe; LTE has universal coverage with extensive 5G; one of the largest broadband subscriber bases in Europe; regional government and telecom companies have invested in higher bandwidth with fiber infrastructure improvements, an investment of more than 20 billion euros; operator investment in developing markets, and on the greater use of artificial intelligence and data; satellite broadband connectivity across France; Paris adopted smart city technology; importer of broadcast equipment from China (2020) domestic: nearly 58 per 100 persons for fixed-line and over 111 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 33; landing points for Circe South, TAT-14, INGRID, FLAG Atlantic-1, Apollo, HUGO, IFC-1, ACE, SeaMeWe-3 & 4, Dunant, Africa-1, AAE-1, Atlas Offshore, Hawk, IMEWE, Med Cable, PEACE Cable, and TE North/TGN-Eurasia/SEACOM/Alexandros/Medex submarine cables providing links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and US; satellite earth stations - more than 3 (2 Intelsat (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone communications with more than 20 countries (2019) overseas departments: country codes: French Guiana - 594; landing points for Ella Link, Kanawa, Americas II to South America, Europe, Caribbean and US; Guadeloupe - 590; landing points for GCN, Southern Caribbean Fiber, and ECFS around the Caribbean and US; Martinique - 596; landing points for Americas II, ECFS, and Southern Caribbean Fiber to South America, US and around the Caribbean;  Mayotte - 262; landing points for FLY-LION3 and LION2 to East Africa and East African Islands in Indian Ocean; Reunion - 262; landing points for SAFE, METISS, and LION submarine cables to Asia, South and East Africa, Southeast Asia and nearby Indian Ocean Island countries of Mauritius, and Madagascar (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 Topic: French Polynesiageneral assessment: French Polynesia has one of the most advanced telecom infrastructures in the Pacific islands; high penetration of mobile broadband coverage; almost half of mobile connections on 3G, growing subscribership to 4G LTE; universal mobile penetration; host of uplink systems for the Galileo satellite network, creating hub for communications in the region and vastly improving international connectivity; submarine cable connections increase international bandwidth; additional domestic submarine cable will connect remote islands (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions nearly 22 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular density is roughly 104 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 689; landing points for the NATITUA, Manatua, and Honotua submarine cables to other French Polynesian Islands, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Gabongeneral assessment: politically stable and oil laden, Gabon is one of wealthiest nations in Africa; liberalized and competitive market led development of mobile broadband, data service, and tests of 5G; fixed-line sector underdeveloped due to the lack of competition and high prices; South Korean investment in fiber segments as part of Central African backbone; sufficient international bandwidth through submarine cable systems; government committed to backbone infrastructure and e-health services; efforts towards new legal and regulatory improvements (2020) domestic: fixed-line is a little over 1 per 100 subscriptions; a growing mobile cellular network with multiple providers is making telephone service more widely available with mobile cellular teledensity at nearly 139 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 241; landing points for the SAT-3/WASC, ACE and Libreville-Port Gentil Cable fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and West Africa; satellite earth stations - 3 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 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 Topic: Gambia, Thegeneral assessment: state-owned telecom partially privatized but retains a monopoly with fixed-line service; multiple mobile networks provide 2G to almost all citizens and above the African average; high poverty rates continue to limit access to the Internet, especially via fixed-line services in rural areas; weak political support for development of communications infrastructure, including National Broadband Network program; government depends on donors and loans from China and Islamic Development banks; two submarine cables provide international connectivity within African continent and Europe (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions nearly 2 per 100 with one dominant company and mobile-cellular teledensity nearly 111 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 220; landing point for the ACE submarine cable to West Africa and Europe; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Gaza Stripgeneral assessment: Israel has final say in allocating frequencies in the Gaza Strip and does not permit anything beyond a 2G network (2018) domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed-line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL company provides cellular services; a slow 2G network allows calls and limited data transmission; fixed-line 9 per 100 and mobile-cellular 76 per 100 (includes West Bank) international: country code 970 or 972 (2018) 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 Topic: Georgiageneral assessment: despite economic challenges, the telecom market is one of Georgia's fastest growth sectors; LTE services cover the majority of citizens; regulators have strategy to introduce 5G; fixed-line telecommunications network has limited coverage outside Tbilisi; multiple mobile-cellular providers provide services to an increasing subscribership throughout the country; broadband subscribers steadily increasing; with investment in infrastructure, customers are moving from copper to fiber networks (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions over 9 per 100, cellular telephone networks cover the entire country; mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 128 per 100 persons; intercity facilities include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi (2020) international: country code - 995; landing points for the Georgia-Russia, Diamond Link Global, and Caucasus Cable System fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Russia, Romania and Bulgaria; international service is available by microwave, landline, and satellite through the Moscow switch; international electronic mail and telex service are available (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Germanygeneral assessment: one of the world's most technologically advanced telecom systems with additional security measures; LTE universally available and 5G service to over 80% of population; mobile market is driven by data, with increased broadband subscribership; regulatory measures aimed at facilitating wholesale network access to provide fiber-based broadband services; government aims to provide smart technology solutions; over 60 cities use smart technology in urban development, many through joint initiative with private sector, utility companies, and universities; importer of broadcast equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available, expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign countries; approximately 46 per 100 for fixed-line and 128 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2020) international: country code - 49; landing points for SeaMeWe-3, TAT-14, AC-1, CONTACT-3, Fehmarn Balt, C-Lion1, GC1, GlobalConnect-KPN, and Germany-Denmark 2 & 3 - submarine cables to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia; as well as earth stations in the Inmarsat, Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Ghanageneral assessment: challenged by unreliable electricity and shortage of skilled labor, Ghana seeks to extend telecom services nationally; investment in fiber infrastructure and off-grid solutions provide data coverage to over 23 million people; launch of LTE has improved mobile data services, including m-commerce and banking; moderately competitive Internet market, most through mobile networks; international submarine cables, and terrestrial cables have improved Internet capacity  (2020) domestic: fixed-line data about 1 per 100 subscriptions; competition among multiple mobile-cellular providers has spurred growth with a voice subscribership of more than 130 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 233; landing points for the SAT-3/WASC, MainOne, ACE, WACS and GLO-1 fiber-optic submarine cables that provide connectivity to South and West Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors; GhanaSat-1 nanosatellite launched in 2017 (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 Topic: Gibraltargeneral assessment: Gibraltar’s population is urban based, served by a digital telephone exchange supported by a fiber optic and copper infrastructure; near universal mobile and Internet use (2019) domestic: automatic exchange facilities; over 50 per 100 fixed-line and 120 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 350; landing point for the EIG to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East via submarine cables; radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) Topic: Greecegeneral assessment: telecom market is susceptible to country’s volatile economy, but renewed confidence has been renewed through foreign and European Commission investment; increasing urban population with well-developed mobile market; growing adoption of IoT technology; steady development of broadband; investment in LTE and launch of 5G; government project for ultra-fast broadband, largely funded by European Commission with focus on underserved areas (2020) domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire connections; submarine cable to offshore islands; nearly 46 per 100 subscribers for fixed-line and 110 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2020) international: country code - 30; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, Adria-1, Italy-Greece 1, OTEGLOBE, MedNautilus Submarine System, Aphrodite 2, AAE-1 and Silphium optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Asia and Australia;  tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat - Indian Ocean region) (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 Topic: Greenlandgeneral assessment: adequate domestic and international service provided by satellite, cables, and microwave radio relay; the fundamental telecommunications infrastructure consists of a digital radio link from Nanortalik in south Greenland to Uummannaq in north Greenland; satellites cover north and east Greenland for domestic and foreign telecommunications; a marine cable connects south and west Greenland to the rest of the world, extending from Nuuk and Qaqortoq to Canada and Iceland (2018) domestic: nearly 13 per 100 for fixed-line subscriptions and 109 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 299; landing points for Greenland Connect, Greenland Connect North, Nunavut Undersea Fiber System submarine cables to Greenland, Iceland, and Canada; satellite earth stations - 15 (12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all 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 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 Topic: Grenadageneral assessment: adequate, island-wide telephone system; lack of local competition, but telecoms are a high contributors to overall GDP; growth sectors include the mobile telephony and data segments (2020) domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links; 29 per 100 for fixed-line and 102 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 1-473; landing points for the ECFS, Southern Caribbean Fiber and CARCIP submarine cables with links to 13 Caribbean islands extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad & Tobago including Puerto Rico and Barbados; SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad (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 Topic: Guamgeneral assessment: integrated with US facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers (2020) domestic: three major companies provide both fixed-line and mobile services, as well as access to the Internet; fixed-line subscriptions in 2018 were 42 per 100 and 62 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions in 2004 (2019) international: country code - 1-671; major landing points for Atisa, HANTRU1, HK-G, JGA-N, JGA-S, PIPE-1, SEA-US, SxS, Tata TGN-Pacific, AJC, GOKI, AAG, AJC and Mariana-Guam Cable submarine cables between Asia, Australia, and the US (Guam is a transpacific communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia); satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Guatemalageneral assessment: due to years of underinvestment in infrastructure, has one of the lowest fixed-line tele densities in the region; rural areas rely on mobile services with little access to fixed-line access; mobile tele-density on par with region and is the most developed sector, with near universal phone connections; private investment to bring free Internet to parks; two submarine cables due for completion will support growth in fixed and mobile broadband (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 13 per 100 persons; fixed-line investments are concentrating on improving rural connectivity; mobile-cellular teledensity about 114 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 502; landing points for the ARCOS, AMX-1, American Movil-Texius West Coast Cable and the SAm-1 fiber-optic submarine cable system that, together, provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Guernseygeneral assessment: high performance global connections with quality service; connections to major cities around the world to rival and attract future investment and future needs of islanders and businesses (2018) domestic: fixed-line 54 per 100 and mobile-cellular 114 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 44; landing points for Guernsey-Jersey, HUGO, INGRID, Channel Islands -9 Liberty and UK-Channel Islands-7 submarine cable to UK and France (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Guineageneral assessment: Guinea’s mobile subscribership growing through investment of South African telecom operators and Chinese Huawei management; m-transactions supported commerce; broadband still limited and expensive though submarine cable and IXP improved reliability of infrastructure; 4G Wi-Fi in the capital; National Backbone Network will connect regional administrative centers; ECOWAS countries to launch free roaming; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: there is national coverage and Conakry is reasonably well-served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate but is improving; fixed-line teledensity is less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is just over 100 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 224; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Guinea-Bissaugeneral assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile cellular communications; 2 mobile network operators; one of the poorest countries in the world and this is reflected in the country's telecommunications development; radio is the most important source of information for the public (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile cellular teledensity is just over 97 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 245; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea-Bissau with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Guyanageneral assessment: revenues gained from newly tapped off-shore oil reserves may provide a boost of Guyana’s infrastructure, including upgrade of aging telecom systems to LTE and fiber broadband; competition in mobile services but monopoly in fixed-line; submarine cable improved broadband availability but service is still slow and expensive; second cable will improve delivery and pricing; government promotes ICT for e-government, e-health, and tele-education, and connection to remote locations (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 18 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity about 83 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 592; landing point for the SG-SCS submarine cable to Suriname, and the Caribbean; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Haitigeneral assessment: plagued by political and economic turmoil complicated by natural disasters, Haiti’s telecommunications infrastructure is among the least-developed in the world; it relies on satellite and wireless mobile technology due to poor fixed-line infrastructure; investment boosted broadband availability though customer base is poor and theft of equipment remains problematic; promotion of LTE will enable access to remote areas and e-money services; World Bank grant to provide digital preparation and response for any future crises (2020) domestic: fixed-line is less than 1 per 100; mobile-cellular telephone services have expanded greatly in the last decade due to low-cost GSM (Global Systems for Mobile) phones and pay-as-you-go plans; mobile-cellular teledensity is nearly 61 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 509; landing points for the BDSNi and Fibralink submarine cables to 14 points in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)general assessment: automatic digital exchange (2018) domestic: connected via fiber-optic cable to Telecom Italia network (2018) international: country code - 39; uses Italian system note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated Topic: Hondurasgeneral assessment: among the poorest countries in Central America, Honduras has a neglected telecom sector complicated by political stalemate and geographic challenges; mobile subscribership is growing; DSL and cable Internet available in urban areas but expensive; government proposed ICT master plan to boost e-government and business, including free Internet to households; US based network ready to deploy 5G (2020) domestic: private sub-operators allowed to provide fixed lines in order to expand telephone coverage contributing to a fixed-line teledensity of slightly over 5 per 100; mobile-cellular subscribership is roughly 70 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 504; landing points for both the ARCOS and the MAYA-1 fiber-optic submarine cable systems that together provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to Central American Microwave System (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 governmentsamong the poorest countries in Central America, Honduras has a neglected telecom sector complicated by political stalemate and geographic challenges; mobile subscribership is growing; DSL and cable Internet available in urban areas but expensive; government proposed ICT master plan to boost e-government and business, including free Internet to households; US based network ready to deploy 5G Topic: Hong Konggeneral assessment: excellent domestic and international services; some of the highest peak average broadband speeds and penetration rates in the world; HK government helps subsidize 5G projects and aims to be among earliest adopters of 5G mobile technology; almost all households have access to high-speed broadband connectivity through fiber; high mobile subscribership reflects tourism and multiple-device culture; government has organized the development of smart city and digital economy to encourage social inclusion and economic development, including health care, education, and utilities; US prevented use of Pacific Light submarine cable network due to security issues (2020) domestic: microwave radio relay links and extensive fiber-optic network; fixed-line is over 52 per 100 and mobile-cellular is nearly 292 subscriptions per 100 (2020) international: country code - 852; landing points for the AAE-1, AAG, APCN-2, APG, ASE, FEA, FNAL, RNAL, H2HE, SeaMeWe-3, SJC and TGN-IA submarine cables that provide connections to Asia, US, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Pacific Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); coaxial cable to Guangzhou, China (2022) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Hungarygeneral assessment: Hungary benefits from a well-developed telecom infrastructure, with adoption of 5G and upgrade of fixed networks to 1Gb/s service; fixed-line subscribership fell as subscribers migrated to mobile for voice and data; effective infrastructure-based competition, with an extensive cable network competing against DSL and expanding fiber sector; high mobile penetration and highest fixed broadband penetration rate in Eastern Europe; government supports private partnership in smart agriculture applications; as part of EU, fully liberalized and open to investment; broadcasting equipment is one of the country’s top five imports, plus mobile phones, from China (2020) 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 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 Topic: Icelandgeneral assessment: small but most progressive telecom market in Europe; telecom infrastructure is modern and fully digitized, with satellite-earth stations, fiber-optic cables, and an extensive broadband network; near universal fixed broadband service of at least 100Mb/s by the end of 2021; operator aims for national 5G coverage by end of 2022; good competition among mobile and broadband markets; investment by operators and government in support of NGN, particularly in rural areas; submarine cable to Ireland; importer of broadcasting equipment from Vietnam and China (2020) domestic: liberalization of the telecommunications sector beginning in the late 1990s has led to increased competition especially in the mobile services segment of the market; roughly 31 per 100 for fixed line and nearing 124 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 354; landing points for the CANTAT-3, FARICE-1, Greenland Connect and DANICE submarine cable system that provides connectivity to Canada, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, UK, Denmark, and Germany; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) (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 Topic: Indiageneral assessment: supported by deregulation, India is one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world; implementation of 4G/LTE; fixed-line/broadband underdeveloped; government investment in national infrastructure; project aims to connect 600,000 villages to broadband networks; expansive foreign investment; imports of integrated circuits and broadcast equipment from China; steps taken towards a 5G auction and tests; submarine cable linking mainland to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; smart cities mission to promote 100 model cities in providing core infrastructure, sustainable environment, and quality of life through economic growth and competition, including focus on social, economic, and institutional pillars (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions stands at roughly 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular at nearly 84 per 100; mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles, each with multiple private service providers and one or more state-owned service providers; in recent years significant trunk capacity added in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 (very small aperture terminals) VSAT (2022) international: country code - 91; a number of major international submarine cable systems, including SEA-ME-WE-3 & 4, AAE-1, BBG, EIG, FALCON, FEA, GBICS, MENA, IMEWE, SEACOM/ Tata TGN-Eurasia, SAFE, WARF, Bharat Lanka Cable System, IOX, Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Island Cable, SAEx2, Tata TGN-Tata Indicom and i2icn that provide connectivity to Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South East Asia, numerous Indian Ocean islands including Australia ; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; Indian Ocean region (2022) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 governmentssupported by deregulation, India is one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world; implementation of 4G/LTE; fixed-line/broadband underdeveloped; government investment in national infrastructure; project aims to connect 600,000 villages to broadband networks; expansive foreign investment; imports of integrated circuits and broadcast equipment from China; steps taken towards a 5G auction and tests; submarine cable linking mainland to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; smart cities mission to promote 100 model cities in providing core infrastructure, sustainable environment, and quality of life through economic growth and competition, including focus on social, economic, and institutional pillars Topic: Indonesiageneral assessment: Indonesia’s telecom sector is based on 3G/LTE mobile infrastructure and inadequate fixed-line capacity; large population and disbursed island geography make upgrades difficult; market is attracting foreign investment, especially in data center and cloud based services; tests of 5G challenged by lack of spectrum; satellite improvements in 2020 (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscribership roughly 3 per 100 and mobile-cellular 130 per 100 persons; coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas; mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly (2020) international: country code - 62; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3 & 5, DAMAI, JASUKA, BDM, Dumai-Melaka Cable System, IGG, JIBA, Link 1, 3, 4,  & 5, PGASCOM, B3J2, Tanjung Pandam-Sungai Kakap Cable System, JAKABARE, JAYABAYA, INDIGO-West, Matrix Cable System, ASC, SJJK, Jaka2LaDeMa, S-U-B Cable System, JBCS, MKCS, BALOK, Palapa Ring East, West and Middle, SMPCS Packet-1 and 2, LTCS, TSCS, SEA-US and Kamal Domestic Submarine Cable System, 35 submarine cable networks that provide links throughout Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Irangeneral assessment: challenged by censorship and international sanctions; large, youthful, tech-savvy demographic with unmet demand; state-owned operators provided special offerings for services during pandemic, driving mobile broadband and deployment of 4G to nearly all of the population; government expanding fiber network and preparing for 5G to grow digital economy and smart city infrastructure; importer of broadcasting and computer equipment from UAE and China (2020) domestic: approximately 35 per 100 for fixed-line and 152 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions; investment by Iran's state-owned telecom company has greatly improved and expanded both the fixed-line and mobile cellular networks; a huge percentage of the cell phones in the market have been smuggled into the country (2020) international: country code - 98; landing points for Kuwait-Iran, GBICS & MENA, FALCON, OMRAN/3PEG Cable System, POI and UAE-Iran submarine fiber-optic cable to the Middle East, Africa and India; (TAE) fiber-optic line runs from Azerbaijan through the northern portion of Iran to Turkmenistan with expansion to Georgia and Azerbaijan; HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; satellite earth stations - 13 (9 Intelsat and 4 Inmarsat) (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 Topic: Iraqgeneral assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely disrupted telecommunications throughout the country; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and international communications have slowed due to political unrest; recent efforts create stability and developments in 4G and 5G technologies; operators focus on installations of new fiber-optic cables and growth in mobile broadband subscribers; the most popular plans are pre-paid; operators focused on fixing and replacing networks (2020) domestic: 3G services offered by three major mobile operators; 4G offered by one operator in Iraqi; conflict has destroyed infrastructure in areas; about 10 per 100 for fixed-line and 92 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 964; landing points for FALCON, and GBICS/MENA submarine cables providing connections to the Middle East, Africa and India; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey (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 Topic: Irelandgeneral assessment: infrastructure projects are underway, including the national plan to deliver fiber-based service of at least 150Mb/s nationally by the end of 2022; operators invested in fiber-based networks to deliver a 1Gb/s service to most premises, and on 5G to cover more than half of population; operator test of satellite broadband; Dublin is a smart city (2020) domestic: increasing levels of broadband access particularly in urban areas; fixed-line 34 per 100 and mobile-cellular 106 per 100 subscriptions; digital system using cable and microwave radio relay (2020) international: country code - 353; landing point for the AEConnect -1, Celtic-Norse, Havfrue/AEC-2, GTT Express, Celtic, ESAT-1, IFC-1, Solas, Pan European Crossing, ESAT-2, CeltixConnect -1 & 2, GTT Atlantic, Sirius South, Emerald Bridge Fibres and Geo Eirgrid submarine cable with links to the US, Canada, Norway, Isle of Man and UK; satellite earth stations - 81 (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 Topic: Isle of Mandomestic: landline, telefax, mobile cellular telephone system international: country code - 44; fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, satellite earth station, submarine cable 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 Topic: Israelgeneral assessment: Israel has a highly developed economy with focus on technology products; investment in cyber-security industry and hub for start-ups; near universal broadband delivery to households and mobile penetration; LTE coverage, expanded fiber network with plans for 5G; emergency law allows mobile tracking; importer of broadcast equipment, integrated circuits, and computers from China; submarine cable connectivity to Europe (2020) domestic: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; all systems are digital; competition among both fixed-line and mobile cellular providers results in good coverage countrywide; fixed-line nearly 36 per 100 and nearly 132 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 972; landing points for the MedNautilus Submarine System, Tameres North, Jonah and Lev Submarine System, submarine cables that provide links to Europe, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Italygeneral assessment: well-developed, fully automated telephone, and data services; among highest mobile penetration rates in Europe; benefitted from progressive government programs aimed at developing fiber in broadband sector; leading edge of development with 5G in six cities; fiber network reaches more than half of population; Milan developing smart city technology; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks; 32 per 100 for fixed-line and nearly 128 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 39; landing points for Italy-Monaco, Italy-Libya, Italy-Malta, Italy-Greece-1, Italy-Croatia, BlueMed, Janna, FEA, SeaMeWe-3 & 4 & 5, Trapani-Kelibia, Columbus-III, Didon, GO-1, HANNIBAL System, MENA, Bridge International, Malta-Italy Interconnector, Melita1, IMEWE, VMSCS, AAE-1, and OTEGLOBE, submarine cables that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia and US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total of 5 antennas - 3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Jamaicageneral assessment: good domestic and international service; mobile sector dominates, accounting for majority of the Internet connections and half of telecom sector revenue; extensive LTE networks providing coverage to most of the island population; regulator encouraging competition with little success due to breach of license; government announced support of national broadband network to aid access to education, hospitals, police, and municipal institutions; operators provided customers with data plans to support educational platforms; US grant to fund New Kingston smart city program (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions nearly 15 per 100, cellular-mobile roughly 97 per 100 subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 1-876 and 1-658; landing points for the ALBA-1, CFX-1, Fibralink, East-West, and Cayman-Jamaican Fiber System submarine cables providing connections to South America, parts of the Caribbean, Central America and the US; 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 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 Topic: Japangeneral assessment: excellent domestic and international service; exceedingly high mobile, mobile broadband, and fixed broadband penetration; in last decade, government policies supported delivery of fiber-optic broadband to over 90% of households; one of Japan's largest e-commerce companies planning to build its own nationwide stand-alone 5G mobile network; government to implement a telecom tax to pay for rural 5G network; fixed broadband subscriptions grow as DSL is phased out; major importer of integrated circuits from China (2020) domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of every kind; 49 per 100 for fixed-line and 152 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables with landing points for HSCS, JIH, RJCN, APCN-2, JUS, EAC-C2C, PC-1, Tata TGN-Pacific, FLAG North Asia Loop/REACH North Asia Loop, APCN-2, FASTER, SJC, SJC2, Unity/EAC-Pacific, JGA-N, APG, ASE, AJC, JUPITER, MOC, Okinawa Cellular Cable, KJCN, GOKI, KJCN, and SeaMeWE-3, submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and US; satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 2 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Jerseygeneral 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 Topic: Jordangeneral assessment: Jordan is host to a growing number of ICT companies and has emerged as a technology start-up hub for the Middle East; recently focused on telecom solutions to pandemic issues such as e-health and education; progress in the digital financial services; economic goals rely on digital economy, developed mobile sector, and extensive LTE infrastructure; preparation for 5G and e-commerce; importer of broadcasting equipment from Vietnam and China (2020) domestic: 1995 a telecommunications law opened all non-fixed-line services to private competition; in 2005, the monopoly over fixed-line services terminated and the entire telecommunications sector was opened to competition; currently fixed-line stands at nearly 4 per 100 persons and multiple mobile-cellular providers with subscribership over 68 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 962; landing point for the FEA and Taba-Aqaba submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Asia; satellite earth stations - 33 (3 Intelsat, 1 Arabsat, and 29 land and maritime Inmarsat terminals (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 Topic: Kazakhstangeneral assessment: one of the most progressive telecom sectors in Central Asia; vast 4G network; low fixed-line and fixed-broadband penetration; moderate mobile broadband penetration and high mobile penetration depending on location; mobile market highly competitive and growth is slow due to saturation (2020) 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 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 Topic: Kenyageneral assessment: through increased competition, Kenya’s telecom market has improved international bandwidth and experienced rapid development in mobile sector, including remote regions; four fiber-optic submarine cables reduced costs and increased service to population; government supported LTE and broadband, promising economic support of free WiFi; mobile operators progress with 5G tests; e-commerce interoperability; importer of broadcasting equipment, video displays, and computers from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions stand at less than 1 per 100 persons; multiple providers in the mobile-cellular segment of the market fostering a boom in mobile-cellular telephone usage with teledensity reaching 114 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 254; landing point for the EASSy, TEAMS, LION2, DARE1, PEACE Cable, and SEACOM fiber-optic submarine cable systems covering East, North and South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat; launched first micro satellites in 2018 (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Kiribatigeneral assessment: generally good national and international service; wireline service available on Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island); connections to outer islands by HF/VHF radiotelephone; recently formed (mobile network operator) MNO is implementing the first phase of improvements with 3G and 4G upgrades on some islands; islands are connected to each other and the rest of the world via satellite; launch of Kacific-1 in December 2019 will improve telecommunication for Kiribati (2020) domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular approximately 46 per 100 subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 686; landing point for the Southern Cross NEXT submarine cable system from Australia, 7 Pacific Ocean island countries to the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Korea, Northgeneral assessment: underdeveloped yet growing market dependent on 3G; nationwide fiber-optic network; some mobile-cellular service beyond Pyongyang; remote areas on manual switchboards; though currently under sanction, dependent on foreign investment (primarily Chinese) for equipment and infrastructure; low broadband penetration; international communication restricted and domestic use monitored by state (2020) domestic: fiber-optic links installed down to the county level; telephone directories unavailable; mobile service launched in late 2008 for the Pyongyang area and considerable progress in expanding to other parts of the country since; fixed-lines are approximately 5 per 100 and mobile-cellular 15 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 850; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Russian - Indian Ocean region); other international connections through Moscow and Beijing 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 Topic: Korea, Southgeneral assessment: excellent domestic and international services featuring rapid incorporation of new technologies; exceedingly high mobile, mobile broadband, and fixed broadband penetration; strong support from government for initiatives; tech-savvy population has catapulted the nation into one of the world's most active telecommunication markets; all mobile operators offer 5G networks; Chinese telecom Huawei partnered with operators including launch of Seoul TechCity; import of integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, and phones from China; government and private partnership on national e-commerce and smart city development (2020) domestic: fixed-line approximately 47 per 100 and mobile-cellular services 138 per 100 persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce (2020) international: country code - 82; landing points for EAC-C2C, FEA, SeaMeWe-3, TPE, APCN-2, APG, FLAG North Asia Loop/REACH North Asia Loop, KJCN, NCP, and SJC2 submarine cables providing links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and US; satellite earth stations - 66 (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 Topic: Kosovogeneral assessment: EU pre-accession process supported progress in the telecom industry with a regulatory framework, European standards, and a market of new players encouraging development; two operators dominate the sector; under-developed telecom infrastructure leads to low fixed-line penetration; little expansion of fiber networks for broadband; expansion of LTE services (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular 32 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 383 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 Topic: Kuwaitgeneral assessment: the quality of service is excellent; new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, open-wire, and fiber-optic cable; a 4G LTE mobile-cellular telephone system operates throughout Kuwait; Internet access is available via 4G LTE connections for fixed and mobile users; high ownership levels of smart phones in Kuwait; one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world; exploring 5G opportunities; improvements to fiber-broadband underway (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions are nearly 14 per 100 and mobile-cellular stands at nearly 159 per 100 subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 965; landing points for the FOG, GBICS, MENA, Kuwait-Iran, and FALCON submarine cables linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 6 (3 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean, and 2 Arabsat) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Kyrgyzstangeneral assessment: fixed-line declining as 4G LTE mobile is universally available; brief interruptions of service with security as pretext; ICT sector rocked by allegation of corruption in 2020; digital radio-relay stations and fiber-optic links; 5G in development; importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE and computers from China; Chinese Economic Corridor investment into domestic backbone; World Bank investment into digital infrastructure with aims to provide broadband Internet to 60% of the population; social disparity evident in pandemic as many school children could not attend classes on-line (2020 ) 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 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 Topic: Laosgeneral assessment: reliance on radio network to communicate with remote areas; regulatory reform is below industry standards; government aims to strengthen infrastructure and attract foreign investment; low fixed-broadband penetration; dominance in mobile broadband with 4G and LTE, but low compared to other Asian markets; ASEAN Digital Hub investment provides international capacity; state owns almost all media, except for some entertainment outlets, and has suppressed some news; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China; providers examining m-payment platforms and 5G tests (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 21 per 100 and 61 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2019) international: country code - 856; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and a second to be developed by China 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 Topic: Latviageneral assessment: recent efforts focused on bringing competition to the telecommunications sector; the number of fixed-line phones is decreasing as mobile-cellular telephone service expands; EU regulatory policies, and framework provide guidelines for growth; government adopted measures to build a national fiber broadband network, partially funded by European Commission; new competition in mobile markets with extensive LTE-A technologies and 5G service growth; developing sophisticated digital economy with e-commerce and e-government widely available; operator working on cable to Sakhalin in Russia’s Far East (2020) 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 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 Topic: Lebanongeneral assessment: struggling with effects of the economic crisis compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Port of Beirut explosion in 2020; Lebanon’s telecom infrastructure is relatively weak and services are expensive; rural areas are less connected and experience frequent power cuts; state retains a monopoly over the Internet backbone and dominant ownership of the telecom industry; government backed improvements to fixed infrastructure; new landlines and fiber-optic networks provide faster DSL; limited 5G services; three international gateways through submarine cables; importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE; UAE investment in tech solutions (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 13 per 100 and nearly 63 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 961; landing points for the IMEWE, BERYTAR AND CADMOS submarine cable links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 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 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 Topic: Lesothogeneral assessment: small market with few business incentives; fixed-line tele-density and mobile penetration remains below regional average; introduction of mobile broadband in the country and LTE technology; 5G testing among first in region; landlocked, Lesotho has access to several submarine cables on African coast through neighboring countries yet Internet is expensive; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from South Africa (2020) domestic: fixed-line is less than 1 per 100 subscriptions; mobile-cellular service subscribership nearly 73 per 100 persons; rudimentary system consisting of a modest number of landlines, a small microwave radio relay system, and a small radiotelephone communication system (2020) international: country code - 266; Internet accessibility has improved with several submarine fiber optic cables that land on African east and west coasts, but the country's land locked position makes access prices expensive; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Liberiageneral assessment: due to history of civil war and ruin of infrastructure, almost entirely wireless telecom market; good competition for mobile services; high cost and limited bandwidth means Internet access is low; additional investment needed for increased submarine cable access; progress in creating an attractive business-friendly environment is hampered by a weak regulatory environment, corruption, lack of transparency, poor infrastructure, and low private sector capacity; rural areas have little access; fixed-line service is stagnant and extremely limited; operators introducing e-commerce; importer of broadcast equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100; mobile-cellular subscription base growing and teledensity approached 57 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 231; landing point for the ACE submarine cable linking 20 West African countries and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Libyageneral assessment: political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecom sector; much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries; rival operators fight for control; investment in fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables; limited LTE and 5G service; some satellite broadband; Chinese companies have heavily invested in Libyan infrastructure and now dominate the telecommunications sector; in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2021) domestic: nearly 24 per 100 fixed-line and over 91 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2019) international: country code - 218; landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik;  microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Liechtensteingeneral assessment: automatic telephone system; 44 Internet service providers in Liechtenstein and Switzerland combined; FttP (fiber to the home) penetration marketed 3rd highest in EU; fiber network reaches 3/4 of the population (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 33 per 100 and mobile-cellular services 128 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 423; linked to Swiss networks by cable and microwave radio relay 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 Topic: Lithuaniageneral assessment: Lithuania’s small telecom market is among the most advanced in Europe, with universal access to LTE, extensive fiber footprint, and tests of 5G; operators focus on data speeds; improved international capability and better residential access; high SIM card penetration; increased demand for high-speed Internet for education, entertainment, and shopping during pandemic supporting growth in revenue through fiber lines; importer of broadcast equipment and video displays from neighboring EU countries (2020) domestic: nearly 12 per 100 for fixed-line subscriptions; rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services has resulted in a steady decline in the number of fixed-line connections; mobile-cellular teledensity stands at about 174 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 370; landing points for the BCS East, BCS East-West Interlink and NordBalt connecting Lithuania to Sweden, and Latvia ; further transmission by satellite; landline connections to Latvia and Poland (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 Topic: Luxembourggeneral assessment: small but highly developed telecom system dominated by state-owned operator; gains in fixed-line and drop in mobile/roving sector during 2020 travel restrictions; government-state operator extended 1GB/s service with aims to make Luxembourg the first fully fiber country in Europe; regulator completed auction for 5G spectrum; importer of broadcast equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity about 43 per 100 persons; nationwide mobile-cellular telephone system with market for mobile-cellular phones virtually saturated with about 142 per 100 mobile-cellular (2020) international: country code - 352 note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Macaugeneral assessment: Macau’s sophisticated telecom market boasts one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world due to high tourism; liberalized market is managed by independent regulator with effective competition in the mobile market; modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and international services; high mobile subscriber numbers and mobile penetration; offering 4G, LTE services and first phase of 5G network rollout; possible synchronizing with neighboring regions; Macau's smart city project spans areas of transportation, medical services, tourism, and e-government; importer of broadcast and video equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 20 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 329 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 853; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe; HF radiotelephone communication facility; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Madagascargeneral assessment: penetration rates below African average; competition among mobile service providers has spurred recent growth in the mobile market and reduced consumer costs; 3G and LTE services available; fiber backbone connects major cities with wireless networks upgraded to LTE; government committed to free WiFi hotspots to ensure universal access; telecom service tax raised to 10%; investment in submarine cable to South Africa and Mauritius; importer of broadcasting and video equipment from China (2020) domestic: less than 1 per 100 for fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity about 34 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 261; landing points for the EASSy, METISS, and LION fiber-optic submarine cable systems connecting to numerous Indian Ocean Islands, South Africa, and Eastern African countries; satellite earth stations - 2 (1 Intelsat - Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region) (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 Topic: Malawigeneral assessment: Malawi remains one of the world’s least developed countries, with few resources to build efficient fixed-line telecom infrastructure; mobile penetration low compared to region with ample opportunity for growth and competition; some mobile services to rural areas; LTE services are available; national fiber backbone near completion; progress in m-payment methods; prospect of international submarine cables from neighboring countries; importer of broadcast equipment from China (2020) domestic: limited fixed-line subscribership less than 1 per 100 households; mobile-cellular services are expanding but network coverage is limited and is based around the main urban areas; mobile-cellular subscribership roughly 52 per 100 households (2020) international: country code - 265; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 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 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 Topic: Malaysiageneral assessment: one of the most advanced telecom networks in the developing world; strong commitment to developing a technological society; Malaysia is promoting itself as an information tech hub in the Asian region; closing the urban rural divide; 4G and 5G networks with strong competition, mobile dominance over fixed-broadband; government development of five-year fiber and connectivity plan; some of Malaysia’s key exports are integrated circuits and broadcasting equipment to North America and China; importer of integrated circuits from Singapore and China (2020) 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 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 Topic: Maldivesgeneral assessment: upgrades to telecom infrastructure extended to outer islands; two mobile operators extend LTE coverage; tourism has strengthened the telecom market with investment and accounts for the high mobile penetration rate; launched 5G tests (2020) domestic: fixed-line is at nearly 3 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular subscriptions stands at nearly 133 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 960; landing points for Dhiraagu Cable Network, NaSCOM, Dhiraagu-SLT Submarine Cable Networks and WARF submarine cables providing connections to 8 points in Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka; satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Maligeneral assessment: Mali’s telecom systems are challenged by recent conflict, geography, areas of low population, poverty, security issues, and high illiteracy; telecom infrastructure is barely adequate in urban areas and not available in most of the country with underinvestment in fixed-line networks; high mobile penetration and potential for mobile broadband service; local plans for IXP; dependent on neighboring countries for international bandwidth and access to submarine cables; there are Chinese investment agreements for infrastructure; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscribership is over 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has increased sharply to 125 per 100 persons; increasing use of local radio loops to extend network coverage to remote areas (2020) international: country code - 223; satellite communications center and fiber-optic links to neighboring countries; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation is slow; 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 Topic: Maltageneral assessment: blessed with advantageous topography and tech-savvy consumers, Malta has one of the most advanced telecom systems in Europe, with high penetration of mobile and broadband; expansion of e-commerce; government and regulator measures in 2020 reduced consumer prices and allowed extensive FttP network and investment in LTE and fiber thru 2023; operator delivered fiber network to public schools in 2020; launch of 5G network by 2020; submarine cable to France and Egypt in progress (2020) domestic: fixed-line approximately 59 per 100  persons and mobile-cellular subscribership 143 per 100 persons; automatic system featuring submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands (2020) international: country code - 356; landing points for the Malta-Gozo Cable, VMSCS, GO-1 Mediterranean Cable System, Malta Italy Interconnector, Melita-1, and the Italy-Malta submarine cable connections to Italy; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Marshall Islandsgeneral assessment: some telecom infrastructure improvements made in recent years; modern services include fiber optic cable service, cellular, Internet, international calling, caller ID, and leased data circuits; the US Government, World Bank, UN and International Telecommunication Union (ITU), have aided in improvements and monetary aid to the islands telecom; mobile penetrations is around 30%; radio communication is especially vital to remote islands (2018) domestic: Majuro Atoll and Ebeye and Kwajalein islands have regular, seven-digit, direct-dial telephones; other islands interconnected by high frequency radiotelephone (used mostly for government purposes) and mini-satellite telephones; fixed-line roughly 4 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular is nearly 28 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 692; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein 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 Topic: Mauritaniageneral assessment: Mauritania’s small population and low economic output limit sustained growth; transparency and tax burdens hinder foreign investment; World Bank and European Investment Bank support regulatory reforms to promote fixed-line broadband, improvement of the national backbone network, and connectivity to international cables; limited system of cable and open-wire lines, mobile-cellular services expanding though monopolies, and little stimulus for competition; 3G penetration high yet little development in LTE; mobile broadband access speeds are low; importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity roughly 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular network coverage extends mainly to urban areas with a teledensity of roughly 106 per 100 persons; mostly cable and open-wire lines; a domestic satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with regional capitals (2020) international: country code - 222; landing point for the ACE submarine cable for connectivity to 19 West African countries and 2 European countries; satellite earth stations - 3 (1 Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean, 2 Arabsat) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Mauritiusgeneral assessment: Mauritius is successfully pursuing a policy to make telecommunications a pillar of economic growth, and to have a fully digital-based smart infrastructure; the island nation is a pioneer in the telecom sector, with the first market in greater Africa to launch mobile networks and provide 3G, the first in the world to develop a nationwide WiMAX wireless broadband network, and one of the first to launch IPTV; LTE and fiber broadband are nationally available, and the government supports national Wi-Fi; international cable connectivity has improved, increasing bandwidth capacity; submarine cable provides connectivity to South Africa and beyond; major importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity over 37 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular services teledensity roughly 150 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 230; landing points for the SAFE, MARS, IOX Cable System, METISS and LION submarine cable system that provides links to Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia, Indian Ocean Islands of Reunion, Madagascar, and Mauritius; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); new microwave link to Reunion; HF radiotelephone links to several countries (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 Topic: Mexicogeneral assessment: with a large population and relatively low broadband and mobile penetration, (86 lines for mobile broadband for every 100 habitants in June 2021) Mexico’s telecom sector has potential for growth; adequate telephone service for business and government; improving quality and increasing mobile cellular availability, with mobile subscribers far outnumbering fixed-line subscribers (24.6 million fixed line subscribers and 125 million mobile line subscribers in June 2021); relatively low broadband and mobile penetration, potential for growth and international investment; extensive microwave radio relay network; considerable use of fiber-optic cable and coaxial cable; 5G development slow in part due to high costs (AT&T announced 5G rollout in some sections of Mexico City in December 2021 and Telcel announced a plan to launch 5G network in 18 cities in February 2022); IXP in Mexico City; exporter of computers and broadcasting equipment to USA and importer of same from China (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity exceeds 65 lines per every 100 households; mobile-cellular teledensity is about 99 per 100 persons; domestic satellite system with 120 earth stations (2021) international: country code - 52; Columbus-2 fiber-optic submarine cable with access to the US, Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Spain, and Italy; the ARCOS-1 and the MAYA-1 submarine cable system together provide access to Central America, parts of South America and the Caribbean, and the U.S.; Pan-American Crossing (PAC) submarine cable system provides access to Panama, California, U.S., and Costa Rica; Lazaro Cardenas-Manzanillo Santiago submarines cable system (LCMSSCS) provides access to Michoacan, Guerrero, and Colima, Mexico; AMX-1 submarine cable system with access to Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Gulf of California Cable submarine cable systems that connects La Paz, Baja California Sur and Topolobambo, Sinaloa; and Aurora submarine cable system provides access to Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and the U.S. satellite earth stations - 124 (36 Intelsat, 1 Solidaridad (giving Mexico improved access to South America, Central America, and much of the US as well as enhancing domestic communications), 9 Panamsat, numerous Inmarsat mobile earth stations); linked to Central American Microwave System of trunk connections (2022) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofgeneral assessment: adequate system, the demand for mobile broadband is increasing due to mobile services being the primary and most wide-spread source for Internet access across the region (2020) domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone, satellite (Intelsat) ground stations, and some coaxial and fiber-optic cable; mobile-cellular service available on the major islands; fixed line teledensity roughly 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 21 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 691; landing points for the Chuukk-Pohnpei Cable and HANTRU-1 submarine cable system linking the Federated States of Micronesia and the US; satellite earth stations - 5 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 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 Topic: Moldovageneral assessment: high unemployment and economic pressures have reduced consumer spending in telecom market; endeavors to join the EU have promoted regulatory issues in line with EU standards; mobile market extended outside of cities and across most of the country; LTE services available; market is competitive, fiber accounts for 62% of all fixed broadband connections and most telecom revenue is from the mobile market; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) 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 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 Topic: Monacogeneral assessment: modern automatic telephone system; the country's sole fixed-line operator offers a full range of services to residential and business customers; competitive mobile telephony market; 4G LTE widely available (2020) domestic: fixed-line a little over 111 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 90 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 377; landing points for the EIG and Italy-Monaco submarine cables connecting Monaco to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system (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 Topic: Mongoliageneral assessment: liberalized and competitive telecom market; steady growth in mobile broadband, but fixed-line broadband is still an economical option; installation of a fiber-optic network improved broadband and communication services between major urban centers; compared to other Asian countries, Mongolia's growth in telecom is moderate; mobile broadband rate is growing through competition among operators with reasonable tariffs; launch of 4G LTE services by all major operators; South Korean investment in landline and cellular services; partner in China’s economic corridor project; import of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: very low fixed-line teledensity of less than 5 per 100; there are four mobile-cellular providers and subscribership is roughly 133 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 976; satellite earth stations - 7 (2016) 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 Topic: Montenegrogeneral assessment: a small population, with a compact but modern telecommunications system and access to European satellites; fiber network is dominant platform; mobile penetration is high due to tourism; mobile broadband based on LTE even in rural areas; operators testing 5G in 2021; telecom sector in-line with EU norms provides competition, access, and tariff structures (2020) domestic: GSM mobile-cellular service, available through multiple providers; fixed-line over 30 per 100 and mobile-cellular 172 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 382; 2 international switches connect the national system note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Montserratgeneral assessment: telecom market one of growth in Caribbean and fully digitalized; high dependency on tourism and offshore financial services; operators expand FttP (Fiber to Home) services; LTE launches and operators invest in mobile networks; effective competition in all sectors (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 60 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity nearly 101 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-664; landing point for the ECFS optic submarine cable with links to 14 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad (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 Topic: Moroccogeneral 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 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 Topic: Mozambiquegeneral assessment: one of the first countries in the region to reform telecom market and open it to competition; the mobile segment has shown strong growth; poor fixed-line infrastructure means most Internet access is through mobile accounts; DSL, cable broadband, 3G, and some fiber broadband available; LTE tests underway; roll out of national fiber backbone and upgrades to infrastructure; submarine cables reduced the cost of bandwidth; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: extremely low fixed-line teledensity contrasts with rapid growth in the mobile-cellular network; operators provide coverage that includes all the main cities and key roads; fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and nearly 49 per 100 mobile-cellular teledensity (2019) international: country code - 258; landing points for the EASSy and SEACOM/ Tata TGN-Eurasia fiber-optic submarine cable systems linking numerous east African countries, the Middle East and Asia ; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean); TdM contracts for Itelsat for satellite broadband and bulk haul services (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Namibiageneral assessment: good competition in mobile market and investment in LTE government program to provide 95% of population with broadband by 2024; 5G delayed due to public concerns of privacy and security; high prices for international bandwidth due to lack of submarine cables, yet improved by diversification of satellite access (2020) domestic: fixed-line subscribership is less than 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 102 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 264; landing points for the ACE and WACS fiber-optic submarine cable linking southern and western African countries to Europe; satellite earth stations - 4 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 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 Topic: Naurugeneral assessment: adequate local and international radiotelephone communication provided via Australian facilities; geography is a challenge for the islands; there is a need to service the tourism sector and the South Pacific Islands economy; mobile technology is booming (2018) domestic: fixed-line 0 per 100 and mobile-cellular subscribership approximately 95 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 674; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Nepalgeneral assessment: poverty, inconsistent electricity, and mountainous topography stymie development of telecom infrastructure; mobile market is developed and has been extended to all districts covering 90% of Nepal; fixed broadband is low due to limited number of fixed-lines and preeminence of the mobile platform; increasing 3G and 4G subscribers; fiber-optic networks developing under private and public funding to meet demand for Internet; government supports digital society, whereby 90% of the population will have access to broadband and free Internet access for students; plans to launch a Nepalese satellite by 2022; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: 3G coverage is available in 20 major cities (2019); disparity between high coverage in cities and coverage available in underdeveloped rural regions; fixed-line less than 3 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular nearly 131 per 100 persons; fair radiotelephone communication service; 20% of the market share is fixed (wired) broadband, 2% is fixed (wireless) broadband, and 78% is mobile broadband (2019) international: country code - 977; Nepal, China and Tibet connected across borders with underground and all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) fiber-optic cables; radiotelephone communications; microwave and fiber landlines to India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Netherlandsgeneral assessment: highly developed and well maintained; Dutch telecom market is gradually migrating to upgraded platforms; operators repurposing their spectrum and physical assets for LTE and 5G; one of the highest fixed broadband penetration rates in the world, with competition between DSL and fiber networks; fixed-line voice market is in decline while VoIP and mobile platforms advance; plans for 3G network shutdown in 2023; operators are concentrating investment on LTE-A and 5G services; operators and banks launch m-payments system; adoption of smart city concepts and technology in major cities; major exporter of broadcasting equipment and computers to Europe, and importer of same from China (2020) domestic: extensive fixed-line, fiber-optic network; large cellular telephone system with five major operators utilizing the third generation of the Global System for Mobile Communications technology; one in five households now use Voice over the Internet Protocol services; fixed-line nearly 29 per 100 and mobile-cellular at 125 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 31; landing points for Farland North, TAT-14, Circe North, Concerto, Ulysses 2, AC-1, UK-Netherlands 14, and COBRAcable submarine cables which provide links to the US and Europe; satellite earth stations - 5 (3 Intelsat - 1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat) (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 Topic: New Caledoniageneral assessment: New Caledonia has a well-developed telecom sector with 3G and LTE network services; one of the highest smart phone adoption rates in the region; telecommunications sector is dominated by government-owned company with a monopoly on fixed and mobile services, Internet, and broadband access; hub for submarine cables that will increase competition and capacity; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from France (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 29 per 100 and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership 96 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 687; landing points for the Gondwana-1 and Picot-1 providing connectivity via submarine cables around New Caledonia and to 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 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 Topic: New Zealandgeneral assessment: excellent domestic and international systems with progress in mobile services; LTE rates some of the fastest in the world; growth in mobile broadband and fiber sectors; roll out of 5G; investment and development of infrastructure enabled network capabilities to propel the digital economy, e-government, and e-commerce across the country; new satellite to improve telecom in the Asia Pacific region; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 37 per 100 and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership 136 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 64; landing points for the Southern Cross NEXT, Aqualink, Nelson-Levin, SCCN and Hawaiki submarine cable system providing links to Australia, Fiji, American Samoa, Kiribati, Samo, Tokelau, US and around New Zealand; satellite earth stations - 8 (1 Inmarsat - Pacific Ocean, 7 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 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 Topic: Nicaraguageneral assessment: with authoritarian government, weak public institutions, and impoverished citizenry, Nicaragua’s telecom system is dependent on upgrades through foreign investment, primarily from Russia and China; World Bank funded national fiber broadband network and links to Caribbean submarine cables; Chinese-financed projects, including airport, oil pipeline, and roads in process; nearly all installed telecom capacity now uses financed digital technology; lowest fixed-line tele-density and mobile penetration in Central America; Internet cafes provide access to Internet and email services; rural areas lack access to most basic telecom infrastructure; LTE service in dozens of towns and cities; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: since privatization, access to fixed-line and mobile-cellular services has improved; fixed-line teledensity roughly 3 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has increased to roughly 90 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 505; landing point for the ARCOS fiber-optic submarine cable which provides connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region) and 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Nigergeneral assessment: difficult economic climate, with lack of fixed telecom infrastructure; mobile services stronger than fixed telecom; low broadband penetration; adopted free mobile roaming with other G5 Sahel countries; World Bank project to facilitate digital progress; government contributes to Trans-Sahara Backbone network, with aims to extend fiber-optic and international capacity; LTE license awarded; government substantially taxes telecom sector (2020) domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity at nearly 41 per 100 persons; a rapidly increasing cellular subscribership base; small system of wire, radio telephone communications, and microwave radio relay links concentrated in southwestern Niger; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations and 1 planned (2019) international: country code - 227; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian 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 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 Topic: Nigeriageneral assessment: one of the larger telecom markets in Africa subject to sporadic access to electricity and vandalism of infrastructure; most Internet connections are via mobile networks; foreign investment presence, particularly from China; market competition with affordable access; LTE technologies available but GSM is dominant; mobile penetration high due to use of multiple SIM cards and phones; government committed to expanding broadband penetration; operators to deploy fiber optic cable in six geopolitical zones and Lagos; operators invested in base stations to deplete network congestion; submarine cable break in 2020 slowed speeds and interrupted connectivity; importer of phones and broadcast equipment from China; Nigeria concluded its first 5G spectrum auction in 2021 and granted licenses to two firms: MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications.  Construction of 5G infrastructure has not yet been completed. (2021) domestic: fixed-line subscribership remains less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership base over 99 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, NCSCS,  MainOne, Glo-1 & 2, ACE, and Equiano fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and South and West Africa; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Niuegeneral assessment: sole provider service for over 1000 landlines and fixed wireless lines; cellular telephone service operates on AMPS and GSM platforms; difficult geography presents challenges for rural areas; mobile is primary source of Internet access; mobile broadband demand is growing due to mobile services (2020) domestic: single-line (fixed line) telephone system connects all villages on island; fixed teledensity at nearly 62 per 100 (2018) international: country code - 683; landing point for the Manatua submarine cable linking Niue to several South Pacific Ocean Islands; expansion of satellite services (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 Topic: Norfolk Islandgeneral 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 Topic: North Macedoniageneral assessment: EU pre-accession process has led to stronger tele-density with a closer regulatory framework and independent regulators; administrative ties with the EU have led to progress; broadband services are widely available; more customers moving to fiber networks; operators investing in LTE; importer of broadcasting equipment from Vietnam and China; MOU for 5G with US (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 19 per 100 and mobile-cellular 92 per 100 subscriptions (2019) international: country code - 389 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 Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsgeneral assessment: digital fiber-optic cables and satellites connect the islands to worldwide networks; demand for broadband growing given that mobile services are the source for Internet across region; future launch of 5G (2020) domestic: wide variety of services available including dial-up and broadband Internet, mobile cellular, international private lines, payphones, phone cards, voicemail, and automatic call distribution systems; fixed-line teledensity roughly 39 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-670; landing points for the Atisa and Mariana-Guam submarine cables linking Mariana islands to Guam; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Norwaygeneral assessment: sophisticated telecom market with high broadband and mobile penetration rates and a highly developed digital media sector; synchronized with EC legislation; comprehensive LTE and focus on 5G;  broadband penetration among highest in Europe; operators will migrate all DSL subscribers to fiber by 2023 and close 2G and 3G networks by 2025; regulator assigned spectrum for 5G; operator partners with Huawei for smart agriculture project; Oslo utilizes smart city technology; municipalities access EU-funded public Wi-Fi; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; the prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of mobile-cellular systems; fixed-line over 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 108 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 47; landing points for the Svalbard Undersea Cable System, Polar Circle Cable, Bodo-Rost Cable, NOR5KE Viking, Celtic Norse, Tempnet Offshore FOC Network, England Cable, Denmark-Norwary6, Havfrue/AEC-2, Skagerrak 4, and the Skagenfiber West & East submarine cables providing links to other Nordic countries, Europe and the US; satellite earth stations - Eutelsat, Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (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 Topic: Omangeneral assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; domestic satellite system; progressive mobile sector with both 3G and 4G LTE networks and readiness for 5G launch; competition among mobile operators; government program to improve fiber network; important communications hub in the Middle East, with access to numerous submarine cables enabling increased bandwidth; major importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from UAE (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 13 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 134 per 100; fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems (2020) international: country code - 968; landing points for GSA, AAE-1, SeaMeWe-5, Tata TGN-Gulf, FALCON, GBICS/MENA, MENA/Guld Bridge International, TW1, BBG, EIG, OMRAN/EPEG, and POI submarine cables providing connectivity to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Pakistangeneral assessment: Pakistan’s telecom market transitioned from a regulated state-owned monopoly to a deregulated competitive structure in 2003, now aided by foreign investment; moderate growth over the last six years, supported by a young population and a rising use of mobile services; telecom infrastructure is improving, with investments in mobile-cellular networks, fixed-line subscriptions declining; system consists of microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks; 4G mobile services broadly available; 5G tests ongoing; data centers in major cities; mobile and broadband doing well and dominate over fixed-broadband sector; China-Pakistan Fiber Optic Project became operational in 2020; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership has increased; more than 90% of Pakistanis live within areas that have cell phone coverage; fiber-optic networks are being constructed throughout the country to increase broadband access and broadband penetration in Pakistan is increasing--by the end of 2021, 50% of the population had access to broadband services; fixed-line teledensity is a little over 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 84 per 100 persons (2021) international: country code - 92; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, IMEWE, Orient Express, PEACE Cable, and TW1 submarine cable systems that provide links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (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 Topic: Palaugeneral assessment: well-developed mobile sector, recently boosted by satellite network capacity upgrades; 3G services available with satellite; lack of telecom regulations; newest and most powerful commercial satellite, Kacific-1 satellite, launched in 2019 to improve telecommunications in the Asia Pacific region (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 41 per 100 and mobile-cellular services roughly 134 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 680; landing point for the SEA-US submarine cable linking Palau, Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Hawaii (US), Guam (US) and California (US); satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Panamageneral assessment: domestic and international facilities well-developed; steady increase in telecom revenue with effective competition; mobile connections account for 90% of connections; government-funded program to improve Internet infrastructure; connectivity through two submarine cables; launch of LTE services; Chinese company Huawei investment in bandwidth technologies; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line about 14 per 100 and rapid subscribership of mobile-cellular telephone roughly 132 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 507; landing points for the PAN-AM, ARCOS, SAC, AURORA, PCCS, PAC, and the MAYA-1 submarine cable systems that together provide links to the US and parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American Microwave System (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 Topic: Papua New Guineageneral assessment: telecom services stymied by rugged terrain, high cost of infrastructure, and poverty of citizens; services are minimal with little change in fixed-line tele-density in two decades; progress in mobile platforms with almost 90% coverage on 3G and LTE; GSM available in remote areas; Internet slow and expensive, available to pockets of the population; facilities provide radiotelephone, telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services; launch of satellite and landing of submarine cable will improve most services in the region; government supports training to boost digital transformation; Australia attempted to block Chinese investment in cooperative network; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) 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 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 Topic: Paraguaygeneral assessment: limited progress on structural reform and deficient infrastructure of the landlocked country are obstacles to telecom platform; monopolized fixed-line service; effective competition in mobile market, serving 96% of population through LTE; deployment of fiber; South Korean investment in education centers; operator enabled 109 free Internet points across the country and is looking to expand to 430 points in 2022; Inter-American Development Bank loan supports modernization within regulatory framework; dependent on neighboring countries for access to submarine cables; major importer of broadcasting equipment from the USA (2022) domestic: deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have resulted in expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered by competition among multiple providers; Internet market also open to competition; fixed-line just over 3 per 100 and mobile-cellular just over 105 per 100 of the population (2020) international: country code - 595; Paraguay's landlocked position means they must depend on neighbors for interconnection with submarine cable networks, making it cost more for broadband services; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Perugeneral assessment: economic impact on telcom services during pandemic due to consumer unemployment; good mobile operator competition with LTE services; fixed-line tele-density remains among lowest in South America, with obstacles to growth including widespread poverty, fixed-to-mobile substitution, expensive telephone services, and geographical inaccessibility in the Andean mountains and Amazon jungles; government investment in underserved areas with fiber backbone; government facilitated virtual learning during pandemic via tablets with Internet connectivity; 3G network and new LTE services expanded providing mobile broadband to rural communities, though low penetration still exists; major importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is nearly 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, spurred by competition among multiple providers, now nearly 124 telephones per 100 persons; nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations (2019) international: country code - 51; landing points for the SAM-1, IGW, American Movil-Telxius, SAC and PAN-AM submarine cable systems that provide links to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and US; 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 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 Topic: Philippinesgeneral assessment: high unemployment and rural population impede investment in fixed infrastructure; dominance in the mobile segment and rapid development of mobile broadband; investment focused on fiber infrastructure in urban areas with 4G available in most areas; national broadband plan to improve connectivity in rural areas underway; data center and smart city pilot in Manila; submarine cable link and satellite improves telecom for the region; major exporter of integrated circuits to China, and importer of circuits and broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: telecommunications infrastructure includes the following platforms: fixed line, mobile cellular, cable TV, over-the-air TV, radio and (very small aperture terminal) VSAT, fiber-optic cable, and satellite for redundant international connectivity; fixed-line nearly 4 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 155 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 63; landing points for the NDTN, TGN-IA, AAG, PLCN, EAC-02C, DFON, SJC, APCN-2, SeaMeWe, Boracay-Palawan Submarine Cable System, Palawa-Illoilo Cable System, NDTN, SEA-US, SSSFOIP, ASE and JUPITAR submarine cables that together provide connectivity to the US, Southeast Asia, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia (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 Topic: Pitcairn Islandsgeneral assessment: satellite-based phone services; rural connectivity a challenge; 2G services widespread; demand for mobile broadband due to mobile services providing Internet source; the launch of the Kacific-1 satellite in 2019 will improve telecommunications in the region (2020) domestic: local phone service with international connections via Internet (2018) international: country code - 872; satellite earth station - 1 Inmarsat 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 Topic: Polandgeneral assessment: liberalized telecom market supported by market competition in broadband and mobile sectors ensuring access to cable and fiber infrastructure; rapid extension of LTE networks and development of mobile data service; mobile penetration is above European average; fixed broadband benefits from DSL infrastructure and investment in fiber through EU support; major importer of broadcasting equipment and accessories from Germany (2020) domestic: several nation-wide networks provide mobile-cellular service; fixed-line roughly 15 per 100 (service lags in rural areas), mobile-cellular over 130 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 48; landing points for the Baltica and the Denmark-Poland2 submarine cables connecting Poland, Denmark and Sweden; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Portugalgeneral assessment: Portugal has a medium-sized telecom market with a strong mobile sector and a growing broadband customer base; mobile market dominated by one operator with room for competition; 3G infrastructure is universal, with investment directed toward expanding provision of 90% LTE coverage in rural areas and 5G technologies; cable sector shifting to wireless, with access to 66% of population; developments in m-commerce; operator assessing installation of submarine cable between islands and mainland; importer of broadcasting equipment from EU (2020) domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations; fixed-line roughly 51 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular 116 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 351; landing points for the Ella Link, BUGIO, EIG, SAT-3/WASC, SeaMeWe-3, Equino, MainOne, Tat TGN-Western Europe, WACS, ACE, Atlantis2 and Columbus-III submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, South America and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to Azores (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 Topic: Puerto Ricogeneral assessment: small telecom market affected by mismanagement and natural disasters; hurricanes in 2017 and earthquake in 2020 caused destruction of telecom infrastructure, leading to market decline; US provided funds to rebuild after some delay; lags behind US in fixed and broadband penetration due to high unemployment and lack of operator investment; multi-national telcoms enable LTE and launch of 5G; growing number of submarine cables helps to reduce costs and supports streaming of international content and cloud services; operator launched connectivity for school children during pandemic (2020) domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services; fixed-line nearly 25 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 122 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 1-787, 939; landing points for the GTMO-PR, AMX-1, BRUSA, GCN, PCCS, SAm-1, Southern Caribbean Fiber, Americas-II, Antillas, ARCOS, SMPR-1, and Taino-Carib submarine cables providing connectivity to the mainland US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 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 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 Topic: Qatargeneral assessment: telecom infrastructure in Qatar demonstrated resilience during the pandemic, following surge in Internet usage; highest fixed-line and mobile penetrations in Middle East with almost 100% LTE coverage; operator deployed 5G across the country with positive subscribership, primarily around Doha; largest user of the Internet in the Middle East; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 16 per 100 and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership nearly 132 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 974; landing points for the Qatar-UAE Submarine Cable System, AAE-1, FOG, GBICS/East North Africa MENA and the FALCON submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; retains full ownership of two commercial satellites, Es'hailSat 1 and 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 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 Topic: Romaniageneral assessment: Romania’s telecom sector benefits from infrastructure-based competition; domestic and international service improving rapidly, especially mobile-cellular services; fiber sector is one of strongest in Europe; government secured EU funding to extend broadband to rural areas; operators invest in networks’ capacity upgrades; operator testing IoT; importer of broadcasting equipment from EU neighbors (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 16 telephones per 100 persons; mobile market served by four mobile network operators; mobile-cellular teledensity over 117 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 40; landing point for the Diamond Link Global submarine cable linking Romania with Georgia; satellite earth stations - 10; digital, international, direct-dial exchanges operate in Bucharest (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 Topic: Russiageneral assessment: telecom market is largest in Europe, centered in large cities; competition active in Moscow and St Petersburg; most users access Internet through mobile platforms; fiber broadband sector is growing, supported by government in aim to extend reach to outlying regions; tests of 5G with Moscow adopting smart city technology; government justifies censorship and website blocks under a range of laws and regulations; government program aims to provide 97% of households with fixed broadband by 2024; publicly accessible Internet connections in institutions such as hospitals, libraries, schools, and mass transit available in cities; in rural areas, the availability of public Internet connections remains limited; major importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are available in many areas; in rural areas, telephone services are still outdated, inadequate, and low-density; nearly 19 per 100 for fixed-line and mobile-cellular a bit over 164 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 7; landing points for the Far East Submarine Cable System, HSCS, Sakhalin-Kuril Island Cable, RSCN, BCS North-Phase 2, Kerch Strait Cable and the Georgia-Russian submarine cable system connecting Russia, Japan, Finland, Georgia and Ukraine; satellite earth stations provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Orbita systems (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Rwandageneral assessment: telecom market impacted by energy shortages and instability in neighboring states; government investing in smart city infrastructure; growing economy and foreign aid from South Korea help launch telecom sector, despite widespread poverty; expansion of LTE services; competing operators roll out national fiber optic backbone through connection to submarine cables, ending expensive dependence on satellite; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to provincial centers by microwave radio relay, and recently by cellular telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF radiotelephone; fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular telephone density has increased to nearly 82 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 250; international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service); international submarine fiber-optic cables on the African east coast has brought international bandwidth and lessened the dependency on satellites 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 Topic: Saint Barthelemygeneral assessment: fully integrated access; 4G and LTE services (2019) domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems, 3 FM channels, no broadcasting (2018) international: country code - 590; landing points for the SSCS and the Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cables providing voice and data connectivity to numerous Caribbean Islands (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhageneral assessment: capability to communicate worldwide; ADSL- broadband service; LTE coverage of 95% of population, includes voice calls, text messages, mobile data as well as inbound and outbound roaming; Wi-Fi hotspots in Jamestown, 1 ISP, many services are not offered locally but made available for visitors; some sun outages due to the reliance of international telephone and Internet communication relying on single satellite link (2020) domestic: automatic digital network; fixed-line roughly 50 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 67 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island) - 247; landing point for the SaEx1 submarine cable providing connectivity to South Africa, Brazil, Virginia Beach (US) and islands in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4, Saint Helena - 1) (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 Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisgeneral assessment: good interisland and international connections; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) and LTE markets; regulatory development; telecom sector contributes greatly to the overall GDP; telecom sector is a growth area (2020) domestic: interisland links via ECFS; fixed-line teledensity about 33 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 148 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-869; landing points for the ECFS, Southern Caribbean Fiber and the SSCS submarine cables providing connectivity for numerous Caribbean Islands (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Saint Luciageneral assessment: an adequate system that is automatically switched; good interisland and international connections; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) and LTE markets; regulatory development; telecom sector contributes to the overall GDP; telecom sector is a growth area (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is 20 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 102 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-758; landing points for the ECFS and Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cables providing connectivity to numerous Caribbean islands; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados (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 Topic: Saint Martingeneral assessment: fully integrated access; good interisland and international connections; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) and LTE markets; regulatory development; telecom sector contributes greatly to the overall GDP; telecom sector is a growth area (2020) domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems (2018) international: country code - 590; landing points for the SMPR-1, Southern Caribbean Fiber and the SSCS submarine cables providing connectivity to numerous Caribbean islands (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelongeneral assessment: adequate (2019) domestic: fixed-line teledensity 76 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 508; landing point for the St Pierre and Miquelon Cable connecting Saint Pierre & Miquelon and Canada; radiotelephone communication with most countries in the world; satellite earth station - 1 in French domestic satellite system (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 Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesgeneral assessment: adequate island-wide, fully automatic telephone system; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) markets; LTE launches; regulatory development; telecom sector contributes greatly to the overall GDP; telecom sector is a growth area (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity exceeds 11 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 87 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 1-784; landing points for the ECFS, CARCIP and Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cables providing connectivity to US and Caribbean Islands; connectivity also provided by VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to Barbados; SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through 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 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 Topic: Samoageneral assessment: development of infrastructure is hampered by geography of remote islands, vulnerable to devastating storms; telecom sector has been inhibited by lack of international connectivity; most households have at least one mobile phone; businesses in the capital area have access to broadband and Wi-Fi; rural islands have some access to Internet and Wi-Fi; liberalized regulatory infrastructure and competition in the mobile market increased coverage and reduced cost; access to submarine cables improved Internet data rates and reliability; Australian companies countering Chinese companies in the acquisition of Pacific operations; importer of broadcasting equipment from USA (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 4 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity nearly 64 telephones per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 685; landing points for the Tui-Samo, Manatua, SAS, and Southern Cross NEXT submarine cables providing connectivity to Samoa, Fiji, Wallis & Futuna, Cook Islands, Niue, French Polynesia, American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Kiribati, Los Angeles (US), and Tokelau; 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 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 Topic: San Marinogeneral assessment: automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system (2018) domestic: fixed-line a little over 47 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 114 telephones per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 378; connected to Italian international network 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 Topic: Sao Tome and Principegeneral assessment: local telephone network of adequate quality with most lines connected to digital switches; mobile cellular superior choice to landland; dial-up quality low; broadband expensive (2018) domestic: fixed-line roughly 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 79 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 239; landing points for the Ultramar GE and ACE submarine cables from South Africa to over 20 West African countries and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Saudi Arabiageneral assessment: one of the most progressive telecom markets in the Middle East; mobile penetration high, with a saturated market; mobile operators competitive and meeting the demand for workers, students and citizens working from home; Huawei partners with operator to provide 5G to dozens of cities; broadband is available with DSL, fiber, and wireless; mobile penetration is high; restrictive monarchy places limits on information and services available online; authorities operate extensive censorship and surveillance systems; major importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE and China (2020) domestic: fixed-line over 16 per 100 and mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly to roughly 124 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 966; landing points for the SeaMeWe-3, -4, -5, AAE-1, EIG, FALCON, FEA, IMEWE, MENA/Gulf Bridge International, SEACOM, SAS-1, -2, GBICS/MENA, and the Tata TGN-Gulf submarine cables providing connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (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 Topic: Senegalgeneral assessment: universal mobile penetration since 2019; mobile broadband accounts for 97% of Internet access; 3G and LTE services for half of the population; African consortium issued a bond to finance network upgrades and services; importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE and China (2020) domestic: generally reliable urban system with a fiber-optic network; about two-thirds of all fixed-line connections are in Dakar; mobile-cellular service is steadily displacing fixed-line service, even in urban areas; fixed-line roughly 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular 114 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 221; landing points for the ACE, Atlantis-2, MainOne and SAT-3/WASC submarine cables providing connectivity from South Africa, numerous western African countries, Europe and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Serbiageneral assessment: Serbia's integration with the EU helped regulator reforms and promotion of telecom; EU development loans for broadband to rural areas; pandemic spurred use of mobile data and other services; wireless service is available through multiple providers; national coverage is growing rapidly; best telecom services are centered in urban centers; 4G/LTE mobile network launched; 5G tests ongoing with Ericsson and Huawei (2020) 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 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 Topic: Seychellesgeneral assessment: effective system; direct international calls to over 100 countries; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago; 3 ISPs; use of Internet cafes' for access to Internet; 4G services and 5G pending (2020) domestic: fixed-line a little over 19 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is nearly 187 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 248; landing points for the PEACE and the SEAS submarine cables providing connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Sierra Leonegeneral assessment: telecom sector is recovering from the decades of war, yet still constrained by inadequate power and pervasive corruption; recently installed terrestrial fiber backbone infrastructure; telephone service improving with the rapid growth of mobile sector; operators increased investment to provide national coverage; LTE available in some parts of the country; construction of 600 km ECOWAS Wide Area Network completed; fiber link to Guinea completed; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line 0 per 100 and mobile-cellular just over 86 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 232; landing point for the ACE submarine cable linking to South Africa, over 20 western African countries and Europe; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Singaporegeneral assessment: a wealthy city-state, Singapore has a highly developed ICT infrastructure; government supported near universal home broadband penetration and free public access to wireless network; the government's telecommunication regulator, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), issued awards in mid-2020 to telecom operators with the goal of having at least 50% of the city-state covered with a standalone 5G network by the end of 2022; government actively promoting Smart Nation initiative supporting digital innovation; government oversees service providers and controls Internet content; well served by submarine cable and satellite connections; major importer of integrated circuits and broadcasting equipment from China and exporter of same to SE Asian neighboring countries (2021) domestic: excellent domestic facilities; fixed-line roughly 32 per 100 and mobile-cellular 144 per 100 teledensity; multiple providers of high-speed Internet connectivity (2020) international: country code - 65; landing points for INDIGO-West, SeaMeWe -3,-4,-5, SIGMAR, SJC, i2icn, PGASCOM, BSCS, IGG, B3JS, SAEx2, APCN-2, APG, ASC, SEAX-1, ASE, EAC-C2C, Matrix Cable System and SJC2 submarine cables providing links throughout Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3, Bukit Timah, Seletar, and Sentosa; supplemented by VSAT coverage (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 Topic: Sint Maartengeneral assessment: generally adequate facilities; growth sectors include mobile telephone and data segments; effective competition; LTE expansion; tourism and telecom sector contribute greatly to the GDP (2018) domestic: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links; 196 per 100 mobile-cellular teledensity (2019) international: country code - 1-721; landing points for SMPR-1 and the ECFS submarine cables providing connectivity to the Caribbean; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Slovakiageneral assessment: a modern telecom system; one operator has near monopoly of fixed-line market; competition in mobile- and fixed-broadband market; broadband growth in recent years; competition among DSL, cable, and fiber platforms; FttP growth in cities; operator launched 1Gb/s cable broadband service in 3 cities and 200,000 premises in 2019; EU funding for development and improvement of e-government and online services; regulator prepared groundwork for 5G services in 2020 (2020) domestic: four companies have a license to operate cellular networks and provide nationwide cellular services; a few other companies provide services but do not have their own networks; fixed-line roughly 11 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 133 per 100 teledensity (2020) international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in several international telecommunications projects that will increase the availability of external services; connects to DREAM cable (2017) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Sloveniageneral assessment: well-developed telecom infrastructure with sound regulatory intervention; increase in Internet community utilizing e-government, e-commerce, and e-health; government funds to improve broadband to more municipalities; high mobile penetration rate retaining customers with bundled products; extensive reach of 5G; FttP to 90% of premises; importer of broadcasting equipment from neighboring Central Europe (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 34 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 122 per 100 teledensity (2020) international: country code - 386 (2016) 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 Topic: Solomon Islandsgeneral assessment: Internet penetration has reached 20%; 3G and 4G LTE mobile network expansions, investment in mobile services in the region; otherwise 3G and satellite services for communication and Internet access; increase in broadband subscriptions; the launch of the Kacific-1 satellite in 2019 and the Coral Sea Cable System have vastly improved the telecom sector (2020) 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 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 Topic: Somaliageneral assessment: the public telecom system was almost completely destroyed during years of civil war; private companies offer limited local fixed-line and wireless service in most major cities; early 2020 landing of DARE 1 submarine cables in Mogadishu and Bossaso eased dependence on expensive satellite dependency for Internet access; in 2019, Al Shabaab Islamic militant group forced closure of Internet services in some parts of the country; new telecom regulatory sector in place (2020) domestic: seven networks compete for customers in the mobile sector; some of these mobile-service providers offer fixed-lines and Internet services; fixed-line is 0 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 51 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 252; landing points for the G2A, DARE1, PEACE, and EASSy fiber-optic submarine cable system linking East Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: South Africageneral assessment: one of the most advanced infrastructures on the continent; investment by operators and municipal providers to improve network capability focused on fiber and LTE to extend connectivity; increase in Internet use for e-commerce, e-government, and e-health; government funds to improve broadband to more municipalities; high mobile penetration rate and FttP to 90% of the premises; regulatory intervention has improved telecommunications market; 5G in Capetown with additional auction and tests; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line over 3 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular nearly 162 telephones per 100 persons; consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable, radiotelephone communication stations, and wireless local loops; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria (2020) international: country code - 27; landing points for the WACS, ACE, SAFE, SAT-3, Equiano, SABR, SAEx1, SAEx2, IOX Cable System, METISS, EASSy, and SEACOM/ Tata TGN-Eurasia fiber-optic submarine cable systems connecting South Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, Asia, South America, Indian Ocean Islands, and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 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 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 governmentsone of the most advanced infrastructures on the continent; investment by operators and municipal providers to improve network capability focused on fiber and LTE to extend connectivity; increase in Internet use for e-commerce, e-government, and e-health; government funds to improve broadband to more municipalities; high mobile penetration rate and FttP to 90% of the premises; regulatory intervention has improved telecommunications market; 5G in Capetown with additional auction and tests; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China Topic: South Sudangeneral assessment: with little infrastructure and electricity, South Sudan has one of the least developed telecom and Internet systems in the world and one of the lowest mobile penetration rates in Africa; instability, widespread poverty, and low literacy rates contribute to a struggling telecom sector; due to revenue losses, the few carriers in the market have reduced the areas in which they offer service; the government recognizes the positive effects of ICT on development and is providing a range of investment incentives; the international community has provided billions of dollars in aid to help the young country, with Chinese investment playing a growing role in the infrastructure and energy sectors and South Sudan purchasing broadcasting equipment from China; by 2020, one operator had initiated e-money service (2020) domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 subscriptions, mobile-cellular roughly 20 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 211 (2017) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Spaingeneral assessment: well-developed and one of the largest telecom markets in Europe, with average mobile penetration for Europe; regulator has championed competition; LTE is nearly universal with shifts of service to 5G; operator joined government smart cities project; fixed-line broadband is backed by investment in fiber infrastructure; fiber broadband accounts for most of all fixed-line broadband connections; Chinese company Huawei contributes investment to the telecom sector; increased connectivity through submarine cable connection to Brazil; importer of broadcasting equipment from Europe (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 42 per 100 and mobile-cellular 119 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 34; landing points for the MAREA, Tata TGN-Western Europe, Pencan-9, SAT-3/WASC, Canalink, Atlantis-2, Columbus -111, Estepona-Tetouan, FEA, Balalink, ORVAL and PENBAL-5 submarine cables providing connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia, Southeast Asia and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to adjacent countries (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 Topic: Sri Lankageneral assessment: telephone services have improved significantly; strong growth anticipated as Sri Lanka is lagging behind other Asian telecoms; increase in mobile broadband penetration; govt. funds telecom sector to expand fiber and LTE networks and growing investment in 5G services (2020) domestic: fixed-line roughly 11 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 139 per 100; national trunk network consists of digital microwave radio relay and fiber-optic links; fixed wireless local loops have been installed; competition is strong in mobile cellular systems and mobile cellular subscribership is increasing (2020) international: country code - 94; landing points for the SeaMeWe -3,-5,  Dhiraagu-SLT Submarine Cable Network, WARF Submarine Cable, Bharat Lanka Cable System and the Bay of Bengal Gateway submarine cables providing connectivity to Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Sudangeneral assessment: well-equipped system by regional standards with ongoing upgrades; despite economic challenges, government continues to boost mobile infrastructure through build-out of fiber-broadband network across country; economic climate has not encouraged client growth in telecom, but some investment has been made to build mobile towers and expand LTE services; growth of e-money services; interim constitution safeguards rights and freedoms, though some Internet users continue to face harassment for activities; importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE and China (2020) domestic: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, fiber optic, radiotelephone communications, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations; teledensity fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 80 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 249; landing points for the EASSy, FALCON and SAS-1,-2, fiber-optic submarine cable systems linking Africa, the Middle East, Indian Ocean Islands and Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn because of supply-chain disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. Security services imposed periodic internet and cellular communication blackouts during civilian protests of the military takeover in October, November, and December 2021. Topic: Surinamegeneral assessment: smallest nation in South America with low population and client base; state-owned fixed-line tele-density rates and broadband services below regional average for Latin America and Caribbean; operator building out fiber network; mobile penetration is above regional average; fixed-line effective along the coastline yet poor in the interior; competition in the mobile sector; launch of 5G in Paramaribo; importer of broadcasting equipment from USA (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 18 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity over 153 telephones per 100 persons; microwave radio relay network is in place (2020) international: country code - 597; landing point for the SG-SCS submarine cable linking South America with the Caribbean; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Svalbardgeneral assessment: modern, well-developed (2018) domestic: the Svalbard Satellite Station - connected to the mainland via the Svalbard Undersea Cable System - is the only Arctic ground station that can see low-altitude, polar-orbiting satellites; it provides ground services to more satellites than any other facility in the world (2018) international: country code - 47-790; the Svalbard Undersea Cable System is a twin communications cable that connects Svalbard to mainland Norway; the system is the sole telecommunications link to the archipelago (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Swedengeneral assessment: Sweden’s telecom market includes mature mobile and broadband sectors stimulated by investment of the main operators in new technologies; one of the best developed LTE infrastructures in the region; ranked among leading countries for fixed-line, mobile-cellular, Internet, and broadband penetration; best developed LTE infrastructure in the region; government promotes national broadband strategy to increase connectivity (2020) domestic: fixed-line just over 16 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 128 per 100; coaxial and multiconductor cables carry most of the voice traffic; parallel microwave radio relay systems carry some additional telephone channels (2020) international: country code - 46; landing points for Botina, SFL, SFS-4, Baltic Sea Submarine Cable, Eastern Light, Sweden-Latvia, BCS North-Phase1, EE-S1, LV-SE1, BCS East-West Interlink, NordBalt, Baltica, Denmark-Sweden-15,-17,-18, Scandinavian Ring -North,-South, IP-Only Denmark-Sweden, Donica North, Kattegate-1,-2, Energinet Laeso-Varberg and GC2 submarine cables providing links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Sweden shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway) (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 Topic: Switzerlandgeneral assessment: Switzerland emerged as a European leader for 1Gb/s fiber broadband, complemented by 5G to 97% of the population; competitive market buttressed by regulator assurances of 5G-compatible network infrastructure; although not a member of the EU, Switzerland follows the EU's telecom framework and regulations; Zurich is being developed as a smart city (2020) domestic: fixed-line over 34 per 100 and mobile-cellular subscribership roughly 126 per 100 persons; extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks (2020) international: country code - 41; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian 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 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 Topic: Syriageneral assessment: Syria’s telecom sector has paid a heavy toll from years of civil war and destruction leading to major disruptions to the network; operators focusing on rebuilding damaged networks, though lack of basic infrastructure, including power and security, hamper efforts; fairly high mobile penetration for region; remote areas rely on expensive satellite communications; mobile broadband infrastructure is predominantly 3G for about 85% of the population with some LTE ; international aid network provides emergency Internet and telecom services when necessary;  government restrictions of Internet freedom; major importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE (2020) domestic: the number of fixed-line connections increased markedly prior to the civil war in 2011 and now stands at over 16 per 100; mobile-cellular service is just over 95 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 963; landing points for the Aletar, BERYTAR and UGART submarine cable connections to Egypt, Lebanon, and Cyprus; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey; participant in Medarabtel (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Taiwangeneral assessment: dynamic telecommunications industry defined by excellent infrastructure and competitive mobile market; solid availability of fixed and mobile broadband networks; investors attracted to regulatory certainty, market maturity, an educated workforce, and ICT sector at the heart of economic development; 4G LTE service with fiber is the most popular platform; 5G to 80% of subscribers; government funds development of 5G and IoT market; concerns include China’s efforts to influence media and ICT policy (2020) domestic: fixed-line over 53 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 123 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 886; landing points for the EAC-C2C, APCN-2, FASTER, SJC2, TSE-1, TPE, APG, SeaMeWe-3, FLAG North Asia Loop/REACH North Asia Loop, HKA, NCP, and PLCN submarine fiber cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the US; 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 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 Topic: Tajikistangeneral assessment: Tajikistan’s telecom sector continues to struggle due to geographic isolation, lack of electricity, dysfunctional business climate, and impoverished citizenry; despite the launch of 4G/LTE services, one of the lowest fixed-line penetrations in Asia and one of the lowest broadband levels in the world; with help from foreign investment, mobile sector near saturation phase; Russian loans and Chinese investment in infrastructure through Economic Corridor initiatives; a few cities have 4G coverage; LTE-based smart city concept in Dushanbe; government restricts political rights and civil liberties, controlling information through media interruptions; government raised rates on Internet-based calls and Internet services in 2020, making price one of the highest in the world; importer of video displays and broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed line availability has not changed significantly since 1998, while mobile cellular subscribership, aided by competition among multiple operators, has expanded; coverage now extends to all major cities and towns; fixed-line over 5 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 111 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 992; linked by cable and microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by Intelsat to international gateway switch in Ankara (Turkey); 3 satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat and 1 Orbita 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 Topic: Tanzaniageneral assessment: Tanzania’s telecom services are being developed to reach parity with more advanced networks from neighboring countries such as Kenya and fierce competition exists amongst Tanzania's 5 major mobile network operators; one fixed-line operator with competition in mobile networks; high tariffs on telecom; mobile use remains popular, with the government subsidizing expansion of mobile networks into rural communities; most mobile networks rely on older 2G and 3G technology with 4G/LTE service available in urban centers; the government is currently testing 5G technology and plans to begin rolling out 5G service in 2024; the government continues to improve rural telecom infrastructure including work on a national fiber backbone network connecting the entire population (2020) domestic: fixed-line telephone network inadequate with less than 1 connection per 100 persons; mobile-cellular service, aided by multiple providers, is increasing rapidly and exceeds 82 telephones per 100 persons; trunk service provided by open-wire, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, and fiber-optic cable; some links being made digital (2019) international: country code - 255; landing points for the EASSy, SEACOM/Tata TGN-Eurasia, and SEAS fiber-optic submarine cable system linking East Africa with the Middle East; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 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 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 Topic: Thailandgeneral assessment: high-quality system, especially in urban areas; mobile and mobile broadband penetration are on the increase; FttH has strong growth in cities; 4G-LTE available with adoption of 5G services; seven smart cities with aim for 100 smart cities by 2024; one of the biggest e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia; fixed-broadband and mobile marketplace on par with other developed Asian markets; development of Asian data center underway; Internet connectivity supported by international bandwidth to Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, and terrestrial cables with neighboring countries; two more submarine cables under construction with anticipated landings in 2022; government restricts Internet and freedom of press, with additional constraints in response to pandemic-related criticism in 2020; importer of broadcasting equipment and integrated circuits from China and export of same to neighboring countries in Asia (2020) domestic: fixed-line system provided by both a government-owned and commercial provider; wireless service expanding; fixed-line over 7 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 167 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 66; landing points for the AAE-1, FEA, SeaMeWe-3,-4, APG, SJC2, TIS, MCT and AAG submarine cable systems providing links throughout Asia, Australia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean, 1 Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Timor-Lestegeneral assessment: following years of civil unrest, the government and operators are working toward rebuilding key infrastructure, including telecommunications networks; service in urban and some rural areas expanding with competition; most of the population has access to 4G LTE service; increase in mobile-broadband penetration; government aims to boost e-government services with new national terrestrial fiber-optic network; launch of satellite and approval for submarine cable link to Australia will boost sector growth; importer of broadcasting equipment from Indonesia and China (2020) domestic: system suffered significant damage during the violence associated with independence; limited fixed-line services, less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular services are now available in urban and most rural areas with teledensity of over 104 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 670;  international service is available; partnership with Australia telecom companies for potential deployment of a submarine fiber-optic link (NWCS); geostationary earth orbit satellite note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Togogeneral assessment: system based on a network of microwave radio relay routes supplemented by open-wire lines and a mobile-cellular system; telecoms supply 8% of GDP; 3 mobile operators; 12% of residents have access to the Internet; mobile subscribers and mobile broadband both increasing (2020) domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 79 telephones per 100 persons with mobile-cellular use predominating (2020) international: country code - 228; landing point for the WACS submarine cable, linking countries along the west coast of Africa with each other and with Portugal; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Symphonie (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Tokelaugeneral assessment: modern satellite-based communications system; demand for mobile broadband increasing due to mobile services being the method of access for Internet across the region; 2G widespread with some 4G LTE service; satellite services has improved with the launch of the Kacific-1 satellite launched in 2019 (2020) domestic: radiotelephone service between islands; fixed-line teledensity is 0 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 690; landing point for the Southern Cross NEXT submarine cable linking Australia, Tokelau, Samoa, Kiribati, Fiji, New Zealand and Los Angeles, CA (USA); radiotelephone service to Samoa; government-regulated telephone service (TeleTok); satellite earth stations - 3 (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Tongageneral assessment: high speed Internet provided by 3 MNOs, has subsequently allowed for better health care services, faster connections for education and growing e-commerce services; in 2018 new 4G LTE network; fixed-line teledensity has dropped given mobile subscriptions; mobile technology dominates given the island's geography; satellite technology is widespread and is important especially in areas away from the city; the launch in 2019 of the Kacific-1 broadband satellite has made broadband more widely available for around 89 remote communities (2020) domestic: fixed-line 6 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity 59 telephones per 100; fully automatic switched network (2019) international: country code - 676; landing point for the Tonga Cable and the TDCE connecting to Fiji and 3 separate Tonga islands; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Trinidad and Tobagogeneral assessment: excellent international service; good local service; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) markets; LTE launch; regulatory development; major growth in mobile telephony and data segments which attacks operation investment in fiber infrastructure; moves to end roaming charges (2020) domestic: fixed-line over 23 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity 142 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 1-868; landing points for the EC Link, ECFS, Southern Caribbean Fiber, SG-SCS and Americas II submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Tunisiageneral assessment: Tunisia has one of the most sophisticated telecom infrastructures in North Africa; penetration rates for mobile and Internet services are among the highest in the region; government program of regulation and infrastructure projects aims to improve Internet connectivity to underserved areas; operators built extensive LTE infrastructure in 2019, and continue to discuss plans for future 5G networks and services; People’s Republic of China (PRC) company Huawei sold equipment to operators for Tunisia’s LTE networks; one operator has signed an agreement to pursue nano-satellite launches in 2023; Internet censorship abolished, though concerns of government surveillance remain; legislation passed in 2017 supporting e-commerce and active e-government; importer of some integrated circuits and broadcasting equipment (including radio, television, and communications transmitters) from the PRC (2022) domestic: in an effort to jumpstart expansion of the fixed-line network, the government awarded a concession to build and operate a VSAT network with international connectivity; rural areas are served by wireless local loops; competition between several mobile-cellular service providers has resulted in lower activation and usage charges and a surge in subscribership; fixed-line is nearly 14.1 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity has reached about 132 telephones per 100 persons (2022) international: country code - 216; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-4, Didon, HANNIBAL System and Trapani-Kelibia submarine cable systems that provides links to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Southeast Asia; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Arabsat; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and Libya; participant in Medarabtel; 2 international gateway digital switches (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Turkeygeneral assessment: following earthquake damage to infrastructure in 2020, telecom sector undergoing rapid modernization and expansion, especially in mobile-cellular services; mobile broadband becoming increasingly popular; near saturation of 4G LTE coverage for the population; strides made with 5G through investment by Huawei and Ericcson; fixed and mobile infrastructure will help to underpin Smart City initiatives; tight government control on social media platforms; importer of broadcasting equipment and computers from China (2020) domestic: additional digital exchanges are permitting a rapid increase in subscribers; the construction of a network of technologically advanced intercity trunk lines, using both fiber-optic cable and digital microwave radio relay, is facilitating communication between urban centers; remote areas are reached by a domestic satellite system; fixed-line nearly 15 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is over 97 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 90; landing points for the SeaMeWe-3 & -5, MedNautilus Submarine System, Turcyos-1 & -2 submarine cables providing connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia ; satellite earth stations - 12 Intelsat; mobile satellite terminals - 328 in the Inmarsat and Eutelsat systems (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Turkmenistangeneral assessment: stagnant economy, rural geography, and authoritarian rule limit development of the telecom sector; in cooperation with Russian-based partners, operators have installed high-speed fiber-optic lines and upgraded most of the country's telephone switch centers with digital technology; some rural areas lack fixed-line coverage; mobile broadband is in the early stages of development; services are extremely slow, though Trans-Caspian cable will provide international Internet capacity and improvement in services; freedom of press and expression restricted through monitoring, media interruption, and removal of receivers from households; importer of broadcasting equipment from UAE (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 12 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 163 per 100 persons; first telecommunication satellite was launched in 2015 (2019) international: country code - 993; linked by fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay to other CIS republics and to other countries by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; an exchange in Ashgabat switches international traffic through Turkey via Intelsat; satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 Intelsat (2018) 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 Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsgeneral assessment: fully digital system with international direct dialing; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) markets; LTE expansion points to investment and focus on data; regulatory development; telecommunication contributes to greatly to GDP (2020) domestic: full range of services available; GSM wireless service available; fixed-line teledensity roughly 11 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 1-649; landing point for the ARCOS fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable providing connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Tuvalugeneral assessment: internal communications needs met; small global scale of over 11,000 people on 9 inhabited islands; mobile subscriber penetration about 40% and broadband about 10% penetration; govt. owned and sole provider of telecommunications services; 2G widespread; the launch in 2019 of the Kacific-1 satellite will improve the telecommunication sector for the Asia Pacific region (2020) domestic: radiotelephone communications between islands; fixed-line teledensity over 17 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 70 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 688; international calls can be made by satellite note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced 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 Topic: Ugandageneral assessment: telecom infrastructure has developed through private partnerships; as of 2018, fixed-fiber backbone infrastructure is available in over half of Uganda’s districts; mobile phone companies now provide 4G networks across all major cities and national parks, while offering 3G coverage in small cities and most rural areas with road access; price of commercial Internet services dropped substantially in 2019; consumers rely on mobile infrastructure to provide voice and broadband services as fixed-line infrastructure is poor; 5G migration is developing slowly; government commissioned broadband satellite services for rural areas in 2019 (2020) domestic: fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and mobile cellular systems teledensity about 61 per 100 persons; intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and radiotelephone communication stations (2020) international: country code - 256; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog and digital links to Kenya and Tanzania 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 Topic: Ukrainegeneral assessment: Ukraine’s telecom market continues to face challenges resulting from the annexation of Crimea by Russia and unrest in eastern regions; developing telecom market has attracted international investors from Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan; government plan emphasizes improvement of domestic trunk lines, international connections, and a national mobile-cellular system; operators moving from 3G services to 4G, but some areas still use 2G; LTE services available in cities; FttP networks taking over DSL platforms; government approved plan in 2020 for 5G migration and operator is developing IoT capabilities; improvement of licensing requirements for operators and positive reforms for users; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is nearly 8 per 100; the mobile-cellular telephone system's expansion has slowed, largely due to saturation of the market that is now just over 129 mobile phones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 380; landing point for the Kerch Strait Cable connecting Ukraine to Russia; 2 new domestic trunk lines are a part of the fiber-optic TAE system and 3 Ukrainian links have been installed in the fiber-optic TEL project that connects 18 countries; additional international service is provided by the Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR) fiber-optic submarine cable and by an unknown number of earth stations in the Intelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems 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 Topic: United Arab Emiratesgeneral assessment: one of the world’s most connected countries with modern infrastructure and record Internet, broadband, and mobile use; low-cost smartphones drive mobile-broadband penetration; LTE networks cover most of the population with launch of 5G in partnership with Chinese company ZTE; submarine cables connect to South Africa, Middle East, Pakistan, and Europe; ISPs are fully or partially owned by state, allowing control over flow of information; during pandemic, there was a surge of Internet use from home, with temporary government relaxation of restrictions on streaming such as Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams; government censorship and surveillance of online platforms; service prices are highest in the region, yet affordable for population’s affluent users; government launched free digital platforms for students; Dubai and Abu Dhabi are smart cities with government plan to digitize services across country; major importer of broadcasting equipment from China and exporter of broadcasting equipment to Iraq and Saudi Arabia (2020) domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic and coaxial cable; fixed-line roughly 24 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 186 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 971; landing points for the FLAG, SEA-ME-WE-3 ,-4 & -5, Qater UAE Submarine Cable System, FALCON, FOG, Tat TGN-Gulf, OMRAN/EPEG Cable System, AAE-1, BBG, EIG, FEA, GBICS/MENA, IMEWE, Orient Express, TEAMS, TW1 and the UAE-Iran submarine cables, linking to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: United Kingdomgeneral assessment: UK’s telecom market remains one of the largest in Europe, characterized by competition, affordable pricing, and its technologically advanced systems; mobile penetration above the EU average; government to invest in infrastructure and 5G technologies with ambition for a fully-fibered nation by 2033; operators expanded the reach of 5G services in 2020; super-fast broadband available to about 95% of customers; London is developing smart city technology, in collaboration with private, tech, and academic sectors; in 2020 the UK Government banned Chinese company Huawei's 5G equipment from the UK's 5G networks following advisement from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC); importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: equal mix of buried cables, microwave radio relay, and fiber-optic systems; fixed-line over 47 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 116 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 44; Landing points for the GTT Atlantic, Scotland-Northern Ireland -1, & -2, Lanis 1,-2, &-3, Sirius North, BT-MT-1, SHEFA-2, BT Highlands and Islands Submarine Cable System, Northern Lights, FARICE-1, Celtic Norse, Tampnet Offshore FOC Network, England Cable, CC-2, E-LLan, Sirius South, ESAT -1 & -2, Rockabill, Geo-Eirgrid, UK-Netherlands-14, Circle North & South, Ulysses2, Conceto, Farland North, Pan European Crossing, Solas, Swansea-Bream, GTT Express, Tata TGN-Atlantic & -Western Europe, Apollo, EIG, Glo-1, TAT-14, Yellow, Celtic, FLAG Atlantic-1, FEA, Isle of Scilly Cable, UK-Channel Islands-8 and SeaMeWe-3 submarine cables providing links throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, and US; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Eutelsat; at least 8 large international switching centers (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 Topic: United Statesgeneral assessment: a large, technologically advanced, multipurpose communications system; reliable Internet available for most of the population though challenges remain in rural areas and tribal lands; concentration among industry operators; saturated mobile subscriber penetration rate; national LTE-M services with reassignment of 2G spectrum for 5G, centered in urban areas; operators signed alliance to develop 6G in line with technology standards, and government policies; almost all citizens have access to both fixed-line and mobile-broadband services; government fund to connect 5.3 million residences and businesses in rural areas; in pandemic, emergency funding for Internet and devices related to education; cooperative approach to e-commerce, health, education, and energy with smart city technology in several areas; federal subsidies to private satellite Internet constellation with aims for fast, world-wide connections; government policy designated Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE as national security threats and restricted partnership; importer of broadcasting equipment from China with export of same to Hong Kong (2020) domestic: a large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites carries every form of telephone traffic; a rapidly growing cellular system carries mobile telephone traffic throughout the country; fixed-line just over 31 per 100 and mobile-cellular over 134 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 1; landing points for the Quintillion Subsea Cable Network, TERRA SW, AU-Aleutian, KKFL, AKORN, Alaska United -West, & -East & -Southeast, North Star, Lynn Canal Fiber, KetchCar 1, PC-1, SCCN, Tat TGN-Pacific & -Atlantic, Jupiter, Hawaiki, NCP, FASTER, HKA, JUS, AAG, BtoBE, Currie, Southern Cross NEXT, SxS, PLCN, Utility EAC-Pacific, SEA-US, Paniolo Cable Network, HICS, HIFN, ASH, Telstra Endeavor, Honotua, AURORA, ARCOS, AMX-1, Americas -I & -II, Columbus IIb & -III, Maya-1, MAC, GTMO-1, BICS, CFX-1, GlobeNet, Monet, SAm-1, Bahamas 2, PCCS, BRUSA, Dunant, MAREA, SAE x1, TAT 14, Apollo, Gemini Bermuda, Havfrue/AEC-2, Seabras-1, WALL-LI, NYNJ-1, FLAG Atalantic-1, Yellow, Atlantic Crossing-1, AE Connect -1, sea2shore, Challenger Bermuda-1, and GTT Atlantic submarine cable systems providing international connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, & Atlantic, and Indian Ocean Islands, Central and South America, Caribbean, Canada and US; satellite earth stations - 61 Intelsat (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean), 5 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 4 Inmarsat (Pacific and Atlantic Ocean regions) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Uruguaygeneral assessment: Uruguay has an advanced telecom market, with excellent infrastructure and one of the highest broadband penetration rates in Latin America; fully digitized; high computer use and fixed-line/mobile penetrations; deployment of fiber infrastructure will encourage economic growth and stimulate e-commerce; state-owned monopoly on fixed-line market and dominance of mobile market; nationwide 3G coverage and LTE networks; limited 5G commercial reach; strong focus on fiber infrastructure with high percentage of residential fixed-broadband connections and near total business connections; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; nationwide microwave radio relay network; overall fixed-line roughly 34 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity 138 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 598; landing points for the Unisor, Tannat, and Bicentenario submarine cable system providing direct connectivity to Brazil and Argentina; Bicentenario 2012 and Tannat 2017 cables helped end-users with Internet bandwidth; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Uzbekistangeneral assessment: land-locked, authoritarian state with government grip on ICT technology and no integrated plan; government plans to develop infrastructure to improve geographical disparities in service; increased investment in infrastructure, with aims of expanding subscriber base and rising revenue; some villages have no connectivity, and 70% have 2G with development of 3G and 4G; free WiFi spots across country to boost tourism; Russian operator invested in joint venture on mobile services; government in discussion with Huawei on additional ventures; digital exchanges in large cities and some rural areas; fixed-line is underdeveloped due to preeminence of mobile market; introduction of prepaid Internet has contributed to home Internet usage; consumers largely reliant on terrestrial links and VSAT networks; media controlled by state; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line nearly 11 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity nearly 100 per 100 persons; the state-owned telecommunications company, Uzbek Telecom, owner of the fixed-line telecommunications system, has used loans from the Japanese government and the China Development Bank to upgrade fixed-line services including conversion to digital exchanges; mobile-cellular services are provided by 2 private and 3 state-owned operators with a total subscriber base of 22.8 million as of January 2018 (2020) international: country code - 998; linked by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch; the country also has a link to the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic cable; Uzbekistan has supported the national fiber-optic backbone project of Afghanistan since 2008 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 Topic: Vanuatugeneral assessment: liberalized telecom services; mobile phones are primary means of communication; LTE services and rural satellite broadband services; mobile phone use in some rural areas is constrained by electricity shortages; investment in fixed-broadband infrastructure and installation of fiber-optic cables supported sector growth; mobile broadband infrastructure expanded in 2020, resulting in reduced consumer prices; Kacific-1 broadband satellite has improved broadband capacity and access since 2019; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity a bit over 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular just over 80 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 678; landing points for the ICN1 & ICN2 submarine cables providing connectivity to the Solomon Islands and Fiji; cables helped end-users with Internet bandwidth; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Venezuelageneral assessment: the telecom industry is struggling due to political upheaval in the country; poor quality of service in many areas of the country due to decrepit state of fixed-line network and operators’ inability to pay for equipment from foreign vendors; operator suffering from stolen or damaged infrastructure; many consumers favor mobile service, and cancel their fixed-line services; popularity of social networks caused growth in mobile data traffic; LTE coverage to about half of the population; government launched National Fiber Optic backbone project in 2019; national satellite drifted off course and became non-operational; an American company closed a telecom service due to US sanctions and a Chilean company later acquired the service; Internet freedom deteriorating amid crisis, with frequent disruptions to service and monitoring; importer of broadcasting equipment from the US (2020) domestic: two domestic satellite systems with three earth stations; recent substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas; 3 major providers operate in the mobile market and compete with state-owned company; fixed-line over 18 per 100 and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership about 63 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 58; landing points for the Venezuela Festoon, ARCOS, PAN-AM, SAC, GlobeNet, ALBA-1 and Americas II submarine cable system providing connectivity to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and US; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 PanAmSat (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Vietnamgeneral assessment: though communist, government plans to partially privatize the state’s holdings in telecom companies; competition is thriving in the telecom market place and driving e-commerce; mobile dominates over fixed-line; FttH market is growing; government is the driving force for growth with aims of commercializing 5G services with test licenses; Ho Chi Minh City to become the first smart city in Vietnam with cloud computing infrastructure, big data, data centers, and security-monitoring centers (2020) domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly; fixed-line under 4 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 143 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 84; landing points for the SeaMeWe-3, APG, SJC2, AAE-1, AAG and the TGN-IA submarine cable system providing connectivity to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Virgin Islandsgeneral assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay; good interisland and international connections; broadband access; expansion of FttP (Fiber to the Home) markets; LTE launches; regulatory development and expansion in several markets point to investment and focus on data (2020) domestic: full range of services available; fixed-line roughly 72 per 100 persons, no recent teledensity numbers available for mobile-cellular usage, although it was approximately 75 per 100 in 2010 (2018) international: country code - 1-340; landing points for the BSCS, St Thomas-ST Croix System, Southern Caribbean Fiber, Americas II, GCN, MAC, PAN-AM and SAC submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Wake Islandgeneral assessment: satellite communications; 2 Defense Switched Network circuits off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); located in the Hawaii area code - 808 (2018) Topic: Wallis and Futunageneral assessment: 2G widespread; bandwidth is limited; mobile subscriber numbers are higher than fixed-line and better suited for islands; good mobile coverage in the capital cities and also reasonable coverage across more remote atolls; recent international interest in infrastructure development; increase in demand for mobile broadband as mobile services serve as primary source for Internet access; Kacific-1 broadband satellite launched in 2019 to improve costs and capability (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity 25 per 100 persons and 0 per 100 mobile subscriptions (2019) international: country code - 681; landing point for the Tui-Samoa submarine cable network connecting Wallis & Futuna, Samoa and Fiji (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: West Bankgeneral assessment: continuing political and economic instability has impeded liberalization of the telecommunications industry (2018) domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed-line services; two Palestinian cellular providers, JAWWAL and WATANIYA MOBILE, launched 3G mobile networks in the West Bank in January 2018 after Israel lifted its ban; fixed-line 9 per 100 and mobile-cellular subscriptions 84 per 100 (includes Gaza Strip) (2020) international: country code 970 or 972; 1 international switch in Ramallah 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 Topic: Worldgeneral assessment: Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT) is tied to economic growth; business, trade, and foreign direct investment are all based on effective sources of ICT, and development of ICT flourishes with a vigorous economy, open trade, and sound regulation; some 2020 estimates point to a digital economy worth $11.5 trillion globally, equivalent to 15.5% of global GDP (with ICT growing 2.5 times faster than global GDP over the past 15 years);  2020 reports indicate about 7.7 billion global mobile broadband subscriptions, rising from 3.3 billion in five years, and over 1.1 billion fixed broadband subscribers, up from 830 million in 2015 international: economic impact - telecommunications has been and continues to be one of the world’s fastest growing markets; countries and firms are transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting, increasing automation capabilities and applications, adopting more high-definition technologies, and converting to digital channels broadcasting typically refers to transmission of information to all devices in a network without any acknowledgment by the receivers; data processing parts and accessories includes many supporting elements to broadcasting equipment, such as monitors, keyboards, printers, etc. in terms of market size, broadcasting equipment constituted $413 billion in global trade, making it the fifth most traded commodity in 2019; similarly, data processing equipment equaled $230 billion, the eighth most traded commodity globally; the chief exporters and importers of telecommunications commodities remain largely the same: 1) China leads in both broadcasting and data processing equipment exports, $208 billion and $81.5 billion respectively and 2) the United States, conversely, receives the most of both commodities, importing $81.1 billion in broadcasting equipment and $38.3 billion in data processing equipment in 2019 infrastructure - as of 2021, 428 submarine cables have been laid worldwide with a further 36 planned; the undersea cables connect to 1,245 landing stations Topic: Yemengeneral assessment: large percent of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance and telecom services are vital but disrupted; mobile towers are often deliberately targeted; maintenance is dangerous to staff; aid organizations rely on satellite and radio communications; scarcity of telecom equipment in rural areas; ownership of telecom services and the related revenues and taxes have become a political issue; Chinese company Huawei helping to rebuild some equipment (2020) domestic: the national network consists of microwave radio relay, cable, tropospheric scatter, GSM and CDMA mobile-cellular telephone systems; fixed-line teledensity remains low by regional standards at roughly 4 per 100 but mobile cellular use expanding at over 55 per 100 (2019) international: country code - 967; landing points for the FALCON, SeaMeWe-5, Aden-Djibouti, and the AAE-1 international submarine cable connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Southeast Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 2 Arabsat; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and Djibouti (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments Topic: Zambiageneral assessment: service is among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa; regulator promotes competition and is a partner to private sector service providers, offering mobile voice and Internet at some of the lowest prices in the region; investment made in data centers, education centers, and computer assembly training plants; operators invest in 3G and LTE-based services; Chinese company Huawei is helping to upgrade state-owned mobile infrastructure for 5G services; operators focused on improvements to towers (2020) domestic: fiber optic connections are available between most larger towns and cities with microwave radio relays serving more rural areas; 3G and LTE with FttX in limited urban areas and private Ku or Ka band VSAT terminals in remote locations; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular roughly 104 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 260; multiple providers operate overland fiber optic routes via Zimbabwe/South Africa, Botswana/Namibia and Tanzania provide access to the major undersea cables 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 Topic: Zimbabwegeneral assessment: the pandemic, drought, and rising hyperinflation have devastated the economy and hindered foreign investment; regulator extended tax exemption for Huawei, raising concerns of independence; mobile tariffs were increased three times since mid-2019, raising consumer prices; Internet is limited, exacerbated by inadequate electricity; mobile Internet connections make up almost all Internet connections; competition has driven some expansion of the telecommunications sector, though operators warn that lack of government investment will cause further deterioration, especially in rural areas; mobile network operators continue to invest in e-commerce and e-banking; slow progress on national and international fiber backbone network, as well as 3G and LTE mobile-broadband services; international bandwidth through submarine cables via neighboring countries (2020) domestic: consists of microwave radio relay links, open-wire lines, radiotelephone communication stations, fixed wireless local loop installations, fiber-optic cable, VSAT terminals, and a substantial mobile-cellular network; Internet connection is most readily available in Harare and major towns; two government owned and two private cellular providers; fixed-line teledensity at nearly 2 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 89 per 100 (2020) international: country code - 263; fiber-optic connections to neighboring states provide access to international networks via undersea cable; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat; 5 international digital gateway exchanges 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
20220901
countries-grenada-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Grenada due to COVID-19. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required, although Grenada requires travelers to have evidence of return/onward travel arrangements. US Embassy/Consulate: +(1)(473) 444-1174, +(1)(473) 444-1175; EMER: +(1)(473) 407-2495; US Embassy Grenada, L’Anse aux Epines Main Road, St. George, Grenada; https://bb.usembassy.gov/embassy/grenada/; StgeorgesACS@state.gov Telephone Code: 1-473 Local Emergency Phone: Ambulance: 434; Fire: 112; Police: 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; tempered by northeast trade winds Currency (Code): East Caribbean dollars (XCD) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G Major Languages: English, French patois Major Religions: Protestant 49.2%, Roman Catholic 36%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, Rastafarian 1.2% Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Yes, but some opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, traveler will need to present their US driver's license & IDP to local police to pay a special registration fee Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Grand Anse Beach; Saint George’s; Underwater Sculpture Park; Fort Frederick; Fort George; Grand Etang and Annandale Forest Reserves; Belmont Estate Major Sports: Cricket, soccer Cultural Practices: While it is normal to be late for social or personal meetings, Grenadians expect promptness for business. Tipping Guidelines: Always examine the bill to see if a service charge has already been included. If not, leave 15% as a tip. Bellhops receive $1 (USD) per bag to carry luggage to your room. Taxi drivers generally receive a 10-15% tip on a fare or tour.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-new-caledonia
Topic: Photos of New Caledonia Topic: Introduction Background: The 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S, 165 30 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: 18,575 sq km land: 18,275 sq km water: 300 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 2,254 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid Terrain: coastal plains with interior mountains Elevation: highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper Land use: agricultural land: 10.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9.8% (2018 est.) forest: 45.9% (2018 est.) other: 43.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 100 sq km (2012) Population distribution: most of the populace lives in the southern part of the main island, in and around the capital of Noumea Natural hazards: cyclones, most frequent from November to Marchvolcanism: Matthew and Hunter Islands are historically activecyclones, most frequent from November to Marchvolcanism: Matthew and Hunter Islands are historically active Geography - note: consists of the main island of New Caledonia (one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean), the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls Map description: New Caledonia map showing the various islands that comprise this French territorial archipelago in the Coral Sea.New Caledonia map showing the various islands that comprise this French territorial archipelago in the Coral Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 297,160 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: New Caledonian(s) adjective: New Caledonian Ethnic groups: Kanak 39.1%, European 27.1%, Wallisian, Futunian 8.2%, Tahitian 2.1%, Indonesian 1.4%, Ni-Vanuatu 1%, Vietnamese 0.9%, other 17.7%, unspecified 2.5% (2014 est.) Languages: French (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. Religions: Christian 85.2%, Muslim 2.8%, other 1.6%, unaffiliated 10.4% (2020 est.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 46.6 youth dependency ratio: 32.4 elderly dependency ratio: 14.2 potential support ratio: 7 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 32.9 years male: 32.1 years female: 33.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.19% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 14.13 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.88 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 3.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) note: there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New Caledonia Population distribution: most of the populace lives in the southern part of the main island, in and around the capital of Noumea Urbanization: urban population: 72.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 198,000 NOUMEA (capital) (2018) 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: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 5 deaths/1,000 live births male: 5.97 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.83 years male: 74.93 years female: 82.92 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.86 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.3% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.7% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA 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: 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 Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 96.9% male: 97.3% female: 96.5% (2015) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 38.4% male: 37.1% female: 40% (2014 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: preservation of coral reefs; prevention of invasive species; limiting erosion caused by nickel mining and forest fires Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 5.33 megatons (2016 est.) Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid Land use: agricultural land: 10.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9.8% (2018 est.) forest: 45.9% (2018 est.) other: 43.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 72.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 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: 108,157 tons (2016 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies conventional short form: New Caledonia local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie etymology: British explorer Captain James COOK discovered and named New Caledonia in 1774; he used the appellation because the northeast of the island reminded him of Scotland (Caledonia is the Latin designation for Scotland) Government type: parliamentary democracy (Territorial Congress); an overseas collectivity of France Dependency status: special 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  Capital: name: Noumea geographic coordinates: 22 16 S, 166 27 E time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: established in 1854 as Port-de-France, the settlement was renamed Noumea in 1866, in order to avoid any confusion with Fort-de-France in Martinique; the New Caledonian language of Ndrumbea (also spelled Ndumbea, Dubea, and Drubea) spoken in the area gave its name to the capital city, Noumea, as well as to the neighboring town (suburb) of Dumbea Administrative divisions: 3 provinces; Province Iles (Islands Province), Province Nord (North Province), and Province Sud (South Province) Independence: none (overseas collectivity of France); note - in three independence referenda, on 4 November 2018, 4 October 2020, and 12 December 2021, the majority voted 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 National holiday: Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - the local holiday is New Caledonia Day, 24 September (1853) Constitution: history: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution with changes as reflected in the Noumea Accord of 5 May 1998) amendments: French constitution amendment procedures apply Legal system: civil law system based on French civil law Citizenship: see France Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by High Commissioner Patrice FAURE (since 6 June 2021) head of government: President of the Government Louis MAPOU (since 22 July 2021); Vice President Isabelle CHAMPMOREAU (since 22 July 2021) cabinet: Cabinet elected from and by the Territorial Congress elections/appointments: French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of New Caledonia elected by Territorial Congress for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 8 July 2022 (next to be held in 2027) election results: Louis MAPOU elected president by Territorial Congress with 6 votes out of 11 Legislative branch: description: unicameral Territorial Congress or Congrès du Territoire (54 seats; members indirectly selected proportionally by the partisan makeup of the 3 Provincial Assemblies or Assemblés Provinciales; members of the 3 Provincial Assemblies directly elected by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms); note - the Customary Senate is the assembly of the various traditional councils of the Kanaks, the indigenous population, which rules on laws affecting the indigenous population New Caledonia indirectly elects 2 members to the French Senate by an electoral colleges for a 6-year term with one seat renewed every 3 years and directly elects 2 members to the French National Assembly by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term elections: Territorial Congress - last held on 12 May 2019 (next to be held in May 2024) French Senate - election last held in September 2019 (next to be held not later than 2021) French National Assembly - election last held on 11 and 18 June 2017 (next to be held by June 2022) election results: Territorial Congress - percent of vote by party - N/A; seats by party -Future With Confidence 18, UNI 9, UC 9, CE 7, FLNKS 6, Oceanic Awakening 3, PT 1, LKS 1 (Anti-Independence 28, Pro-Independence 26); composition - NA representation in French Senate - NA representation in French National Assembly - NA French Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2 French National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CE 2Territorial Congress - percent of vote by party - N/A; seats by party -Future With Confidence 18, UNI 9, UC 9, CE 7, FLNKS 6, Oceanic Awakening 3, PT 1, LKS 1 (Anti-Independence 28, Pro-Independence 26); composition - NA representation in French Senate - NA representation in French National Assembly - NA Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal in Noumea or Cour d'Appel; organized into civil, commercial, social, and pre-trial investigation chambers; court bench normally includes the court president and 2 counselors); Administrative Court (number of judges NA); note - final appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are referred to the Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation (in Paris); final appeals beyond the Administrative Court are referred to the Administrative Court of Appeal (in Paris) judge selection and term of office: judge appointment and tenure based on France's judicial system subordinate courts: Courts of First Instance include: civil, juvenile, commercial, labor, police, criminal, assizes, and also a pre-trial investigation chamber; Joint Commerce Tribunal; administrative courts Political parties and leaders: Build Our Rainbow Nation Caledonia Together or CE [Philippe GERMAIN] Caledonian Union or UC [Daniel GOA] Future Together (l'Avenir Ensemble) [Harold MARTIN] Kanak Socialist Front for National Liberation or FLNKS (alliance includes PALIKA, UNI, UC, and UPM) [Victor TUTUGORO] Labor Party (Parti Travailliste) or PT [Louis Kotra UREGEI] National Union for Independence (Union Nationale pour l'Independance) or UNI Party of Kanak Liberation (Parti de Liberation Kanak) or PALIKA [Paul NEAOUTYINE] Socialist Kanak Liberation or LKS [Nidoish NAISSELINE] The Republicans (formerly The Rally or UMP) [interim leader Thierry SANTA] Union for Caledonia in France International organization participation: ITUC (NGOs), PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WMO Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of France) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of France) Flag description: New Caledonia has two official flags; alongside the flag of France, the Kanak (indigenous Melanesian) flag has equal status; the latter consists of three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a large yellow disk - diameter two-thirds the height of the flag - shifted slightly to the hoist side is edged in black and displays a black fleche faitiere symbol, a native rooftop adornment National symbol(s): fleche faitiere (native rooftop adornment), kagu bird; national colors: gray, red National anthem: name: "Soyons unis, devenons freres" (Let Us Be United, Let Us Become Brothers) lyrics/music: Chorale Melodia (a local choir) note: adopted 2008; contains a mixture of lyrics in both French and Nengone (an indigenous language); as a self-governing territory of France, in addition to the local anthem, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France) National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural); note - excerpted from the France entry selected World Heritage Site locales: Lagoons of New Caledonia Topic: Economy Economic overview: New Caledonia has 11% of the world's nickel reserves, representing the second largest reserves on the planet. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more than 15% of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the economy.   With the gradual increase in the production of two new nickel plants in 2015, average production of metallurgical goods stood at a record level of 94 thousand tons. However, the sector is exposed to the high volatility of nickel prices, which have been in decline since 2016. In 2017, one of the three major mining firms on the island, Vale, put its operations up for sale, triggering concerns of layoffs ahead of the 2018 independence referendum.New Caledonia has 11% of the world's nickel reserves, representing the second largest reserves on the planet. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more than 15% of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the economy. With the gradual increase in the production of two new nickel plants in 2015, average production of metallurgical goods stood at a record level of 94 thousand tons. However, the sector is exposed to the high volatility of nickel prices, which have been in decline since 2016. In 2017, one of the three major mining firms on the island, Vale, put its operations up for sale, triggering concerns of layoffs ahead of the 2018 independence referendum. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $11.11 billion (2017 est.) $10.89 billion (2016 est.) $10.77 billion (2015 est.) note: data are in 2015 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 2% (2017 est.) 1.1% (2016 est.) 3.2% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $31,100 (2015 est.) $32,100 (2014 est.) $29,800 (2012 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $9.77 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (2017 est.) 0.6% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 1.4% (2017 est.) industry: 26.4% (2017 est.) services: 72.1% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: coconuts, vegetables, maize, fruit, beef, pork, potatoes, bananas, eggs, yams Industries: nickel mining and smelting Industrial production growth rate: 3.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 119,500 (2016 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2.7% industry: 22.4% services: 74.9% (2010) Unemployment rate: 14.7% (2014) 14% (2009) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 38.4% male: 37.1% female: 40% (2014 est.) Population below poverty line: 17% (2008) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 1.995 billion (2015 est.) expenditures: 1.993 billion (2015 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 0% (of GDP) (2015 est.) Public debt: 6.5% of GDP (2015 est.) 6.5% of GDP (2014 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 20.4% (of GDP) (2015 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$1.469 billion (2014 est.) -$1.861 billion (2013 est.) Exports: $2.207 billion (2014 est.) Exports - partners: China 59%, South Korea 14%, Japan 11% (2019) Exports - commodities: iron alloys, nickel, cobalt, carbonates, essential oils (2019) Imports: $2.715 billion (2015 est.) $4.4 billion (2014 est.) Imports - partners: France 43%, Australia 12%, Singapore 12%, China 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, aircraft, coal, cars, packaged medicines (2019) Debt - external: $112 million (31 December 2013 est.) $79 million (31 December 1998 est.) Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 110.2 (2017 est.) 107.84 (2016 est.) 107.84 (2015 est.) 89.85 (2013 est.) 90.56 (2012 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 1.071 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,940,707,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 64.293 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 91.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 1.151 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 1.151 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 2 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 19,300 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 19,100 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: 5.886 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.879 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 3.007 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 46,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 260,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 91 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: New Caledonia’s telecom sector is dominated by OPT-NC, which holds a monopoly and provides fixed and mobile voice services, mobile internet, fixed broadband access, and wholesale services for other ISPs; the country is well serviced by extensive 3G and LTE networks, and is considered to have one of the highest smartphone adoption rates in the Pacific region. By 2025, smart phone penetration is expected to reach 71%; while DSL is still the dominant fixed broadband technology, OPT-NC is also deploying a nationwide FttP network; in April 2022, OPT-NC stated that it had connected 28,000 fiber customers to its network; the South Pacific region has become a hub for submarine cable system developments in recent years, with further networks scheduled to come online later in 2021 and into 2022; these new cables are expected to increase competition in the region with regards to international capacity; in 2020, the government owned telco OPT-NC commissioned Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) to build the Gondwana-2 cable system to provide additional network capacity and complement the Gondwana-1 cable. (2022) domestic: fixed-line nearly 29 per 100 and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership 96 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 687; landing points for the Gondwana-1 and Picot-1 providing connectivity via submarine cables around New Caledonia and to 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: the publicly owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts over the RFO Nouvelle-Calédonie TV and radio stations; a small number of privately owned radio stations also broadcast Internet country code: .nc Internet users: total: 222,466 (2019 est.) percent of population: 82% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 55,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 3 (2020) (registered in France) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 15 (registered in France) Airports: total: 25 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 12 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 13 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 8 (2021) Heliports: 8 (2021) Roadways: total: 5,622 km (2006) Merchant marine: total: 24 by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 18 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Noumea Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; France bases land, air, and naval forces on New Caledonia (Forces Armées de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, FANC) Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: New Caledonia-France-Vanuatu: Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by France and VanuatuNew Caledonia-France-Vanuatu: Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by France and Vanuatu
20220901
countries-poland-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions when traveling to Poland. 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. No need for blank pages for entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [48] (22) 504-2000; US Embassy Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, 00-540 Warsaw, Poland; acswarsaw@state.gov; https://pl.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 48 Local Emergency Phone: 112, 999 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers Currency (Code): Zlotych (PLN) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E Major Languages: Polish, Silesian Major Religions: Catholic 85.9% (includes Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Armenian Catholic, and Byzantine-Slavic Catholic), Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.4% 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: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Right Tourist Destinations: Gdansk Old Town; Bialowieza Forest; Wieliczka & Bochnia Royal Salt Mine; Malbork Castle; Slowinski Sand Dunes; Masurian Lakeland; Wawel Castle & Cathedral; Krakow; Warsaw (includes Wilanow Palace, Palace on the Water); Auschwitz Major Sports: Soccer, motorsports, volleyball, ski jumping, track and field Cultural Practices: Many households will ask you to remove your shoes upon entry. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is expected for good service in restaurants, especially in tourist areas such as Krakow or Warsaw. The norm is to tip around 10-15%. Hotel housekeepers do not expect a tip, but leaving a small amount (10 zlotych), is appreciated. Tipping a tour driver 10-15% is customary.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, May 10, 2022
20220901
countries-indonesia
Topic: Photos of Indonesia Topic: Introduction Background: The 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean Geographic coordinates: 5 00 S, 120 00 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 1,904,569 sq km land: 1,811,569 sq km water: 93,000 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 2,958 km border countries (3): Malaysia 1,881 km; Papua New Guinea 824 km; Timor-Leste 253 km Coastline: 54,716 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains Elevation: highest point: Puncak Jaya 4,884 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 367 m Natural resources: petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver Land use: agricultural land: 31.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 13% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 12.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.1% (2018 est.) forest: 51.7% (2018 est.) other: 17.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 67,220 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Danau Toba - 1,150 sq km note - located in the caldera of a super volcano that erupted more than 70,000 years ago; it is the largest volcanic lake in the World Major rivers (by length in km): Sepik (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 Population distribution: major concentration on the island of Java, which is considered one of the most densely populated places on earth; of the outer islands (those surrounding Java and Bali), Sumatra contains some of the most significant clusters, particularly in the south near the Selat Sunda, and along the northeastern coast near Medan; the cities of Makasar (Sulawesi), Banjarmasin (Kalimantan) are also heavily populated Natural hazards: occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes; volcanoes; forest fires volcanism: Indonesia contains the most volcanoes of any country in the world - some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic activity occurs on Java, Sumatra, the Sunda Islands, Halmahera Island, Sulawesi Island, Sangihe Island, and in the Banda Sea; Merapi (2,968 m), Indonesia's most active volcano and in eruption since 2010, 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; on 22 December 2018, a large explosion and flank collapse destroyed most of the 338 m high island of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) and generated a deadly tsunami inundating portions of western Java and southern Sumatra leaving more than 400 dead; other notable historically active volcanoes include Agung, Awu, Karangetang, Krakatau (Krakatoa), Makian, Raung, Sinabung, and Tambora; see note 2 under "Geography - note"occasional floods; severe droughts; tsunamis; earthquakes; volcanoes; forest firesvolcanism: Indonesia contains the most volcanoes of any country in the world - some 76 are historically active; significant volcanic activity occurs on Java, Sumatra, the Sunda Islands, Halmahera Island, Sulawesi Island, Sangihe Island, and in the Banda Sea; Merapi (2,968 m), Indonesia's most active volcano and in eruption since 2010, 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; on 22 December 2018, a large explosion and flank collapse destroyed most of the 338 m high island of Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) and generated a deadly tsunami inundating portions of western Java and southern Sumatra leaving more than 400 dead; other notable historically active volcanoes include Agung, Awu, Karangetang, Krakatau (Krakatoa), Makian, Raung, Sinabung, and Tambora; see note 2 under "Geography - note" Geography - note: note 1: according to Indonesia's National Coordinating Agency for Survey and Mapping, the total number of islands in the archipelago is 13,466, of which 922 are permanently inhabited (Indonesia is the world's largest country comprised solely of islands); the country straddles the equator and occupies a strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean note 2: Indonesia is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire; 80% of tsunamis, caused by volcanic or seismic events, occur within the "Pacific Ring of Fire" note 3: despite having the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia is the most heavily forested region on earth after the Amazon note 4: two major food crops apparently developed on the island of New Guinea: bananas and sugarcanenote 1: according to Indonesia's National Coordinating Agency for Survey and Mapping, the total number of islands in the archipelago is 13,466, of which 922 are permanently inhabited (Indonesia is the world's largest country comprised solely of islands); the country straddles the equator and occupies a strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Oceannote 2: Indonesia is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, a belt of active volcanoes and earthquake epicenters bordering the Pacific Ocean; up to 90% of the world's earthquakes and some 75% of the world's volcanoes occur within the Ring of Fire; 80% of tsunamis, caused by volcanic or seismic events, occur within the "Pacific Ring of Fire"note 3: despite having the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia is the most heavily forested region on earth after the Amazon note 4: two major food crops apparently developed on the island of New Guinea: bananas and sugarcane Map description: Indonesia map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic country as well as parts of surrounding countries.  Indonesia map showing major cities and islands of this archipelagic country as well as parts of surrounding countries.  Topic: People and Society Population: 277,329,163 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Indonesian(s) adjective: Indonesian Ethnic groups: Javanese 40.1%, Sundanese 15.5%, Malay 3.7%, Batak 3.6%, Madurese 3%, Betawi 2.9%, Minangkabau 2.7%, Buginese 2.7%, Bantenese 2%, Banjarese 1.7%, Balinese 1.7%, Acehnese 1.4%, Dayak 1.4%, Sasak 1.3%, Chinese 1.2%, other 15% (2010 est.) Languages: Bahasa 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. Religions: Muslim 87.2%, Protestant 7%, Roman Catholic 2.9%, Hindu 1.7%, other 0.9% (includes Buddhist and Confucian), unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) Demographic profile: Indonesia has the world’s fourth-largest population.  It is predominantly Muslim and has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world.  The population is projected to increase to as much as 320 million by 2045.  A government-supported family planning program.  The total fertility rate (TFR) – the average number of births per woman – from 5.6 in the mid-1960s to 2.7 in the mid-1990s.  The success of the program was also due to the social acceptance of family planning, which received backing from influential Muslim leaders and organizations. The fertility decline slowed in the late 1990’s when responsibility for family planning programs shifted to the district level, where the programs were not prioritized.  Since 2012 the national government revitalized the national family planning program, and Indonesia’s TFR has slowly decreased to 2.3 in 2020.  The government may reach its goal of achieving replacement level fertility – 2.1 children per woman – but the large number of women of childbearing age ensures significant population growth for many years.  Indonesia is a source country for labor migrants, a transit country for asylum seekers, and a destination mainly for highly skilled migrant workers.  International labor migration, both legal and illegal, from Indonesia to other parts of Asia (most commonly Malaysia) and the Middle East has taken place for decades because of high unemployment and underemployment, poverty, and low wages domestically.  Increasing numbers of migrant workers are drawn to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US.  The majority of Indonesian labor migration is temporary and consists predominantly of low-skilled workers, mainly women working as domestics. Indonesia’s strategic location between Asia and Australia and between the Pacific and Indian Oceans – and its relatively easy accessibility via boat – appeal to asylum seekers.  It is also an attractive transit location because of its easy entry requirements and the ability to continue on to Australia.  Recent asylum seekers have come from Afghanistan, Burma (Rohingyas), Iraq, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.  Since 2013, when Australia tightening its immigration policy, thousands of migrants and asylum seekers have been stranded in Indonesia, where they live in precarious conditions and receive only limited support from international organizations.  The situation for refugees in Indonesia has also worsened because Australia and the US, which had resettled the majority of refugees in Indonesia, have significantly lowered their intake.Indonesia has the world’s fourth-largest population.  It is predominantly Muslim and has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world.  The population is projected to increase to as much as 320 million by 2045.  A government-supported family planning program.  The total fertility rate (TFR) – the average number of births per woman – from 5.6 in the mid-1960s to 2.7 in the mid-1990s.  The success of the program was also due to the social acceptance of family planning, which received backing from influential Muslim leaders and organizations.The fertility decline slowed in the late 1990’s when responsibility for family planning programs shifted to the district level, where the programs were not prioritized.  Since 2012 the national government revitalized the national family planning program, and Indonesia’s TFR has slowly decreased to 2.3 in 2020.  The government may reach its goal of achieving replacement level fertility – 2.1 children per woman – but the large number of women of childbearing age ensures significant population growth for many years. Indonesia is a source country for labor migrants, a transit country for asylum seekers, and a destination mainly for highly skilled migrant workers.  International labor migration, both legal and illegal, from Indonesia to other parts of Asia (most commonly Malaysia) and the Middle East has taken place for decades because of high unemployment and underemployment, poverty, and low wages domestically.  Increasing numbers of migrant workers are drawn to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US.  The majority of Indonesian labor migration is temporary and consists predominantly of low-skilled workers, mainly women working as domestics.Indonesia’s strategic location between Asia and Australia and between the Pacific and Indian Oceans – and its relatively easy accessibility via boat – appeal to asylum seekers.  It is also an attractive transit location because of its easy entry requirements and the ability to continue on to Australia.  Recent asylum seekers have come from Afghanistan, Burma (Rohingyas), Iraq, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.  Since 2013, when Australia tightening its immigration policy, thousands of migrants and asylum seekers have been stranded in Indonesia, where they live in precarious conditions and receive only limited support from international organizations.  The situation for refugees in Indonesia has also worsened because Australia and the US, which had resettled the majority of refugees in Indonesia, have significantly lowered their intake. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 47.5 youth dependency ratio: 38.3 elderly dependency ratio: 9.2 potential support ratio: 10.8 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 31.1 years male: 30.5 years female: 31.8 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.79% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 15.32 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 6.75 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: major concentration on the island of Java, which is considered one of the most densely populated places on earth; of the outer islands (those surrounding Java and Bali), Sumatra contains some of the most significant clusters, particularly in the south near the Selat Sunda, and along the northeastern coast near Medan; the cities of Makasar (Sulawesi), Banjarmasin (Kalimantan) are also heavily populated Urbanization: urban population: 57.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 11.075 million JAKARTA (capital), 3.622 million Bekasi, 3.005 million Surabaya, 2.942 million Depok, 2.638 million Bandung, 2.456 million Tangerang (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 22.4 years (2017 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 25-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 177 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 19.73 deaths/1,000 live births male: 22.15 deaths/1,000 live births female: 17.18 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.08 years male: 70.86 years female: 75.4 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.01 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 55.5% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 98.2% of population rural: 86.8% of population total: 93.3% of population unimproved: urban: 1.8% of population rural: 13.2% of population total: 6.7% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 2.9% (2019) Physicians density: 0.62 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 1 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.4% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 540,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 24,000 (2020 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 note: a new coronavirus is causing sustained community spread of respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Indonesia; as of 6 June 2022, Indonesia has reported a total of 6,057,142 cases of COVID-19 or 2,214.5 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 156,622 cumulative deaths or a rate 57.26 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 3 June 2022, 72.5% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 6.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 37.6% (2020 est.) male: 71.4% (2020 est.) female: 3.7% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 17.7% (2018) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 2% women married by age 18: 16.3% (2017 est.) Education expenditures: 2.8% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 96% male: 97.4% female: 94.6% (2020) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 14 years male: 14 years female: 14 years (2018) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.8% male: 15.1% female: 14.3% (2020 est.) People - note: Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the World after China, India, and the United States; more than half of the Indonesian population - roughly 150 million people or 55% - live on the island of Java (about the size of California) making it the most crowded island on earth Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: large-scale deforestation (much of it illegal) and related wildfires cause heavy smog; over-exploitation of marine resources; environmental problems associated with rapid urbanization and economic development, including air pollution, traffic congestion, garbage management, and reliable water and waste water services; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands Land use: agricultural land: 31.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 13% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 12.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.1% (2018 est.) forest: 51.7% (2018 est.) other: 17.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 57.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.39% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 1.06% 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 note: a new coronavirus is causing sustained community spread of respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Indonesia; as of 6 June 2022, Indonesia has reported a total of 6,057,142 cases of COVID-19 or 2,214.5 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 156,622 cumulative deaths or a rate 57.26 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 3 June 2022, 72.5% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 65.2 million tons (2016 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 4.564 million tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 7% (2016 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Danau Toba - 1,150 sq km note - located in the caldera of a super volcano that erupted more than 70,000 years ago; it is the largest volcanic lake in the World Major rivers (by length in km): Sepik (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 Total water withdrawal: municipal: 23.8 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 9.135 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 189.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 2,018,700,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Indonesia conventional short form: Indonesia local long form: Republik Indonesia local short form: Indonesia former: Netherlands East Indies (Dutch East Indies), Netherlands New Guinea etymology: the name is an 18th-century construct of two Greek words, "Indos" (India) and "nesoi" (islands), meaning "Indian islands" Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Jakarta; note - Indonesian lawmakers on 18 January 2022 approved the relocation of the country’s capital from Jakarta to a site in East Kalimantan, a jungle area of Borneo; the move to Nusantara, the name of the new capital, will take several years geographic coordinates: 6 10 S, 106 49 E time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Indonesia has three time zones etymology: "Jakarta" derives from the Sanscrit "Jayakarta" meaning "victorious city" and refers to a successful defeat and expulsion of the Portuguese in 1527; previously the port had been named "Sunda Kelapa" Administrative divisions: 31 provinces (provinsi-provinsi, singular - provinsi), 1 autonomous province*, 1 special region** (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah istimewa), and 1 national capital district*** (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta***, Jambi, Jawa Barat (West Java), Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Jawa Timur (East Java), Kalimantan Barat (West Kalimantan), Kalimantan Selatan (South Kalimantan), Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan), Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan), Kalimantan Utara (North Kalimantan), Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Bangka Belitung Islands), Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Lampung, Maluku, Maluku Utara (North Maluku), Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara), Nusa Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), Papua, Papua Barat (West Papua), Riau, Sulawesi Barat (West Sulawesi), Sulawesi Selatan (South Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tengah (Central Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tenggara (Southeast Sulawesi), Sulawesi Utara (North Sulawesi), Sumatera Barat (West Sumatra), Sumatera Selatan (South Sumatra), Sumatera Utara (North Sumatra), Yogyakarta** note: following the implementation of decentralization beginning on 1 January 2001, regencies and municipalities have become the key administrative units responsible for providing most government services Independence: 17 August 1945 (declared independence from the Netherlands) National holiday: Independence Day, 17 August (1945) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law system based on the Roman-Dutch model and influenced by 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 Indonesia dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 continuous years Suffrage: 17 years of age; universal; married persons regardless of age Executive branch: chief of state: President Joko "Jokowi" WIDODO (since 20 October 2014); Vice President Ma'ruf AMIN (since 20 October 2019); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Joko "Jokowi" WIDODO (since 20 October 2014); Vice President Ma'ruf AMIN (since 20 October 2019) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 17 April 2019 (next election 2024) election results: 2019: Joko WIDODO elected president; percent of vote - Joko WIDODO (PDI-P) 55.5%, PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo (GERINDRA) 44.5% 2014: Joko WIDODO elected president; percent of vote - Joko WIDODO (PDI-P) 53.15%, PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo (GERINDRA) 46.85% Legislative branch: description: bicameral People's Consultative Assembly or Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (MPR) consists of: Regional Representative Council or Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (136 seats; non-partisan members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies - 4 each from the country's 34 electoral districts - by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms); note - the Regional Representative Council has no legislative authority House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) (575 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by single non-transferable vote to serve 5-year terms) (2019) elections: Regional Representative Council - last held on 17 April 2019 (next to be held 2024) House of Representatives - last held on 17 April 2019 (next to be held 2024) (2019) election results: Regional Representative Council - all seats elected on a non-partisan basis; composition - men 102, women 34, percent of women 25% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDI-P 19.3%, Gerindra 12.6%, Golkar 12.3%,  PKB 9.7%, Nasdem 9.1%, PKS 8.2%, PD 7.8%, PAN 6.8%, PPP 4.5%, other 9.6%; seats by party - PDI-P 128, Golkar 85, Gerindra 78, Nasdem 59, PKB 58, PD 54, PKS 50, PAN 44, PPP 19; composition - men 449, women 126, percent of women 21.9%; total People's Consultative Assembly percent of women 22.5% (2019) Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung (51 judges divided into 8 chambers); Constitutional Court or Mahkamah Konstitusi (consists of 9 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by Judicial Commission, appointed by president with concurrence of parliament; judges serve until retirement at age 65; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by president, 3 by Supreme Court, and 3 by parliament; judges appointed by the president; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: High Courts of Appeal, district courts, religious courts Political parties and leaders: Berkarya Party [Muchdi PURWOPRANJONO] Crescent Star Party or PBB [Yusril Ihza MAHENDRA] Democrat Party or PD [Agus Harimurti YUDHOYONO] Functional Groups Party or GOLKAR [Airlangga HARTARTO] Great Indonesia Movement Party or GERINDRA [PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo] Garuda Party [Ahmad Ridha SABANA] Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle or PDI-P [MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri] Indonesian Justice and Unity Party or PKPI [Yussuf SOLICHIEN] Indonesian Solidarity Party or PSI [GIRING GANESHA] National Awakening Party or PKB [Muhaiman ISKANDAR] National Democratic Party or NasDem [Surya PALOH] National Mandate Party or PAN [Zulkifli HASAN] People's Conscience Party or Hanura [Oesman Sapta ODANG] Perindo Party [Hary TANOESOEDIBJO] Prosperous Justice Party or PKS [Ahmad SYAIKHU] United Development Party or PPP [Suharso MONOARFA] (2021) International organization participation: ADB, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Rosan Perkasa ROESLANI (since 13 January 2022) chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200 FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365 email address and website: http://www.embassyofindonesia.org/ consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sung Y. KIM (since 21 October 2020) embassy: Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3-5, Jakarta 10110 mailing address: 8200 Jakarta Place, Washington DC  20521-8200 telephone: [62] (21) 5083-1000 FAX: [62] (21) 385-7189 email address and website: jakartaacs@state.gov https://id.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Surabaya consulate(s): Medan Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors derive from the banner of the Majapahit Empire of the 13th-15th centuries; red symbolizes courage, white represents purity note: similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red National symbol(s): garuda (mythical bird); national colors: red, white National anthem: name: "Indonesia Raya" (Great Indonesia) lyrics/music: Wage Rudolf SOEPRATMAN note: adopted 1945 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 9 (5 cultural, 4 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Borobudur Temple Compounds (c); Komodo National Park (n); Prambanan Temple Compounds (c); Ujung Kulon National Park (n); Sangiran Early Man Site (c); Lorentz National Park (n); Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (n); Cultural Landscape of Bali Province (c); Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, has seen a slowdown in growth since 2012, mostly due to the end of the commodities export boom. During the global financial crisis, Indonesia outperformed its regional neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting growth. Indonesia’s annual budget deficit is capped at 3% of GDP, and the Government of Indonesia lowered its debt-to-GDP ratio from a peak of 100% shortly after the Asian financial crisis in 1999 to 34% today. In May 2017 Standard & Poor’s became the last major ratings agency to upgrade Indonesia’s sovereign credit rating to investment grade.   Poverty and unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among its regions are still part of Indonesia’s economic landscape. President Joko WIDODO - elected in July 2014 – seeks to develop Indonesia’s maritime resources and pursue other infrastructure development, including significantly increasing its electrical power generation capacity. Fuel subsidies were significantly reduced in early 2015, a move which has helped the government redirect its spending to development priorities. Indonesia, with the nine other ASEAN members, will continue to move towards participation in the ASEAN Economic Community, though full implementation of economic integration has not yet materialized.Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, has seen a slowdown in growth since 2012, mostly due to the end of the commodities export boom. During the global financial crisis, Indonesia outperformed its regional neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting growth. Indonesia’s annual budget deficit is capped at 3% of GDP, and the Government of Indonesia lowered its debt-to-GDP ratio from a peak of 100% shortly after the Asian financial crisis in 1999 to 34% today. In May 2017 Standard & Poor’s became the last major ratings agency to upgrade Indonesia’s sovereign credit rating to investment grade. Poverty and unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among its regions are still part of Indonesia’s economic landscape. President Joko WIDODO - elected in July 2014 – seeks to develop Indonesia’s maritime resources and pursue other infrastructure development, including significantly increasing its electrical power generation capacity. Fuel subsidies were significantly reduced in early 2015, a move which has helped the government redirect its spending to development priorities. Indonesia, with the nine other ASEAN members, will continue to move towards participation in the ASEAN Economic Community, though full implementation of economic integration has not yet materialized. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $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 Real GDP growth rate: 5.03% (2019 est.) 5.17% (2018 est.) 5.07% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $11,400 (2020 est.) $11,800 (2019 est.) $11,400 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1,119,720,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2019 est.) 3.2% (2018 est.) 3.8% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB (2017) Moody's rating: Baa2 (2018) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 13.7% (2017 est.) industry: 41% (2017 est.) services: 45.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: oil palm fruit, rice, maize, sugar cane, coconuts, cassava, bananas, eggs, poultry, rubber Industries: petroleum and natural gas, textiles, automotive, electrical appliances, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, medical instruments and appliances, handicrafts, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, processed food, jewelry, and tourism Industrial production growth rate: 4.1% (2017 est.) Labor force: 129.366 million (2019 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 32% industry: 21% services: 47% (2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.31% (2018 est.) 5.4% (2017 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 14.8% male: 15.1% female: 14.3% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 9.4% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 37.8 (2018 est.) 39.4 (2005) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.4% highest 10%: 28.2% (2010) Budget: revenues: 131.7 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 159.6 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 28.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 28.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 13% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$30.359 billion (2019 est.) -$30.633 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $178.26 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $200.1 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $211.93 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: China 15%, United States 10%, Japan 9%, Singapore 8%, India 7%, Malaysia 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: coal, palm oil, natural gas, cars, gold (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: China 27%, Singapore 12%, Japan 8%, Thailand 5%, United States 5%, South Korea 5%, Malaysia 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, crude petroleum, vehicle parts, telephones, natural gas (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $130.2 billion (31 December 2017 est.) Debt - external: $393.252 billion (2019 est.) $360.945 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Indonesian rupiah (IDR) per US dollar - 14,110 (2020 est.) 14,015 (2019 est.) 14,470 (2018 est.) 13,389.4 (2014 est.) 11,865.2 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 99% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 100% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 99% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 69.065 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 256,742,190,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 1.553 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 25.08 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 82.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 5.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 563.728 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 132.548 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 409.892 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 8.95 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 39.891 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 842,300 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 1.649 million bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 204,000 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 309,700 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 2.48 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 950,000 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 79,930 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 591,500 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 62,612,013,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 38,673,953,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 23,938,060,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 1,408,478,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 563.543 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 267.326 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 209.279 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 86.938 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 29.68 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 9,662,135 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 355,620,388 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 130 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Indonesia faces more than the usual number of obstacles in terms of enabling widespread access to quality telecommunications services for its population of more than 270 million; the geographical challenges have been further compounded by a variety of social, political, and economic problems over the years that have kept the country’s wealth distributed very thinly; the fixed-line (fiber) and mobile operators have continued to expand and upgrade their networks across the country; Indonesia’s 18,000 islands (many of which, however, are sparsely populated) makes the deployment of fixed-line infrastructure on a broad scale largely impractica; the relatively low subscription rate of 4.6% is also a by-product of years of under-investment by the previously state-owned incumbent Telkom; there has been renewed activity in fiber optic cable, but the bundling of fixed-line telephony with TV and internet services will see the country’s teledensity stabilize; mobile subscriptions have reached more than 130% and is projected to exceed 150% by 2026; with 4G LTE universally available, the major mobile companies have been busy launching 5G services in selected areas; Telkomsel was the first to go live in Jakarta in May 2021, followed by Indosat Ooredoo’s launch in the city of Solo a month later; the rollout of 5G will be hampered by the lack of availability of suitable frequencies; Telkomsel, for example, was forced to launch using limited frequencies in the 2.3-2.4GHz band, which is only supported by a small number of handsets; the 4G had to be reallocated from broadcasting services, and indications are that the same process is going to have to be followed in order to allow the expansion of 5G into its core frequency bands (3.3 to 4.2GHz). (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscribership roughly 3 per 100 and mobile-cellular 130 per 100 persons; coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas; mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly (2020) international: country code - 62; landing points for the SEA-ME-WE-3 & 5, DAMAI, JASUKA, BDM, Dumai-Melaka Cable System, IGG, JIBA, Link 1, 3, 4,  & 5, PGASCOM, B3J2, Tanjung Pandam-Sungai Kakap Cable System, JAKABARE, JAYABAYA, INDIGO-West, Matrix Cable System, ASC, SJJK, Jaka2LaDeMa, S-U-B Cable System, JBCS, MKCS, BALOK, Palapa Ring East, West and Middle, SMPCS Packet-1 and 2, LTCS, TSCS, SEA-US and Kamal Domestic Submarine Cable System, 35 submarine cable networks that provide links throughout Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: mixture of about a dozen national TV networks - 1 public broadcaster, the remainder private broadcasters - each with multiple transmitters; more than 100 local TV stations; widespread use of satellite and cable TV systems; public radio broadcaster operates 6 national networks, as well as regional and local stations; overall, more than 700 radio stations with more than 650 privately operated (2019) Internet country code: .id Internet users: total: 147,702,755 (2020 est.) percent of population: 54% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 11,722,218 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 25 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 611 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 115,154,100 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1,131,910,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: PK Airports: total: 673 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 487 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 460 (2021) Heliports: 76 (2021) Pipelines: 1,064 km condensate, 150 km condensate/gas, 11,702 km gas, 119 km liquid petroleum gas, 7,767 km oil, 77 km oil/gas/water, 728 km refined products, 53 km unknown, 44 km water (2013) Railways: total: 8,159 km (2014) narrow gauge: 8,159 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge (565 km electrified) note: 4,816 km operational Roadways: total: 496,607 km (2011) paved: 283,102 km (2011) unpaved: 213,505 km (2011) Waterways: 21,579 km (2011) Merchant marine: total: 10,427 by type: bulk carrier 148, container ship 226, general cargo 2,238, oil tanker 676, other 7,139 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Banjarmasin, Belawan, Kotabaru, Krueg Geukueh, Palembang, Panjang, Sungai Pakning, Tanjung Perak, Tanjung Priok container port(s) (TEUs): Tanjung Perak (3,900,000), Tanjung Priok (7,600,000) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (export): Bontang, Tangguh LNG terminal(s) (import): Arun, Lampung, West Java Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI): Army (TNI-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD)), Navy (TNI-Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL), includes Marine Corps (Korps Marinir, KorMar), Naval Aviation Center (PUSPENERBAL)), Air Force (TNI-Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU)), National Air Defense Command (Komando Pertahanan Udara Nasional (Kohanudnas)), Armed Forces Special Operations Command (Kopassus), Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), National Army Reserve Component (Komcad) (2022) note 1: in 2014, Indonesia created a Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) to coordinate the actions of all maritime security agencies, including the Navy, the Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard (Kesatuan Penjagaan Laut dan Pantai, KPLP), the Water Police (Polair), Customs (Bea Cukai), and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries note 2: the Indonesian National Police includes a paramilitary Mobile Brigade Corps (BRIMOB); following the Bali terror bombing in 2002, the National Police formed a special counter-terrorism force called Detachment 88 (Densus or Detasemen Khusus 88 Antiteror) Military expenditures: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2020) 0.8% of GDP (2019) (approximately $15.5 billion) 0.7% of GDP (2018) (approximately $14.5 billion) 0.9% of GDP (2017) (approximately $15.5 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately, 400,000 active duty troops (300,000 Army; 60,000 Navy, including about 20,000 marines; 30,000 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Indonesian military inventory comes from a wide variety of sources; since 2010, the top suppliers included China, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, South Korea, the UK, and the US; the TNI has been engaged in a long-term modernization program since 2010 with uneven success; Indonesia has a growing defense industry fueled by technology transfers and cooperation agreements with several countries; in 2019, the Indonesian Government publicly said that growing its domestic defense industry is a national priority over the next 5-10 years (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18-45 years of age for voluntary military service, with selective conscription authorized (males, age 18), but not utilized; 2-year service obligation, with reserve obligation to age 45 (officers) (2021) Military deployments: 225 (plus about 140 police) Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 1,025 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); 1,225 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (May 2022) Military - note: as of 2022, Indonesian military and police forces were engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Papua against the West Papua Liberation Army, the military wing of the Free Papua Organization, which has been fighting a low-level insurgency since the 1960s when Indonesia annexed the former Dutch colony; since 2019, there has been an increase in militant activity in Papua and a larger Indonesian military presence; Papua was formally incorporated into Indonesia in 1969; in addition, the Indonesian military has been assisting police in Sulawesi in countering the Mujahideen Indonesia Timur (MIT; aka East Indonesia Mujahideen), a local Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated terrorist group Indonesia is not a formal claimant in the South China Sea, although some of its waters lie within China's “nine-dash line” maritime claims, resulting in some stand offs in recent years; since 2016, the Indonesian military has bolstered its presence on Great Natuna Island (aka Pulau Natuna Besar), the main island of the Middle Natuna Archipelago, which is part of the Riau Islands Province, held military exercises in surrounding waters, and increased security cooperation (2022) Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau continues to report the territorial and offshore waters in the Strait of Malacca and South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; the number of attacks decreased from 26 incidents in 2020 to nine in 2021 due to aggressive maritime patrolling by regional authorities; vessels continue to be boarded while anchored or berthed at Indonesian ports with seven vessels attacked; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (aka Jemaah Anshorut Daulah); Jemaah Islamiyah 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: Indonesia has a stated foreign policy objective of establishing stable fixed land and maritime boundaries with all of its neighbors; three stretches of land borders with Timor-Leste have yet to be delimited, two of which are in the Oecussi exclave area, and no maritime or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries have been established between the countries; 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 has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches; land and maritime negotiations with Malaysia 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; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalizing their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and illegal migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea; maritime delimitation talks continue with Palau; EEZ negotiations with Vietnam are ongoing, and the two countries in Fall 2011 agreed to work together to reduce illegal fishing along their maritime boundaryIndonesia has a stated foreign policy objective of establishing stable fixed land and maritime boundaries with all of its neighbors; three stretches of land borders with Timor-Leste have yet to be delimited, two of which are in the Oecussi exclave area, and no maritime or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries have been established between the countries; 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 has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches; land and maritime negotiations with Malaysia 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; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalizing their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; Indonesian secessionists, squatters, and illegal migrants create repatriation problems for Papua New Guinea; maritime delimitation talks continue with Palau; EEZ negotiations with Vietnam are ongoing, and the two countries in Fall 2011 agreed to work together to reduce illegal fishing along their maritime boundary Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 5,792 (Afghanistan) (mid-year 2021) IDPs: 73,000 (inter-communal, inter-faith, and separatist violence between 1998 and 2004 in Aceh and Papua; religious attacks and land conflicts in 2007 and 2013; most IDPs in Aceh, Maluku, East Nusa Tengarra) (2021) stateless persons: 668 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: a transit and destination point for illicit narcotics; consumer of crystal methamphetamine trafficked in Burma and Pakistan and also transit to Australia and New Zealand; significant consumer of ecstasy from China and the Netherlands and domestically grown cannabis  a transit and destination point for illicit narcotics; consumer of crystal methamphetamine trafficked in Burma and Pakistan and also transit to Australia and New Zealand; significant consumer of ecstasy from China and the Netherlands and domestically grown cannabis 
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
field-major-aquifers
This entry lists the major (mega) aquifer system(s) that underlie a country, keeping in mind that many of these mega aquifers are so large that they extend under multiple countries. More than 30% of freshwater is held in underground aquifers. There is great variation in the size of such aquifers, but a limited number of very large aquifer systems contain a majority of the World’s groundwater volume in storage. Topic: AlgeriaLullemeden-Irhazer Aquifer System, Murzuk-Djado Basin, North Western Sahara Aquifer, Taoudeni-Tanezrouft Basin Topic: AngolaCongo Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: ArgentinaGuarani Aquifer System Topic: AustraliaGreat Artesian Basin, Canning Basin Topic: BahrainArabian Aquifer System Topic: BangladeshIndus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Topic: BoliviaAmazon Basin Topic: BotswanaLower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: BrazilAmazon Basin, Guarani Aquifer System, Maranhao Basin Topic: CameroonLake Chad Basin Topic: CanadaNorthern Great Plains Aquifer Topic: Central African RepublicCongo Basin, Lake Chad Basin Topic: ChadLake Chad Basin, Nubian Aquifer System Topic: ChinaNorth China Aquifer System (Huang Huai Hai Plain), Song-Liao Plain, Tarim Basin Topic: ColombiaAmazon Basin Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theCongo Basin Topic: Congo, Republic of theCongo Basin Topic: EgyptNubian Aquifer System Topic: EthiopiaOgaden-Juba Basin, Sudd Basin (Umm Ruwaba Aquifer) Topic: FranceParis Basin Topic: GabonCongo Basin Topic: Gambia, TheSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin Topic: Guinea-BissauSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin Topic: IndiaIndus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Topic: IraqArabian Aquifer System Topic: JordanArabian Aquifer System Topic: KenyaOgaden-Juba Basin Topic: KuwaitArabian Aquifer System Topic: LibyaNubian Aquifer System, North Western Sahara Aquifer System, Murzuk-Djado Basin Topic: MaliLullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Taodeni-Tanezrouft Basin Topic: MauritaniaSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin, Taodeni-Tanzerouft Basin Topic: MexicoAtlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Topic: NamibiaLower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: NepalIndus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Topic: NigerLake Chad Basin, Lullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Murzuk-Djado Basin Topic: NigeriaLake Chad Basin, Lullemeden-Irhazer Aquifer System Topic: OmanArabian Aquifer System Topic: PakistanIndus Basin Topic: ParaguayGuarani Aquifer System Topic: PeruAmazon Basin Topic: QatarArabian Aquifer System Topic: RussiaAngara-Lena Basin, Pechora Basin, North Caucasus Basin, East European Aquifer System, West Siberian Basin, Tunguss Basin, Yakut Basin Topic: Saudi ArabiaArabian Aquifer System Topic: SenegalSenegalo-Mauritanian Basin Topic: SomaliaOgaden-Juba Basin Topic: South AfricaKaroo Basin, Lower Kalahari-Stampriet Basin Topic: SudanNubian Aquifer System, Sudd Basin (Umm Ruwaba Aquifer) Topic: TunisiaNorth Western Sahara Aquifer System Topic: United StatesNorthern Great Plains Aquifer, Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer System, Californian Central Valley Aquifer System, Ogallala Aquifer (High Plains), Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains Aquifer Topic: UruguayGuarani Aquifer System Topic: Worldsummary statement: aquifers are underground layers of water-bearing permeable rock formations; they include alluvial formations such as unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifers, sedimentary rock formations of sandstone and karst (carbonate rocks such as limestone) aquifers, as well as volcanic aquifers, and basement aquifers (igneous and metamorphic rocks that underlie sedimentary and volcanic rock sequences); groundwater from aquifers can be extracted using a water well; The World Factbook lists 37 major aquifers across 52 countries; of these, 13 are in Africa, 10 in Asia, 5 in North America, 3 in South America, 4 in Europe, and 2 in Australia; although aquifers can vary in size, the major aquifers listed in The Factbook contain the bulk of the stored volume of groundwater; the fresh water held in these aquifers represents more than 30% of the World's fresh water; in the US, groundwater is primarily used for irrigation and globally, 70% of groundwater withdrawn is used for agriculture; groundwater also supplies almost half of all drinking water worldwide Topic: ZambiaUpper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Topic: ZimbabweUpper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin
20220901
countries-midway-islands
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-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
countries-kosovo
Topic: Photos of Kosovo Topic: Introduction Background: 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, 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, 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeast Europe, between Serbia and Macedonia Geographic coordinates: 42 35 N, 21 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 10,887 sq km land: 10,887 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Delaware Land boundaries: total: 714 km border countries (4): Albania 112 km; North Macedonia 160 km; Montenegro 76 km; Serbia 366 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December Terrain: flat fluvial basin at an elevation of 400-700 m above sea level surrounded by several high mountain ranges with elevations of 2,000 to 2,500 m Elevation: highest 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 Natural resources: nickel, lead, zinc, magnesium, lignite, kaolin, chrome, bauxite Land use: agricultural land: 52.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 23.5% (2018 est.) forest: 41.7% (2018 est.) other: 5.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: NA Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Population distribution: population clusters exist throughout the country, the largest being in the east in and around the capital of Pristina Geography - note: the 41-km long Nerodimka River divides into two branches each of which flows into a different sea: the northern branch flows into the Sitnica River, which via the Ibar, Morava, and Danube Rivers ultimately flows into the Black Sea; the southern branch flows via the Lepenac and Vardar Rivers into the Aegean Sea Map description: Kosovo map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries.Kosovo map showing major population centers as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,952,701 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Kosovan adjective: Kosovan note: Kosovo, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective as in Kosovo Albanian, Kosovo Serb, Kosovo minority, or Kosovo citizen Ethnic groups: Albanians 92.9%, Bosniaks 1.6%, Serbs 1.5%, Turk 1.1%, Ashkali 0.9%, Egyptian 0.7%, Gorani 0.6%, Romani 0.5%, other/unspecified 0.2% (2011 est.) note: these estimates may under-represent Serb, Romani, and some other ethnic minorities because they are based on the 2011 Kosovo national census, which excluded northern Kosovo (a largely Serb-inhabited region) and was partially boycotted by Serb and Romani communities in southern Kosovo Languages: Albanian (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. Religions: Muslim 95.6%, Roman Catholic 2.2%, Orthodox 1.5%, other 0.1%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 30.5 years male: 30.2 years female: 30.8 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.57% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 14.85 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.12 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -1.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population clusters exist throughout the country, the largest being in the east in and around the capital of Pristina Major urban areas - population: 216,870 PRISTINA (capital) (2019) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 27.12 deaths/1,000 live births male: 28.74 deaths/1,000 live births female: 25.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.12 years male: 68.83 years female: 73.58 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (2022 est.) 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 Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 49.7% male: 45.9% female: 57.6% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution (pollution from power plants and nearby lignite mines take a toll on people's health); water scarcity and pollution; land degradation Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 8.94 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.54 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: influenced by continental air masses resulting in relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns; Mediterranean and alpine influences create regional variation; maximum rainfall between October and December Land use: agricultural land: 52.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 23.5% (2018 est.) forest: 41.7% (2018 est.) other: 5.5% (2018 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.31% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 319,000 tons (2015 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Kosovo conventional short form: Kosovo local long form: Republika e Kosoves (Albanian)/ Republika Kosovo (Serbian) local short form: Kosove (Albanian)/ Kosovo (Serbian) etymology: name derives from the Serbian "kos" meaning "blackbird," an ellipsis (linguistic omission) for "kosove polje" or "field of the blackbirds" Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Pristina (Prishtine, Prishtina) geographic coordinates: 42 40 N, 21 10 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 may derive from a Proto-Slavic word reconstructed as "pryshchina," meaning "spring (of water)" Administrative divisions: 38 municipalities (komunat, singular - komuna (Albanian); opstine, singular - opstina (Serbian)); Decan (Decani), Dragash (Dragas), Ferizaj (Urosevac), Fushe Kosove (Kosovo Polje), Gjakove (Dakovica), Gjilan (Gnjilane), Gllogovc (Glogovac), Gracanice (Gracanica), Hani i Elezit (Deneral Jankovic), Istog (Istok), Junik, Kacanik, Kamenice (Kamenica), Kline (Klina), Kllokot (Klokot), Leposaviq (Leposavic), Lipjan (Lipljan), Malisheve (Malisevo), Mamushe (Mamusa), Mitrovice e Jugut (Juzna Mitrovica) [South Mitrovica], Mitrovice e Veriut (Severna Mitrovica) [North Mitrovica], Novoberde (Novo Brdo), Obiliq (Obilic), Partesh (Partes), Peje (Pec), Podujeve (Podujevo), Prishtine (Pristina), Prizren, Rahovec (Orahovac), Ranillug (Ranilug), Shterpce (Strpce), Shtime (Stimlje), Skenderaj (Srbica), Suhareke (Suva Reka), Viti (Vitina), Vushtrri (Vucitrn), Zubin Potok, Zvecan Independence: 17 February 2008 (from Serbia) National holiday: Independence Day, 17 February (2008) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law system; note - the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) retained limited executive powers within the Kosovo judiciary for complex cases from 2008 to 2018 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 Kosovo dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu (since 4 April 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Albin KURTI (since 22 March 2021) cabinet: Cabinet elected by the Assembly elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly for a 5-year term; if a candidate does not attain a two-thirds threshold in the first two ballots, the candidate winning a simple majority vote in the third ballot is elected (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3-4 April 2021 (next to be held in 2026); prime minister indirectly elected by the Assembly election results: Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu elected president in the third ballot; Assembly vote - Vjosa OSMANI-Sadriu (Guxo!) 71 votes; Albin KURTI (VV) elected prime minister; Assembly vote - 67-30 Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly or Kuvendi i Kosoves/Skupstina Kosova (120 seats; 100 members directly elected by open-list proportional representation vote with 20 seats reserved for ethnic minorities - 10 for Serbs and 10 for other ethnic minorities; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 14 February 2021 (next to be held in 2025) election results: percent of vote by party - VV 50%, PDK 16.9%, LDK 12.7%, AAK 7.1%, Serbian List 5.1%, other 8.2%; seats by party - VV 58, PDK 19, LDK 15, Serbian List 10, AAK 8, other 10; composition as of December 2021 - men 79, women 41, percent of women 34.2% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges and organized into Appeals Panel of the Kosovo Property Agency and Special Chamber); Constitutional Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 7 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges nominated by the Kosovo Judicial Council, a 13-member independent body staffed by judges and lay members, and also responsible for overall administration of Kosovo's judicial system; judges appointed by the president of the Republic of Kosovo; judges appointed until mandatory retirement age; Constitutional Court judges nominated by the Kosovo Assembly and appointed by the president of the republic to serve single, 9-year terms subordinate courts: Court of Appeals (organized into 4 departments: General, Serious Crime, Commercial Matters, and Administrative Matters); Basic Court (located in 7 municipalities, each with several branches) note: in August 2015, the Kosovo Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that establishes the Kosovo Relocated Specialist Judicial Institution, also referred to as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers or "Special Court"; the court, located at the Hague in the Netherlands, began operating in late 2016 and has jurisdiction to try crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other crimes under Kosovo law that occurred in the 1998-2000 period Political parties and leaders: Alliance for the Future of Kosovo or AAK [Ramush HARADINAJ] Alternativa [Mimoza KUSARI-LILA] Ashkali Party for Integration or PAI [Bekim ARIFI] Democratic League of Kosovo or LDK [Lumir ABDIXHIKU] Democratic Party of Kosovo or PDK [Memli KRASNIQI] Guxo! [Donika GERVALLA-SCHWARZ] Independent Liberal Party or SLS [Slobodan PETROVIC] Initiative for Kosovo or NISMA [Fatmir LIMAJ] New Democratic Initiative of Kosovo or IRDK [Elbert KRASNIQI] New Democratic Party or NDS [Emilja REDXEPI] New Kosovo Alliance or AKR [Behgjet PACOLLI] Progressive Movement of Kosovar Roma or LPRK [Erxhan GALUSHI] Romani Initiative [Gazmend SALIJEVCI] Self-Determination Movement (Vetevendosje) or VV [Albin KURTI] Serbian List or SL [Goran RAKIC] Social Democratic Party of Kosovo or PSD [Shpend AHMETI] Social Democratic Union [Duda BALJE] Turkish Democratic Party of Kosovo or KDTP [Fikrim DAMKA] Unique Gorani Party [Adem HODZA] Vakat Coalition or VAKAT [Rasim DEMIRI] International organization participation: IBRD, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, OIF (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ilir DUGOLLI (since 13 January 2022) chancery: 2175 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 450-2130 FAX: [1] (202) 735-0609 email address and website: https://www.ambasada-ks.net/us/?page=2,1 consulate(s) general: New York consulate(s): Des Moines (IA) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey M. HOVENIER (since 10 January 2022) embassy: Arberia/Dragodan, Rr.  4 KORRIKU Nr. 25, Pristina mailing address: 9520 Pristina Place, Washington DC  20521-9520 telephone: [383] 38-59-59-3000 FAX: [383] 38-604-890 email address and website: PristinaACS@state.gov https://xk.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: centered on a dark blue field is a gold-colored silhouette of Kosovo surmounted by six white, five-pointed stars arrayed in a slight arc; each star represents one of the major ethnic groups of Kosovo: Albanians, Serbs, Turks, Gorani, Roma, and Bosniaks note: one of only two national flags that uses a map as a design element; the flag of Cyprus is the other National symbol(s): six, five-pointed, white stars; national colors: blue, gold, white National anthem: name: Europe lyrics/music: no lyrics/Mendi MENGJIQI note: adopted 2008; Kosovo chose to exclude lyrics in its anthem so as not to offend the country's minority ethnic groups National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Medieval Monuments in Kosovo Topic: Economy Economic overview: Kosovo's economy has shown progress in transitioning to a market-based system and maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still highly dependent on the international community and the diaspora for financial and technical assistance. Remittances from the diaspora - located mainly in Germany, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries - are estimated to account for about 17% of GDP and international donor assistance accounts for approximately 10% of GDP. With international assistance, Kosovo has been able to privatize a majority of its state-owned enterprises.   Kosovo's citizens are the second poorest in Europe, after Moldova, with a per capita GDP (PPP) of $10,400 in 2017. An unemployment rate of 33%, and a youth unemployment rate near 60%, in a country where the average age is 26, encourages emigration and fuels a significant informal, unreported economy. Most of Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital, Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common - the result of small plots, limited mechanization, and a lack of technical expertise. Kosovo enjoys lower labor costs than the rest of the region. However, high levels of corruption, little contract enforcement, and unreliable electricity supply have discouraged potential investors. The official currency of Kosovo is the euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used illegally in Serb majority communities. Kosovo's tie to the euro has helped keep core inflation low.   Minerals and metals production - including lignite, lead, zinc, nickel, chrome, aluminum, magnesium, and a wide variety of construction materials - once the backbone of industry, has declined because of aging equipment and insufficient investment, problems exacerbated by competing and unresolved ownership claims of Kosovo’s largest mines. A limited and unreliable electricity supply is a major impediment to economic development. The US Government is cooperating with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and the World Bank to conclude a commercial tender for the construction of Kosovo C, a new lignite-fired power plant that would leverage Kosovo’s large lignite reserves. MED also has plans for the rehabilitation of an older bituminous-fired power plant, Kosovo B, and the development of a coal mine that could supply both plants.   In June 2009, Kosovo joined the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2012, and the Council of Europe Development Bank in 2013. In 2016, Kosovo implemented the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations with the EU, focused on trade liberalization. In 2014, nearly 60% of customs duty-eligible imports into Kosovo were EU goods. In August 2015, as part of its EU-facilitated normalization process with Serbia, Kosovo signed agreements on telecommunications and energy distribution, but disagreements over who owns economic assets, such as the Trepca mining conglomerate, within Kosovo continue.   Kosovo experienced its first federal budget deficit in 2012, when government expenditures climbed sharply. In May 2014, the government introduced a 25% salary increase for public sector employees and an equal increase in certain social benefits. Central revenues could not sustain these increases, and the government was forced to reduce its planned capital investments. The government, led by Prime Minister MUSTAFA - a trained economist - recently made several changes to its fiscal policy, expanding the list of duty-free imports, decreasing the Value Added Tax (VAT) for basic food items and public utilities, and increasing the VAT for all other goods.   While Kosovo’s economy continued to make progress, unemployment has not been reduced, nor living standards raised, due to lack of economic reforms and investment.Kosovo's economy has shown progress in transitioning to a market-based system and maintaining macroeconomic stability, but it is still highly dependent on the international community and the diaspora for financial and technical assistance. Remittances from the diaspora - located mainly in Germany, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries - are estimated to account for about 17% of GDP and international donor assistance accounts for approximately 10% of GDP. With international assistance, Kosovo has been able to privatize a majority of its state-owned enterprises. Kosovo's citizens are the second poorest in Europe, after Moldova, with a per capita GDP (PPP) of $10,400 in 2017. An unemployment rate of 33%, and a youth unemployment rate near 60%, in a country where the average age is 26, encourages emigration and fuels a significant informal, unreported economy. Most of Kosovo's population lives in rural towns outside of the capital, Pristina. Inefficient, near-subsistence farming is common - the result of small plots, limited mechanization, and a lack of technical expertise. Kosovo enjoys lower labor costs than the rest of the region. However, high levels of corruption, little contract enforcement, and unreliable electricity supply have discouraged potential investors. The official currency of Kosovo is the euro, but the Serbian dinar is also used illegally in Serb majority communities. Kosovo's tie to the euro has helped keep core inflation low. Minerals and metals production - including lignite, lead, zinc, nickel, chrome, aluminum, magnesium, and a wide variety of construction materials - once the backbone of industry, has declined because of aging equipment and insufficient investment, problems exacerbated by competing and unresolved ownership claims of Kosovo’s largest mines. A limited and unreliable electricity supply is a major impediment to economic development. The US Government is cooperating with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and the World Bank to conclude a commercial tender for the construction of Kosovo C, a new lignite-fired power plant that would leverage Kosovo’s large lignite reserves. MED also has plans for the rehabilitation of an older bituminous-fired power plant, Kosovo B, and the development of a coal mine that could supply both plants. In June 2009, Kosovo joined the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, the Central Europe Free Trade Area (CEFTA) in 2006, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2012, and the Council of Europe Development Bank in 2013. In 2016, Kosovo implemented the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations with the EU, focused on trade liberalization. In 2014, nearly 60% of customs duty-eligible imports into Kosovo were EU goods. In August 2015, as part of its EU-facilitated normalization process with Serbia, Kosovo signed agreements on telecommunications and energy distribution, but disagreements over who owns economic assets, such as the Trepca mining conglomerate, within Kosovo continue. Kosovo experienced its first federal budget deficit in 2012, when government expenditures climbed sharply. In May 2014, the government introduced a 25% salary increase for public sector employees and an equal increase in certain social benefits. Central revenues could not sustain these increases, and the government was forced to reduce its planned capital investments. The government, led by Prime Minister MUSTAFA - a trained economist - recently made several changes to its fiscal policy, expanding the list of duty-free imports, decreasing the Value Added Tax (VAT) for basic food items and public utilities, and increasing the VAT for all other goods. While Kosovo’s economy continued to make progress, unemployment has not been reduced, nor living standards raised, due to lack of economic reforms and investment. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $19.13 billion (2020 est.) $20.55 billion (2019 est.) $19.58 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 3.7% (2017 est.) 4.1% (2016 est.) 4.1% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $10,800 (2020 est.) $11,500 (2019 est.) $10,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $7.926 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (2019 est.) 1% (2018 est.) 1.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 11.9% (2017 est.) industry: 17.7% (2017 est.) services: 70.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: wheat, corn, berries, potatoes, peppers, fruit; dairy, livestock; fish Industries: mineral mining, construction materials, base metals, leather, machinery, appliances, foodstuffs and beverages, textiles Industrial production growth rate: 1.2% (2016 est.) Labor force: 500,300 (2017 est.) note: includes those estimated to be employed in the gray economy Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 4.4% industry: 17.4% services: 78.2% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 30.5% (2017 est.) 27.5% (2016 est.) note: Kosovo has a large informal sector that may not be reflected in these data Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 49.7% male: 45.9% female: 57.6% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 17.6% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 29 (2017 est.) 24.1 (2014 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.8% highest 10%: 22% (2015 est.) Budget: revenues: 2.054 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 2.203 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.1% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 21.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 19.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 29% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Current account balance: -$467 million (2017 est.) -$533 million (2016 est.) Exports: $1.69 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.31 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.28 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Albania 16%, India 14%, North Macedonia 12.1%, Serbia 10.6%, Switzerland 5.6%, Germany 5.4% (2017) Exports - commodities: mining and processed metal products, scrap metals, leather products, machinery, appliances, prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco, vegetable products, textiles and apparel Imports: $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 Imports - partners: Germany 12.4%, Serbia 12.3%, Turkey 9.6%, China 9.1%, Italy 6.4%, North Macedonia 5.1%, Albania 5%, Greece 4.4% (2017) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, livestock, wood, petroleum, chemicals, machinery, minerals, textiles, stone, ceramic and glass products, electrical equipment Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $683.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) $708.7 million (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $2.388 billion (2019 est.) $2.409 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.885 (2017 est.) 0.903 (2016 est.) 0.9214 (2015 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 1.424 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 4,860,740,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 2.715 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 2.572 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.145 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 95.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 8.538 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 8.549 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 9,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 20,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1.564 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 12,800 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 192 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 14,040 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: 8.009 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 6.1 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 1.909 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 51.462 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 383,763 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2019 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 562,000 (2015 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2015 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Kosovo has benefited from financial and regulatory assistance as part of the EU pre-accession process; the telecom sector has been liberalized, and legislation has aligned the sector with the EU’s revised regulatory framework; poor telecom infrastructure has meant that fixed-line communication remains low by European standards; unlike most markets, the fixed-line broadband sector is dominated by new players, in particular the cable operator IPKO, a subsidiary of Telekom Slovenia; broadband companies in Kosovo are developing slowly; there is effective competition between the main cable and DSL operators, though as yet there is little progress with the expansion of fiber networks: investment by the incumbent PTK, trading as Telecom Kosovo, in building an upgraded fiber-based NGN has been insufficient thus far, exacerbated by the company’s financial difficulties; these difficulties encouraged the government in mid-2019 to prepare the sale of a majority stake in the company; the mobile sector accounts for most telecom lines for voice services, as well as the greater part of telecom revenue; two MNOs dominate the sector; Telenor Serbia and VIP Mobile stopped offering unlicensed mobile voice and data services in mid-2017 across border regions as part of a deal by which Kosovo secured its own dialing code. (2022 ) domestic: fixed-line roughly 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular 32 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 383 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: .xk; note - assigned as a temporary code under UN Security Council resolution 1244/99   Internet users: total: 1,502,658 (2019 est.) percent of population: 84% (2019 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 0 (2020) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: Z6 Airports: total: 6 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Railways: total: 333 km (2015) standard gauge: 333 km (2015) 1.435-m gauge Roadways: total: 2,012 km (2015) paved: 1,921 km (2015) (includes 78 km of expressways) unpaved: 91 km (2015) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Kosovo Security Force (KSF; Forca e Sigurisë së Kosovës or FSK): Land Force Command; Logistics Command; Doctrine and Training Command; National Guard Command (2022) note: as of 2022, the Kosovo Government continued the process of transitioning the KSF into a multi-ethnic territorial defense force, in accordance with a 10-year plan which began in 2019 Military expenditures: 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $160 million) 0.8% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $150 million) 0.7% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $130 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 3,500 KSF personnel; note - Kosovo plans for the KSF to eventually number around 5,000 troops (2021) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the KSF is equipped with small arms and light vehicles only; it relies on donations and since 2013 has received donated equipment from Turkey and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: service is voluntary; must be over the age of 18 and a citizen of Kosovo; upper age for enlisting is 30 for officers, 25 for other ranks, although these may be waived for recruits with key skills considered essential for the KSF (2021) Military - note: the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) has operated in the country as a peace support force since 1999; KFOR is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement for all citizens, as well as assisting in developing the Kosovo Security Force; as of 2022, it numbered about 3,700 troops from 28 countries Topic: 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: NATO-led Kosovo Force peacekeepers under UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo authority continue to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all Kosovo citizens Kosovo-Albania: none identified Kosovo-Montenegro: their 2015 demarcation agreement was ratified by Montenegro in December 2015 and by Kosovo in March 2018, but the actual demarcation has not been completed; as of March 2021, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin KURTI said that after the new Montenegrin government is formed, he would broach the subject of reopening the agreement Kosovo-North Macedonia: Kosovo and North Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary in September 2008; both countries ratified the demarcation documents on October 17, 2009, after high-level consultations resolved the disputed section of border around Debelde/Tanusevci Kosovo-Serbia: Serbia with several other states protest the US’s and other countries’ 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; Kosovo’s and Serbia’s temporary agreement on license plates expired on 21 April 2022; the two countries are meeting on 13 May to reach a permanent agreement  NATO-led Kosovo Force peacekeepers under UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo authority continue to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all Kosovo citizensKosovo-Albania: none identifiedKosovo-Montenegro: their 2015 demarcation agreement was ratified by Montenegro in December 2015 and by Kosovo in March 2018, but the actual demarcation has not been completed; as of March 2021, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin KURTI said that after the new Montenegrin government is formed, he would broach the subject of reopening the agreementKosovo-North Macedonia: Kosovo and North Macedonia completed demarcation of their boundary in September 2008; both countries ratified the demarcation documents on October 17, 2009, after high-level consultations resolved the disputed section of border around Debelde/TanusevciKosovo-Serbia: Serbia with several other states protest the US’s and other countries’ 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; Kosovo’s and Serbia’s temporary agreement on license plates expired on 21 April 2022; the two countries are meeting on 13 May to reach a permanent agreement  Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 16,000 (primarily ethnic Serbs displaced during the 1998-1999 war fearing reprisals from the majority ethnic-Albanian population; a smaller number of ethnic Serbs, Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptians fled their homes in 2,004 as a result of violence) (2021) note: 8,011 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-June 2022)
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
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
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-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
field-land-use
This entry contains the percentage shares of total land area for three different types of land use: agricultural land, forest, and other; agricultural land is further divided into arable land - land cultivated for crops like wheat, maize, and rice that are replanted after each harvest, permanent crops - land cultivated for crops like citrus, coffee, and rubber that are not replanted after each harvest, and includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, and permanent pastures and meadows – land used for at least five years or more to grow herbaceous forage, either cultivated or growing naturally; forest area is land spanning more than 0.5 hectare with trees higher than five meters and a canopy cover of more than 10% to include windbreaks, shelterbelts, and corridors of trees greater than 0.5 hectare and at least 20 m wide; land classified as other includes built-up areas, roads and other transportation features, barren land, or wasteland. Topic: Afghanistanagricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018) permanent pasture: 46% (2018) forest: 1.85% (2018 est.) other: 40.1% (2018) Topic: Albaniaagricultural land: 42.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 17.4% (2018 est.) forest: 28.8% (2018 est.) other: 28.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Algeriaagricultural land: 17.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 13.8% (2018 est.) forest: 0.8% (2018 est.) other: 81.8% (2018 est.) Topic: American Samoaagricultural land: 24.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 15% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 9.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 75.5% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Andorraagricultural land: 40% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 38.3% (2018 est.) forest: 34% (2018 est.) other: 26% (2018 est.) Topic: Angolaagricultural land: 45.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.5% (2018 est.) forest: 54.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Anguillaagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 61.1% (2018 est.) other: 38.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Antarcticaagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudaagricultural land: 20.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9% (2018 est.) forest: 18.8% (2018 est.) other: 60.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Argentinaagricultural land: 53.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 13.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 39.6% (2018 est.) forest: 10.7% (2018 est.) other: 35.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Armeniaagricultural land: 59.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 15.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 42% (2018 est.) forest: 9.1% (2018 est.) other: 31.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Arubaagricultural land: 11.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 2.3% (2018 est.) other: 86.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Ashmore and Cartier Islandsagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Australiaagricultural 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.) Topic: Austriaagricultural land: 38.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 21.1% (2018 est.) forest: 47.2% (2018 est.) other: 14.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Azerbaijanagricultural 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.) Topic: Bahamas, Theagricultural land: 1.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.2% (2018 est.) forest: 51.4% (2018 est.) other: 47.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Bahrainagricultural land: 11.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.3% (2018 est.) forest: 0.7% (2018 est.) other: 88% (2018 est.) Topic: Bangladeshagricultural land: 70.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 59% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.6% (2018 est.) forest: 11.1% (2018 est.) other: 18.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Barbadosagricultural land: 32.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 25.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.7% (2018 est.) forest: 19.4% (2018 est.) other: 48% (2018 est.) Topic: Belarusagricultural land: 43.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.9% (2018 est.) forest: 42.7% (2018 est.) other: 13.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Belgiumagricultural land: 44.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 16.1% (2018 est.) forest: 22.4% (2018 est.) other: 33.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Belizeagricultural land: 6.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.2% (2018 est.) forest: 60.6% (2018 est.) other: 32.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Beninagricultural land: 31.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.9% (2018 est.) forest: 40% (2018 est.) other: 28.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Bermudaagricultural land: 14.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 14.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 20% (2018 est.) other: 65.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Bhutanagricultural 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.) Topic: Boliviaagricultural land: 34.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 30.5% (2018 est.) forest: 52.5% (2018 est.) other: 13.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaagricultural land: 42.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 19.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.5% (2018 est.) forest: 42.8% (2018 est.) other: 15% (2018 est.) Topic: Botswanaagricultural land: 45.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 45.2% (2018 est.) forest: 19.8% (2018 est.) other: 34.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Bouvet Islandagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Brazilagricultural land: 32.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 23.5% (2018 est.) forest: 61.9% (2018 est.) other: 5.2% (2018 est.) Topic: British Indian Ocean Territoryagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandsagricultural land: 46.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 33.3% (2018 est.) forest: 24.3% (2018 est.) other: 29% (2018 est.) Topic: Bruneiagricultural land: 2.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.6% (2018 est.) forest: 71.8% (2018 est.) other: 25.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Bulgariaagricultural 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.) Topic: Burkina Fasoagricultural land: 44.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 22% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 37% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 21.93% (2018 est.) forest: 19.3% (2018 est.) other: 36.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Burmaagricultural land: 19.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.5% (2018 est.) forest: 48.2% (2018 est.) other: 32.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Burundiagricultural land: 73.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 38.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 15.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.8% (2018 est.) forest: 6.6% (2018 est.) other: 20.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Cabo Verdeagricultural land: 18.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.2% (2018 est.) forest: 21% (2018 est.) other: 60.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Cambodiaagricultural land: 32.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.5% (2018 est.) forest: 56.5% (2018 est.) other: 11.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Cameroonagricultural 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.) Topic: Canadaagricultural land: 6.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.6% (2018 est.) forest: 34.1% (2018 est.) other: 59.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandsagricultural land: 11.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.3% (2018 est.) forest: 52.9% (2018 est.) other: 35.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Central African Republicagricultural land: 8.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.1% (2018 est.) forest: 36.2% (2018 est.) other: 55.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Chadagricultural 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.) Topic: Chileagricultural land: 21.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.8% (2018 est.) forest: 21.9% (2018 est.) other: 57% (2018 est.) Topic: Chinaagricultural land: 54.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.8% (2018 est.) forest: 22.3% (2018 est.) other: 23% (2018 est.) Topic: Christmas Islandagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Clipperton Islandagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Colombiaagricultural land: 37.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 34.5% (2018 est.) forest: 54.4% (2018 est.) other: 8.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Comorosagricultural 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.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theagricultural land: 11.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8% (2018 est.) forest: 67.9% (2018 est.) other: 20.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theagricultural land: 31.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 29.3% (2018 est.) forest: 65.6% (2018 est.) other: 3.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Cook Islandsagricultural land: 8.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 64.6% (2018 est.) other: 27% (2018 est.) Topic: Coral Sea Islandsagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Costa Ricaagricultural land: 37.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 25.5% (2018 est.) forest: 51.5% (2018 est.) other: 11.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoireagricultural land: 64.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 14.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.5% (2018 est.) forest: 32.7% (2018 est.) other: 2.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Croatiaagricultural 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.) Topic: Cubaagricultural land: 60.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 33.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 22.9% (2018 est.) forest: 27.3% (2018 est.) other: 12.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Curacaoagricultural land: 10% (2018 est.) arable land: 10% (2018) other: 90% (2018 est.) Topic: Cyprusagricultural land: 13.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.4% (2018 est.) forest: 18.8% (2018 est.) other: 67.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Czechiaagricultural land: 54.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 41% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 12.8% (2018 est.) forest: 34.4% (2018 est.) other: 10.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Denmarkagricultural land: 63.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 58.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.4% (2018 est.) forest: 12.9% (2018 est.) other: 23.7% (2018 est.) note: highest percentage of arable land for any country in the world Topic: Djiboutiagricultural land: 73.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 73.3% (2018 est.) forest: 0.2% (2018 est.) other: 26.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Dominicaagricultural 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.) Topic: Dominican Republicagricultural land: 51.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 24.8% (2018 est.) forest: 40.8% (2018 est.) other: 7.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Ecuadoragricultural land: 29.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 5.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 19.4% (2018 est.) forest: 38.9% (2018 est.) other: 31.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Egyptagricultural land: 3.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0.1% (2018 est.) other: 96.3% (2018 est.) Topic: El Salvadoragricultural land: 74.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 33.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 10.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 30.7% (2018 est.) forest: 13.6% (2018 est.) other: 11.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineaagricultural land: 10.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.7% (2018 est.) forest: 57.5% (2018 est.) other: 32.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Eritreaagricultural 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.) Topic: Estoniaagricultural land: 22.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 14.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.2% (2018 est.) forest: 52.1% (2018 est.) other: 25.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Eswatiniagricultural land: 68.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 57.7% (2018 est.) forest: 31.7% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Ethiopiaagricultural land: 36.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 15.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20% (2018 est.) forest: 12.2% (2018 est.) other: 51.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)agricultural land: 92.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 92.4% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 7.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Faroe Islandsagricultural 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.) Topic: Fijiagricultural land: 23.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9.6% (2018 est.) forest: 55.7% (2018 est.) other: 21% (2018 est.) Topic: Finlandagricultural land: 7.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.1% (2018 est.) forest: 72.9% (2018 est.) other: 19.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Franceagricultural land: 52.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 33.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 17.5% (2018 est.) forest: 29.2% (2018 est.) other: 18.1% (2018 est.) Topic: French Polynesiaagricultural land: 12.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.5% (2018 est.) forest: 43.7% (2018 est.) other: 43.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Gabonagricultural land: 19% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 17.2% (2018 est.) forest: 81% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Gambia, Theagricultural land: 56.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 41% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 14.6% (2018 est.) forest: 43.9% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Georgiaagricultural land: 35.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 5.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.9% (2018 est.) forest: 39.4% (2018 est.) other: 25.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Germanyagricultural land: 48% (2018 est.) arable land: 34.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 13.3% (2018 est.) forest: 31.8% (2018 est.) other: 20.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Ghanaagricultural land: 69.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 20.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 11.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 36.5% (2018 est.) forest: 21.2% (2018 est.) other: 9.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Gibraltaragricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Greeceagricultural land: 63.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 19.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 34.8% (2018 est.) forest: 30.5% (2018 est.) other: 6.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Greenlandagricultural land: 0.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.6% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 99.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Grenadaagricultural land: 32.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 20.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.9% (2018 est.) forest: 50% (2018 est.) other: 17.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Guamagricultural land: 33.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 16.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 14.8% (2018 est.) forest: 47.9% (2018 est.) other: 18.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Guatemalaagricultural land: 41.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 14.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.2% (2018 est.) forest: 33.6% (2018 est.) other: 25.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Guineaagricultural land: 58.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 43.5% (2018 est.) forest: 26.5% (2018 est.) other: 15.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissauagricultural land: 44.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 29.7% (2018 est.) forest: 55.2% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Guyanaagricultural land: 8.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.2% (2018 est.) forest: 77.4% (2018 est.) other: 14.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Haitiagricultural land: 66.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 38.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 10.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 17.7% (2018 est.) forest: 3.6% (2018 est.) other: 30% (2018 est.) Topic: Heard Island and McDonald Islandsagricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)agricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Hondurasagricultural land: 28.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.7% (2018 est.) forest: 45.3% (2018 est.) other: 25.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Hong Kongagricultural land: 5% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.9% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 95% (2018 est.) Topic: Hungaryagricultural 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.) Topic: Icelandagricultural land: 18.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 17.5% (2018 est.) forest: 0.3% (2018 est.) other: 81% (2018 est.) Topic: Indiaagricultural land: 60.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 52.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.) forest: 23.1% (2018 est.) other: 16.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Indonesiaagricultural land: 31.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 13% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 12.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.1% (2018 est.) forest: 51.7% (2018 est.) other: 17.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Iranagricultural land: 30.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.1% (2018 est.) forest: 6.8% (2018 est.) other: 63.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Iraqagricultural land: 18.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9.2% (2018 est.) forest: 1.9% (2018 est.) other: 80% (2018 est.) Topic: Irelandagricultural land: 66.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 15.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 50.7% (2018 est.) forest: 10.9% (2018 est.) other: 23% (2018 est.) Topic: Isle of Managricultural land: 74.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 43.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 30.9% (2018 est.) forest: 6.1% (2018 est.) other: 19.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Israelagricultural land: 23.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 13.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.3% (2018 est.) forest: 7.1% (2018 est.) other: 69.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Italyagricultural land: 47.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.7% (2018 est.) forest: 31.4% (2018 est.) other: 21.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Jamaicaagricultural land: 41.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 9.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 21.1% (2018 est.) forest: 31.1% (2018 est.) other: 27.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Jan Mayenagricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Japanagricultural land: 12.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 68.5% (2018 est.) other: 19% (2018 est.) Topic: Jerseyagricultural 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.) Topic: Jordanagricultural land: 11.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.4% (2018 est.) forest: 1.1% (2018 est.) other: 87.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Kazakhstanagricultural 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.) Topic: Kenyaagricultural land: 48.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 37.4% (2018 est.) forest: 6.1% (2018 est.) other: 45.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Kiribatiagricultural land: 42% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 39.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 15% (2018 est.) other: 43% (2018 est.) Topic: Korea, Northagricultural land: 21.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 19.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.4% (2018 est.) forest: 46% (2018 est.) other: 32.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Korea, Southagricultural land: 18.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 15.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.6% (2018 est.) forest: 63.9% (2018 est.) other: 18% (2018 est.) Topic: Kosovoagricultural land: 52.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 23.5% (2018 est.) forest: 41.7% (2018 est.) other: 5.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Kuwaitagricultural land: 8.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.) forest: 0.4% (2018 est.) other: 91.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstanagricultural 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.) Topic: Laosagricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.7% (2018 est.) forest: 67.9% (2018 est.) other: 21.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Latviaagricultural 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.) Topic: Lebanonagricultural land: 63.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 12.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 39.1% (2018 est.) forest: 13.4% (2018 est.) other: 23.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Lesothoagricultural land: 76.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 65.9% (2018 est.) forest: 1.5% (2018 est.) other: 22.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Liberiaagricultural land: 28.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 5.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.8% (2018 est.) forest: 44.6% (2018 est.) other: 27.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Libyaagricultural land: 8.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7.6% (2018 est.) forest: 0.1% (2018 est.) other: 91.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Liechtensteinagricultural land: 37.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 18.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.8% (2018 est.) forest: 43.1% (2018 est.) other: 19.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Lithuaniaagricultural land: 44.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 34.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9.4% (2018 est.) forest: 34.6% (2018 est.) other: 20.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Luxembourgagricultural land: 50.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 24% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 26.1% (2018 est.) forest: 33.5% (2018 est.) other: 15.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Macauagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Madagascaragricultural land: 71.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 64.1% (2018 est.) forest: 21.5% (2018 est.) other: 7.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Malawiagricultural land: 59.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 38.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 19.6% (2018 est.) forest: 34% (2018 est.) other: 6.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Malaysiaagricultural 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.) Topic: Maldivesagricultural land: 23.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 10% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 10% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.3% (2018 est.) forest: 3% (2018 est.) other: 73.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Maliagricultural land: 34.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 5.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 28.4% (2018 est.) forest: 10.2% (2018 est.) other: 55.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Maltaagricultural land: 32.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 28.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0.9% (2018 est.) other: 66.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Marshall Islandsagricultural land: 50.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 31.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 11.7% (2018 est.) forest: 49.3% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Mauritaniaagricultural land: 38.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 38.1% (2018 est.) forest: 0.2% (2018 est.) other: 61.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Mauritiusagricultural land: 43.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 38.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.4% (2018 est.) forest: 17.3% (2018 est.) other: 38.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Mexicoagricultural land: 54.9% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.7% (2018 est.) forest: 33.3% (2018 est.) other: 11.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofagricultural land: 25.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 19.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.) forest: 74.5% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Moldovaagricultural 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.) Topic: Monacoagricultural land: 1% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 99% (2018 est.) Topic: Mongoliaagricultural land: 73% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 72.6% (2018 est.) forest: 7% (2018 est.) other: 20% (2018 est.) Topic: Montenegroagricultural land: 38.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 12.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 24.1% (2018 est.) forest: 40.4% (2018 est.) other: 21.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Montserratagricultural land: 30% (2018 est.) arable land: 20% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10% (2018 est.) forest: 25% (2018 est.) other: 45% (2018 est.) Topic: Moroccoagricultural 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 Topic: Mozambiqueagricultural land: 56.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 49.6% (2018 est.) forest: 43.7% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Namibiaagricultural land: 47.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 46.2% (2018 est.) forest: 8.8% (2018 est.) other: 44% (2018 est.) Topic: Nauruagricultural land: 20% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 20% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 80% (2018 est.) Topic: Navassa Islandother: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Nepalagricultural land: 28.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 15.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 12.5% (2018 est.) forest: 25.4% (2018 est.) other: 45.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Netherlandsagricultural land: 55.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 29.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 24.2% (2018 est.) forest: 10.8% (2018 est.) other: 34.1% (2018 est.) Topic: New Caledoniaagricultural land: 10.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9.8% (2018 est.) forest: 45.9% (2018 est.) other: 43.7% (2018 est.) Topic: New Zealandagricultural land: 43.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.1% (2018 est.) forest: 31.4% (2018 est.) other: 25.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Nicaraguaagricultural land: 42.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 12.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.2% (2018 est.) forest: 25.3% (2018 est.) other: 32.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Nigeragricultural land: 35.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 12.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 22.7% (2018 est.) forest: 1% (2018 est.) other: 63.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Nigeriaagricultural land: 78% (2018 est.) arable land: 37.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 7.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 33.3% (2018 est.) forest: 9.5% (2018 est.) other: 12.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Niueagricultural land: 19.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 11.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.8% (2018 est.) forest: 71.2% (2018 est.) other: 9.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Norfolk Islandagricultural 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: North Macedoniaagricultural land: 44.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 26.5% (2018 est.) forest: 39.8% (2018 est.) other: 15.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsagricultural land: 6.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.2% (2018 est.) forest: 65.5% (2018 est.) other: 27.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Norwayagricultural land: 2.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.5% (2018 est.) forest: 27.8% (2018 est.) other: 69.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Omanagricultural land: 4.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.5% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 95.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Pakistanagricultural land: 35.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 27.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 6.5% (2018 est.) forest: 2.1% (2018 est.) other: 62.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Palauagricultural land: 10.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.3% (2018 est.) forest: 87.6% (2018 est.) other: 1.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Panamaagricultural land: 30.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.7% (2018 est.) forest: 43.6% (2018 est.) other: 25.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineaagricultural 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.) Topic: Paracel Islandsother: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Paraguayagricultural land: 53.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 42.8% (2018 est.) forest: 43.8% (2018 est.) other: 2.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Peruagricultural land: 18.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 14.6% (2018 est.) forest: 53% (2018 est.) other: 28.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Philippinesagricultural land: 41% (2018 est.) arable land: 18.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 17.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5% (2018 est.) forest: 25.9% (2018 est.) other: 33.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islandsagricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) forest: 74.5% (2018 est.) other: 25.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Polandagricultural land: 48.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 36.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.7% (2018 est.) forest: 30.6% (2018 est.) other: 21.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Portugalagricultural land: 39.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 11.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 7.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20% (2018 est.) forest: 37.8% (2018 est.) other: 22.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricoagricultural land: 22% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 5.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 9.8% (2018 est.) forest: 63.2% (2018 est.) other: 14.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Qataragricultural land: 5.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 4.3% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 94.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Romaniaagricultural land: 60.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 39.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 19.7% (2018 est.) forest: 28.7% (2018 est.) other: 10.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Russiaagricultural land: 13.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.7% (2018 est.) forest: 49.4% (2018 est.) other: 37.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Rwandaagricultural land: 74.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 47% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 17.4% (2018 est.) forest: 18% (2018 est.) other: 7.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhaagricultural land: 30.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.5% (2018 est.) forest: 5.1% (2018 est.) other: 64.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisagricultural land: 23.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 19.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.) forest: 42.3% (2018 est.) other: 34.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Luciaagricultural land: 17.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 11.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1% (2018 est.) forest: 77% (2018 est.) other: 5.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonagricultural land: 8.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 12.5% (2018 est.) other: 78.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesagricultural land: 25.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 12.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 7.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.1% (2018 est.) forest: 68.7% (2018 est.) other: 5.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Samoaagricultural land: 12.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 7.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.8% (2018 est.) forest: 60.4% (2018 est.) other: 27.2% (2018 est.) Topic: San Marinoagricultural land: 16.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 83.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principeagricultural land: 50.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 40.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1% (2018 est.) forest: 28.1% (2018 est.) other: 21.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiaagricultural land: 80.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 79.1% (2018 est.) forest: 0.5% (2018 est.) other: 18.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Senegalagricultural land: 46.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 17.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 29.1% (2018 est.) forest: 43.8% (2018 est.) other: 9.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Serbiaagricultural 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.) Topic: Seychellesagricultural land: 6.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 88.5% (2018 est.) other: 5% (2018 est.) Topic: Sierra Leoneagricultural land: 56.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 23.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 30.5% (2018 est.) forest: 37.5% (2018 est.) other: 6.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Singaporeagricultural land: 1% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 3.3% (2018 est.) other: 95.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Slovakiaagricultural land: 40.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 28.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.8% (2018 est.) forest: 40.2% (2018 est.) other: 19.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Sloveniaagricultural land: 22.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 13.1% (2018 est.) forest: 62.3% (2018 est.) other: 14.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandsagricultural 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.) Topic: Somaliaagricultural land: 70.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 68.5% (2018 est.) forest: 10.6% (2018 est.) other: 19.1% (2018 est.) Topic: South Africaagricultural land: 79.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 9.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 69.2% (2018 est.) forest: 7.6% (2018 est.) other: 13% (2018 est.) Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islandsother: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: South Sudanagricultural land: 45% (2018) arable land: 4.4% (2018) permanent pasture: 40.7% (2018) forest: 11.3% (2018) other: 43.5% (2018) Topic: Spainagricultural land: 54.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 24.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 9.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.1% (2018 est.) forest: 36.8% (2018 est.) other: 9.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Spratly Islandsother: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Sri Lankaagricultural land: 43.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 20.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 15.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 7% (2018 est.) forest: 29.4% (2018 est.) other: 27.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Sudanagricultural land: 100% (2018 est.) arable land: 15.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 84.2% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Topic: Surinameagricultural land: 0.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0.1% (2018 est.) forest: 94.6% (2018 est.) other: 4.9% (2018 est.) Topic: Svalbardagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Swedenagricultural land: 7.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.1% (2018 est.) forest: 68.7% (2018 est.) other: 23.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Switzerlandagricultural land: 38.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.9% (2018 est.) forest: 31.5% (2018 est.) other: 29.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Syriaagricultural land: 75.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 25.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 5.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 44.6% (2018 est.) forest: 2.7% (2018 est.) other: 21.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Taiwanagricultural land: 22.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 5.8% (2018 est.) other: 77.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Tajikistanagricultural land: 34.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.7% (2018 est.) forest: 2.9% (2018 est.) other: 62.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Tanzaniaagricultural land: 43.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 14.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.1% (2018 est.) forest: 37.3% (2018 est.) other: 19% (2018 est.) Topic: Thailandagricultural land: 41.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 30.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.6% (2018 est.) forest: 37.2% (2018 est.) other: 21.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Timor-Lesteagricultural land: 25.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 10.1% (2018 est.) forest: 49.1% (2018 est.) other: 25.8% (2018 est.) Topic: Togoagricultural land: 67.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 45.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 3.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 18.4% (2018 est.) forest: 4.9% (2018 est.) other: 27.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Tokelauagricultural land: 60% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 60% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 40% (2018 est.) Topic: Tongaagricultural land: 43.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 15.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.6% (2018 est.) forest: 12.5% (2018 est.) other: 44.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagoagricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.4% (2018 est.) forest: 44% (2018 est.) other: 45.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Tunisiaagricultural land: 64.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 18.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 15.4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 31.1% (2018 est.) forest: 6.6% (2018 est.) other: 28.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)agricultural land: 49.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 26.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 19% (2018 est.) forest: 14.9% (2018 est.) other: 35.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Turkmenistanagricultural land: 72% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 67.8% (2018 est.) forest: 8.8% (2018 est.) other: 19.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsagricultural land: 1.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 36.2% (2018 est.) other: 62.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Tuvaluagricultural land: 60% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 60% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 33.3% (2018 est.) other: 6.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Ugandaagricultural land: 71.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 34.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 11.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 25.6% (2018 est.) forest: 14.5% (2018 est.) other: 14.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Ukraineagricultural land: 71.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 56.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 13.6% (2018 est.) forest: 16.8% (2018 est.) other: 12% (2018 est.) Topic: United Arab Emiratesagricultural land: 4.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.6% (2018 est.) forest: 3.8% (2018 est.) other: 91.6% (2018 est.) Topic: United Kingdomagricultural land: 71% (2018 est.) arable land: 25.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 45.7% (2018 est.) forest: 11.9% (2018 est.) other: 17.1% (2018 est.) Topic: United Statesagricultural land: 44.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 27.4% (2018 est.) forest: 33.3% (2018 est.) other: 22.2% (2018 est.) Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife Refugesother: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Uruguayagricultural land: 87.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 76.9% (2018 est.) forest: 10.2% (2018 est.) other: 2.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Uzbekistanagricultural land: 62.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 51.7% (2018 est.) forest: 7.7% (2018 est.) other: 29.7% (2018 est.) Topic: Vanuatuagricultural land: 15.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 1.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 10.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.4% (2018 est.) forest: 36.1% (2018 est.) other: 48.6% (2018 est.) Topic: Venezuelaagricultural land: 24.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.6% (2018 est.) forest: 52.1% (2018 est.) other: 23.4% (2018 est.) Topic: Vietnamagricultural land: 34.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 20.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 12.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 2.1% (2018 est.) forest: 45% (2018 est.) other: 20.2% (2018 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandsagricultural land: 11.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 5.7% (2018 est.) forest: 57.4% (2018 est.) other: 31.1% (2018 est.) Topic: Wake Islandagricultural land: 0% (2018 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futunaagricultural land: 42.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 35.7% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 41.9% (2018 est.) other: 15.3% (2018 est.) Topic: West Bankagricultural land: 43.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 7.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 11% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 24.9% (2018 est.) forest: 1.5% (2018 est.) other: 55.2% (2018 est.) note: includes Gaza Strip Topic: Yemenagricultural land: 44.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 2.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.7% (2018 est.) forest: 1% (2018 est.) other: 54.5% (2018 est.) Topic: Zambiaagricultural land: 31.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 26.9% (2018 est.) forest: 66.3% (2018 est.) other: 2% (2018 est.) Topic: Zimbabweagricultural land: 42.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 31.3% (2018 est.) forest: 39.5% (2018 est.) other: 18% (2018 est.)
20220901
countries-trinidad-and-tobago
Topic: Photos of Trinidad and Tobago Topic: Introduction Background: First 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Geographic coordinates: 11 00 N, 61 00 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 5,128 sq km land: 5,128 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Delaware Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 362 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin measured from claimed archipelagic baselines Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to December) Terrain: mostly plains with some hills and low mountains Elevation: highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 83 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, asphalt Land use: agricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.4% (2018 est.) forest: 44% (2018 est.) other: 45.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 70 sq km (2012) Population distribution: population on Trinidad is concentrated in the western half of the island, on Tobago in the southern half Natural hazards: outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms Geography - note: Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt Map description: Trinidad and Tobago map showing the major population centers of these islands in the North Atlantic Ocean.Trinidad and Tobago map showing the major population centers of these islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,405,646 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s) adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian note: Trinbagonian is used on occasion to describe a citizen of the country without specifying the island of origin 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.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 46.1 youth dependency ratio: 29.3 elderly dependency ratio: 16.8 potential support ratio: 7.4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 37.8 years male: 37.3 years female: 38.3 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.14% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 10.79 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.38 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: population on Trinidad is concentrated in the western half of the island, on Tobago in the southern half Urbanization: urban population: 53.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 545,000 PORT-OF-SPAIN (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 67 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 15.83 deaths/1,000 live births male: 17.97 deaths/1,000 live births female: 13.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.94 years male: 74.02 years female: 77.93 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.63 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 40.3% (2011) 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: 4.48 physicians/1,000 population (2019) Hospital bed density: 3 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.7% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 10,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <200 note: estimate does not include children Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 18.6% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 4.9% (2011) Education expenditures: 3.6% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99% male: 99.2% female: 98.7% (2015) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.7% male: 8.9% female: 8.4% (2016 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; widespread pollution of waterways and coastal areas; illegal dumping; deforestation; soil erosion; fisheries and wildlife depletion Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, 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: 22.04 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 43.87 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.35 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to December) Land use: agricultural land: 10.6% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 1.4% (2018 est.) forest: 44% (2018 est.) other: 45.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 53.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.05% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 727,874 tons (2010 est.) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 237.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 128.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 16.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 3.84 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the larger island "La Isla de la Trinidad" (The Island of the Trinity) on 31 July 1498 on his third voyage; the tobacco grown and smoked by the natives of the smaller island or its elongated cigar shape may account for the "tobago" name, which is spelled "tobaco" in Spanish Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Port of Spain geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name dates to the period of Spanish colonial rule (16th to late 18th centuries) when the city was referred to as "Puerto de Espana"; the name was anglicized following the British capture of Trinidad in 1797 Administrative divisions: 9 regions, 3 boroughs, 2 cities, 1 ward regions: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco borough: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin cities: Port of Spain, San Fernando ward: Tobago9 regions, 3 boroughs, 2 cities, 1 wardregions: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarcoborough: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortincities: Port of Spain, San Fernandoward: Tobago Independence: 31 August 1962 (from the UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1962) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Paula-Mae WEEKES (since 19 March 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Keith ROWLEY (since 9 September 2015) cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among members of Parliament elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college of selected Senate and House of Representatives members for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 19 January 2018 (next to be held by February 2023); the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives as prime minister election results: Paula-Mae WEEKES (independent) elected president; ran unopposed and was elected without a vote; she is Trinidad and Tobago's first female head of state 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) elections: Senate - last appointments on 28 August 2020 (next appointments in August 2025) House of Representatives - last held on 10 August 2020 (next to be held in 2025) election results: Senate - percent by party - NA; seats by party - NA; composition as of May 2020 - men 19, women 13, percent of women 40.6% House of Representatives - percent by party - NA; seats by party - PNM 22, UNC 19; composition - as of May 2022 - men 31, women 11, percent of women 26.2%; note - overall Parliament percent of women 32.4% note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly (19 seats; 15 assemblymen directly elected by simple majority vote and 4 appointed councilors - 3 on the advice of the chief secretary and 1 on the advice of the minority leader; members serve 4-year terms) Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of the Judicature (consists of a chief justice for both the Court of Appeal with 12 judges and the High Court with 24 judges); note - Trinidad and Tobago can file appeals beyond its Supreme Court to the Caribbean Court of Justice, with final appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the parliamentary leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the Judicial Legal Services Commission, headed by the chief justice and 5 members with judicial experience; all judges serve for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 subordinate courts: Courts of Summary Criminal Jurisdiction; Petty Civil Courts; Family Court Political parties and leaders: Congress of the People or COP [Kirt SINNETTE] People's National Movement or PNM [Keith ROWLEY] Progressive Democratic Patriots (Tobago) [Watson DUKE] United National Congress or UNC [Kamla PERSAD-BISSESSAR] International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony Wayne Jerome PHILLIPS-SPENCER, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) (since 27 June 2016) chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036-1975 telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490 FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130 email address and website: embdcinfo@foreign.gov.tt https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/embassy-washington-dc-us/ consulate(s) general: Miami, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Shante MOORE (since 20 January 2021) embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain mailing address: 3410 Port of Spain Place, Washington DC  20521-3410 telephone: (868) 622-6371 FAX: (868) 822-5905 email address and website: acspos@state.gov https://tt.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side to the lower fly side; the colors represent the elements of earth, water, and fire; black stands for the wealth of the land and the dedication of the people; white symbolizes the sea surrounding the islands, the purity of the country's aspirations, and equality; red symbolizes the warmth and energy of the sun, the vitality of the land, and the courage and friendliness of its people National symbol(s): scarlet ibis (bird of Trinidad), cocrico (bird of Tobago), Chaconia flower; national colors: red, white, black National anthem: name: "Forged From the Love of Liberty" lyrics/music: Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE note: adopted 1962; song originally created to serve as an anthem for the West Indies Federation; adopted by Trinidad and Tobago following the Federation's dissolution in 1962 Topic: Economy Economic overview: Trinidad and Tobago relies on its energy sector for much of its economic activity, and has one of the highest per capita incomes in Latin America. Economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged slightly over 8% per year, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for that same period; however, GDP has slowed down since then, contracting during 2009-12, making small gains in 2013 and contracting again in 2014-17. Trinidad and Tobago is buffered by considerable foreign reserves and a sovereign wealth fund that equals about one-and-a-half times the national budget, but the country is still in a recession and the government faces the dual challenge of gas shortages and a low price environment. Large-scale energy projects in the last quarter of 2017 are helping to mitigate the gas shortages.   Energy production and downstream industrial use dominate the economy. Oil and gas typically account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports but less than 5% of employment. Trinidad and Tobago is home to one of the largest natural gas liquefaction facilities in the Western Hemisphere. The country produces about nine times more natural gas than crude oil on an energy equivalent basis with gas contributing about two-thirds of energy sector government revenue. The US is the country’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28% of its total imports and 48% of its exports.   Economic diversification is a longstanding government talking point, and Trinidad and Tobago has much potential due to its stable, democratic government and its educated, English speaking workforce. The country is also a regional financial center with a well-regulated and stable financial system. Other sectors the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has targeted for increased investment and projected growth include tourism, agriculture, information and communications technology, and shipping. Unfortunately, a host of other factors, including low labor productivity, inefficient government bureaucracy, and corruption, have hampered economic development.Trinidad and Tobago relies on its energy sector for much of its economic activity, and has one of the highest per capita incomes in Latin America. Economic growth between 2000 and 2007 averaged slightly over 8% per year, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7% for that same period; however, GDP has slowed down since then, contracting during 2009-12, making small gains in 2013 and contracting again in 2014-17. Trinidad and Tobago is buffered by considerable foreign reserves and a sovereign wealth fund that equals about one-and-a-half times the national budget, but the country is still in a recession and the government faces the dual challenge of gas shortages and a low price environment. Large-scale energy projects in the last quarter of 2017 are helping to mitigate the gas shortages. Energy production and downstream industrial use dominate the economy. Oil and gas typically account for about 40% of GDP and 80% of exports but less than 5% of employment. Trinidad and Tobago is home to one of the largest natural gas liquefaction facilities in the Western Hemisphere. The country produces about nine times more natural gas than crude oil on an energy equivalent basis with gas contributing about two-thirds of energy sector government revenue. The US is the country’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28% of its total imports and 48% of its exports. Economic diversification is a longstanding government talking point, and Trinidad and Tobago has much potential due to its stable, democratic government and its educated, English speaking workforce. The country is also a regional financial center with a well-regulated and stable financial system. Other sectors the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has targeted for increased investment and projected growth include tourism, agriculture, information and communications technology, and shipping. Unfortunately, a host of other factors, including low labor productivity, inefficient government bureaucracy, and corruption, have hampered economic development. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $33.21 billion (2020 est.) $36.03 billion (2019 est.) $36.48 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -2.6% (2017 est.) -6.1% (2016 est.) 1.7% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $23,700 (2020 est.) $25,800 (2019 est.) $26,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $24.031 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.9% (2017 est.) 3.1% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: Ba1 (2017) Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.4% (2017 est.) industry: 47.8% (2017 est.) services: 51.7% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) 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 Industrial production growth rate: -4.3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 629,400 (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 3.1% industry: 11.5% services: 85.4% (2016 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.9% (2017 est.) 4% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 8.7% male: 8.9% female: 8.4% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: 20% (2014 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 5.581 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 7.446 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -8.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 41.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 37% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 24.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Current account balance: $2.325 billion (2017 est.) -$653 million (2016 est.) Exports: $9.57 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $11.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars 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.) note: data are in current year dollars $9.16 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: United States 40%, Guyana 19%, China 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, excavation machinery, shipping containers, iron, cars (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $8.892 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $9.995 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $8.238 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $8.746 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar - 6.78 (2017 est.) 6.669 (2016 est.) 6.669 (2015 est.) 6.4041 (2014 est.) 6.4041 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 2.123 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 8,213,020,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 424 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 1,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 81,000 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 35,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 22,100 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 64,700 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 243 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 134,700 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 106,100 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 30,886,691,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 16,247,415,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 14,662,269,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 298.063 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 39.652 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 10,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 4.631 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 35.011 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 323,905 (2020) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 2,163,730 (2019) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 155.11 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: excellent international service; good local service; broadband access; expanded FttP (Fiber to the Home) markets; LTE launch; regulatory development; major growth in mobile telephony and data segments which attacks operation investment in fiber infrastructure; moves to end roaming charges (2020) domestic: fixed-line over 23 per 100 persons and mobile-cellular teledensity 142 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 1-868; landing points for the EC Link, ECFS, Southern Caribbean Fiber, SG-SCS and Americas II submarine cable systems provide connectivity to US, parts of the Caribbean and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Barbados and Guyana (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 6 free-to-air TV networks, 2 of which are state-owned; 24 subscription providers (cable and satellite); over 36 radio frequencies (2019) Internet country code: .tt Internet users: total: 1,074,126 (2019 est.) percent of population: 77% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 376,771 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 27 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 19 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 2,525,130 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 41.14 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 9Y Airports: total: 4 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 257 km condensate, 11 km condensate/gas, 1,567 km gas, 587 km oil (2013) Merchant marine: total: 105 by type: general cargo 1, other 104 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port of Spain, Scarborough oil terminal(s): Galeota Point terminal LNG terminal(s) (export): Port Fortin Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF): Army/Land Forces (Trinidad and Tobago Regiment), Coast Guard, Air Guard, Defense Force Reserves; Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) (2022) note: the Ministry of National Security oversees defense, immigration, and the police Military expenditures: 1% of GDP (2020 est.) 1% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $350 million) 1% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $340 million) 1.3% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $420 million) 1.4% of GDP (2016 est.) (approximately $460 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 4,500 TTDF personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the TTDF's ground force inventory includes only light weapons, while the Coast Guard and Air Guard field mostly second-hand equipment from a mix of countries, including Australia, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (men and women; some age variations between services, reserves); no conscription (2022) note: as of 2017, women comprised about 14% of the active military Military - note: the primary responsibilities for the TTDF are conducting border and maritime security, providing disaster relief, and countering narcotics trafficking in support of law enforcement (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Trinidad and Tobago-Barbados: Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a maritime boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's EEZ Trinidad and Tobago-Barbados-Guyana-Venezuela: in 2005, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to compulsory international arbitration under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea challenging whether the northern limit of Trinidad and Tobago's and Venezuela's maritime boundary extends into Barbadian waters; Guyana has expressed its intention to include itself in the arbitration, as the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela maritime boundary may also extend into its watersTrinidad and Tobago-Barbados: Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a maritime boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's EEZTrinidad and Tobago-Barbados-Guyana-Venezuela: in 2005, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago agreed to compulsory international arbitration under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea challenging whether the northern limit of Trinidad and Tobago's and Venezuela's maritime boundary extends into Barbadian waters; Guyana has expressed its intention to include itself in the arbitration, as the Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela maritime boundary may also extend into its waters Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 28,500 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum, are recognized as refugees, or have received alternative legal stay) (2021) Illicit drugs: a transit point for illegal drugs destined for Europe, North America, and the rest of the Caribbean; drug trafficking organizations use proximity to Venezuela, porous borders, vulnerabilities at ports of entry, limited law enforcement capacity and resources, and law enforcement corruption to traffic illicit drugs;  marijuana the only locally-produced illicit drug  a transit point for illegal drugs destined for Europe, North America, and the rest of the Caribbean; drug trafficking organizations use proximity to Venezuela, porous borders, vulnerabilities at ports of entry, limited law enforcement capacity and resources, and law enforcement corruption to traffic illicit drugs;  marijuana the only locally-produced illicit drug 
20220901
field-labor-force
This entry contains the total labor force figure. Topic: Afghanistan8.478 million (2017 est.) Topic: Albania1.104 million (2020 est.) Topic: Algeria10.859 million (2017 est.) Topic: American Samoa17,850 (2015 est.) Topic: Andorra39,750 (2016) Topic: Angola12.51 million (2017 est.) Topic: Anguilla6,049 (2001) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda30,000 (1991) Topic: Argentina18 million (2017 est.) note: urban areas only Topic: Armenia1.507 million (2017 est.) Topic: Aruba51,610 (2007 est.) note: of the 51,610 workers aged 15 and over in the labor force, 32,252 were born in Aruba and 19,353 came from abroad; foreign workers are 38% of the employed population Topic: Australia12.568 million (2020 est.) Topic: Austria3.739 million (2020 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan4.939 million (2019 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The196,900 (2013 est.) Topic: Bahrain831,600 (2017 est.) note: excludes unemployed; 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national Topic: Bangladesh66.64 million (2017 est.) note: extensive migration of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia Topic: Barbados144,000 (2017 est.) Topic: Belarus4.381 million (2016 est.) Topic: Belgium4.122 million (2020 est.) Topic: Belize120,500 (2008 est.) note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel Topic: Benin3.662 million (2007 est.) Topic: Bermuda33,480 (2016 est.) Topic: Bhutan397,900 (2017 est.) note: major shortage of skilled labor Topic: Bolivia5.719 million (2016 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina806,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Botswana1.177 million (2017 est.) Topic: Brazil86.621 million (2020 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islands12,770 (2004) Topic: Brunei203,600 (2014 est.) Topic: Bulgaria3.113 million (2020 est.) note: number of employed persons Topic: Burkina Faso8.501 million (2016 est.) note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment Topic: Burma22.3 million (2017 est.) Topic: Burundi5.012 million (2017 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde196,100 (2007 est.) Topic: Cambodia8.913 million (2017 est.) Topic: Cameroon9.912 million (2017 est.) Topic: Canada18.136 million (2020 est.) Topic: Cayman Islands39,000 (2007 est.) note: nearly 55% are non-nationals Topic: Central African Republic2.242 million (2017 est.) Topic: Chad5.654 million (2017 est.) Topic: Chile7.249 million (2020 est.) Topic: China774.71 million (2019 est.) note: by the end of 2012, China's working age population (15-64 years) was 1.004 billion Topic: Christmas IslandNA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsNA Topic: Colombia19.309 million (2020 est.) Topic: Comoros278,500 (2016 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the20.692 million (2012 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the2.055 million (2016 est.) Topic: Cook Islands6,820 (2001) Topic: Costa Rica1.843 million (2020 est.) note: official estimate; excludes Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica Topic: Cote d'Ivoire8.747 million (2017 est.) Topic: Croatia1.656 million (2020 est.) Topic: Cuba4.691 million (2017 est.) note: state sector 72.3%, non-state sector 27.7% Topic: Curacao73,010 (2013) Topic: Cyprus416,000 (2019 est.) Topic: Czechia5.222 million (2020 est.) Topic: Denmark2.736 million (2020 est.) Topic: Djibouti294,600 (2012) Topic: Dominica25,000 (2000 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic4.732 million (2017 est.) Topic: Ecuador8.086 million (2017 est.) Topic: Egypt24.113 million (2020 est.) Topic: El Salvador2.908 million (2019 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea195,200 (2007 est.) Topic: Eritrea2.71 million (2017 est.) Topic: Estonia648,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Eswatini427,900 (2016 est.) Topic: Ethiopia52.82 million (2017 est.) Topic: European Union238.9 million (2016 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)1,850 (2016 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands27,540 (2017 est.) Topic: Fiji353,100 (2017 est.) Topic: Finland2.52 million (2020 est.) Topic: France27.742 million (2020 est.) Topic: French Polynesia126,300 (2016 est.) Topic: Gabon557,800 (2017 est.) Topic: Gambia, The777,100 (2007 est.) Topic: Gaza Strip1.24 million (2017 est.) note: excludes the West Bank Topic: Georgia686,000 (2019 est.) Topic: Germany44.585 million (2020 est.) Topic: Ghana12.49 million (2017 est.) Topic: Gibraltar24,420 (2014 est.) Topic: Greece4 million (2020 est.) Topic: Greenland26,840 (2015 est.) Topic: Grenada55,270 (2017 est.) Topic: Guam73,210 (2016 est.) note: includes only the civilian labor force Topic: Guatemala6.664 million (2017 est.) Topic: Guernsey31,470 (March 2006) Topic: Guinea5.558 million (2017 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau731,300 (2013 est.) Topic: Guyana313,800 (2013 est.) Topic: Haiti4.594 million (2014 est.) note: shortage of skilled labor; unskilled labor abundant Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)4,822 (2016) Topic: Honduras3.735 million (2017 est.) Topic: Hong Kong3.627 million (2020 est.) Topic: Hungary4.414 million (2020 est.) Topic: Iceland200,000 (2020 est.) Topic: India521.9 million (2017 est.) Topic: Indonesia129.366 million (2019 est.) Topic: Iran30.5 million (2017 est.) note: shortage of skilled labor Topic: Iraq8.9 million (2010 est.) Topic: Ireland2.289 million (2020 est.) Topic: Isle of Man41,790 (2006) Topic: Israel3.893 million (2020 est.) Topic: Italy22.92 million (2020 est.) Topic: Jamaica1.113 million (2020 est.) Topic: Japan66.54 million (2020 est.) Topic: Jersey59,950 (2017 est.) Topic: Jordan731,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Kazakhstan8.685 million (2020 est.) Topic: Kenya19.6 million (2017 est.) Topic: Kiribati39,000 (2010 est.) note: economically active, not including subsistence farmers Topic: Korea, North14 million (2014 est.) note: estimates vary widely Topic: Korea, South26.839 million (2020 est.) Topic: Kosovo500,300 (2017 est.) note: includes those estimated to be employed in the gray economy Topic: Kuwait2.695 million (2017 est.) note: non-Kuwaitis represent about 60% of the labor force Topic: Kyrgyzstan2.841 million (2017 est.) Topic: Laos3.582 million (2017 est.) Topic: Latvia885,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Lebanon2.166 million (2016 est.) note: excludes as many as 1 million foreign workers and refugees Topic: Lesotho930,800 (2017 est.) Topic: Liberia1.677 million (2017 est.) Topic: Libya1.114 million (2017 est.) Topic: Liechtenstein38,520 (2015 est.) (2012) note: 51% of the labor force in Liechtenstein commute daily from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany Topic: Lithuania1.333 million (2020 est.) Topic: Luxembourg476,000 (2020 est.) note: data exclude foreign workers; in addition to the figure for domestic labor force, about 150,000 workers commute daily from France, Belgium, and Germany Topic: Macau392,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Madagascar13.4 million (2017 est.) Topic: Malawi7 million (2013 est.) Topic: Malaysia15.139 million (2020 est.) Topic: Maldives222,200 (2017 est.) Topic: Mali6.447 million (2017 est.) Topic: Malta223,000 (2019 est.) Topic: Marshall Islands10,670 (2013 est.) Topic: Mauritania1.437 million (2017 est.) Topic: Mauritius554,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Mexico50.914 million (2020 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of37,920 (2010 est.) Topic: Moldova1.295 million (2017 est.) Topic: Monaco52,000 (2014 est.) note: includes all foreign workers Topic: Mongolia1.241 million (2017 est.) Topic: Montenegro167,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Montserrat4,521 (2012) Topic: Morocco10.399 million (2020 est.) Topic: Mozambique12.9 million (2017 est.) Topic: Namibia956,800 (2017 est.) Topic: NauruNA Topic: Nepal16.81 million (2017 est.) note: severe lack of skilled labor Topic: Netherlands8.907 million (2020 est.) Topic: New Caledonia119,500 (2016 est.) Topic: New Zealand2.709 million (2020 est.) Topic: Nicaragua3.046 million (2017 est.) Topic: Niger6.5 million (2017 est.) Topic: Nigeria60.08 million (2017 est.) Topic: Niue663 (2001) Topic: Norfolk Island978 (2006) Topic: North Macedonia793,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islands27,970 (2010 est.) note: includes foreign workers Topic: Norway2.699 million (2020 est.) Topic: Oman2.255 million (2016 est.) note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national Topic: Pakistan61.71 million (2017 est.) note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use of child labor Topic: Palau11,610 (2016) Topic: Panama1.633 million (2017 est.) note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor Topic: Papua New Guinea3.681 million (2017 est.) Topic: Paraguay3.428 million (2017 est.) Topic: Peru3.421 million (2020 est.) note: individuals older than 14 years of age Topic: Philippines41.533 million (2020 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islands15 (2004) Topic: Poland9.561 million (2020 est.) Topic: Portugal4.717 million (2020 est.) Topic: Puerto Rico1.139 million (December 2014 est.) Topic: Qatar1.953 million (2017 est.) Topic: Romania4.889 million (2020 est.) Topic: Russia69.923 million (2020 est.) Topic: Rwanda6.227 million (2017 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha2,486 (1998 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis18,170 (June 1995 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia79,700 (2012 est.) Topic: Saint Martin17,300 (2008 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon4,429 (2015) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines57,520 (2007 est.) Topic: Samoa50,700 (2016 est.) Topic: San Marino21,960 (September 2013 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe72,600 (2017 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia13.8 million (2017 est.) note: comprised of 3.1 million Saudis and 10.7 million non-Saudis Topic: Senegal6.966 million (2017 est.) Topic: Serbia3 million (2020 est.) Topic: Seychelles51,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone132,000 (2013 est.) Topic: Singapore3.778 million (2019 est.) note: excludes non-residents Topic: Sint Maarten23,200 (2008 est.) Topic: Slovakia2.511 million (2020 est.) Topic: Slovenia885,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Solomon Islands202,500 (2007 est.) Topic: Somalia4.154 million (2016 est.) Topic: South Africa14.687 million (2020 est.) Topic: Spain19.057 million (2020 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka8 million (2020 est.) Topic: Sudan11.92 million (2007 est.) Topic: Suriname144,000 (2014 est.) Topic: Svalbard1,590 (2013) Topic: Sweden5.029 million (2020 est.) Topic: Switzerland5.067 million (2020 est.) Topic: Syria3.767 million (2017 est.) Topic: Taiwan11.498 million (2020 est.) Topic: Tajikistan2.295 million (2016 est.) Topic: Tanzania24.89 million (2017 est.) Topic: Thailand37.546 million (2020 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste286,700 (2016 est.) Topic: Togo2.595 million (2007 est.) Topic: Tokelau1,100 (2019 est.) Topic: Tonga33,800 (2011 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago629,400 (2017 est.) Topic: Tunisia4.054 million (2017 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)25.677 million (2020 est.) note: this number is for the domestic labor force only; number does not include about 1.2 million Turks working abroad, nor refugees Topic: Turkmenistan2.305 million (2013 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islands4,848 (1990 est.) Topic: Tuvalu3,615 (2004 est.) Topic: Uganda15.84 million (2015 est.) Topic: Ukraine16.033 million (2017 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates5.344 million (2017 est.) note: expatriates account for about 85% of the workforce Topic: United Kingdom35.412 million (2020 est.) Topic: United States146.128 million (2020 est.) note: includes unemployed Topic: Uruguay1.748 million (2017 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan13.273 million (2018 est.) Topic: Vanuatu115,900 (2007 est.) Topic: Venezuela14.21 million (2017 est.) Topic: Vietnam54.659 million (2019 est.) Topic: Virgin Islands48,550 (2016 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futuna4,482 (2013) Topic: West Bank1.24 million (2017 est.) note: excludes Gaza Strip Topic: World3.432 billion (2017 est.) Topic: Yemen7.425 million (2017 est.) Topic: Zambia6.898 million (2017 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe7.907 million (2017 est.)
20220901
countries-guinea-bissau
Topic: Photos of Guinea-Bissau Topic: Introduction Background: For much of its history, Guinea-Bissau was under the control of the Mali Empire and the Kaabu Kingdom. In the 16th century, Portugal began establishing trading posts along Guinea-Bissau’s shoreline. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to the coastline and islands. However, the slave and gold trades were lucrative to local African leaders, and the Portuguese were slowly able to expand their power and influence inland. Starting in the 18th century, the Mali Empire and Kingdom of Kaabu slowly disintegrated into smaller local entities. By the 19th century, Portugal had fully incorporated Guinea-Bissau into its empire. Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established General Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. VIEIRA's regime suppressed political opposition and purged political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In May 1999, a military mutiny and civil war led to VIEIRA's ouster. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA. In September 2003, a bloodless military coup overthrew YALA and installed businessman Henrique ROSA as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was reelected, pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. In June 2009, Malam Bacai SANHA was elected president, but he passed away in January 2012 from a long-term illness. In April 2012, a military coup prevented the second-round of the presidential election from taking place. Following mediation from the Economic Community of Western African States, a civilian transitional government assumed power. In 2014, Jose Mario VAZ was elected president after a free and fair election. In June 2019, VAZ became the first president in Guinea-Bissau’s history to complete a full presidential term. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO was elected president in December 2019, but he did not take office until February 2020 because of a prolonged challenge to the election results.For much of its history, Guinea-Bissau was under the control of the Mali Empire and the Kaabu Kingdom. In the 16th century, Portugal began establishing trading posts along Guinea-Bissau’s shoreline. Initially, the Portuguese were restricted to the coastline and islands. However, the slave and gold trades were lucrative to local African leaders, and the Portuguese were slowly able to expand their power and influence inland. Starting in the 18th century, the Mali Empire and Kingdom of Kaabu slowly disintegrated into smaller local entities. By the 19th century, Portugal had fully incorporated Guinea-Bissau into its empire. Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established General Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. VIEIRA's regime suppressed political opposition and purged political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In May 1999, a military mutiny and civil war led to VIEIRA's ouster. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA. In September 2003, a bloodless military coup overthrew YALA and installed businessman Henrique ROSA as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was reelected, pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. In June 2009, Malam Bacai SANHA was elected president, but he passed away in January 2012 from a long-term illness. In April 2012, a military coup prevented the second-round of the presidential election from taking place. Following mediation from the Economic Community of Western African States, a civilian transitional government assumed power. In 2014, Jose Mario VAZ was elected president after a free and fair election. In June 2019, VAZ became the first president in Guinea-Bissau’s history to complete a full presidential term. Umaro Sissoco EMBALO was elected president in December 2019, but he did not take office until February 2020 because of a prolonged challenge to the election results.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal Geographic coordinates: 12 00 N, 15 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 36,125 sq km land: 28,120 sq km water: 8,005 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut Land boundaries: total: 762 km border countries (2): Guinea 421 km; Senegal 341 km Coastline: 350 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Terrain: mostly low-lying coastal plain with a deeply indented estuarine coastline rising to savanna in east; numerous off-shore islands including the Arquipelago Dos Bijagos consisting of 18 main islands and many small islets Elevation: highest point: Dongol Ronde 277 m note - the Factbook map is incorrect; it shows the wrong location of the high elevation lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 70 m Natural resources: fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum Land use: agricultural land: 44.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 29.7% (2018 est.) forest: 55.2% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 250 sq km (2012) Major aquifers: Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin Population distribution: approximately one-fifth of the population lives in the capital city of Bissau along the Atlantic coast; the remainder is distributed among the eight other, mainly rural, regions as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires Geography - note: this small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland Map description: Guinea-Bissau map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean.Guinea-Bissau map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the North Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 2,026,778 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Bissau-Guinean(s) adjective: Bissau-Guinean Ethnic groups: Balanta 30%, Fulani 30%, Manjaco 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%, unspecified smaller ethnic groups 6% (2015 est.) Languages: Portuguese-based Creole, Portuguese (official; largely used as a second or third language), Pular (a Fula language), Mandingo Religions: Muslim 46.1%, folk religions 30.6%, Christian 18.9%, other or unaffiliated 4.4% (2020 est.) Demographic profile: Guinea-Bissau’s young and growing population is sustained by high fertility; approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Its large reproductive-age population and total fertility rate of more than 4 children per woman offsets the country’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. The latter is among the world’s highest because of the prevalence of early childbearing, a lack of birth spacing, the high percentage of births outside of health care facilities, and a shortage of medicines and supplies.Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, a civil war, and several coups (the latest in 2012) have resulted in a fragile state with a weak economy, high unemployment, rampant corruption, widespread poverty, and thriving drug and child trafficking. With the country lacking educational infrastructure, school funding and materials, and qualified teachers, and with the cultural emphasis placed on religious education, parents frequently send boys to study in residential Koranic schools (daaras) in Senegal and The Gambia. They often are extremely deprived and are forced into street begging or agricultural work by marabouts (Muslim religious teachers), who enrich themselves at the expense of the children. Boys who leave their marabouts often end up on the streets of Dakar or other large Senegalese towns and are vulnerable to even worse abuse.Some young men lacking in education and job prospects become involved in the flourishing international drug trade. Local drug use and associated violent crime are growing.Guinea-Bissau’s young and growing population is sustained by high fertility; approximately 60% of the population is under the age of 25. Its large reproductive-age population and total fertility rate of more than 4 children per woman offsets the country’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. The latter is among the world’s highest because of the prevalence of early childbearing, a lack of birth spacing, the high percentage of births outside of health care facilities, and a shortage of medicines and supplies.Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, a civil war, and several coups (the latest in 2012) have resulted in a fragile state with a weak economy, high unemployment, rampant corruption, widespread poverty, and thriving drug and child trafficking. With the country lacking educational infrastructure, school funding and materials, and qualified teachers, and with the cultural emphasis placed on religious education, parents frequently send boys to study in residential Koranic schools (daaras) in Senegal and The Gambia. They often are extremely deprived and are forced into street begging or agricultural work by marabouts (Muslim religious teachers), who enrich themselves at the expense of the children. Boys who leave their marabouts often end up on the streets of Dakar or other large Senegalese towns and are vulnerable to even worse abuse.Some young men lacking in education and job prospects become involved in the flourishing international drug trade. Local drug use and associated violent crime are growing. Age structure: 0-14 years: 43.17% (male 417,810/female 414,105) 15-24 years: 20.38% (male 192,451/female 200,370) 25-54 years: 30.24% (male 275,416/female 307,387) 55-64 years: 3.12% (male 29,549/female 30,661) 65 years and over: 3.08% (2020 est.) (male 25,291/female 34,064) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 81.2 youth dependency ratio: 76 elderly dependency ratio: 5.2 potential support ratio: 19.1 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 18 years male: 17.4 years female: 18.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.53% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 36.45 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 7.5 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -3.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: approximately one-fifth of the population lives in the capital city of Bissau along the Atlantic coast; the remainder is distributed among the eight other, mainly rural, regions as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 45% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 643,000 BISSAU (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 667 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 49.05 deaths/1,000 live births male: 54.84 deaths/1,000 live births female: 43.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.68 years male: 61.45 years female: 65.99 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.69 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 20.6% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 90.6% of population rural: 59.1% of population total: 73.1% of population unimproved: urban: 9.4% of population rural: 40.9% of population total: 26.9% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 8.4% (2019) Physicians density: 0.2 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 62.4% of population rural: 7.6% of population total: 31.8% of population unimproved: urban: 37.6% of population rural: 92.4% of population total: 68.2% of population (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 3% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 37,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,500 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea-Bissau is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 9.5% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 9% (2020 est.) male: 17% (2020 est.) female: 0.9% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 18.8% (2019) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 8.1% women married by age 18: 25.7% men married by age 18: 2.2% (2019 est.) Education expenditures: 2.9% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 59.9% male: 71.8% female: 48.3% (2015) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation (rampant felling of trees for timber and agricultural purposes); soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 27.12 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 0.29 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 1.46 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds Land use: agricultural land: 44.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 8.2% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 6.9% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 29.7% (2018 est.) forest: 55.2% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 45% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 9.24% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Guinea-Bissau is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 289,514 tons (2015 est.) Major aquifers: Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 34.1 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 11.9 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 144 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 31.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau local short form: Guine-Bissau former: Portuguese Guinea etymology: the country is named after the Guinea region of West Africa that lies along the Gulf of Guinea and stretches north to the Sahel; "Bissau," the name of the capital city, distinguishes the country from neighboring Guinea Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Bissau geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the meaning of Bissau is uncertain, it might be an alternative name for the Papel people who live in the area of the city of Bissau Administrative divisions: 9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama/Bijagos, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali Independence: 24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 24 September (1973) Constitution: history: promulgated 16 May 1984; note - constitution suspended following military coup April 2012, restored 2014; note - in May 2020, President EMBALO established a commission to draft a revised constitution amendments: proposed by the National People’s Assembly if supported by at least one third of its members, by the Council of State (a presidential consultant body), or by the government; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on the republican and secular form of government and national sovereignty cannot be amended; amended 1991, 1993, 1996 Legal system: mixed legal system of civil law, which incorporated Portuguese law at independence and influenced by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), African Francophone Public Law, and customary law International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Umaro Sissoko EMBALO (since 27 February 2020); note - President EMBALO was declared winner of the 29 December 2019 runoff presidential election by the electoral commission, in late February 2020, EMBALO inaugurated himself with only military leadership present, even though the Supreme Court of Justice had yet to rule on an electoral litigation appeal lodged by his political rival Domingos Simoes PEREIRA head of government: Prime Minister Nuno NABIAM (since 27 February 2020) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for up to 2 consecutive 5-year terms; election last held on 24 November 2019 with a runoff on 29 December 2019 (next to be held in 2024); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the National People's Assembly; note - the president cannot apply for a third consecutive term election results: Umaro Sissoco EMBALO elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Domingos Simoes PEREIRA (PAIGC) 40.1%, Umaro Sissoco EMBALO (Madem G15) 27.7%, Nuno Gomez NABIAM (APU-PDGB) 13.2%, Jose Mario VAZ (independent) 12.4%, other 6.6%; percent of vote in second round - Umaro Sissoco EMBALO 53.6%, Domingos Simoes PEREIRA 46.5% (2019) Legislative branch: description: unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (102 seats; 100 members directly elected in 27 multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote and 2 elected in single-seat constituencies for citizens living abroad (Africa 1, Europe 1 ); all members serve 4-year terms) elections: note: President dissolved parliament on 16 May 2022 and decreed new elections for 18 December 2022    last held on 10 March 2019 (next to be held in March 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 35.2%, Madem G-15 21.1%, PRS 21.1%, other 22.6%; seats by party - PAIGC 47, Madem G-15 27, PRS 21, other 7; composition - men 88, women 14, percent of women 13.7% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of 9 judges and organized into Civil, Criminal, and Social and Administrative Disputes Chambers); note - the Supreme Court has both appellate and constitutional jurisdiction judge selection and term of office: judges nominated by the Higher Council of the Magistrate, a major government organ responsible for judge appointments, dismissals, and judiciary discipline; judges appointed by the president for life subordinate courts: Appeals Court; regional (first instance) courts; military court Political parties and leaders: African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde or PAIGC [Domingos SIMOES PEREIRA] Democratic Convergence Party or PCD [Vicente FERNANDES] Movement for Democratic Alternation Group of 15 or MADEM-G15 [Braima CAMARA] National People’s Assembly – Democratic Party of Guinea Bissau or APU-PDGB [Nuno Gomes NABIAM] New Democracy Party or PND [Mamadu Iaia DJALO] Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Alberto NAMBEIA] Republican Party for Independence and Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES] Union for Change or UM [Agnelo REGALA] International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998; the US Ambassador to Senegal is accredited to Guinea-Bissau; US diplomatic representation in Guinea-Bissau is conducted through the US Embassy in Dakar and the Guinea-Bissau Liaison Office located in Bissau mailing address: 2080 Bissau Place, Washington DC  20521-2080 email address and website: dakarACS@state.gov https://gw.usmission.gov/ Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanaian flag National symbol(s): black star; national colors: red, yellow, green, black National anthem: name: "Esta e a Nossa Patria Bem Amada" (This Is Our Beloved Country) lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He note: adopted 1974; a delegation from then Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRAL, the leader of Guinea-Bissau's independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence Topic: Economy Economic overview: Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance. Two out of three Bissau-Guineans remain below the absolute poverty line. The legal economy is based on cashews and fishing. Illegal logging and trafficking in narcotics also play significant roles. The combination of limited economic prospects, weak institutions, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe.   Guinea-Bissau has substantial potential for development of mineral resources, including phosphates, bauxite, and mineral sands. Offshore oil and gas exploration has begun. The country’s climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashews generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities.   The government was deposed in August 2015, and since then, a political stalemate has resulted in weak governance and reduced donor support.   The country is participating in a three-year, IMF extended credit facility program that was suspended because of a planned bank bailout. The program was renewed in 2017, but the major donors of direct budget support (the EU, World Bank, and African Development Bank) have halted their programs indefinitely. Diversification of the economy remains a key policy goal, but Guinea-Bissau’s poor infrastructure and business climate will constrain this effort.Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance. Two out of three Bissau-Guineans remain below the absolute poverty line. The legal economy is based on cashews and fishing. Illegal logging and trafficking in narcotics also play significant roles. The combination of limited economic prospects, weak institutions, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe. Guinea-Bissau has substantial potential for development of mineral resources, including phosphates, bauxite, and mineral sands. Offshore oil and gas exploration has begun. The country’s climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashews generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities. The government was deposed in August 2015, and since then, a political stalemate has resulted in weak governance and reduced donor support. The country is participating in a three-year, IMF extended credit facility program that was suspended because of a planned bank bailout. The program was renewed in 2017, but the major donors of direct budget support (the EU, World Bank, and African Development Bank) have halted their programs indefinitely. Diversification of the economy remains a key policy goal, but Guinea-Bissau’s poor infrastructure and business climate will constrain this effort. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.64 billion (2020 est.) $3.73 billion (2019 est.) $3.56 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5.9% (2017 est.) 6.3% (2016 est.) 6.1% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $1,800 (2020 est.) $1,900 (2019 est.) $1,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $1.339 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.2% (2019 est.) 0.3% (2018 est.) 1.6% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 50% (2017 est.) industry: 13.1% (2017 est.) services: 36.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 83.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 12% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 4.1% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 26.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -26.5% (2017 est.) Agricultural products: rice, cashew nuts, roots/tubers nes, oil palm fruit, plantains, cassava, groundnuts, vegetables, coconuts, fruit Industries: agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks Industrial production growth rate: 2.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 731,300 (2013 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 82% industry and services: 18% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: NANA Population below poverty line: 67% (2015 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 50.7 (2010 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% highest 10%: 28% (2002) Budget: revenues: 246.2 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 263.5 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 53.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 57.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$27 million (2017 est.) $16 million (2016 est.) Exports: $290 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $380 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: India 50%, Belgium 28%, Cote d'Ivoire 8% (2019) Exports - commodities: cashews, gold, fish, lumber, aluminum ores (2019) Imports: $500 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $460 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Portugal 31%, Senegal 20%, China 10%, Netherlands 7%, Pakistan 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, rice, wheat products, soups/broths, malt extract (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $356.4 million (31 December 2017 est.) $349.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $1.095 billion (31 December 2010 est.) $941.5 million (31 December 2000 est.) Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 605.3 (2017 est.) 593.01 (2016 est.) 593.01 (2015 est.) 591.45 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 28% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 56% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 7% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 28,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 76.458 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 6 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 97.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 2,200 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 2,625 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 342,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 342,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 2.46 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1,913,858 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile cellular communications; 2 mobile network operators; one of the poorest countries in the world and this is reflected in the country's telecommunications development; radio is the most important source of information for the public (2020) domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile cellular teledensity is just over 97 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 245; ACE submarine cable connecting Guinea-Bissau with 20 landing points in Western and South Africa and Europe (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station, Televisao da Guine-Bissau (TGB) and a second station, Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP) Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster (RTP); 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2019) Internet country code: .gw Internet users: total: 452,640 (2020 est.) percent of population: 23% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,383 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: J5 Airports: total: 8 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 3 (2021) Roadways: total: 4,400 km (2018) paved: 453 km (2018) unpaved: 3,947 km (2018) Waterways: 1,367 km (2022) major rivers Geba- 550km, Corubal 560 km, Cacheu 257 km (rivers are partially navigable; many inlets and creeks provide shallow-water access to much of interior) Merchant marine: total: 8 by type: general cargo 5, other 3 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force Ministry of Internal Administration: Guard Nacional (a gendarmerie force), Public Order Police, Border Police, Rapid Intervention Police, Maritime Police (2022) note: the Public Order Police is responsible for maintaining law and order, while the Judicial Police, under the Ministry of Justice, has primary responsibility for investigating drug trafficking, terrorism, and other transnational crimes Military expenditures: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.9% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $50 million) 1.7% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $45 million) 1.7% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $45 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 4,000 total active troops, including a few hundred air and naval personnel (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FARP is poorly armed with an inventory consisting of Soviet-era equipment, much of which is reportedly unserviceable; the only reported deliveries of military equipment since 2015 were patrol boats from Spain in 2017 and non-lethal equipment from China in 2015; Guinea-Bissau has also discussed acquiring military equipment with Indonesia (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger, with parental consent, for voluntary service (2022) Military - note: from 2012-2020, the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) deployed a security force to Guinea-Bissau to manage the post-coup transition, including protecting key political figures and public buildings, restoring civil institutions, and re-establishing the rule of law; at the height of the deployment, the force, known as the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB), deployed nearly 700 military and police personnel from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Senegal (2022) Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: a longstanding low-grade conflict continues in parts of Casamance, in Senegal across the border; some rebels use Guinea-Bissau as a safe havena longstanding low-grade conflict continues in parts of Casamance, in Senegal across the border; some rebels use Guinea-Bissau as a safe haven Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 7,757 (Senegal) (2022) Trafficking in persons: current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a country of origin and destination for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; the scope of the problem of trafficking women or men for forced labor or forced prostitution is unknown; boys reportedly were transported to southern Senegal for forced manual and agricultural labor; girls may be subjected to forced domestic service and child prostitution in Senegal and Guinea; both boys and girls are forced to work as street vendors in cities in Guinea-Bissau and Senegal tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Guinea-Bissau does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; efforts include identifying forced child begging victims, cooperating with Moroccan authorities on international crime investigations, and approving a new action plan; yet, the government has not convicted a trafficker, identified fewer trafficking victims, and lacked resources or the political will to fight trafficking or to enact its action plan, which would meet minimum standards; Guinea-Bissau was granted a waiver under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from downgrade to Tier 3 (2020) Illicit drugs: important transit country for South American cocaine en route to Europe; enabling environment for trafficker operations due to pervasive corruption; archipelago-like geography near the capital facilitates drug smuggling
20220901
countries-austria-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Austria. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days. US Embassy/Consulate: [43] (1) 31339-0; US Embassy in Austria, Boltzmanngasse 16, 1090 Vienna, Austria; https://at.usembassy.gov/; ConsulateVienna@state.gov Telephone Code: 43 Local Emergency Phone: 112, 122 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers Currency (Code): Euro (EUR) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F Major Languages: German, Turkish, Serbian, Croatian Major Religions: Catholic 57%, Eastern Orthodox 8.7%, Muslim 7.9%, Evangelical Christian 3.3% 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: Vienna Hofburg; Salzburg Altstadt; Innsbruck's Hofburg and Hofkirche; Melk Benedictine Abbey; Austrian National Library; Karlskirche (St. Charles Borromeo Church); UN Office in Vienna; Shoenbrunn Palace; Salzkammergut (includes Hallstatt and Dachstein); Skiing at Kitzbuehel and Kitzbueheler Horn; prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps Major Sports: Soccer, alpine skiing, ice hockey Cultural Practices: While some Austrian men will kiss the hand of a female as a greeting, it would be improper for a foreigner to kiss the hands of Austrian females. Tipping Guidelines: It is customary to round up and leave the change at restaurants for the server. Taxi drivers usually receive an extra 10% over the meter fare. Porters or bellhops should receive up to 1 euro per bag. Souvenirs: Handbags, crystal, porcelain, winter sports equipment, bronze and Hummel figurines, carved Nativity scenes featuring Alpine villagesPlease 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-uganda
Topic: CIA.gov has changed . . .If you arrived at this page using a bookmark or favorites link, please update it accordingly.Please use the search form or the links below to find the information you seek.Thank you for visiting CIA.gov.The CIA Web Team
20220901
central-asia
20220901
countries-guernsey
Topic: Photos of Guernsey Topic: Introduction Background: Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Duchy of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. The Bailiwick of Guernsey consists of the main island of Guernsey and a number of smaller islands including Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, and Lihou. The Bailiwick is a self-governing British Crown dependency that is not part of the UK. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France Geographic coordinates: 49 28 N, 2 35 W Map references: Europe Area: total: 78 sq km land: 78 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands Area - comparative: about one-half the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 50 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast Terrain: mostly flat with low hills in southwest Elevation: highest point: Le Moulin on Sark 114 m lowest point: English Channel 0 m Natural resources: cropland Irrigated land: NA Natural hazards: very large tidal variation and fast currents can make local waters dangerous Geography - note: large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port Map description: Guernsey map showing the islands that make up this British crown dependency in the English Channel.  Guernsey map showing the islands that make up this British crown dependency in the English Channel.  Topic: People and Society Population: 67,491 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel Islander Ethnic groups: Guernsey 53.1%, UK and Ireland 23.9%, Portugal 2.2%, Latvia 1.5%, other Europe 2.8%, other 4.4%, unspecified 11.4% (2020 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth; the native population is of British and Norman-French descent Languages: English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts Religions: Protestant (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist), Roman Catholic Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.5% (male 5,008/female 4,712) 15-24 years: 10.58% (male 3,616/female 3,476) 25-54 years: 40.73% (male 13,821/female 13,492) 55-64 years: 13.96% (male 4,635/female 4,728) 65 years and over: 20.23% (2020 est.) (male 6,229/female 7,335) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 49 youth dependency ratio: 22.3 elderly dependency ratio: 26.7 potential support ratio: 3.7 (2020 est.) note: data represent Guernsey and Jersey Median age: total: 44.3 years male: 43 years female: 45.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.23% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 9.75 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 9.17 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 31.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Guernsey and Jersey Major urban areas - population: 16,000 SAINT PETER PORT (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.36 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.85 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.23 years male: 80.52 years female: 86.07 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.58 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: total: 94.2% of population unimproved: total: 5.9% of population (2017 est.) note: includes data for Jersey Current Health Expenditure: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 98% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 1.2% of population (2017) note: data represent Guernsey and Jersey HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: coastal erosion, coastal flooding; declining biodiversity due to land abandonment and succession to scrub or woodland Climate: temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast Urbanization: urban population: 31.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Guernsey and Jersey Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 178,933 tons (2016 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 50,871 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 28.4% (2016 est.) note: data include combined totals for Guernsey and Jersey. Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey conventional short form: Guernsey former: Norman Isles etymology: the name is of Old Norse origin, but the meaning of the root "Guern(s)" is uncertain; the "-ey" ending means "island" Government type: parliamentary democracy (States of Deliberation) Dependency status: British crown dependency Capital: name: Saint Peter Port geographic coordinates: 49 27 N, 2 32 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: Saint Peter Port is the name of the town and its surrounding parish; the "port" distinguishes this parish from that of Saint Peter on the other side of the island Administrative divisions: none (British Crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 10 parishes: Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint Saviour, Torteval, Vale note: two additional parishes for Guernsey are sometimes listed - Saint Anne on the island of Alderney and Saint Peter on the island of Sark - but they are generally not included in the enumeration of parishes Independence: none (British Crown dependency) National holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945) Constitution: history: unwritten; includes royal charters, statutes, and common law and practice amendments: new laws or changes to existing laws are initiated by the States of Deliberation; passage requires majority vote; many laws have been passed; in 2019, 60 laws were passed Legal system: customary legal system based on Norman customary law; includes elements of the French civil code and English common law Citizenship: see United Kingdom Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Ian CORDER (since 14 March 2016) head of government: Chief Minister Peter FERBRACHE (since 16 October 2020); Bailiff Richard MCMAHON (since 11 May 2020); note - the chief minister is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee and is the de facto head of government; the Policy and Resources Committee, elected by the States of Deliberation, functions as the executive; the 5 members all have equal voting rights cabinet: none elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor and bailiff appointed by the monarch; chief minister, who is the president of the Policy and Resources Committee indirectly elected by the States of Deliberation for a 4-year term; last held on 6 May 2016 (next to be held in June 2020) election results: Gavin ST PIER (independent) elected president of the Policy and Resources Committee and chief minister Legislative branch: description: unicameral States of Deliberation (40 seats; 38 People's Deputies and 2 representatives of the States of Alderney; members directly elected by majority vote to serve 4-year terms); note - non-voting members include the bailiff (presiding officer), attorney-general, and solicitor-general elections: last held on 7 October 2020 (next to be held in June 2025) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 38; composition - men 32, women 8, percent of women 20% Judicial branch: highest courts: Guernsey Court of Appeal (consists of the Bailiff of Guernsey, who is the ex-officio president of the Guernsey Court of Appeal, and at least 12 judges); Royal Court (organized into 3 divisions - Full Court sits with 1 judge and 7 to 12 jurats acting as judges of fact, Ordinary Court sits with 1 judge and normally 3 jurats, and Matrimonial Causes Division sits with 1 judge and 4 jurats); note - appeals beyond Guernsey courts are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: Royal Court Bailiff, Deputy Bailiff, and Court of Appeal justices appointed by the British Crown and hold office at Her Majesty's pleasure; jurats elected by the States of Election, a body chaired by the Bailiff and a number of jurats subordinate courts: Court of Alderney; Court of the Seneschal of Sark; Magistrates' Court (includes Juvenile Court); Contracts Court; Ecclesiastical Court; Court of Chief Pleas Political parties and leaders: none; all independents International organization participation: UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (British crown dependency) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (British crown dependency) Flag description: white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 National symbol(s): Guernsey cow, donkey; national colors: red, white, yellow National anthem: name: "Sarnia Cherie" (Guernsey Dear) lyrics/music: George DEIGHTON/Domencio SANTANGELO note: adopted 1911; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Financial services accounted for about 21% of employment and about 32% of total income in 2016 in this tiny, prosperous Channel Island economy. Construction, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Financial services, professional services, tourism, retail, and the public sector have been growing. Light tax and death duties make Guernsey a popular offshore financial center. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $3.465 billion (2015 est.) $3.451 billion (2014 est.) $3.42 billion (2013 est.) note: data are in 2015 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 0.4% (2015 est.) 1.2% (2014 est.) 4.2% (2012 est.) Real GDP per capita: $52,500 (2014 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $2.742 billion (2005 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (June 2006 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 3% (2000) industry: 10% (2000) services: 87% (2000) Agricultural products: tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle Industries: tourism, banking Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 31,470 (March 2006) Unemployment rate: 1.2% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 563.6 million (2005) expenditures: 530.9 million (2005 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 1.2% (of GDP) (2005) Taxes and other revenues: 20.6% (of GDP) (2005) Fiscal year: calendar year Exports: NANA Exports - commodities: tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables Imports: NANA Imports - commodities: coal, gasoline, oil, machinery, and equipment Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: Guernsey pound per US dollar 0.7836 (2017 est.) 0.738 (2016 est.) 0.738 (2015) 0.6542 (2014) 0.607 (2013) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 33,940 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 54 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 43,824 (2009 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 79 (2009 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: high performance global connections with quality service; connections to major cities around the world to rival and attract future investment and future needs of islanders and businesses (2018) domestic: fixed-line 54 per 100 and mobile-cellular 114 per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 44; landing points for Guernsey-Jersey, HUGO, INGRID, Channel Islands -9 Liberty and UK-Channel Islands-7 submarine cable to UK and France (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: multiple UK terrestrial TV broadcasts are received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey and 1 other radio station operating Internet country code: .gg Internet users: total: 54,726 (2019 est.) percent of population: 84% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 25,336 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 40 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) (registered in UK) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 9 (registered in UK) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 2 Airports: total: 2 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 260 km (2017) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Braye Bay, Saint Peter Port Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: nonenone
20220901
countries-aruba-summaries
Topic: Introduction Background: Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. 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.Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. 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: Geography Area: total: 180 sq km land: 180 sq km water: 0 sq km Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Natural resources: NEGL; white sandy beaches foster tourism Topic: People and Society Population: 122,320 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Aruban 66%, Colombian 9.1%, Dutch 4.3%, Dominican 4.1%, Venezuelan 3.2%, Curacaoan 2.2%, Haitian 1.5%, Surinamese 1.2%, Peruvian 1.1%, Chinese 1.1%, other 6.2% (2010 est.) Languages: Papiamento (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.) Religions: Roman 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.) Population growth rate: 1.14% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary democracy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Capital: name: Oranjestad Executive branch: chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Alfonso BOEKHOUDT (since 1 January 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Evelyn WEVER-CROES (since 17 November 2017) Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: small, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinerysmall, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinery Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $4.05 billion (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $38,442 (2017 est.) Agricultural products: aloes; livestock; fish Industries: tourism, petroleum transshipment facilities, banking Exports: $1.45 billion (2020 est.) Exports - partners: Malaysia 57%, United States 11%, Netherlands 6%, Jordan 6%, Venezuela 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, liquors, scrap iron, soap, tobacco (2019) Imports: $1.67 billion (2020 est.) Imports - partners: United States 48%, Netherlands 16% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, jewelry, cars, vehicle parts, tobacco products (2019) Exchange rates: Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar -Page last updated: Wednesday, May 11, 2022
20220901
countries-bangladesh-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, 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. US Embassy/Consulate: [880] (2) 5566-2000; US Embassy in Dhaka, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka -1212, Bangladesh; https://bd.usembassy.gov/; DhakaACS@state.gov Telephone Code: 880 Local Emergency Phone: Police, Fire and Ambulance: 999; various government services: 333 Vaccinations: Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are required; hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies vaccinations recommended. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever and are older than one year of age. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October) Currency (Code): Takas (BDT) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C, D, G, K Major Languages: Bengali Major Religions: Muslim 81.1%, Hindu 10% Time Difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Cox's bazaar; Saint Martin’ Island; Teknaf Sea Beach; Nilachal Bandarban; Sundarbans; Somapura Mahavihara (ruins of the Buddhist Vihara at Paharpur) Major Sports: Kabaddi (contact team sport played between two teams of seven players each), cricket Cultural Practices: Many young Bangladeshis will touch the feet of an elder as a respectful greeting, but this is not necessarily expected of foreigners. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is very uncommon and may be seen as ostentatious. Taxi fares may be rounded up and left with the driver as a tip, and 20-30 takas a day is common for hotel staff. Souvenirs: Pink pearls, mother-of-pearl jewelry, hand-loomed fabrics, silk, carved masks, leather goods, folk dolls Traditional Cuisine: Ilish macher paturi — rice and Ilish fish marinated with ground spices and wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or roastedPlease 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-cayman-islands
Topic: Photos of Cayman Islands Topic: Introduction Background: The 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica Geographic coordinates: 19 30 N, 80 30 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 264 sq km land: 264 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 160 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs Elevation: highest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism Land use: agricultural land: 11.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.3% (2018 est.) forest: 52.9% (2018 est.) other: 35.9% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: NA Population distribution: majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman Natural hazards: hurricanes (July to November) Geography - note: important location between Cuba and Central America Map description: Cayman Islands map showing the islands that comprise the UK territory in the Caribbean Sea.Cayman Islands map showing the islands that comprise the UK territory in the Caribbean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 64,309 (2022 est.) note: most of the population lives on Grand Cayman Nationality: noun: Caymanian(s) adjective: Caymanian Ethnic groups: mixed 40%, White 20%, African descent 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20% Languages: English (official) 90.9%, Spanish 4%, Filipino 3.3%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.) Religions: Protestant 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.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 40.5 years male: 39.7 years female: 41.2 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.83% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 11.69 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.97 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 12.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US Population distribution: majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 35,000 GEORGE TOWN (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 7.65 deaths/1,000 live births male: 9.26 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.01 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 82.04 years male: 79.35 years female: 84.79 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 97.4% of population total: 97.4% of population unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population total: 2.6% of population (2015 est.) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 95.6% of population total: 95.6% of population unimproved: urban: 4.4% of population total: 4.4% of population (2015 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: NA Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.8% male: 16.4% female: 11.4% (2015 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: no natural freshwater resources; drinking water supplies are met by reverse osmosis desalination plants and rainwater catchment; trash washing up on the beaches or being deposited there by residents; no recycling or waste treatment facilities; deforestation (trees being cut down to create space for commercial use) Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 0.55 megatons (2016 est.) Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Land use: agricultural land: 11.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 8.3% (2018 est.) forest: 52.9% (2018 est.) other: 35.9% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 60,000 tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 12,600 tons (2013 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 21% (2013 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cayman Islands etymology: the islands' name comes from the native Carib word "caiman," describing the marine crocodiles living there Government type: parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Capital: name: George Town (on Grand Cayman) geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named after English King George III (1738-1820) Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, West Bay Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK) National holiday: Constitution Day, the first Monday in July (1959) Constitution: history: several previous; latest approved 10 June 2009, entered into force 6 November 2009 (The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009) amendments: amended 2016, 2020 Legal system: English common law and local statutes Citizenship: see United Kingdom Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Martyn ROPER (since 29 October 2018) head of government: Premier Wayne PANTON (since 21 April 2021) cabinet: Cabinet selected from the Parliament and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition appointed premier by the governor Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament (21 seats; 19 members directly elected by majority vote and 2 ex officio members - the deputy governor and attorney general - appointed by the governor; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 14 April 2021 (next to be held on 2025) election results: percent of vote by party - independent 79.1%, PPM 19.6%; seats by party - independent 12, PPM 7; composition of elected members - men 15, women 4, percent of women 21.1%; ex-officio members - men 2 Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); Grand Court (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Grand Court judges appointed by the governor on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an 8-member independent body consisting of governor appointees, Court of Appeal president, and attorneys; Court of Appeal judges' tenure based on their individual instruments of appointment; Grand Court judges normally appointed until retirement at age 65 but can be extended until age 70 subordinate courts: Summary Court Political parties and leaders: Cayman Islands Peoples Party or CIPP [Ezzard MILLER] People's Progressive Movement or PPM [Roy McTAGGART] International organization participation: Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica Flag description: a blue field with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a crest with a pineapple, representing the connection with Jamaica, and a turtle, representing Cayman's seafaring tradition, above a shield bearing a golden lion, symbolizing Great Britain, below which are three green stars (representing the three islands) surmounting white and blue wavy lines representing the sea; a scroll below the shield bears the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS National symbol(s): green sea turtle National anthem: name: "Beloved Isle Cayman" lyrics/music: Leila E. ROSS note: adopted 1993; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930; as a territory of the United Kingdom, in addition to the local anthem, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 65,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2017, including more than 280 banks, 700 insurers, and 10,500 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Nearly 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy a standard of living comparable to that of Switzerland.   Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 2.1 million in 2016, with more than three-quarters from the US.With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 65,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 2017, including more than 280 banks, 700 insurers, and 10,500 mutual funds. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. Nearly 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy a standard of living comparable to that of Switzerland. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 2.1 million in 2016, with more than three-quarters from the US. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $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.) Real GDP growth rate: 1.7% (2014 est.) 1.2% (2013 est.) 1.6% (2012 est.) Real GDP per capita: $73,600 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $71,800 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $69,573 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $2.25 billion (2008 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2% (2017 est.) -0.6% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: Aa3 (1997) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.3% (2017 est.) industry: 7.4% (2017 est.) services: 92.3% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture Industrial production growth rate: 2.2% (2017 est.) Labor force: 39,000 (2007 est.) note: nearly 55% are non-nationals Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 1.9% industry: 19.1% services: 79% (2008 est.) Unemployment rate: 4% (2008) 4.4% (2004) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 13.8% male: 16.4% female: 11.4% (2015 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 874.5 million (2017 est.) expenditures: 766.6 million (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 4.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 38.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: -$492.6 million (2017 est.) -$493.5 million (2016 est.) Exports: $4.13 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.96 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Netherlands 82%, Spain 11% (2019) Exports - commodities: recreational boats, gold, broadcasting equipment, sulfates, collector's items (2019) Imports: $2.7 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Imports - partners: Netherlands 56%, United States 18%, Italy 8%, Switzerland 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: recreational boats, ships, gold, refined petroleum, cars (2019) Exchange rates: Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - 0.82 (2017 est.) 0.82 (2016 est.) 0.82 (2015 est.) 0.82 (2014 est.) 0.83 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 174,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 655.165 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 40 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 97.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 5,500 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 4,285 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: 808,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 808,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 175.578 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 36,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 55 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 100,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 152 (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: introduction of competition in the mobile-cellular market in 2004 boosted subscriptions; nearly 55 per 100 fixed-line and 153 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 1-345; landing points for the Maya-1, Deep Blue Cable, and the Cayman-Jamaica Fiber System submarine cables that provide links to the US and parts of Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 4 TV stations; cable and satellite subscription services offer a variety of international programming; government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5 stations; 10 privately owned radio stations operate alongside Radio Cayman Internet country code: .ky Internet users: total: 53,233 (2020 est.) percent of population: 81% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 3,200 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 6 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VP-C Airports: total: 3 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012) Roadways: total: 785 km (2007) paved: 785 km (2007) Merchant marine: total: 160 by type: bulk carrier 32, container ship 1, general cargo 1, oil tanker 23, other 103 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Cayman Brac, George Town Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: nonenone Illicit drugs: major offshore financial center vulnerable to drug trafficking money laundering  major offshore financial center vulnerable to drug trafficking money laundering 
20220901
countries-saint-helena-ascension-and-tristan-da-cunha
Topic: Photos of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha Topic: Introduction Background: 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.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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: islands 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 Geographic coordinates: Saint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W; Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W; Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 WSaint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W; Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W; Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 394 sq km land: 122 sq km Saint Helena Island water: 0 sq km 88 sq km Ascension Island, 184 sq km Tristan da Cunha island group (includes Tristan (98 sq km), Inaccessible, Nightingale, and Gough islands) Area - comparative: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: Saint Helena: 60 km Ascension Island: NA Tristan da Cunha (island only): 34 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid; Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid; Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena) Terrain: the islands of this group are of volcanic origin associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean RidgeSaint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains; Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; terrain rises to the east; Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffsthe islands of this group are of volcanic origin associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean RidgeSaint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains; Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; terrain rises to the east; Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffs Elevation: highest 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 Natural resources: fish, lobster Land use: agricultural land: 30.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.5% (2018 est.) forest: 5.1% (2018 est.) other: 64.1% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Population distribution: Saint Helena - population is concentrated in and around the capital Jamestown in the northwest, with another significant cluster in the interior Longwood area; Ascension - largest settlement, and location of most of the population, is Georgetown; Tristan da Cunha - most of the nearly 300 inhabitants live in the northern coastal town of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas Natural hazards: active volcanism on Tristan da Cunhavolcanism: the island volcanoes of Tristan da Cunha (2,060 m) and Nightingale Island (365 m) experience volcanic activity; Tristan da Cunha erupted in 1962 and Nightingale in 2004active volcanism on Tristan da Cunhavolcanism: the island volcanoes of Tristan da Cunha (2,060 m) and Nightingale Island (365 m) experience volcanic activity; Tristan da Cunha erupted in 1962 and Nightingale in 2004 Geography - note: Saint Helena harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown elsewhere in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns; Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes around southern Africa Map description: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha map showing the various islands that comprise this UK territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha map showing the various islands that comprise this UK territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 7,925 (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 Nationality: noun: Saint Helenian(s) adjective: Saint Helenian note: referred to locally as "Saints" Ethnic groups: African descent 50%, White 25%, Chinese 25% Languages: English Religions: Protestant 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 Demographic profile: The vast majority of the population of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha live on Saint Helena. Ascension has no indigenous or permanent residents and is inhabited only by persons contracted to work on the island (mainly with the UK and US military or in the space and communications industries) or their dependents, while Tristan da Cunha – the main island in a small archipelago – has fewer than 300 residents. The population of Saint Helena consists of the descendants of 17th century British sailors and settlers from the East India Company, African slaves, and indentured servants and laborers from India, Indonesia, and China. Most of the population of Ascension are Saint Helenians, Britons, and Americans, while that of Tristan da Cunha descends from shipwrecked sailors and Saint Helenians.Change in Saint Helena’s population size is driven by net outward migration. Since the 1980s, Saint Helena’s population steadily has shrunk and aged as the birth rate has decreased and many working-age residents left for better opportunities elsewhere. The restoration of British citizenship in 2002 accelerated family emigration; from 1998 to 2008 alone, population declined by about 20%.In the last few years, population has experienced some temporary growth, as foreigners and returning Saint Helenians, have come to build an international airport, but numbers are beginning to fade as the project reaches completion and workers depart. In the long term, once the airport is fully operational, increased access to the remote island has the potential to boost tourism and fishing, provide more jobs for Saint Helenians domestically, and could encourage some ex-patriots to return home. In the meantime, however, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha have to contend with the needs of an aging population. The elderly population of the islands has risen from an estimated 9.4% in 1998 to 20.4% in 2016.The vast majority of the population of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha live on Saint Helena. Ascension has no indigenous or permanent residents and is inhabited only by persons contracted to work on the island (mainly with the UK and US military or in the space and communications industries) or their dependents, while Tristan da Cunha – the main island in a small archipelago – has fewer than 300 residents. The population of Saint Helena consists of the descendants of 17th century British sailors and settlers from the East India Company, African slaves, and indentured servants and laborers from India, Indonesia, and China. Most of the population of Ascension are Saint Helenians, Britons, and Americans, while that of Tristan da Cunha descends from shipwrecked sailors and Saint Helenians.Change in Saint Helena’s population size is driven by net outward migration. Since the 1980s, Saint Helena’s population steadily has shrunk and aged as the birth rate has decreased and many working-age residents left for better opportunities elsewhere. The restoration of British citizenship in 2002 accelerated family emigration; from 1998 to 2008 alone, population declined by about 20%.In the last few years, population has experienced some temporary growth, as foreigners and returning Saint Helenians, have come to build an international airport, but numbers are beginning to fade as the project reaches completion and workers depart. In the long term, once the airport is fully operational, increased access to the remote island has the potential to boost tourism and fishing, provide more jobs for Saint Helenians domestically, and could encourage some ex-patriots to return home. In the meantime, however, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha have to contend with the needs of an aging population. The elderly population of the islands has risen from an estimated 9.4% in 1998 to 20.4% in 2016. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 43.2 years male: 43.2 years female: 43.3 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.13% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 9.34 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.08 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: Saint Helena - population is concentrated in and around the capital Jamestown in the northwest, with another significant cluster in the interior Longwood area; Ascension - largest settlement, and location of most of the population, is Georgetown; Tristan da Cunha - most of the nearly 300 inhabitants live in the northern coastal town of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas Urbanization: urban population: 40.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1,000 JAMESTOWN (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 19.19 deaths/1,000 live births male: 23.05 deaths/1,000 live births female: 15.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 80.48 years male: 77.58 years female: 83.51 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.1% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.9% of population (2020) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) 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: development threatens unique biota on Saint Helena Climate: Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid; Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds; Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid; Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena) Land use: agricultural land: 30.8% (2018 est.) arable land: 10.3% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 20.5% (2018 est.) forest: 5.1% (2018 est.) other: 64.1% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 40.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha conventional short form: none etymology: Saint Helena was discovered in 1502 by Galician navigator Joao da NOVA, sailing in the service of the Kingdom of Portugal, who named it "Santa Helena"; Ascension was named in 1503 by Portuguese navigator Afonso de ALBUQUERQUE who sighted the island on the Feast Day of the Ascension; Tristan da Cunha was discovered in 1506 by Portuguese explorer Tristao da CUNHA who christened the main island after himself (the name was subsequently anglicized) Government type: parliamentary democracy Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Capital: name: Jamestown geographic coordinates: 15 56 S, 5 43 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: founded in 1659 and named after James, Duke of York, who would become King James II of England (r. 1785-1788) Administrative divisions: 3 administrative areas; Ascension, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK) National holiday: Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, third Monday in April (1926) Constitution: history: several previous; latest effective 1 September 2009 (St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order 2009) Legal system: English common law and local statutes Citizenship: see United Kingdom Suffrage: 18 years of age Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Governor Nigel Phillips (since 13 August 2022) cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council elections/appointments: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch note: the constitution order provides for an administrator for Ascension and Tristan da Cunha appointed by the governor Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Council (17 seats including the speaker and deputy speaker; 12 members directly elected in a single countrywide constituency by simple majority vote and 3 ex-officio members - the chief secretary, financial secretary, and attorney general; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 13 October 2021 (next to be held in 2025) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats by party - independent 12; composition - men 14, women 3, percent women 17.6% note: the Constitution Order provides for separate Island Councils for both Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 2 justices); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice - a nonresident - and NA judges); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor acting upon the instructions from a secretary of state acting on behalf of Queen ELIZABETH II; justices of both courts serve until retirement at age 70, but terms can be extended subordinate courts: Magistrates' Court; Small Claims Court; Juvenile Court Political parties and leaders: none International organization participation: UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK) Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the upper third of the shield depicts a white plover (wire bird) on a yellow field; the remainder of the shield depicts a rocky coastline on the left, offshore is a three-masted sailing ship with sails furled but flying an English flag National symbol(s): Saint Helena plover (bird) National anthem: note: as a territory of the UK, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)note: as a territory of the UK, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: The economy depends largely on financial assistance from the UK, which amounted to about $27 million in FY06/07 or more than twice the level of annual budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from fishing, raising livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek employment on Ascension Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $31.1 million (2009 est.) Real GDP growth rate: NANA Real GDP per capita: $7,800 (FY09/10 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (2012 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA Agricultural products: coffee, corn, potatoes, vegetables; fish, lobster; livestock; timber Industries: construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, collectible postage stamps Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 2,486 (1998 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 6% industry: 48% services: 46% (1987 est.) Unemployment rate: 14% (1998 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 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 Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Exports: $19 million (2004 est.) Exports - partners: United States 47%, Japan 12%, South Korea 10%, France 9%, Australia 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: crustaceans, fish, integrated circuits, air conditioners, clothing and apparel (2019) Imports: $20.53 million (2010 est.) Imports - partners: United Kingdom 65%, South Africa 21% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cranes, communion wafers, iron sheeting, cars and vehicle parts (2019) Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: Saint Helenian pounds (SHP) per US dollar - 0.7836 (2017 est.) 0.6542 (2016 est.) 0.6542 (2015) 0.607 (2014 est.) 0.6391 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity: installed generating capacity: 8,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 6.809 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.688 million kWh (2019 est.) 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: 100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 65 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: 13,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 13,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 3,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 50 (2018 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 4,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 67 (2019 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: capability to communicate worldwide; ADSL- broadband service; LTE coverage of 95% of population, includes voice calls, text messages, mobile data as well as inbound and outbound roaming; Wi-Fi hotspots in Jamestown, 1 ISP, many services are not offered locally but made available for visitors; some sun outages due to the reliance of international telephone and Internet communication relying on single satellite link (2020) domestic: automatic digital network; fixed-line roughly 50 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 67 per 100 persons (2019) international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island) - 247; landing point for the SaEx1 submarine cable providing connectivity to South Africa, Brazil, Virginia Beach (US) and islands in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4, Saint Helena - 1) (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: Saint Helena has no local TV station; 2 local radio stations, one of which is relayed to Ascension Island; satellite TV stations rebroadcast terrestrially; Ascension Island has no local TV station but has 1 local radio station and receives relays of broadcasts from 1 radio station on Saint Helena; broadcasts from the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) are available, as well as TV services for the US military; Tristan da Cunha has 1 local radio station and receives BFBS TV and radio broadcasts Internet country code: .sh; note - Ascension Island assigned .ac Internet users: total: 2,302 (2019 est.) percent of population: 38% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2020 est.) Communications - note: Ascension 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)); South Africa maintains a meteorological station on Gough Island in the Tristan da Cunha archipelago Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VQ-H Airports: total: 2 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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 Roadways: total: 198 km (2002) (Saint Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 20 km) paved: 168 km (2002) (Saint Helena 118 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km) unpaved: 30 km (2002) (Saint Helena 20 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Saint Helena Saint Helena: Jamestown Ascension Island: Georgetown Tristan da Cunha: Calshot Harbor (Edinburgh) Transportation - note: the new airport on Saint Helena opened for limited operations in July 2016, and the first commercial flight took place on 14 October 2017, marking the start of weekly air service between Saint Helena and South Africa via Namibia; the military airport on Ascension Island is closed to civilian traffic; there is no air connection to Tristan da Cunha and very limited sea connections making it one of the most isolated communities on the planet Topic: Military and Security Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified
20220901
references-definitions-and-notes
Topic: Abbreviations Topic: Acronyms Topic: Administrative divisions Topic: Age structure Topic: Agricultural products Topic: Air pollutantsThis 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: Airports Topic: Airports - with paved runways Topic: Airports - with unpaved runways Topic: Appendixes Topic: Area Topic: Area - comparative
20220901
countries-gibraltar
Topic: Photos of Gibraltar Topic: Introduction Background: 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. 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. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain Geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W Map references: Europe Area: total: 7 sq km land: 6.5 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, D.C. Land boundaries: total: 1.2 km border countries (1): Spain 1.2 km Coastline: 12 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm Climate: Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers Terrain: a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar Elevation: highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m Natural resources: none Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: NA Natural hazards: occasional droughts; no streams or large bodies of water on the peninsula (all potable water comes from desalination) Geography - note: note 1: strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea note 2: one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being the island of Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territorynote 1: strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Seanote 2: one of only two British territories where traffic drives on the right, the other being the island of Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory Map description: Gibraltar map showing major populated areas and significant features on this UK peninsular territory that projects into the Mediterranean Sea.Gibraltar map showing major populated areas and significant features on this UK peninsular territory that projects into the Mediterranean Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 29,573 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Gibraltarian(s) adjective: Gibraltar Ethnic groups: Gibraltarian 79%, other British 13.2%, Spanish 2.1%, Moroccan 1.6%, other EU 2.4%, other 1.6% (2012 est.) note: data represent population by nationality Languages: English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese Religions: Roman 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.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 35.5 years male: 34.4 years female: 36.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.19% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 13.93 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.76 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -3.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.) Major urban areas - population: 35,000 GIBRALTAR (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: 1.05 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.79 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.25 deaths/1,000 live births male: 7.06 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 80.42 years male: 77.58 years female: 83.41 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) Current Health Expenditure: NA Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) 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: limited natural freshwater resources: more than 90% of drinking water supplied by desalination, the remainder from stored rainwater; a separate supply of saltwater used for sanitary services Air pollutants: carbon dioxide emissions: 0.63 megatons (2016 est.) Climate: Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers Land use: agricultural land: 0% (2011 est.) other: 100% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 16,954 tons (2012 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Gibraltar etymology: from the Spanish derivation of the Arabic "Jabal Tariq," which means "Mountain of Tariq" and which refers to the Rock of Gibraltar Government type: parliamentary democracy (Parliament); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Capital: name: Gibraltar geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W 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: from the Spanish derivation of the Arabic "Jabal Tariq," which means "Mountain of Tariq" and which refers to the Rock of Gibraltar Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK) Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK) National holiday: National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply Citizenship: see United Kingdom Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; and British citizens with six months residence or more Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir David STEEL (since 11 June 2020) head of government: Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 9 December 2011) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed chief minister by the governor Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament (18 seats; 17 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by majority vote and 1 appointed by Parliament as speaker; members serve 4-year terms) elections: last held on 17 October 2019 (next to be held in 2023) election results: percent of vote by party - GSLP-Liberal Alliance 52.5% (GSLP 37.0%, LPG 15.5%), GSD 25.6%, TG 20.5%, independent 1.4%; seats by party - GSLP-Liberal Alliance 10 (GSLP 7, LPG 3), GSD 6, TG 1; composition including Parliament speaker - men 16, women 2, percent of women 1.1% Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of at least 3 judges, including the court president); Supreme Court of Gibraltar (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges appointed by the governor upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 7-member body of judges and appointees of the governor; tenure of the Court of Appeal president based on terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice and judges normally appointed until retirement at age 67 but tenure can be extended 3 years subordinate courts: Court of First Instance; Magistrates' Court; specialized tribunals for issues relating to social security, taxes, and employment Political parties and leaders: Gibraltar Liberal Party or Liberal Party of Gibraltar or LPG [Joseph GARCIA] Gibraltar Social Democrats or GSD [Keith AZOPARDI] Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP [Fabian PICARDO] GSLP-Liberal Alliance (includes GSLP and LPG) Together Gibraltar or TG [Marlene HASSAN-NAHON] International organization participation: ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK) Flag description: two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band; the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean National symbol(s): Barbary macaque; national colors: red, white, yellow National anthem: name: "Gibraltar Anthem" lyrics/music: Peter EMBERLEY note: adopted 1994; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in 1984. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment.   The financial sector, tourism (over 11 million visitors in 2012), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-gaming account for the remaining 15%.Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in 1984. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment. The financial sector, tourism (over 11 million visitors in 2012), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.044 billion (2014 est.) $1.85 billion (2013 est.) $2 billion (2012 est.) note: data are in 2014 dollars Real GDP per capita: $61,700 (2014 est.) $43,000 (2008 est.) $41,200 (2007 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $2.044 billion (2014 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (2013 est.) 2.2% (2012 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0% (2016 est.) industry: 0% (2008 est.) services: 100% (2016 est.) Agricultural products: none Industries: tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 24,420 (2014 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: NEGL industry: 1.8% services: 98.2% (2014 est.) Unemployment rate: 1% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 475.8 million (2008 est.) expenditures: 452.3 million (2008 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 1.1% (of GDP) (2008 est.) Public debt: 7.5% of GDP (2008 est.) 8.4% of GDP (2006 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 23.3% (of GDP) (2008 est.) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Exports: $202.3 million (2014 est.) $271 million (2004 est.) Exports - partners: Poland 31%, Netherlands 27%, France 11%, Germany 8%, United States 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: cars, ships, refined petroleum, fish, recreational boats (2019) Imports: $2.967 billion (2004 est.) Imports - partners: Spain 19%, US 12%, India 12%, Italy 12%, Netherlands 11%, United Kingdom 7%, Greece 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, recreational boats, cars, coal tar oil, crude petroleum (2019) Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar - 0.885 (2017 est.) 0.903 (2016 est.) 0.9214 (2015 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity - production: 238.8 million kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - consumption: 230.8 million kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - installed generating capacity: 43,000 kW (2016 est.) Electricity - from fossil fuels: 100% of total installed capacity (2016 est.) Electricity - from nuclear fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Electricity - from hydroelectric plants: 0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Electricity - from other renewable sources: 0% 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 (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - consumption: 78,000 bbl/day (2016 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 74,200 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: 17,041 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 51 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 35,438 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 105 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Gibraltar’s population is urban based, served by a digital telephone exchange supported by a fiber optic and copper infrastructure; near universal mobile and Internet use (2019) domestic: automatic exchange facilities; over 50 per 100 fixed-line and 120 per 100 mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 350; landing point for the EIG to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East via submarine cables; radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) Broadcast media: Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides TV and radio broadcasting services via 1 TV station and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV stations are accessible Internet country code: .gi Internet users: total: 31,684 (2019 est.) percent of population: 94% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 21,009 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VP-G Airports: total: 1 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2021) Roadways: total: 29 km (2007) paved: 29 km (2007) Merchant marine: total: 202 by type: bulk carrier 8, container ship 19, general cargo 55, oil tanker 20, other 100 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Gibraltar Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2022) Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar even greater autonomyin 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar even greater autonomy
20220901
countries-tonga-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Tonga due to COVID-19 and recent volcanic eruptions. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 31 days. US Embassy/Consulate: US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga; +(679) 331-4466; EMER: +(679) 772-8049; US Embassy Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu, 158 Princes Rd, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji Islands Telephone Code: 676 Local Emergency Phone: 911 Vaccinations: See WHO recommendations http://www.who.int/ Climate: Tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December) Currency (Code): Pa'anga (TOP) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): I Major Languages: Tongan, English Major Religions: Protestant 64.1%, Mormon 18.6%, Roman Catholic 14.2% Time Difference: UTC+13 (18 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins first Sunday in November; ends second Sunday in January Potable Water: Opt for bottled water International Driving Permit: Suggested Road Driving Side: Left Tourist Destinations: Nuku'alofa; Ha'atafu Beach; Mapu'a 'a Vaea Blowholes; Pangaimotu Island Major Sports: Rugby, soccer, American football, boxing Cultural Practices: Being excessively loud in public is considered very rude. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping in restaurants is not the norm for locals, but most tourists leave a little tip to waiters to show their appreciation. It is not customary to tip in hotels in Tonga.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-india
Topic: Photos of India Topic: Introduction Background: The Indus Valley civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. and extended into northwestern India. 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan Geographic coordinates: 20 00 N, 77 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 3,287,263 sq km land: 2,973,193 sq km water: 314,070 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than one-third the size of the US Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 7,000 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north Terrain: upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north Elevation: highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,586 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 160 m Natural resources: coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), antimony, iron ore, lead, manganese, mica, bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 60.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 52.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.) forest: 23.1% (2018 est.) other: 16.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 667,000 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Chilika Lake - 1,170 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Brahmaputra (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km), Indus (1,081,718 sq km), Irrawaddy (413,710 sq km) Major aquifers: Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Population distribution: with the notable exception of the deserts in the northwest, including the Thar Desert, and the mountain fringe in the north, a very high population density exists throughout most of the country; the core of the population is in the north along the banks of the Ganges, with other river valleys and southern coastal areas also having large population concentrations Natural hazards: droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakesvolcanism: Barren Island (354 m) in the Andaman Sea has been active in recent yearsdroughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakesvolcanism: Barren Island (354 m) in the Andaman Sea has been active in recent years Geography - note: dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes; Kanchenjunga, third tallest mountain in the world, lies on the border with Nepal Map description: India map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean.India map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 1,389,637,446 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Indian(s) adjective: Indian Ethnic groups: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, and other 3% (2000) Languages: Hindi 43.6%, Bengali 8%, Marathi 6.9%, Telugu 6.7%, Tamil 5.7%, Gujarati 4.6%, Urdu 4.2%, Kannada 3.6%, Odia 3.1%, Malayalam 2.9%, Punjabi 2.7%, Assamese 1.3%, Maithili 1.1%, other 5.6%; note - English enjoys the status of subsidiary official language but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication; there are 22 other officially recognized languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu; Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language (2011 est.) major-language sample(s): विश्व फ़ैक्टबुक, आधारभूत जानकारी का एक अपरिहार्य स्त्रोत  (Hindi) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Hindu 79.8%, Muslim 14.2%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.7%, other and unspecified 2% (2011 est.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 48.7 youth dependency ratio: 38.9 elderly dependency ratio: 9.8 potential support ratio: 10.2 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 28.7 years male: 28 years female: 29.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.67% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 16.82 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 10.3 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: with the notable exception of the deserts in the northwest, including the Thar Desert, and the mountain fringe in the north, a very high population density exists throughout most of the country; the core of the population is in the north along the banks of the Ganges, with other river valleys and southern coastal areas also having large population concentrations Urbanization: urban population: 35.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 32.066 million NEW DELHI (capital), 20.961 million Mumbai, 15.134 million Kolkata, 13.193 million Bangalore, 11.503 million Chennai, 10.534 million Hyderabad (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.12 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 21.2 years (2019/21) 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: 30.31 deaths/1,000 live births male: 29.95 deaths/1,000 live births female: 30.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.22 years male: 65.46 years female: 69.16 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 53.5% (2015/16) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 96.9% of population rural: 94.7% of population total: 95.5% of population unimproved: urban: 3.1% of population rural: 5.3% of population total: 4.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3% (2019) Physicians density: 0.74 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 0.5 beds/1,000 population (2017) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.2% (2017 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 2.3 million (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 69,000 (2017 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria water contact diseases: leptospirosis animal contact diseases: rabies note: clusters of cases of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are being reported across 27 States and Union Territories in India; as of 30 March 2022, India has reported a total of 43,023,215 cases of COVID-19 or 3,117.61 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 521,101 cumulative deaths or a rate 37.76 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 29 March 2022, 70.68% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 3.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 27.2% (2020 est.) male: 41.3% (2020 est.) female: 13% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 33.4% (2016/18) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 6.8% women married by age 18: 27.3% men married by age 18: 4.2% (2016 est.) Education expenditures: 3.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 74.4% male: 82.4% female: 65.8% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 12 years male: 12 years female: 12 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.8% male: 19.5% female: 21% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and growing population is overstraining natural resources; preservation and quality of forests; biodiversity loss Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north Land use: agricultural land: 60.5% (2018 est.) arable land: 52.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 4.2% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.) forest: 23.1% (2018 est.) other: 16.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 35.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.14% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 1.15% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria water contact diseases: leptospirosis animal contact diseases: rabies note: clusters of cases of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are being reported across 27 States and Union Territories in India; as of 30 March 2022, India has reported a total of 43,023,215 cases of COVID-19 or 3,117.61 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 521,101 cumulative deaths or a rate 37.76 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 29 March 2022, 70.68% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 168,403,240 tons (2001 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 8,420,162 tons (2013 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5% (2013 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Salt water lake(s): Chilika Lake - 1,170 sq km Major rivers (by length in km): Brahmaputra (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Brahmaputra (651,335 sq km), Ganges (1,016,124 sq km), Indus (1,081,718 sq km), Irrawaddy (413,710 sq km) Major aquifers: Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 56 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 17 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 688 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 1,910,900,000,000 cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of India conventional short form: India local long form: Republic of India (English)/ Bharatiya Ganarajya (Hindi) local short form: India (English)/ Bharat (Hindi) etymology: the English name derives from the Indus River; the Indian name "Bharat" may derive from the "Bharatas" tribe mentioned in the Vedas of the second millennium B.C.; the name is also associated with Emperor Bharata, the legendary conqueror of all of India Government type: federal parliamentary republic Capital: name: New Delhi geographic coordinates: 28 36 N, 77 12 E time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the city's name is associated with various myths and legends; the original name for the city may have been Dhilli or Dhillika; alternatively, the name could be a corruption of the Hindustani words "dehleez" or "dehali" - both terms meaning "threshold" or "gateway" - and indicative of the city as a gateway to the Gangetic Plain; after the British decided to move the capital of their Indian Empire from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, they created a new governmental district south of the latter designated as New Delhi; the new capital was not formally inaugurated until 1931 Administrative divisions: 28 states and 8 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir*, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh*, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal note: although its status is that of a union territory, the official name of Delhi is National Capital Territory of Delhi Independence: 15 August 1947 (from the UK) National holiday: Republic Day, 26 January (1950) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: common law system based on the English model; separate personal law codes apply to Muslims, Christians, and Hindus; judicial review of legislative acts International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of India dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Ram Nath KOVIND (since 25 July 2017); Vice President M. Venkaiah NAIDU (since 11 August 2017)  head of government: Prime Minister Narendra MODI (since 26 May 2014)  cabinet: Union Council of Ministers recommended by the prime minister, appointed by the president elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 17 July 2017 (next to be held in July 2022); vice president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of elected members of both houses of Parliament for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 5 August 2017 (next to be held in August 2022); following legislative elections, the prime minister is elected by Lok Sabha members of the majority party election results: Ram Nath KOVIND elected president; percent of electoral college vote - Ram Nath KOVIND (BJP) 65.7% Meira KUMAR (INC) 34.3%; M. Venkaiah NAIDU elected vice president; electoral college vote - M. Venkaiah NAIDU (BJP) 516, Gopalkrishna GANDHI (independent) 244 Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Sansad consists of: Council of States or Rajya Sabha (245 seats; 233 members indirectly elected by state and territorial assemblies by proportional representation vote and 12 members appointed by the president; members serve 6-year terms with one-third of the membership renewed every 2 years at various dates) House of the People or Lok Sabha (545 seats; 543 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 2 appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Council of States - last held by state and territorial assemblies at various dates in 2019 (in progress March through July 2022 to fill 70 expiry seats) House of the People - last held April-May 2019 in 7 phases (next to be held in 2024) election results: Council of States - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - BJP 97, INC 34, AITC 13, DMK 10, other 2, independent 2; composition - men 209, women 29, percent of women 13.8% House of the People - percent of vote by party - BJP 55.8%, INC 9.6%, AITC 4.4%, YSRC 4.4%, DMK 4.2%, SS 3.3%, JDU 2.9%, BJD 2.2%, BSP 1.8%, TRS 1.7%, LJP 1.1%, NCP 0.9%, SP 0.9%, other 6.4%, independent 0.7%; seats by party - BJP 303, INC 52, DMK 24, AITC 22, YSRC 22, SS 18, JDU 16, BJD 12, BSP 10, TRS 9, LJP 6, NCP 5, SP 5, other 35, independent 4, vacant 2; composition - men 465, women 78, percent of women 14.3%; note - total Parliament percent of women 11.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of 28 judges, including the chief justice) judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president to serve until age 65 subordinate courts: High Courts; District Courts; Labour Court note: in mid-2011, India’s Cabinet approved the "National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reform" to eliminate judicial corruption and reduce the backlog of cases Political parties and leaders: Aam Aadmi Party or AAP [Arvind KEJRIWAL] All India Trinamool Congress or AITC [Mamata BANERJEE] Bahujan Samaj Party or BSP [MAYAWATI] Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP [Jagat Prakash NADDA] Biju Janata Dal or BJD [Naveen PATNAIK] Communist Party of India-Marxist or CPI(M) [Sitaram YECHURY] Dravida Munnetra Khazhagam [Muthuvel Karunanidhi STALIN] Indian National Congress or INC [Sonia GANDHI] Nationalist Congress Party or NCP [Sharad PAWAR] Rashtriya Janata Dal or RJD [Lalu Prasad YADAV] Samajwadi Party or SP [Akhilesh YADAV] Shiromani Akali Dal or SAD [Sukhbir Singh BADAL] Shiv Sena or SS [Uddhav THACKERAY] Telegana Rashtra Samithi or TRS [K. Chandrashekar RAO] Telugu Desam Party or TDP [Chandrababu NAIDU] YSR Congress or YSRC [Jagan Mohan REDDY] note: India has dozens of national and regional political parties International organization participation: ADB, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Taranjit Singh SANDHU (since 6 February 2020) chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; Consular Wing located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000 FAX: [1] (202) 265-4351 email address and website: minca.washington@mea.gov.in (community affairs) https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Patricia A. LACINA (since 9 September 2021) embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021 mailing address: 9000 New Delhi Place, Washington DC  20521-9000 telephone: [91] (11) 2419-8000 FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017 email address and website: acsnd@state.gov https://in.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Hyderabad, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay) Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of saffron (subdued orange) (top), white, and green, with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; saffron represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation; white signifies purity and truth; green stands for faith and fertility; the blue chakra symbolizes the wheel of life in movement and death in stagnation note: similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band National symbol(s): the 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 National anthem: name: "Jana-Gana-Mana" (Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People) lyrics/music: Rabindranath TAGORE note: adopted 1950; Rabindranath TAGORE, a Nobel laureate, also wrote Bangladesh's national anthem National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 40 (32 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Taj Mahal (c); Red Fort Complex (c); Ellora Caves (c); Hill Forts of Rajasthan (c); Sundarbans National Park (n); Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (c); Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (c); Dholavira: A Harappan City (c); Jaipur (c); Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (c); Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (n); Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (n); Khangchendzonga National Park (m) Topic: Economy Economic overview: India's diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. Slightly less than half of the workforce is in agriculture, but services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for nearly two-thirds of India's output but employing less than one-third of its labor force. India has capitalized on its large educated English-speaking population to become a major exporter of information technology services, business outsourcing services, and software workers. Nevertheless, per capita income remains below the world average. India is developing into an open-market economy, yet traces of its past autarkic policies remain. Economic liberalization measures, including industrial deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and reduced controls on foreign trade and investment, began in the early 1990s and served to accelerate the country's growth, which averaged nearly 7% per year from 1997 to 2017.   India's economic growth slowed in 2011 because of a decline in investment caused by high interest rates, rising inflation, and investor pessimism about the government's commitment to further economic reforms and about slow world growth. Investors’ perceptions of India improved in early 2014, due to a reduction of the current account deficit and expectations of post-election economic reform, resulting in a surge of inbound capital flows and stabilization of the rupee. Growth rebounded in 2014 through 2016. Despite a high growth rate compared to the rest of the world, India’s government-owned banks faced mounting bad debt, resulting in low credit growth. Rising macroeconomic imbalances in India and improving economic conditions in Western countries led investors to shift capital away from India, prompting a sharp depreciation of the rupee through 2016.   The economy slowed again in 2017, due to shocks of "demonetizaton" in 2016 and introduction of GST in 2017. Since the election, the government has passed an important goods and services tax bill and raised foreign direct investment caps in some sectors, but most economic reforms have focused on administrative and governance changes, largely because the ruling party remains a minority in India’s upper house of Parliament, which must approve most bills.   India has a young population and corresponding low dependency ratio, healthy savings and investment rates, and is increasing integration into the global economy. However, long-term challenges remain significant, including: India's discrimination against women and girls, an inefficient power generation and distribution system, ineffective enforcement of intellectual property rights, decades-long civil litigation dockets, inadequate transport and agricultural infrastructure, limited non-agricultural employment opportunities, high spending and poorly targeted subsidies, inadequate availability of quality basic and higher education, and accommodating rural-to-urban migration.India's diverse economy encompasses traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services. Slightly less than half of the workforce is in agriculture, but services are the major source of economic growth, accounting for nearly two-thirds of India's output but employing less than one-third of its labor force. India has capitalized on its large educated English-speaking population to become a major exporter of information technology services, business outsourcing services, and software workers. Nevertheless, per capita income remains below the world average. India is developing into an open-market economy, yet traces of its past autarkic policies remain. Economic liberalization measures, including industrial deregulation, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and reduced controls on foreign trade and investment, began in the early 1990s and served to accelerate the country's growth, which averaged nearly 7% per year from 1997 to 2017. India's economic growth slowed in 2011 because of a decline in investment caused by high interest rates, rising inflation, and investor pessimism about the government's commitment to further economic reforms and about slow world growth. Investors’ perceptions of India improved in early 2014, due to a reduction of the current account deficit and expectations of post-election economic reform, resulting in a surge of inbound capital flows and stabilization of the rupee. Growth rebounded in 2014 through 2016. Despite a high growth rate compared to the rest of the world, India’s government-owned banks faced mounting bad debt, resulting in low credit growth. Rising macroeconomic imbalances in India and improving economic conditions in Western countries led investors to shift capital away from India, prompting a sharp depreciation of the rupee through 2016. The economy slowed again in 2017, due to shocks of "demonetizaton" in 2016 and introduction of GST in 2017. Since the election, the government has passed an important goods and services tax bill and raised foreign direct investment caps in some sectors, but most economic reforms have focused on administrative and governance changes, largely because the ruling party remains a minority in India’s upper house of Parliament, which must approve most bills. India has a young population and corresponding low dependency ratio, healthy savings and investment rates, and is increasing integration into the global economy. However, long-term challenges remain significant, including: India's discrimination against women and girls, an inefficient power generation and distribution system, ineffective enforcement of intellectual property rights, decades-long civil litigation dockets, inadequate transport and agricultural infrastructure, limited non-agricultural employment opportunities, high spending and poorly targeted subsidies, inadequate availability of quality basic and higher education, and accommodating rural-to-urban migration. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $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 Real GDP growth rate: 4.86% (2019 est.) 6.78% (2018 est.) 6.55% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $6,100 (2020 est.) $6,700 (2019 est.) $6,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $2,835,927,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (2019 est.) 3.9% (2018 est.) 3.3% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB- (2006) Moody's rating: Baa3 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: BBB- (2007) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 15.4% (2016 est.) industry: 23% (2016 est.) services: 61.5% (2016 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, rice, wheat, buffalo milk, milk, potatoes, vegetables, bananas, maize, mangoes/guavas Industries: textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, software, pharmaceuticals Industrial production growth rate: 5.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 521.9 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 47% industry: 22% services: 31% (FY 2014 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.5% (2017 est.) 8.5% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.8% male: 19.5% female: 21% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 21.9% (2011 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35.7 (2011 est.) 37.8 (1997) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.6% highest 10%: 29.8% (2011) Budget: revenues: 238.2 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 329 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -3.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 71.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 69.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover central government debt, and exclude debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Taxes and other revenues: 9.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Current account balance: -$29.748 billion (2019 est.) -$65.939 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $484.95 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $546.03 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $537.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 17%, United Arab Emirates 9%, China 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, diamonds, packaged medicines, jewelry, cars (2019) Imports: $493.18 billion (2020 est.) 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 Imports - partners: China 15%, United States 7%, United Arab Emirates 6%, Saudi Arabia 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, gold, coal, diamonds, natural gas (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $409.8 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $359.7 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $555.388 billion (2019 est.) $518.34 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: Indian rupees (INR) per US dollar - 73.565 (2020 est.) 71.05 (2019 est.) 70.7675 (2018 est.) 64.152 (2014 est.) 61.03 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 99% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 99% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 99% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 432.768 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 1,229,387,712,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 9.491 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 5.794 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 270.701 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 75.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 4.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 743.214 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 883.979 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 1.029 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 219.212 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 105.931 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 771,400 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 4,920,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 4.53 million barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 4,604,900,000 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 4.897 million bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 1.305 million bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 653,300 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 27,734,833,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 61,646,806,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) exports: 91.916 million cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 33,911,973,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1,380,614,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 2,314,738,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1,574,331,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 615.903 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 124.505 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 23.231 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 20,052,162 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 1.15 billion (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 84 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: supported by deregulation, India is one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world; implementation of 4G/LTE; fixed-line/broadband underdeveloped; government investment in national infrastructure; project aims to connect 600,000 villages to broadband networks; expansive foreign investment; imports of integrated circuits and broadcast equipment from China; steps taken towards a 5G auction and tests; submarine cable linking mainland to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; smart cities mission to promote 100 model cities in providing core infrastructure, sustainable environment, and quality of life through economic growth and competition, including focus on social, economic, and institutional pillars (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscriptions stands at roughly 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular at nearly 84 per 100; mobile cellular service introduced in 1994 and organized nationwide into four metropolitan areas and 19 telecom circles, each with multiple private service providers and one or more state-owned service providers; in recent years significant trunk capacity added in the form of fiber-optic cable and one of the world's largest domestic satellite systems, the Indian National Satellite system (INSAT), with 6 satellites supporting 33,000 (very small aperture terminals) VSAT (2022) international: country code - 91; a number of major international submarine cable systems, including SEA-ME-WE-3 & 4, AAE-1, BBG, EIG, FALCON, FEA, GBICS, MENA, IMEWE, SEACOM/ Tata TGN-Eurasia, SAFE, WARF, Bharat Lanka Cable System, IOX, Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Island Cable, SAEx2, Tata TGN-Tata Indicom and i2icn that provide connectivity to Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South East Asia, numerous Indian Ocean islands including Australia ; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; Indian Ocean region (2022) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased servicessupported by deregulation, India is one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world; implementation of 4G/LTE; fixed-line/broadband underdeveloped; government investment in national infrastructure; project aims to connect 600,000 villages to broadband networks; expansive foreign investment; imports of integrated circuits and broadcast equipment from China; steps taken towards a 5G auction and tests; submarine cable linking mainland to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; smart cities mission to promote 100 model cities in providing core infrastructure, sustainable environment, and quality of life through economic growth and competition, including focus on social, economic, and institutional pillars Broadcast media: Doordarshan, India's public TV network, has a monopoly on terrestrial broadcasting and operates about 20 national, regional, and local services; a large and increasing number of privately owned TV stations are distributed by cable and satellite service providers; in 2020, 130 million households paid for cable and satellite television across India and as of 2018, cable and satellite TV offered over 850 TV channels; government controls AM radio with All India Radio operating domestic and external networks; news broadcasts via radio are limited to the All India Radio Network; since 2000, privately owned FM stations have been permitted and their numbers have increased rapidly (2020) Internet country code: .in Internet users: total: 593.4 million (2020 est.) percent of population: 43% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 22.95 million (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 14 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 485 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 164,035,637 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 2,703,960,000 (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VT Airports: total: 346 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 93 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 38 under 914 m: 45 (2021) Heliports: 45 (2021) Pipelines: 17,389 km natural gas, 10, 419 km crude oil, 3,544 liquid petroleum gas, 14,729 km refined products (2020) 9 km condensate/gas, 20 km oil/gas/water (2013) (2020) Railways: total: 65,554 km (2014) narrow gauge: 1,604 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge broad gauge: 63,950 km (2014) (39, 329 km electrified) Roadways: total: 6,371,847 km (2021) note: includes 140,995 km of national highways and expressways, 171.039 km of state highways , and 6,059,813 km of other roads note: includes 96,214 km of national highways and expressways, 147,800 km of state highways, and 4,455,010 km of other roads Waterways: 14,500 km (2012) (5,200 km on major rivers and 485 km on canals suitable for mechanized vessels) Merchant marine: total: 1,801 by type: bulk carrier 63, container ship 22, general cargo 587, oil tanker 136, other 993 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Chennai, Jawaharal Nehru Port, Kandla, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay), Sikka, Vishakhapatnam container port(s) (TEUs): Jawaharal Nehru Port (5,100,891), Mundra (4,732,699) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Dabhol, Dahej, Hazira, Kochi Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Indian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard; Frontier Corps; Defense Security Corps; Ministry of Home Affairs: Central Armed Police Forces (includes Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, National Security Guards, Sashastra Seema Bal) (2022) note 1: the Defense Security Corps provides security for Ministry of Defense sites note 2: the Border Security Force (BSF) is responsible for the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders; the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB or Armed Border Force) guards the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders note 3: the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) includes a Rapid Reaction Force (RAF) for riot control and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) for counter-insurgency operations  note 4: the Assam Rifles are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, while operational control falls under the Ministry of Defense (specifically the Indian Army) Military expenditures: 2.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2020 est.) 2.4% of GDP (2019) (approximately $93.9 billion) 2.4% of GDP (2018) (approximately $88.2 billion) 2.4% of GDP (2017) (approximately $83.8 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 1.45 million active personnel (est. 1.25 million Army; 65,000 Navy; 140,000 Air Force; 12,000 Coast Guard) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the inventory of the Indian Armed Forces consists mostly of Russian- and Soviet-origin equipment along with a smaller mix of Western and domestically-produced arms; since 2010, Russia has been the leading supplier of arms to India; other key suppliers included France, Israel, and the US; India's defense industry is capable of producing a range of air, land, missile, and naval weapons systems for both indigenous use and export (2022) Military service age and obligation: 16-18 years of age for voluntary military service (Army 17.5, Air Force 17, Navy 16.5); no conscription (2022) note 1: in June 2022, the Indian Government announced that it would begin recruiting 46,000 men aged 17.5-21 annually to serve on 4-year contracts; at the end of their tenure, 25% would be retained for longer terms of service, while the remainder would be forced to retire, although some of those leaving the service would be eligible to serve in the Coast Guard, the Merchant Navy, civilian positions in the Ministry of Defense, and in the paramilitary forces of the Ministry of Home Affairs, such as the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles note 2: as of 2022, women made up about .59% of the Army, 1.1% of the Air Force, and 6% of the Navy Military deployments: 1,900 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); 110 Golan Heights (UNDOF); 900 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 2,350 South Sudan (UNMISS); 310 Sudan (UNISFA) (May 2022) Military - note: as of 2022, the Indian Armed Forces were chiefly focused on China and Pakistan; the short 1962 Sino-India War left in place one of the world’s longest disputed international borders, resulting in occasional standoffs between Indian and Chinese security forces, including lethal clashes in 1975 and 2020; meanwhile, India and Pakistan have fought several conflicts since 1947, including the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 and the Indo-Pakistan and Bangladesh War of Independence of 1971, as well as two clashes over the disputed region of Kashmir (the First Kashmir War of 1947 and the 1999 Kargil Conflict); a fragile cease-fire in Kashmir was reached in 2003, revised in 2018, and reaffirmed in 2021, although the Line of Control remained contested as of 2022, and India has accused Pakistan of backing armed separatists and terrorist organizations in Jammu and Kashmir where Indian forces have conducted counterinsurgency operations since the 1980s; in addition, India and Pakistan have battled over the Siachen Glacier of Kashmir, which was seized by India in 1984 with Pakistan attempting to retake the area at least three times between 1985 and 1995; despite a cease-fire, as of 2022 both sides continued to maintain a permanent military presence there with outposts at altitudes above 20,000 feet (over 6,000 meters) where most casualties were due to extreme weather and the hazards of operating in the high mountain terrain of the world’s highest conflict, including avalanches, exposure, and altitude sickness (2022) Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Harakat ul-Mujahidin; Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami; Hizbul Mujahideen; Indian Mujahedeen; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham – India; Jaish-e-Mohammed; Lashkar-e Tayyiba; al-Qa’ida; al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent; 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: since China and India launched a security and foreign policy dialogue in 2005, consolidated discussions related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, Indian claims that China transferred missiles to Pakistan, and other matters continue; Kashmir remains the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); India and Pakistan resumed bilateral dialogue in February 2011 after a two-year hiatus, have maintained the 2003 cease-fire in Kashmir, and continue to have disputes over water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries; UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show its Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; Prime Minister Singh's September 2011 visit to Bangladesh resulted in the signing of a Protocol to the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh, which had called for the settlement of longstanding boundary disputes over undemarcated areas and the exchange of territorial enclaves, but which had never been implemented; Bangladesh referred its maritime boundary claims with Burma and India to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea; Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to examine contested boundary sections, including the 400 sq km dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India maintains a strict border regime to keep out Maoist insurgents and control illegal cross-border activities from Nepalsince China and India launched a security and foreign policy dialogue in 2005, consolidated discussions related to the dispute over most of their rugged, militarized boundary, regional nuclear proliferation, Indian claims that China transferred missiles to Pakistan, and other matters continue; Kashmir remains the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); India and Pakistan resumed bilateral dialogue in February 2011 after a two-year hiatus, have maintained the 2003 cease-fire in Kashmir, and continue to have disputes over water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries; UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show its Junagadh claim in Indian Gujarat State; Prime Minister Singh's September 2011 visit to Bangladesh resulted in the signing of a Protocol to the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement between India and Bangladesh, which had called for the settlement of longstanding boundary disputes over undemarcated areas and the exchange of territorial enclaves, but which had never been implemented; Bangladesh referred its maritime boundary claims with Burma and India to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea; Joint Border Committee with Nepal continues to examine contested boundary sections, including the 400 sq km dispute over the source of the Kalapani River; India maintains a strict border regime to keep out Maoist insurgents and control illegal cross-border activities from Nepal Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 92,885 (Sri Lanka), 73,407 (Tibet/China), 20,325 (Burma), 8,537 (Afghanistan) (mid-year 2021) IDPs: 506,000 (armed conflict and intercommunal violence) (2021) stateless persons: 19,677 (mid-year 2021) Illicit drugs: source and transit point for illicit narcotics and precursor chemicals bound for Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America; in 2020 India exported over $19 billion of illegal pharmaceutical drugs; illegal opium poppy growing in the Northeast; traffickers retool commercial chemical factories to produce large volumes of ephedrine, methamphetamine, and other drugs illicitly  source and transit point for illicit narcotics and precursor chemicals bound for Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and North America; in 2020 India exported over $19 billion of illegal pharmaceutical drugs; illegal opium poppy growing in the Northeast; traffickers retool commercial chemical factories to produce large volumes of ephedrine, methamphetamine, and other drugs illicitly 
20220901
countries-mozambique
Topic: Photos of Mozambique Topic: Introduction Background: 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 cease-fire 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 cease-fire 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania Geographic coordinates: 18 15 S, 35 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 799,380 sq km land: 786,380 sq km water: 13,000 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than five times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 2,470 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical to subtropical Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west Elevation: highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 345 m Natural resources: coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite Land use: agricultural land: 56.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 49.6% (2018 est.) forest: 43.7% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 1,180 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Malawi (shared with Malawi and Tanzania) - 22,490 Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi 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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Population distribution: three large populations clusters are found along the southern coast between Maputo and Inhambane, in the central area between Beira and Chimoio along the Zambezi River, and in and around the northern cities of Nampula, Cidade de Nacala, and Pemba; the northwest and southwest are the least populated areas as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern provinces Geography - note: the Zambezi River flows through the north-central and most fertile part of the country Map description: Mozambique map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean.Mozambique map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Indian Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 31,693,239 (2022 est.) note: estimates for this country explicitly taken into account the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic Nationality: noun: Mozambican(s) adjective: Mozambican Ethnic groups: African 99% (Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and others), Mestizo 0.8%, other (includes European, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese) 0.2% (2017 est.) Languages: Makhuwa 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.) Religions: Roman 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.) Demographic profile: Mozambique is a poor, sparsely populated country with high fertility and mortality rates and a rapidly growing youthful population – 45% of the population is younger than 15. Mozambique’s high poverty rate is sustained by natural disasters, disease, high population growth, low agricultural productivity, and the unequal distribution of wealth. The country’s birth rate is among the world’s highest, averaging around more than 5 children per woman (and higher in rural areas) for at least the last three decades. The sustained high level of fertility reflects gender inequality, low contraceptive use, early marriages and childbearing, and a lack of education, particularly among women. The high population growth rate is somewhat restrained by the country’s high HIV/AIDS and overall mortality rates. Mozambique ranks among the worst in the world for HIV/AIDS prevalence, HIV/AIDS deaths, and life expectancy at birth.Mozambique is predominantly a country of emigration, but internal, rural-urban migration has begun to grow. Mozambicans, primarily from the country’s southern region, have been migrating to South Africa for work for more than a century. Additionally, approximately 1.7 million Mozambicans fled to Malawi, South Africa, and other neighboring countries between 1979 and 1992 to escape from civil war. Labor migrants have usually been men from rural areas whose crops have failed or who are unemployed and have headed to South Africa to work as miners; multiple generations of the same family often become miners. Since the abolition of apartheid in South Africa in 1991, other job opportunities have opened to Mozambicans, including in the informal and manufacturing sectors, but mining remains their main source of employment.Mozambique is a poor, sparsely populated country with high fertility and mortality rates and a rapidly growing youthful population – 45% of the population is younger than 15. Mozambique’s high poverty rate is sustained by natural disasters, disease, high population growth, low agricultural productivity, and the unequal distribution of wealth. The country’s birth rate is among the world’s highest, averaging around more than 5 children per woman (and higher in rural areas) for at least the last three decades. The sustained high level of fertility reflects gender inequality, low contraceptive use, early marriages and childbearing, and a lack of education, particularly among women. The high population growth rate is somewhat restrained by the country’s high HIV/AIDS and overall mortality rates. Mozambique ranks among the worst in the world for HIV/AIDS prevalence, HIV/AIDS deaths, and life expectancy at birth.Mozambique is predominantly a country of emigration, but internal, rural-urban migration has begun to grow. Mozambicans, primarily from the country’s southern region, have been migrating to South Africa for work for more than a century. Additionally, approximately 1.7 million Mozambicans fled to Malawi, South Africa, and other neighboring countries between 1979 and 1992 to escape from civil war. Labor migrants have usually been men from rural areas whose crops have failed or who are unemployed and have headed to South Africa to work as miners; multiple generations of the same family often become miners. Since the abolition of apartheid in South Africa in 1991, other job opportunities have opened to Mozambicans, including in the informal and manufacturing sectors, but mining remains their main source of employment. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 88.4 youth dependency ratio: 83 elderly dependency ratio: 5.4 potential support ratio: 18.5 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 17 years male: 16.3 years female: 17.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.56% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 37.47 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 10.25 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -1.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: three large populations clusters are found along the southern coast between Maputo and Inhambane, in the central area between Beira and Chimoio along the Zambezi River, and in and around the northern cities of Nampula, Cidade de Nacala, and Pemba; the northwest and southwest are the least populated areas as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 38.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.24% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 1.797 million Matola, 1.139 million MAPUTO (capital), 927,000 Nampula (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.86 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.2 years (2011 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 20-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 289 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 61.38 deaths/1,000 live births male: 63.37 deaths/1,000 live births female: 59.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.1 years male: 55.76 years female: 58.49 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.81 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 27.1% (2015) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 93.4% of population rural: 61.5% of population total: 73.3% of population unimproved: urban: 6.6% of population rural: 38.5% of population total: 26.7% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7.8% (2019) Physicians density: 0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 0.7 beds/1,000 population (2011) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 11.5% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 2.1 million (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 38,000 (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 note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Mozambique 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: 7.2% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 14.3% (2020 est.) male: 23% (2020 est.) female: 5.6% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 15.6% (2014/15) Education expenditures: 6.2% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 60.7% male: 72.6% female: 50.3% (2017) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 10 years male: 10 years female: 9 years (2017) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 7.4% male: 7.7% female: 7.1% (2015 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; soil erosion; deforestation; water pollution caused by artisanal mining; pollution of surface and coastal waters; wildlife preservation (elephant poaching for ivory) 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, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: tropical to subtropical Land use: agricultural land: 56.3% (2018 est.) arable land: 6.4% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 49.6% (2018 est.) forest: 43.7% (2018 est.) other: 0% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 38.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.24% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 6.46% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 4.17% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Mozambique 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 localized shortfalls in staple food production, insecurity in northern areas, and extreme weather events - an estimated 1.9 million people require humanitarian assistance until at least March 2022, primarily due to shortfalls in food production and the impact of insecurity in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, where populations are experiencing the severest levels of acute food insecurity; approximately 24,000 people are facing "Emergency" levels of food insecurity; cyclones and tropical storms in early 2022 have affected a large number of people, particularly in central provinces, and the number of food insecure people is expected to increase in late 2022 (2022)due to localized shortfalls in staple food production, insecurity in northern areas, and extreme weather events - an estimated 1.9 million people require humanitarian assistance until at least March 2022, primarily due to shortfalls in food production and the impact of insecurity in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, where populations are experiencing the severest levels of acute food insecurity; approximately 24,000 people are facing "Emergency" levels of food insecurity; cyclones and tropical storms in early 2022 have affected a large number of people, particularly in central provinces, and the number of food insecure people is expected to increase in late 2022 Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.5 million tons (2014 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 25,000 tons (2014 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 1% (2014 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lake Malawi (shared with Malawi and Tanzania) - 22,490 Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi 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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 372 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 25 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 1.076 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 217.1 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique conventional short form: Mozambique local long form: Republica de Mocambique local short form: Mocambique former: Portuguese East Africa, People's Republic of Mozambique etymology: named for the offshore island of Mozambique; the island was apparently named after Mussa al-BIK, an influential Arab slave trader who set himself up as sultan on the island in the 15th century Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Maputo geographic coordinates: 25 57 S, 32 35 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: reputedly named after the Maputo River, which drains into Maputo Bay south of the city Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 city (cidade)*; Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Cidade de Maputo*, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia Independence: 25 June 1975 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 25 June (1975) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: mixed legal system of Portuguese civil law and customary law; note - in rural, apply where applicable predominantly Muslim villages with no formal legal system, Islamic law may be applied 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 Mozambique dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Filipe Jacinto NYUSI (since 15 January 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Filipe Jacinto NYUSI (since 15 January 2015); Prime Minister Adriano Afonso MALEIANE (since 3 March 2022); note - President NYUSI removed former Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho DO ROSARIO from office on 3 March 2022 as part of a cabinet reshuffle cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president elected directly by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for 2 consecutive terms); election last held on 15 October 2019 (next to be held on 15 October 2024); prime minister appointed by the president election results: 2019: Filipe NYUSI elected president in first round; percent of vote - Filipe NYUSI (FRELIMO) 73.0%, Ossufo MOMADE (RENAMO) 21.9%, Daviz SIMANGO (MDM) 5.1% 2014:  Filipe NYUSI elected president in first round; percent of vote - Filipe NYUSI (FRELIMO) 57.0%, Afonso DHLAKAMA (RENAMO) 36.6%, Daviz SIMANGO (MDM) 6.4%  Legislative branch: description: unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (250 seats; 248 members elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote and 2 members representing Mozambicans abroad directly elected by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms) (2019) elections: last held on 15 October 2019 (next to be held on 15 October 2024) (2019) election results: percent of vote by party - FRELIMO 71%, RENAMO 23%, MDM 4%; seats by party - FRELIMO 184, RENAMO 60, MDM 6; composition as of July 2022 - men 144, women 106, percent of women 42.4% (2019) Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court (consists of the court president, vice president, and 5 judges); Constitutional Council (consists of 7 judges); note - the Higher Council of the Judiciary Magistracy is responsible for judiciary management and discipline judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court president appointed by the president of the republic; vice president appointed by the president in consultation with the Higher Council of the Judiciary (CSMJ) and ratified by the Assembly of the Republic; other judges elected by the Assembly; judges serve 5-year renewable terms; Constitutional Council judges appointed - 1 by the president, 5 by the Assembly, and 1 by the CSMJ; judges serve 5-year nonrenewable terms subordinate courts: Administrative Court (capital city only); provincial courts or Tribunais Judicias de Provincia; District Courts or Tribunais Judicias de Districto; customs courts; maritime courts; courts marshal; labor courts; community courts Political parties and leaders: Democratic Movement of Mozambique (Movimento Democratico de Mocambique) or MDM [Lutero SIMANGO] Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frente de Liberatacao de Mocambique) or FRELIMO [Filipe NYUSI] Mozambican National Resistance (Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana) or RENAMO [Ossufo MOMADE] Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique or Podemos [Helder Mendonca] (2021) International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos DOS SANTOS (since 28 January 2016) chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 293-7147 FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245 email address and website: washington.dc@embamoc.gov.mz https://usa.embamoc.gov.mz/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter Hendrick VROOMAN (since 3 March 2022) embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, 193, Caixa Postal, 783, Maputo mailing address: 2330 Maputo Place, Washington DC  20521-2330 telephone: [258] (21) 49-27-97 FAX: [258] (21) 49-01-14 email address and website: consularmaputos@state.gov https://mz.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book; green represents the riches of the land, white peace, black the African continent, yellow the country's minerals, and red the struggle for independence; the rifle symbolizes defense and vigilance, the hoe refers to the country's agriculture, the open book stresses the importance of education, and the star represents Marxism and internationalism note: one of only two national flags featuring a firearm, the other is Guatemala National symbol(s): national colors: green, black, yellow, white, red National anthem: name: "Patria Amada" (Lovely Fatherland) lyrics/music: Salomao J. MANHICA/unknown note: adopted 2002 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Island of Mozambique Topic: Economy Economic overview: At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the world's poorest countries. Socialist policies, economic mismanagement, and a brutal civil war from 1977 to 1992 further impoverished the country. In 1987, the government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance and with political stability since the multi-party elections in 1994, propelled the country’s GDP, in purchasing power parity terms, from $4 billion in 1993 to about $37 billion in 2017. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the government's revenue collection abilities. In spite of these gains, about half the population remains below the poverty line and subsistence agriculture continues to employ the vast majority of the country's work force.   Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt was reduced through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives. However, in 2016, information surfaced revealing that the Mozambican Government was responsible for over $2 billion in government-backed loans secured between 2012-14 by state-owned defense and security companies without parliamentary approval or national budget inclusion; this prompted the IMF and international donors to halt direct budget support to the Government of Mozambique. An international audit was performed on Mozambique’s debt in 2016-17, but debt restructuring and resumption of donor support have yet to occur.   Mozambique grew at an average annual rate of 6%-8% in the decade leading up to 2015, one of Africa's strongest performances, but the sizable external debt burden, donor withdrawal, elevated inflation, and currency depreciation contributed to slower growth in 2016-17.   Two major International consortiums, led by American companies ExxonMobil and Anadarko, are seeking approval to develop massive natural gas deposits off the coast of Cabo Delgado province, in what has the potential to become the largest infrastructure project in Africa. . The government predicts sales of liquefied natural gas from these projects could generate several billion dollars in revenues annually sometime after 2022.At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the world's poorest countries. Socialist policies, economic mismanagement, and a brutal civil war from 1977 to 1992 further impoverished the country. In 1987, the government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance and with political stability since the multi-party elections in 1994, propelled the country’s GDP, in purchasing power parity terms, from $4 billion in 1993 to about $37 billion in 2017. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the government's revenue collection abilities. In spite of these gains, about half the population remains below the poverty line and subsistence agriculture continues to employ the vast majority of the country's work force. Mozambique's once substantial foreign debt was reduced through forgiveness and rescheduling under the IMF's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and Enhanced HIPC initiatives. However, in 2016, information surfaced revealing that the Mozambican Government was responsible for over $2 billion in government-backed loans secured between 2012-14 by state-owned defense and security companies without parliamentary approval or national budget inclusion; this prompted the IMF and international donors to halt direct budget support to the Government of Mozambique. An international audit was performed on Mozambique’s debt in 2016-17, but debt restructuring and resumption of donor support have yet to occur. Mozambique grew at an average annual rate of 6%-8% in the decade leading up to 2015, one of Africa's strongest performances, but the sizable external debt burden, donor withdrawal, elevated inflation, and currency depreciation contributed to slower growth in 2016-17. Two major International consortiums, led by American companies ExxonMobil and Anadarko, are seeking approval to develop massive natural gas deposits off the coast of Cabo Delgado province, in what has the potential to become the largest infrastructure project in Africa. . The government predicts sales of liquefied natural gas from these projects could generate several billion dollars in revenues annually sometime after 2022. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $38.42 billion (2020 est.) $38.91 billion (2019 est.) $38.04 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 3.11% (2018 est.) 3.7% (2017 est.) 4.07% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $1,200 (2020 est.) $1,300 (2019 est.) $1,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $14.964 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.7% (2019 est.) 3.9% (2018 est.) 15.4% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: CCC (2019) Moody's rating: Caa2 (2019) Standard & Poors rating: CCC+ (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 23.9% (2017 est.) industry: 19.3% (2017 est.) services: 56.8% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, cassava, maize, milk, bananas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, sorghum, potatoes Industries: aluminum, petroleum products, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco, food, beverages Industrial production growth rate: 4.9% (2017 est.) Labor force: 12.9 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 74.4% industry: 3.9% services: 21.7% (2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 24.5% (2017 est.) 25% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 7.4% male: 7.7% female: 7.1% (2015 est.) Population below poverty line: 46.1% (2014 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 54 (2014 est.) 47.3 (2002) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.9% highest 10%: 36.7% (2008) Budget: revenues: 3.356 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 4.054 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -5.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 102.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 121.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 26.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$3.025 billion (2019 est.) -$4.499 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $4.35 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.6 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $5.97 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: South Africa 16%, India 13%, China 12%, Italy 7%, United Arab Emirates 5%, Germany 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: coal, aluminum, natural gas, tobacco, electricity, gold, lumber (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: South Africa 31%, India 18%, China 17% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, chromium, iron, bauxite, electricity (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $3.361 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $2.081 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $10.91 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $10.48 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: meticais (MZM) per US dollar - 74.12 (2020 est.) 63.885 (2019 est.) 61.625 (2018 est.) 39.983 (2014 est.) 31.367 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 35% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 57% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 22% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 2.765 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 12,724,100,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 10.771 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 8.276 billion kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.768 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 19.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 79.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 7.25 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 46,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 8.355 million metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 48,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 1.792 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 35,400 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 25,130 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 5,423,828,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 1,397,604,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 4,067,255,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 2,831,680,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 7.753 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 109,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 4.743 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 2.901 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 8.107 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 89,016 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 15,463,226 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 49 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: one of the first countries in the region to embark upon telecom reform and to open the sector to competition; the mobile segment in particular has shown strong growth since the launch of services by Vodacom Mozambique to compete against mCel, the then mobile subsidiary of the national telco Telecomunicações de Moçambique; additional competition followed in late 2020 with the launch of services by Movitel; following years of poor management and underachievement, TdM and mCel were merged in early 2019, creating a new operator Mozambique Telecom (Tmcel); in the process, the structure of the market changed from having four operators (TdM, mCel, Vodafone Mozambique, and Movitel) to three (Tmcel, Vodafone Mozambique and Movitel); at the same time, a new licensing regime ensured that by mid-2019 all three operators had been provided with universal licenses, enabling them to offer all types of telephony and data services; mobile, fixed-line and broadband penetration rates remain far below the average for the region; in recent years the government has enforced the registration of SIM cards, but with varying success; at the end of 2016 almost five million unregistered SIM cards were deactivated but poor monitoring meant that the process was revisited in mid-2019 and again in late 2020; the high cost of international bandwidth had long hampered internet use, though the landing of two international submarine cables (SEACOM and EASSy) has reduced the cost of bandwidth and so led to drastic reductions in broadband retail prices as well as a significant jump in available bandwidth; there is some cross-platform competition, with DSL, cable, fibre, WiMAX, and mobile broadband options available, though fixed broadband options can be limited to urban areas; improvements can be expected from the ongoing rollout of a national fiber backbone networks by Tmcel and of upgrades to mobile infrastructure. (2022) domestic: extremely low fixed-line teledensity contrasts with rapid growth in the mobile-cellular network; operators provide coverage that includes all the main cities and key roads; fixed-line less than 1 per 100 and nearly 49 per 100 mobile-cellular teledensity (2019) international: country code - 258; landing points for the EASSy and SEACOM/ Tata TGN-Eurasia fiber-optic submarine cable systems linking numerous east African countries, the Middle East and Asia ; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean); TdM contracts for Itelsat for satellite broadband and bulk haul services (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: 1 state-run TV station supplemented by private TV station; Portuguese state TV's African service, RTP Africa, and Brazilian-owned TV Miramar are available; state-run radio provides nearly 100% territorial coverage and broadcasts in multiple languages; a number of privately owned and community-operated stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2019) Internet country code: .mz Internet users: total: 5,313,424 (2020 est.) percent of population: 17% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 70,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.2 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 2 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 11 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 540,124 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 4.78 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: C9 Airports: total: 98 (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: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 4 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 77 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 29 under 914 m: 38 (2021) Pipelines: 972 km gas, 278 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 4,787 km (2014) narrow gauge: 4,787 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge Roadways: total: 31,083 km (2015) paved: 7,365 km (2015) unpaved: 23,718 km (2015) Waterways: 460 km (2010) (Zambezi River navigable to Tete and along Cahora Bassa Lake) Merchant marine: total: 30 by type: general cargo 9, other 21 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Beira, Maputo, Nacala Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Defense Forces of Mozambique (Forcas Armadas de Defesa de Mocambique, FADM): Mozambique Army, Mozambique Navy (Marinha de Guerra de Mocambique, MGM), Mozambique Air Force (Forca Aerea de Mocambique, FAM); Ministry of Interior: Mozambique National Police (PRM), the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR; police special forces), Border Security Force; other security forces include the Presidential Guard and the Force for the Protection of High-Level Individuals (2022) note: the FADM and other security forces are referred to collectively as the Defense and Security Forces (DFS) Military expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $220 million) 1.1% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $210 million) 0.9% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $170 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: information limited and varied; approximately 12,000 personnel (11,000 Army and about 1,000 Air Force and Navy) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FADM's inventory consists primarily of Soviet-era equipment, although since 2010 it has received limited quantities of more modern equipment from a variety of countries, mostly as aid/donations (2021) Military service age and obligation: registration for military service is mandatory for all males and females at 18 years of age; 18-35 years of age for selective compulsory military service; 18 years of age for voluntary service; 2-year service obligation; women may serve as officers or enlisted (2021) Military - note: the Government of Mozambique is facing an insurgency driven by militants with ties to the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS-Mozambique, which was declared a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US State Department in March 2021) in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, an area known for rich liquid natural gas deposits; insurgent attacks in the province began in 2017 and as of 2022, the fighting had left an estimated 4,000 dead and over 700,000 displaced; the FADM is widely assessed as lacking the training, equipment, and overall capabilities to address the insurgency; as of 2022, several countries from the Southern Africa Development Community and the European Union, as well as Rwanda and the US were providing various forms of military assistance; African countries have provided approximately 3,100 troops (2022) Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - Mozambique (ISIS-M) 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: Mozambique-Eswatini: none identified Mozambique-Malawi:  the two countries have held exercises to reaffirm boundaries a number of times Mozambique-South Africa: South Africa has placed military units to assist police operations along the border of Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to control smuggling, poaching, and illegal migration Mozambique-Tanzania: none identified Mozambique-Zambia: none identified Mozambique-Zimbabwe: none identifiedMozambique-Eswatini: none identifiedMozambique-Malawi:  the two countries have held exercises to reaffirm boundaries a number of timesMozambique-South Africa: South Africa has placed military units to assist police operations along the border of Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique to control smuggling, poaching, and illegal migrationMozambique-Tanzania: none identifiedMozambique-Zambia: none identifiedMozambique-Zimbabwe: none identified Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 67,567 (Democratic Republic of Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers), 8,374 (Burundi) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2022) IDPs: 946,508 (violence between the government and an opposition group, violence associated with extremists groups in 2018, political violence 2019) (2022) Illicit drugs: used by transnational organized crime networks from West and East Africa and South Asia as a transit point for drug trafficking and international money laundering; heroin from Southwest Asia, cocaine from South America, precursor chemicals and controlled pharmaceuticals from India, and methamphetamine from Nigeria transit destined for Southern Africa, Northern Africa, Europe, Canada, and the United States; cannabis is cultivated in Mozambique
20220901
countries-nigeria-travel-facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, 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 is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is 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: [234] (9) 461-4000; US Embassy Abuja, Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja, Nigeria; AbujaACS@state.gov; https://ng.usembassy.gov/ Telephone Code: 234 Local Emergency Phone: 199 Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. On 30 September 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Travel Health Notice for a Yellow Fever outbreak in Nigeria; a large, ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in Nigeria began in September 2017; the outbreak has now spread throughout the country with the Nigerian Ministry of Health reporting cases of the disease in multiple states (Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Enugu); the CDC recommends travelers going to Nigeria should receive vaccination against yellow fever at least 10 days before travel and should take steps to prevent mosquito bites while there; those never vaccinated against yellow fever should avoid travel to Nigeria during the outbreak. Widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring throughout Nigeria; as of 30 March 2022, Nigeria has reported a total of 255,341 cases of COVID-19 or 123.86 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 3,142 cumulative deaths or a rate of 1.52 cumulative death per 100,000 population; as of 29 March 2022, 9.95% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Nigeria 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: Varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north Currency (Code): Nairas (NGN) Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, F Major Languages: English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages Major Religions: Muslim 53.5%, Roman Catholic 10.6%, other Christian 35.3% 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: Abudja (includes Millennium Park, Zuma Rock, Arts & Crafts Village); Nana Living History Museum; Ancient Nok Settlement; New Afrika Shrine; Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove Major Sports: Soccer, boxing, rugby, track and field, basketball Cultural Practices: Using the left hand for eating or greeting is considered unclean; use the right hand instead. Tipping Guidelines: Service charges are added in many restaurants, but if not, a 10% tip is customary. Negotiate taxi fares before embarking on a journey. Tipping is not necessary.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
countries-mali
Topic: Photos of Mali Topic: Introduction Background: 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, the Economic Community of West African States (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, the Economic Community of West African States (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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: interior Western Africa, southwest of Algeria, north of Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, west of Niger Geographic coordinates: 17 00 N, 4 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 1,240,192 sq km land: 1,220,190 sq km water: 20,002 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy, humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to February) Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast Elevation: highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m lowest point: Senegal River 23 m mean elevation: 343 m Natural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum, granite, hydropower, note, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited Land use: agricultural land: 34.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 5.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 28.4% (2018 est.) forest: 10.2% (2018 est.) other: 55.7% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 3,780 sq km (2012) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lac Faguibine - 590 sq km note - the Niger River is the only source of water for the lake; in recent years the lake is dry Major rivers (by length in km): Niger (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Major aquifers: Lullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Taodeni-Tanezrouft Basin Population distribution: the overwhelming majority of the population lives in the southern half of the country, with greater density along the border with Burkina Faso as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts; occasional Niger River flooding Geography - note: landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern, cultivated Sudanese; the central, semiarid Sahelian; and the northern, arid Saharan Map description: Mali map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries.Mali map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries. Topic: People and Society Population: 20,741,769 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Malian(s) adjective: Malian Ethnic groups: Bambara 33.3%, Fulani (Peuhl) 13.3%, Sarakole/Soninke/Marka 9.8%, Senufo/Manianka 9.6%, Malinke 8.8%, Dogon 8.7%, Sonrai 5.9%, Bobo 2.1%, Tuareg/Bella 1.7%, other Malian 6%, from members of Economic Community of West Africa 0.4%, other 0.3% (2018 est.) Languages: French (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 Religions: Muslim 93.9%, Christian 2.8%, animist 0.7%, none 2.5% (2018 est.) Demographic profile: Mali’s total population is expected to double by 2035; its capital Bamako is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. A young age structure, a declining mortality rate, and a sustained high total fertility rate of 6 children per woman – the third highest in the world – ensure continued rapid population growth for the foreseeable future. Significant outmigration only marginally tempers this growth. Despite decreases, Mali’s infant, child, and maternal mortality rates remain among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa because of limited access to and adoption of family planning, early childbearing, short birth intervals, the prevalence of female genital cutting, infrequent use of skilled birth attendants, and a lack of emergency obstetrical and neonatal care.Mali’s high total fertility rate has been virtually unchanged for decades, as a result of the ongoing preference for large families, early childbearing, the lack of female education and empowerment, poverty, and extremely low contraceptive use. Slowing Mali’s population growth by lowering its birth rate will be essential for poverty reduction, improving food security, and developing human capital and the economy.Mali has a long history of seasonal migration and emigration driven by poverty, conflict, demographic pressure, unemployment, food insecurity, and droughts. Many Malians from rural areas migrate during the dry period to nearby villages and towns to do odd jobs or to adjoining countries to work in agriculture or mining. Pastoralists and nomads move seasonally to southern Mali or nearby coastal states. Others migrate long term to Mali’s urban areas, Cote d’Ivoire, other neighboring countries, and in smaller numbers to France, Mali’s former colonial ruler. Since the early 1990s, Mali’s role has grown as a transit country for regional migration flows and illegal migration to Europe. Human smugglers and traffickers exploit the same regional routes used for moving contraband drugs, arms, and cigarettes.Between early 2012 and 2013, renewed fighting in northern Mali between government forces and Tuareg secessionists and their Islamist allies, a French-led international military intervention, as well as chronic food shortages, caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Malians. Most of those displaced domestically sought shelter in urban areas of southern Mali, except for pastoralist and nomadic groups, who abandoned their traditional routes, gave away or sold their livestock, and dispersed into the deserts of northern Mali or crossed into neighboring countries. Almost all Malians who took refuge abroad (mostly Tuareg and Maure pastoralists) stayed in the region, largely in Mauritania, Niger, and Burkina Faso.Mali’s total population is expected to double by 2035; its capital Bamako is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. A young age structure, a declining mortality rate, and a sustained high total fertility rate of 6 children per woman – the third highest in the world – ensure continued rapid population growth for the foreseeable future. Significant outmigration only marginally tempers this growth. Despite decreases, Mali’s infant, child, and maternal mortality rates remain among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa because of limited access to and adoption of family planning, early childbearing, short birth intervals, the prevalence of female genital cutting, infrequent use of skilled birth attendants, and a lack of emergency obstetrical and neonatal care.Mali’s high total fertility rate has been virtually unchanged for decades, as a result of the ongoing preference for large families, early childbearing, the lack of female education and empowerment, poverty, and extremely low contraceptive use. Slowing Mali’s population growth by lowering its birth rate will be essential for poverty reduction, improving food security, and developing human capital and the economy.Mali has a long history of seasonal migration and emigration driven by poverty, conflict, demographic pressure, unemployment, food insecurity, and droughts. Many Malians from rural areas migrate during the dry period to nearby villages and towns to do odd jobs or to adjoining countries to work in agriculture or mining. Pastoralists and nomads move seasonally to southern Mali or nearby coastal states. Others migrate long term to Mali’s urban areas, Cote d’Ivoire, other neighboring countries, and in smaller numbers to France, Mali’s former colonial ruler. Since the early 1990s, Mali’s role has grown as a transit country for regional migration flows and illegal migration to Europe. Human smugglers and traffickers exploit the same regional routes used for moving contraband drugs, arms, and cigarettes.Between early 2012 and 2013, renewed fighting in northern Mali between government forces and Tuareg secessionists and their Islamist allies, a French-led international military intervention, as well as chronic food shortages, caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Malians. Most of those displaced domestically sought shelter in urban areas of southern Mali, except for pastoralist and nomadic groups, who abandoned their traditional routes, gave away or sold their livestock, and dispersed into the deserts of northern Mali or crossed into neighboring countries. Almost all Malians who took refuge abroad (mostly Tuareg and Maure pastoralists) stayed in the region, largely in Mauritania, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 98 youth dependency ratio: 93.1 elderly dependency ratio: 4.9 potential support ratio: 20.4 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 16 years male: 15.3 years female: 16.7 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 2.95% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 41.07 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.53 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -3.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: the overwhelming majority of the population lives in the southern half of the country, with greater density along the border with Burkina Faso as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 45.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 2.817 million BAMAKO (capital) (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.87 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.2 years (2018 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 20-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 562 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 60.64 deaths/1,000 live births male: 66.04 deaths/1,000 live births female: 55.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.41 years male: 60.19 years female: 64.7 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.54 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 17.2% (2018) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.9% of population rural: 75.9% of population total: 86.4% of population unimproved: urban: 0.1% of population rural: 24.1% of population total: 13.6% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 3.9% (2019) Physicians density: 0.13 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Hospital bed density: 0.1 beds/1,000 population Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.9% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 110,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 4,600 (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 Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 8.6% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 8.3% (2020 est.) male: 15.6% (2020 est.) female: 1% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 18.1% (2019) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 15.9% women married by age 18: 53.7% men married by age 18: 2.1% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 3.4% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 35.5% male: 46.2% female: 25.7% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 7 years male: 8 years female: 7 years (2017) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 2.4% male: 2.6% female: 2.3% (2018 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; loss of pasture land; inadequate supplies of potable water 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, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry (February to June); rainy, humid, and mild (June to November); cool and dry (November to February) Land use: agricultural land: 34.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 5.6% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.1% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 28.4% (2018 est.) forest: 10.2% (2018 est.) other: 55.7% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 45.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 2.02% 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 Food insecurity: severe localized food insecurity: due to civil insecurity and shortfall in staple food production - between June and August 2022, 1.84 million people are projected to face severe food insecurity, driven in part by a shortfall in staple food production in 2021; sanctions imposed on the country, following the postponement of elections by the transitional military government, are likely to slow down economic activity and further weigh on households’ economic capacity to access food (2022)due to civil insecurity and shortfall in staple food production - between June and August 2022, 1.84 million people are projected to face severe food insecurity, driven in part by a shortfall in staple food production in 2021; sanctions imposed on the country, following the postponement of elections by the transitional military government, are likely to slow down economic activity and further weigh on households’ economic capacity to access food Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 1,937,354 tons (2012 est.) Major lakes (area sq km): Fresh water lake(s): Lac Faguibine - 590 sq km note - the Niger River is the only source of water for the lake; in recent years the lake is dry Major rivers (by length in km): Niger (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Niger (2,261,741 sq km), Senegal (456,397 sq km), Volta (410,991 sq km) Major aquifers: Lullemeden-Irhazer Basin, Taodeni-Tanezrouft Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 107 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 4 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 5.075 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 120 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Mali conventional short form: Mali local long form: Republique de Mali local short form: Mali former: French Sudan, Sudanese Republic, Mali Federation etymology: name derives from the West African Mali Empire of the 13th to 16th centuries A.D. Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Bamako geographic coordinates: 12 39 N, 8 00 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name in the Bambara language can mean either "crocodile tail" or "crocodile river" and three crocodiles appear on the city seal Administrative divisions: 10 regions (regions, singular - region), 1 district*; District de Bamako*, Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Menaka, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Taoudenni, Tombouctou (Timbuktu); note - Menaka and Taoudenni were legislated in 2016, but implementation has not been confirmed by the US Board on Geographic Names Independence: 22 September 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 22 September (1960) Constitution: history: 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 in June 2022 announced the formation of a commission which will draft a new constitution by August Legal system: civil law system based on the French civil law model and influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Constitutional Court 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 Mali dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Transition President Assimi GOITA (since 7 June 2021); note - an August 2020 coup d'etat deposed President Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA; on 21 September 2020, a group of 17 electors chosen by the Malian military junta, known as the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP) and led by Colonel Assimi GOITA, selected Bah NDAW as transition president; GOITA served as vice president of the transitional government which was inaugurated on 25 September 2020; Vice President GOITA seized power on 25 May 2021; NDAW resigned on 26 May 2021; on 6 June 2022, GOITA's government announced a transition period of 24 months with a return to civilian rule effective March 2024 head of government: Transition Prime Minister Choguel MAIGA (appointed by Transitional President Assimi GOITA on 7 June 2021) note: former transition Prime Minister Moctar OUANE was arrested and detained by the military on 24 May 2021 and resigned on 26 May 2021 cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 29 July 2018 with runoff on 12 August 2018; prime minister appointed by the president; note - on 21 February 2022, the transition government adopted a charter allowing transition authorities to rule for up to 5 years; thereafter transition President GOITA is barred from being a candidate in presidential elections. election results: 2018: Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA (RPM) 41.7%, Soumaila CISSE (URD) 17.8%, other 40.5%; percent of vote in second round - Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA (RPM) 67.2%, Soumaila CISSE (URD) 32.8% 2013: Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA (RPM) 39.8%, Soumaila CISSE (URD) 19.7%, other 40.5%; percent of vote in second round - Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA (RPM) 77.6%, Soumaila CISSE (URD) 22.4% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (147 seats; members directly elected in single and multi-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed; 13 seats reserved for citizens living abroad; members serve 5-year terms) note - the National Assembly was dissolved on 18 August 2020 following a military coup and the resignation of President KEITA; note - the transition government created a National Transition Council (CNT) whose 121 members were selected by then-transition vice president Assimi GOITA; the CNT acts as the transition government's legislative body with Malick DIAW serving as the president; in February 2022 the CNT increased the number of seats to 147 but the additional seats have not yet been filled elections: last held on 30 March and 19 April 2020 election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA composition - NA Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of 19 judges organized into judicial, administrative, and accounting sections); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the Ministry of Justice to serve 5-year terms; Constitutional Court judges selected - 3 each by the president, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Council of the Magistracy; members serve single renewable 7-year terms subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court of Justice (jurisdiction limited to cases of high treason or criminal offenses by the president or ministers while in office); administrative courts (first instance and appeal); commercial courts; magistrate courts; labor courts; juvenile courts; special court of state security Political parties and leaders: African Solidarity for Democracy and Independence or SADI [Oumar MARIKO] Alliance for Democracy in Mali-Pan-African Party for Liberty, Solidarity, and Justice or ADEMA-PASJ [Tiemoko SANGARE] Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP-Maliba [Amadou THIAM] Alliance for the Solidarity of Mali-Convergence of Patriotic Forces or ASMA-CFP [Amadou CISSE] (vice-president, acting) Alternative Forces for Renewal and Emergence or FARE [Modibo SIDIBE] Convergence for the Development of Mali or CODEM [Housseyni Amion GUINDO] Democratic Alliance for Peace or ADP-Maliba [Aliou Boubacar DIALLO] Economic and Social Development Party or PDES [Jamille BITTAR] Front for Democracy and the Republic or FDR (coalition of smaller opposition parties) National Congress for Democratic Initiative or CNID [Mountaga TALL] Party for National Renewal or PARENA [Tiebile DRAME] Patriotic Movement for Renewal or MPR [Choguel Kokalla MAIGA] Rally for Mali or RPM [Boucary TRETA] Union for Republic and Democracy or URD [Younoussi TOURE] International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (designate) Sékou BERTHE (since April 2022) chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249 FAX: [1] (202) 332-6603 email address and website: infos@mali.embassy.us https://www.maliembassy.us/ Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dennis B. HANKINS (since 15 March 2019) embassy: ACI 2000, Rue 243, (located off the Roi Bin Fahad Aziz Bridge west of the Bamako central district), Porte 297, Bamako mailing address: 2050 Bamako Place, Washington DC  20521-2050 telephone: [223] 20-70-23-00 FAX: [223] 20-70-24-79 email address and website: ACSBamako@state.gov https://ml.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the same as those of neighboring Senegal (which has an additional green central star) and the reverse of those on the flag of neighboring Guinea National symbol(s): Great Mosque of Djenne; national colors: green, yellow, red National anthem: name: "Le Mali" (Mali) lyrics/music: Seydou Badian KOUYATE/Banzoumana SISSOKO note: adopted 1962; also known as "Pour L'Afrique et pour toi, Mali" (For Africa and for You, Mali) and "A ton appel Mali" (At Your Call, Mali) National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Old Towns of Djenné (c); Timbuktu (c); Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) (m); Tomb of Askia (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, landlocked Mali depends on gold mining and agricultural exports for revenue. The country's fiscal status fluctuates with gold and agricultural commodity prices and the harvest; cotton and gold exports make up around 80% of export earnings. Mali remains dependent on foreign aid.   Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River; about 65% of Mali’s land area is desert or semidesert. About 10% of the population is nomadic and about 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The government subsidizes the production of cereals to decrease the country’s dependence on imported foodstuffs and to reduce its vulnerability to food price shocks.   Mali is developing its iron ore extraction industry to diversify foreign exchange earnings away from gold, but the pace will depend on global price trends. Although the political coup in 2012 slowed Mali’s growth, the economy has since bounced back, with GDP growth above 5% in 2014-17, although physical insecurity, high population growth, corruption, weak infrastructure, and low levels of human capital continue to constrain economic development. Higher rainfall helped to boost cotton output in 2017, and the country’s 2017 budget increased spending more than 10%, much of which was devoted to infrastructure and agriculture. Corruption and political turmoil are strong downside risks in 2018 and beyond.Among the 25 poorest countries in the world, landlocked Mali depends on gold mining and agricultural exports for revenue. The country's fiscal status fluctuates with gold and agricultural commodity prices and the harvest; cotton and gold exports make up around 80% of export earnings. Mali remains dependent on foreign aid. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger River; about 65% of Mali’s land area is desert or semidesert. About 10% of the population is nomadic and about 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The government subsidizes the production of cereals to decrease the country’s dependence on imported foodstuffs and to reduce its vulnerability to food price shocks. Mali is developing its iron ore extraction industry to diversify foreign exchange earnings away from gold, but the pace will depend on global price trends. Although the political coup in 2012 slowed Mali’s growth, the economy has since bounced back, with GDP growth above 5% in 2014-17, although physical insecurity, high population growth, corruption, weak infrastructure, and low levels of human capital continue to constrain economic development. Higher rainfall helped to boost cotton output in 2017, and the country’s 2017 budget increased spending more than 10%, much of which was devoted to infrastructure and agriculture. Corruption and political turmoil are strong downside risks in 2018 and beyond. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $44.89 billion (2020 est.) $45.64 billion (2019 est.) $43.57 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 5.4% (2017 est.) 5.8% (2016 est.) 6.2% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $2,200 (2020 est.) $2,300 (2019 est.) $2,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $17.508 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.9% (2018 est.) 1.8% (2017 est.) 1.7% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Moody's rating: Caa1 (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 41.8% (2017 est.) industry: 18.1% (2017 est.) services: 40.5% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: maize, rice, millet, sorghum, mangoes/guavas, cotton, watermelons, green onions/shallots, okra, sugar cane Industries: food processing; construction; phosphate and gold mining Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (2017 est.) Labor force: 6.447 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 80% industry and services: 20% (2005 est.) Unemployment rate: 7.9% (2017 est.) 7.8% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 2.4% male: 2.6% female: 2.3% (2018 est.) Population below poverty line: 42.1% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 40.1 (2001) 50.5 (1994) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.5% highest 10%: 25.8% (2010 est.) Budget: revenues: 3.075 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 3.513 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 35.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 36% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 20% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$886 million (2017 est.) -$1.015 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $4.18 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $2.803 billion (2016 est.) Exports - partners: United Arab Emirates 66%, Switzerland 26% (2019) Exports - commodities: gold, cotton, sesame seeds, lumber, vegetable oils/residues (2019) Imports: $6.08 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $3.403 billion (2016 est.) Imports - partners: Senegal 23%, Cote d'Ivoire 15%, China 11%, France 9% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, clothing and apparel, packaged medicines, cement, broadcasting equipment (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $647.8 million (31 December 2017 est.) $395.7 million (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $4.192 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $3.981 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 605.3 (2017 est.) 593.01 (2016 est.) 593.01 (2015 est.) 591.45 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 50% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 78% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 28% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 890,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 2,620,980,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 550 million kWh (2019 est.) imports: 200 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 346 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 67.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 29.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) 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: 37,600 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: 20,610 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: 5.679 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 5.679 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 4.396 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 281,638 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 25,315,598 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 125 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Mali’s telecom systems are challenged by recent conflict, geography, areas of low population, poverty, security issues, and high illiteracy; telecom infrastructure is barely adequate in urban areas and not available in most of the country with underinvestment in fixed-line networks; high mobile penetration and potential for mobile broadband service; local plans for IXP; dependent on neighboring countries for international bandwidth and access to submarine cables; there are Chinese investment agreements for infrastructure; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2022) domestic: fixed-line subscribership is over 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership has increased sharply to 125 per 100 persons; increasing use of local radio loops to extend network coverage to remote areas (2020) international: country code - 223; satellite communications center and fiber-optic links to neighboring countries; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean) (2020) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: national public TV broadcaster; 2 privately owned companies provide subscription services to foreign multi-channel TV packages; national public radio broadcaster supplemented by a large number of privately owned and community broadcast stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2019) Internet country code: .ml Internet users: total: 5,467,725 (2020 est.) percent of population: 27% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 243,806 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 0 (2020) Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: TZ, TT Airports: total: 25 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 17 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Railways: total: 593 km (2014) narrow gauge: 593 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge Roadways: total: 139,107 km (2018) Waterways: 1,800 km (2011) (downstream of Koulikoro; low water levels on the River Niger cause problems in dry years; in the months before the rainy season the river is not navigable by commercial vessels) Ports and terminals: river port(s): Koulikoro (Niger) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Malian Armed Forces (FAMa): Army (Armee de Terre; includes a riverine patrol force), Republic of Mali Air Force (Force Aerienne de la Republique du Mali, FARM); National Gendarmerie; National Guard (Garde National du Mali) (2022) note 1: the Gendarmerie and the National Guard are under the authority of the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs (Ministere De La Defense Et Des Anciens Combattants, MDAC), but operational control is shared between the MDAC and the Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection note 2: the Gendarmerie's primary mission is internal security and public order; its duties also include territorial defense, humanitarian operations, intelligence gathering, and protecting private property, mainly in rural areas; as of 2021, the Gendarmerie was comprised of approximately 8 paramilitary companies and a mobile intervention unit note 3: the National Guard is a military force responsible for providing security to government facilities and institutions, prison service, public order, humanitarian operations, some border security, and intelligence gathering; as of 2021, it had approximately 8 companies of troops, including a camel corps for patrolling the deserts and borders of northern Mali note 4: there are also pro-government militias operating in Mali, such as the Imghad Tuareg Self-Defense Group and Allies (GATIA) Military expenditures: 3.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 3.4% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.1% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $630 million) 3.1% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $600 million) 3.2% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $600 million) Military and security service personnel strengths: information varies; approximately 20,000 active FAMa personnel (includes up to 2,000 Air Force); approximately 5,000 Gendarmerie; approximately 10,000 National Guard (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the FAMa's inventory consists primarily of Soviet-era equipment, although in recent years it has received limited quantities of mostly second-hand armaments from more than a dozen countries, including Russia (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service (men and women); 2-year conscript service obligation (2022) Military deployments: note: until announcing its withdrawal in May of 2022, Mali was part of a five-nation anti-jihadist task force known as the G5 Sahel Group, set up in 2014 with Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, and Niger; Mali had committed 1,100 troops and 200 gendarmes to the force Military - note: prior to the coup in August 2020 and military takeover in May 2021, the Malian military had intervened in the political arena at least five times since the country gained independence in 1960; two attempts failed (1976 and 1978), while three succeeded in overturning civilian rule (1968, 1991, and 2012); the military collapsed in 2012 during the fighting against Tuareg rebels and Islamic militants; it has been since rebuilt, but continues to have limited capabilities and is heavily reliant on external assistance as of 2022, Malian security forces were actively conducting operations against several separatist insurgent and terrorist groups, particularly in the central and northern regions of the country where the government was reportedly in control of only an estimated 10-20% of the territory the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has operated in the country since 2013; the Mission's responsibilities include providing security, rebuilding Malian security forces, protecting civilians, supporting national political dialogue, and assisting in the reestablishment of Malian government authority; as of mid-2022, MINUSMA had around 15,000 personnel deployed; in June 2022, the UN extended its mission another 12 months the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM-M) and the French military (under a separate, bi-lateral mission) have also operated in the country since 2013; the EUTM-M provides advice and training to the Malian Armed Forces and military assistance to the G5 Sahel Joint Force; as of May 2022, the mission included about 1,100 personnel from more than 20 European countries; in April of 2022, the EU said it would suspend its training program in Mali, citing issues with the ruling military government, including human rights abuses and the presence of Russian private military contractors; in August 2022, France completed withdrawing the last of its forces from Mali, also citing obstructions from the military government; prior to the withdrawal, more than 2,000 French troops had provided military assistance and conducted counter-terrorism/counter-insurgency operations in December 2021, the Malian military government contracted with a Russian private military company to provide training for local armed forces and security to senior Malian officials; as of mid-2022, there were an estimated 1,000 Russian military contractors in Mali (2022) Topic: Terrorism Terrorist group(s): Ansar al-Dine; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the Greater Sahara (ISIS-GS); Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM); al-Mulathamun Battalion (al-Mourabitoun) 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: Mali-Burkina Faso: demarcation is underway with Burkina Faso  Mali-Burkina Faso: demarcation is underway with Burkina Faso  Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 22,051 (Burkina Faso) (refugees and asylum seekers), 14,950 (Mauritania) (refugees and asylum seekers), 13,585 (Niger) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2022) IDPs: 370,548 (Tuareg rebellion since 2012) (2022) Trafficking in persons: current situation: Mali is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; women and girls are forced into domestic servitude, agricultural labor, and support roles in gold mines, as well as subjected to sex trafficking; Malian boys are found in conditions of forced labor in agricultural settings, gold mines, and the informal commercial sector, as well as forced begging in Mali and neighboring countries; Malians and other Africans who travel through Mali to Mauritania, Algeria, or Libya in hopes of reaching Europe are particularly at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking; men and boys, primarily of Songhai ethnicity, are subjected to debt bondage in the salt mines of Taoudenni in northern Mali; some members of Mali's Tuareg community are subjected to traditional slavery-related practices, and this involuntary servitude reportedly has extended to their children; reports indicate that non-governmental armed groups operating in northern Mali recruited children as combatants, cooks, porters, guards, spies, and sex slaves; slaveholders use some members of the Tuareg community in hereditary servitude where communities rather than individuals or families exploit the enslaved tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Mali does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so; government efforts included prosecuting hereditary slavery cases, increasing convictions, continuing training and awareness raising activities, releasing all children associated with the Malian armed forces (FAMa) to an international organization for care, training law enforcement officials on protection of children in armed conflict, identifying 215 children used by armed groups and referring them to international organizations for care; however, the government did not stop all use of children in the FAMa; the government continued to provide support to and collaborate with the Imghad Tuareg and the Allies Self-Defense Group, which recruited and used child soldiers; authorities did not investigate any suspects for child soldier offenses or make efforts to prevent it; law enforcement lacked resources and training about human trafficking; services for victims remained insufficient; therefore, Mali was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List (2020) Illicit drugs: a transit point for illicit drugs trafficked to Europe; trafficking controlled by armed groups, criminal organizations, terrorist groups and government officials that facilitate, protect and profit from the activitya transit point for illicit drugs trafficked to Europe; trafficking controlled by armed groups, criminal organizations, terrorist groups and government officials that facilitate, protect and profit from the activity
20220901
countries-falkland-islands-islas-malvinas
Topic: Photos of Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Topic: Introduction Background: 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 500 km east of southern Argentina Geographic coordinates: 51 45 S, 59 00 W Map references: South America Area: total: 12,173 sq km land: 12,173 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut Land boundaries: total: 0 km Coastline: 1,288 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 60 cm in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate Terrain: rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains Elevation: highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m Natural resources: fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss Land use: agricultural land: 92.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 92.4% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 7.6% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: NA Population distribution: a very small population, with most residents living in and around Stanley Natural hazards: strong winds persist throughout the year Geography - note: deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season Map description: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) map showing the islands that make up this UK territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) map showing the islands that make up this UK territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 3,198 (2016 est.) note: data include all persons usually resident in the islands at the time of the 2016 census Nationality: noun: Falkland Islander(s) adjective: Falkland Island Ethnic groups: Falkland Islander 48.3%, British 23.1%, St. Helenian 7.5%, Chilean 4.6%, mixed 6%, other 8.5%, unspecified 2% (2016 est.) note: data represent population by national identity Languages: English 89%, Spanish 7.7%, other 3.3% (2006 est.) Religions: Christian 57.1%, other 1.6%, none 35.4%, unspecified 6% (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: 10.9 births/1,000 population (2012 est.) Death rate: 4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2012 est.) Net migration rate: NA Population distribution: a very small population, with most residents living in and around Stanley Urbanization: urban population: 79.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.53% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 2,000 STANLEY (capital) (2018) Sex ratio: total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2016 est.) note: sex ratio is somewhat skewed by the high proportion of males at the Royal Air Force station, Mount Pleasant Airport (MPA); excluding MPA, the sex ratio of the total population would be 1.04 Infant mortality rate: total: NA male: NA female: NA Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.9 male: 75.6 female: (2017 est.) 79.6 Total fertility rate: NA Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 78.2% of population total: 95.3% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 21.8% of population total: 4.7% of population (2020) Current Health Expenditure: NA Physicians density: NA 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) 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: overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer - introduced to the islands in 2001 from South Georgia - are part of a farming effort to produce specialty meat and diversify the islands' economy; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster; grazing threatens important habitats including tussac grass and its ecosystem with penguins and sea lions; soil erosion from fires Climate: cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 60 cm in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate Land use: agricultural land: 92.4% (2018 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 92.4% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 7.6% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 79.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.53% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) etymology: the archipelago takes its name from the Falkland Sound, the strait separating the two main islands; the channel itself was named after the Viscount of FALKLAND, who sponsored an expedition to the islands in 1690; the Spanish name for the archipelago derives from the French "Iles Malouines," the name applied to the islands by French explorer Louis-Antoine de BOUGAINVILLE in 1764 Government type: parliamentary democracy (Legislative Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina Capital: name: Stanley geographic coordinates: 51 42 S, 57 51 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named after Edward SMITH-STANLEY (1799-1869), the 14th Earl of Derby, a British statesman and three-time prime minister of the UK who never visited the islands Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina) Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina) National holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982) Constitution: history: previous 1985; latest entered into force 1 January 2009 (The Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008) Legal system: English common law and local statutes Citizenship: see United Kingdom Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Alison BLAKE (since 23 July 2022) head of government: Chief Executive Andy KEELING (since April 2021) cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Legislative Council elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; chief executive appointed by the governor Legislative branch: description: unicameral Legislative Assembly, formerly the Legislative Council (10 seats; 5 members directly elected in the Stanley constituency and 3 members in the Camp constituency by simple majority vote, 2 appointed non-voting ex-officio members - the chief executive, appointed by the governor, and the financial secretary; members serve 4-year terms); note - several previous referendums -  the latest in September 2020 - on whether to merge the Stanley and Camp constituencies into a single islands wide constituency, failed elections: last held on 4 November 2021 (next to be held in November 2025) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 8; composition of elected members -men 6, women 2, percent of women 25% Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, the chief justice as an ex officio non-resident member, and 2 justices of appeal); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: chief justice, court of appeal president, and justices appointed by the governor; tenure specified in each justice's instrument of appointment subordinate courts: Magistrate's Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction Political parties and leaders: none; all independents International organization participation: UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina) Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT National symbol(s): ram National anthem: name: "Song of the Falklands" lyrics/music: Christopher LANHAM note: adopted 1930s; the song is the local unofficial anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom) Topic: Economy Economic overview: The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but fishing and tourism currently comprise the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees net more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. The waters around the Falkland Islands are known for their squid, which account for around 75% of the annual 200,000-ton catch.   Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Foreign exchange earnings come from shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and from the sale of postage stamps and coins.   Tourism, especially ecotourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 69,000 visitors in 2009 and adds approximately $5.5 million to the Falkland’s annual GDP. The British military presence also provides a sizable economic boost. The islands are now self-financing except for defense.   In 1993, the British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day. Political tensions between the UK and Argentina remain high following the start of oil drilling activities in the waters. In May 2010 the first commercial oil discovery was made, signaling the potential for the development of a long term hydrocarbon industry in the Falkland Islands.The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but fishing and tourism currently comprise the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees net more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. The waters around the Falkland Islands are known for their squid, which account for around 75% of the annual 200,000-ton catch. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Foreign exchange earnings come from shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and from the sale of postage stamps and coins. Tourism, especially ecotourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 69,000 visitors in 2009 and adds approximately $5.5 million to the Falkland’s annual GDP. The British military presence also provides a sizable economic boost. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. In 1993, the British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day. Political tensions between the UK and Argentina remain high following the start of oil drilling activities in the waters. In May 2010 the first commercial oil discovery was made, signaling the potential for the development of a long term hydrocarbon industry in the Falkland Islands. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $206.4 million (2015 est.) $164.5 million (2014 est.) $167.5 million (2013 est.) Real GDP growth rate: 25.5% (2015 est.) -1.8% (2014 est.) -20.4% (2013 est.) Real GDP per capita: $70,800 (2015 est.) $63,000 (2014 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $206.4 million (2015 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (2014 est.) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 41% (2015 est.) industry: 20.6% (2015 est.) services: 38.4% (2015 est.) Agricultural products: fodder and vegetable crops; venison, sheep, dairy products; fish, squid Industries: fish and wool processing; tourism Industrial production growth rate: NA Labor force: 1,850 (2016 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 41% industry: 24.5% services: 34.5% (2015 est.) Unemployment rate: 1% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 36 (2015) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 67.1 million (FY09/10) expenditures: 75.3 million (FY09/10) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -4% (of GDP) (FY09/10) Public debt: 0% of GDP (2015 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 32.5% (of GDP) (FY09/10) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Exports: $257.3 million (2015 est.) $125 million (2004 est.) Exports - partners: Spain 78%, United States 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: mollusks, fish, wool, sheep/goat meats, engine parts (2019) Imports: $90 million (2004 est.) Imports - partners: United Kingdom 79%, Netherlands 16% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, spark-ignition engines, stone processing machinery, construction vehicles, cars (2019) Debt - external: $0 (2017 est.) $0 (2016 est.) Exchange rates: Falkland pounds (FKP) per US dollar - 0.7836 (2017 est.) 0.6542 (2016 est.) 0.6542 (2015) 0.6542 (2014 est.) 0.6391 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity: installed generating capacity: 11,000 kW (2020 est.) consumption: 19.133 million kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1 million kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 66.7% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 33.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) 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: 300 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 286 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: 46,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 46,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 2,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 65 (2018 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 5,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 163 (2018 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands domestic: fixed-line subscriptions approximately 65 per 100, 163 per 100 for mobile-cellular (2019) international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries (2015) Broadcast media: TV service provided by a multi-channel service provider; radio services provided by the public broadcaster, Falkland Islands Radio Service, broadcasting on both AM and FM frequencies, and by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (2007) Internet country code: .fk Internet users: total: 3,343 (2019 est.) percent of population: 99% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 1,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 5 Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: VP-F Airports: total: 7 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 5 under 914 m: 5 (2021) Roadways: total: 440 km (2008) paved: 50 km (2008) unpaved: 390 km (2008) Merchant marine: total: 2 by type: general cargo 1, other 1 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Stanley Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK, which maintains about 1,200 troops on the islands Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talksArgentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talks
20220901
oceans-atlantic-ocean
Topic: Photos of Atlantic Ocean Topic: Introduction Background: The 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: body of water between Africa, Europe, the Arctic Ocean, the Americas, and the Southern Ocean Geographic coordinates: 0 00 N, 25 00 W Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 85.133 million sq km note: includes Baffin Bay, Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, almost all of the Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies Area - comparative: about 7.5 times the size of the US Coastline: 111,866 km Climate: tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cabo Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December but are most frequent from August to November Terrain: surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October to June; surface dominated by two large gyres (broad, circular systems of currents), one in the northern Atlantic and another in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin major surface currents: clockwise North Atlantic Gyre consists of the northward flowing, warm Gulf Stream in the west, the eastward flowing North Atlantic Current in the north, the southward flowing cold Canary Current in the east, and the westward flowing North Equatorial Current in the south; the counterclockwise South Atlantic Gyre composed of the southward flowing warm Brazil Current in the west, the eastward flowing South Atlantic Current in the south, the northward flowing cold Benguela Current in the east, and the westward flowing South Equatorial Current in the northsurface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and coastal portions of the Baltic Sea from October to June; surface dominated by two large gyres (broad, circular systems of currents), one in the northern Atlantic and another in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basinmajor surface currents: clockwise North Atlantic Gyre consists of the northward flowing, warm Gulf Stream in the west, the eastward flowing North Atlantic Current in the north, the southward flowing cold Canary Current in the east, and the westward flowing North Equatorial Current in the south; the counterclockwise South Atlantic Gyre composed of the southward flowing warm Brazil Current in the west, the eastward flowing South Atlantic Current in the south, the northward flowing cold Benguela Current in the east, and the westward flowing South Equatorial Current in the north Volume: ocean volume: 310,410,900 cu km percent of World Ocean total volume: 23.3% Elevation: highest 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. Natural resources: oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones Natural hazards: icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September; hurricanes (May to December) Geography - note: major chokepoints include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean Map description: Atlantic Ocean map highlights the Ocean in relation to surrounding continents and shows the major chokepoints.Atlantic Ocean map highlights the Ocean in relation to surrounding continents and shows the major chokepoints. Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; unsustainable exploitation of fisheries (over fishing, bottom trawling, drift net fishing, discards, catch of non-target species); pollution (maritime transport, discharges, offshore drilling, oil spills); municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea Marine fisheries: the Atlantic Ocean fisheries are the second most important in the world accounting for 26.4%, or 21,063,495 mt, of the global catch in 2019; of the seven regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Atlantic basin, the most important include the following: Northeast Atlantic region (Region 27) is the fourth most important in the world producing 10.2% of the global catch or 8,116,507 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 36º North latitude and east of 40º West longitude with the major producers including Norway (3,528,240 mt), Russia (1,044,153 mt), Iceland (933,019 mt), UK (823,669 mt), and Denmark (641,927 mt); the region includes the historically important fishing grounds of the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic waters between Greenland, Iceland, and the British Isles; the principal catches include Atlantic cod, haddock, saithe (pollock), Blue Whiting, herring, and mackerel; not all fish caught are for human consumption, half of fish catches in the North Sea are processed as fish oil or fish meal, which are used in animal fodder Eastern Central Atlantic region (Region 34) is the second most important Atlantic fishery, and sixth largest in the world producing more than 6.8% of the global catch or 5,397,726 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters between 36º North and 6º South latitude and east of 40º West longitude off the west coast of Africa with the major producers including Morocco (1,419,872 mt), Mauritania (705,850 mt), Senegal (472,571 mt), Nigeria (451,768 mt), Ghana (303,001 mt), Cameroon (265,969 mt), and Sierra Leone (200,000 mt); the principal catches include pilchard, sardinellas, shad, and mackerel Northwest Atlantic region (Region 21) is the third most important Atlantic fishery and eighth in the world producing 2% of the global catch and 1,679,512 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 35º North latitude and west of 42º West longitude including the important fishing grounds over the continental shelf of North America such as the Grand Banks, the Georges Bank, and the Flemish Cap, as well as Baffin Bay with the major producers including the US (927,777 mt), Canada (615,651 mt), and Greenland (179,990 mt); the principal catches include sea scallops, prawns, lobster, herring, and menhaden Mediterranean and Black Sea region (Region 37) is a minor fishing region representing 1.7% or 1,385,190 mt of the world’s total capture in 2019; the region encompasses all waters east of the Strait of Gibraltar with the major producers including Turkey (686,650 mt), Italy (281,212 mt), Tunisia (129,325 mt), Spain (119,759 mt), and Russia (72,279 mt); the principal catches include European anchovy, European pilchard, Gobies, and clams Regional fisheries bodies: Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, International  Council for the Exploration of the Seas, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, Southeast Atlantic Fisheries Organization, Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commissionthe Atlantic Ocean fisheries are the second most important in the world accounting for 26.4%, or 21,063,495 mt, of the global catch in 2019; of the seven regions delineated by the Food and Agriculture Organization in the Atlantic basin, the most important include the following:Northeast Atlantic region (Region 27) is the fourth most important in the world producing 10.2% of the global catch or 8,116,507 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters north of 36º North latitude and east of 40º West longitude with the major producers including Norway (3,528,240 mt), Russia (1,044,153 mt), Iceland (933,019 mt), UK (823,669 mt), and Denmark (641,927 mt); the region includes the historically important fishing grounds of the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic waters between Greenland, Iceland, and the British Isles; the principal catches include Atlantic cod, haddock, saithe (pollock), Blue Whiting, herring, and mackerel; not all fish caught are for human consumption, half of fish catches in the North Sea are processed as fish oil or fish meal, which are used in animal fodderEastern Central Atlantic region (Region 34) is the second most important Atlantic fishery, and sixth largest in the world producing more than 6.8% of the global catch or 5,397,726 mt in 2019; the region encompasses the waters between 36º North and 6º South latitude and east of 40º West longitude off the west coast of Africa with the major producers including Morocco (1,419,872 mt), Mauritania (705,850 mt), Senegal (472,571 mt), Nigeria (451,768 mt), Ghana (303,001 mt), Cameroon (265,969 mt), and Sierra Leone (200,000 mt); the principal catches include pilchard, sardinellas, shad, and mackerelNorthwest Atlantic region (Region 21) is the third most important Atlantic fishery and eighth in the world producing 2% of the global catch and 1,679,512 mt in 2019; it encompasses the waters north of 35º North latitude and west of 42º West longitude including the important fishing grounds over the continental shelf of North America such as the Grand Banks, the Georges Bank, and the Flemish Cap, as well as Baffin Bay with the major producers including the US (927,777 mt), Canada (615,651 mt), and Greenland (179,990 mt); the principal catches include sea scallops, prawns, lobster, herring, and menhadenMediterranean and Black Sea region (Region 37) is a minor fishing region representing 1.7% or 1,385,190 mt of the world’s total capture in 2019; the region encompasses all waters east of the Strait of Gibraltar with the major producers including Turkey (686,650 mt), Italy (281,212 mt), Tunisia (129,325 mt), Spain (119,759 mt), and Russia (72,279 mt); the principal catches include European anchovy, European pilchard, Gobies, and clams Regional fisheries bodies: Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, International  Council for the Exploration of the Seas, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, Southeast Atlantic Fisheries Organization, Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission Climate: tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cabo Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December but are most frequent from August to November Topic: Government Country name: etymology: name derives from the Greek description of the waters beyond the Strait of Gibraltar, Atlantis thalassa, meaning "Sea of Atlas" Topic: Economy Economic overview: The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, dredging of aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea). Topic: Transportation Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) Transportation - note: Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways; significant domestic commercial and recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US; the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore Atlantic waters as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa; in 2014, 41 commercial vessels were attacked in the Gulf of Guinea with 5 hijacked and 144 crew members taken hostage; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen Topic: Military and Security 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;” South American ports in Brazil and Colombia, as well as Caribbean ports in Mexico and Haiti continue to be affected by the crime of armed robbery against ships with 15 incidents reported in 2021 compared to 17 in 2020 with most of these occurring while berthed or anchoredthe 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;” South American ports in Brazil and Colombia, as well as Caribbean ports in Mexico and Haiti continue to be affected by the crime of armed robbery against ships with 15 incidents reported in 2021 compared to 17 in 2020 with most of these occurring while berthed or anchored Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)some maritime disputes (see littoral states)
20220901
countries-san-marino
Topic: Photos of San Marino Topic: Introduction Background: Geographically 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy Geographic coordinates: 43 46 N, 12 25 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 61 sq km land: 61 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about one-third the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 37 km border countries (1): Italy 37 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers Terrain: rugged mountains Elevation: highest point: Monte Titano 739 m lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m Natural resources: building stone Land use: agricultural land: 16.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 83.3% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) Natural hazards: occasional earthquakes Geography - note: landlocked; an enclave of (completely surrounded by) Italy; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennine Mountains Map description: San Marino map showing the major population centers in this microstate surrounded by Italy.San Marino map showing the major population centers in this microstate surrounded by Italy. Topic: People and Society Population: 34,682 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural) adjective: Sammarinese Ethnic groups: Sammarinese, Italian Languages: Italian major-language sample(s): L'Almanacco dei fatti del mondo, l'indispensabile fonte per le informazioni di base. (Italian) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. Religions: Roman Catholic Age structure: 0-14 years: 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: NA youth dependency ratio: NA elderly dependency ratio: NA potential support ratio: NA Median age: total: 45.2 years male: 43.9 years female: 46.3 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.61% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 8.85 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.82 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 6.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 97.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 4,000 SAN MARINO (2018) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 31.9 years (2019) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.51 deaths/1,000 live births male: 7.72 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.86 years male: 81.3 years female: 86.65 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.53 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: 6.4% (2019) Physicians density: 6.11 physicians/1,000 population (2014) Hospital bed density: 3.8 beds/1,000 population (2012) Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0% of population (2020) 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: 3.4% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: total population: 99.9% male: 99.9% female: 99.9% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 12 years male: 13 years female: 12 years (2020) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 27.4% male: 21.4% female: 36% (2016 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution; urbanization decreasing rural farmlands; water shortage Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 13.45 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) methane emissions: 0.02 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers Land use: agricultural land: 16.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 16.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 0% (2018 est.) other: 83.3% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 97.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 17,175 tons (2016 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 7,737 tons (2016 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 45.1% (2016 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of San Marino conventional short form: San Marino local long form: Repubblica di San Marino local short form: San Marino etymology: named after Saint MARINUS, who in A.D. 301 founded the monastic settlement around which the city and later the state of San Marino coalesced Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: San Marino (city) geographic coordinates: 43 56 N, 12 25 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: named after Saint MARINUS, who in A.D. 301 founded a monastic settlement around which the city and later the state of San Marino coalesced Administrative divisions: 9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino, San Marino Citta, Serravalle Independence: 3 September 301 (traditional founding date) National holiday: Founding of the Republic (or Feast of Saint Marinus), 3 September (A.D. 301) Constitution: history: 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 2019 Legal system: civil law system with Italian civil law influences 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 San Marino dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 30 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: co-chiefs of state Captain Regent Oscar MONA and Captain Regent Paolo RONDELLI (for the period 1 April 2022 - 1 October 2022) head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Luca BECCARI (since 8 January 2020) cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Grand and General Council elections/appointments: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) indirectly elected by the Grand and General Council for a single 6-month term; election last held in September 2021 (next to be held in March 2022); secretary of state for foreign and political affairs indirectly elected by the Grand and General Council for a single 5-year term; election last held on 28 December 2019 (next to be held by November 2024) election results: Oscar MINA (PDCS) and Paolo RONDELLI (RETE) elected captains regent; percent of Grand and General Council vote - NA; Luca BECCARI (PDCS) elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs; percent of Grand and General Council vote - NA note: the captains regent preside over meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which has 7 other members who are selected by the Grand and General Council; assisting the captains regent are 7 secretaries of state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has some prime ministerial roles Legislative branch: description: unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande e Generale (60 seats; members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by list proportional representation vote in 2 rounds if needed; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 8 December 2019 (next to be held by 31 December 2024) election results: percent of vote by coalition/party - PDCS 35%, Tomorrow in Movement coalition 25% (RETE Movement 18.3%, Domani - Motus Liberi 6.7%), Free San Marino 16.7%, We for the Republic 13.3%, Future Republic 10%; seats by coalition/party - PDCS 21, Tomorrow in Movement coalition 15 (RETE Movement 11, Domani - Motus Liberi 4), Free San Marino 10, We for the Republic 8, Future Republic 6; composition (as of October 2021) - men 40, women 20, percent of women 33.3% Judicial branch: highest courts: Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII (consists of 12 members); note - the College of Guarantors for the Constitutionality and General Norms functions as San Marino's constitutional court judge selection and term of office: judges elected by the Grand and General Council from among its own to serve 5-year terms subordinate courts: first instance and first appeal criminal, administrative, and civil courts; Court for the Trust and Trustee Relations; justices of the peace or conciliatory judges Political parties and leaders: Civic 10 [Franco SANTI] Domani - Modus Liberi or DML [Lorenzo Forcellini REFFI] Free San Marino or Libera [Matteo Ciacci] Future Republic or RF [Mario VENTURINI] I Elect for a New Republic Party of Socialists and Democrats or PSD [Paride ANDREOLI] RETE Movement [Gloria Arcangeloni] Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party or PDCS [Marco GATTI] Socialist Party or PS [Alessandro BEVITORI] Tomorrow in Movement coalition (includes RETE Movement, DML) We for the Republic [Denise Bronzetti] International organization participation: CE, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Damiano BELEFFI (since 21 July 2017) chancery: 327 E 50th Street, New York, NY 10022; Embassy address: 1711 North Street NW (2nd Floor), Washington, DC 22036 telephone: [1] (212) 751-1234 [1] (202) 223-24l8 [1] (202) 751-1436 FAX: [1] (212) 751-1436 email address and website: sanmarinoun@gmail.com Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the United States does not have an Embassy in San Marino; the US Ambassador to Italy is accredited to San Marino, and the US Consulate General in Florence maintains day-to-day ties Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the main colors derive from the shield of the coat of arms, which features three white towers on three peaks on a blue field; the towers represent three castles built on San Marino's highest feature, Mount Titano: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale; the coat of arms is flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty); the white and blue colors are also said to stand for peace and liberty respectively National symbol(s): three peaks each displaying a tower; national colors: white, blue National anthem: name: "Inno Nazionale della Repubblica" (National Anthem of the Republic) lyrics/music: no lyrics/Federico CONSOLO note: adopted 1894; the music for the lyric-less anthem is based on a 10th century chorale piece National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: San Marino Historic Center and Mount Titano Topic: Economy Economic overview: San Marino's economy relies heavily on tourism, banking, and the manufacture and export of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. The manufacturing and financial sectors account for more than half of San Marino's GDP. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy.   San Marino's economy contracted considerably in the years since 2008, largely due to weakened demand from Italy - which accounts for nearly 90% of its export market - and financial sector consolidation. Difficulties in the banking sector, the global economic downturn, and the sizable decline in tax revenues all contributed to negative real GDP growth. The government adopted measures to counter the downturn, including subsidized credit to businesses and is seeking to shift its growth model away from a reliance on bank and tax secrecy. San Marino does not issue public debt securities; when necessary, it finances deficits by drawing down central bank deposits.   The economy benefits from foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low taxes on interest earnings. The income tax rate is also very low, about one-third the average EU level. San Marino continues to work towards harmonizing its fiscal laws with EU and international standards. In September 2009, the OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens that have yet to fully adopt global tax standards, and in 2010 San Marino signed Tax Information Exchange Agreements with most major countries. In 2013, the San Marino Government signed a Double Taxation Agreement with Italy, but a referendum on EU membership failed to reach the quorum needed to bring it to a vote.San Marino's economy relies heavily on tourism, banking, and the manufacture and export of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. The manufacturing and financial sectors account for more than half of San Marino's GDP. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy. San Marino's economy contracted considerably in the years since 2008, largely due to weakened demand from Italy - which accounts for nearly 90% of its export market - and financial sector consolidation. Difficulties in the banking sector, the global economic downturn, and the sizable decline in tax revenues all contributed to negative real GDP growth. The government adopted measures to counter the downturn, including subsidized credit to businesses and is seeking to shift its growth model away from a reliance on bank and tax secrecy. San Marino does not issue public debt securities; when necessary, it finances deficits by drawing down central bank deposits. The economy benefits from foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low taxes on interest earnings. The income tax rate is also very low, about one-third the average EU level. San Marino continues to work towards harmonizing its fiscal laws with EU and international standards. In September 2009, the OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens that have yet to fully adopt global tax standards, and in 2010 San Marino signed Tax Information Exchange Agreements with most major countries. In 2013, the San Marino Government signed a Double Taxation Agreement with Italy, but a referendum on EU membership failed to reach the quorum needed to bring it to a vote. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $2.06 billion (2019 est.) $2.01 billion (2018 est.) $1.982 billion (2017 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 1.9% (2017 est.) 2.2% (2016 est.) 0.6% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $60,800 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $59,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars $58,867 (2017 est.) GDP (official exchange rate): $1.643 billion (2017 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1% (2017 est.) 0.6% (2016 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BB+ (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.1% (2009) industry: 39.2% (2009) services: 60.7% (2009) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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) Agricultural products: wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef, cheese, hides Industries: tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine Industrial production growth rate: -1.1% (2012 est.) Labor force: 21,960 (September 2013 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 0.2% industry: 33.5% services: 66.3% (September 2013 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.1% (2017 est.) 8.6% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 27.4% male: 21.4% female: 36% (2016 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Budget: revenues: 667.7 million (2011 est.) expenditures: 715.3 million (2011 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.9% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Public debt: 24.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 22.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 40.6% (of GDP) (2011 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $0 (2017 est.) $0 (2016 est.) Exports: $3.827 billion (2011 est.) $2.576 billion (2010 est.) Exports - partners: Romania 10%, France 9%, United States 8%, Germany 8%, Poland 6%, Brazil 6%, Russia 6%, Austria 6% (2019) Exports - commodities: industrial washing/bottling machinery, packaged medicines, woodworking machinery, foodstuffs, aircraft (2019) Imports: $2.551 billion (2011 est.) $2.132 billion (2010 est.) Imports - partners: Germany 21%, Italy 13%, Poland 10%, France 7%, Spain 7%, Belgium 6%, Romania 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: electricity, cars, aluminum, footwear, natural gas, iron piping (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $392 million (2014 est.) $539.3 million (2013 est.) Debt - external: NANA Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.885 (2017 est.) 0.903 (2016 est.) 0.9214 (2015 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 16,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 39,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 115 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system (2018) domestic: fixed-line a little over 47 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 114 telephones per 100 persons (2019) international: country code - 378; connected to Italian international network note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: state-owned public broadcaster operates 1 TV station and 3 radio stations; receives radio and TV broadcasts from Italy (2019) Internet country code: .sm Internet users: total: 20,318 (2019 est.) percent of population: 60% (2019 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 11,000 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: T7 Roadways: total: 292 km (2006) paved: 292 km (2006) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Voluntary Military Corps (Corpi Militari), which includes a Uniformed Militia (performs ceremonial duties and limited police support functions) and Guard of the Great and General Council (defends the Captains Regent and the Great and General Council, participates in official ceremonies, cooperates with the maintenance of public order on special occasions, and performs guard duties during parliamentary sittings); the Police Corps includes the Gendarmerie, which is responsible for maintaining public order, protecting citizens and their property, and providing assistance during disasters (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 is the legal minimum age for voluntary military service; no conscription; government has the authority to call up all San Marino citizens from 16-60 years of age to service in the military (2021) Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Italy Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified
20220901
countries-ukraine
Topic: Photos of Ukraine Topic: Introduction Background: 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 11 August, approximately 10.64 million people had fled Ukraine, and 6.65 million people were internally displaced as of 23 July.  Over 12,800 civilian casualties had been reported, as of 7 August. The invasion of Ukraine remains one of the two largest displacement crises worldwide (the other is the conflict in Syria).  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 11 August, approximately 10.64 million people had fled Ukraine, and 6.65 million people were internally displaced as of 23 July.  Over 12,800 civilian casualties had been reported, as of 7 August. The invasion of Ukraine remains one of the two largest displacement crises worldwide (the other is the conflict in Syria). Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland, Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east Geographic coordinates: 49 00 N, 32 00 E Map references: AsiaEurope Area: total: 603,550 sq km land: 579,330 sq km water: 24,220 sq km note: approximately 43,133 sq km, or about 7.1% of Ukraine's area, is Russian occupied; the seized area includes all of Crimea and about one-third of both Luhans'k and Donets'k oblasts Area - comparative: almost four times the size of Georgia; slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 2,782 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 m or to the depth of exploitation Climate: temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; warm summers across the greater part of the country, hot in the south Terrain: mostly fertile plains (steppes) and plateaus, with mountains found only in the west (the Carpathians) or in the extreme south of the Crimean Peninsula Elevation: highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m lowest point: Black Sea 0 m mean elevation: 175 m Natural resources: iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur, graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 71.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 56.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 13.6% (2018 est.) forest: 16.8% (2018 est.) other: 12% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 21,670 sq km (2012) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), Don (458,694 sq km), Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Population distribution: densest settlement in the eastern (Donbas) and western regions; noteable concentrations in and around major urban areas of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Donets'k, Dnipropetrovs'k, and Odesa Natural hazards: occasional floods; occasional droughts Geography - note: strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second-largest country in Europe after Russia Map description: Ukraine map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Black Sea.Ukraine map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Black Sea. Topic: People and Society Population: 43,528,136 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Ukrainian(s) adjective: Ukrainian Ethnic groups: Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan 0.5%, Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian 0.3%, Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8% (2001 est.) Languages: Ukrainian (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. Religions: Orthodox (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 Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 49.1 youth dependency ratio: 23.8 elderly dependency ratio: 25.3 potential support ratio: 4 (2020 est.) note: data include Crimea Median age: total: 41.2 years male: 38.2 years female: 44.3 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.5% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 9 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 13.77 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: densest settlement in the eastern (Donbas) and western regions; noteable concentrations in and around major urban areas of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Donets'k, Dnipropetrovs'k, and Odesa Urbanization: urban population: 69.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 3.010 million KYIV (capital), 1.423 million Kharkiv, 1.008 million Odesa, 952,000 Dnipropetrovsk, 893,000 Donetsk (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.77 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.42 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 26.2 years (2019 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 19 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 7.33 deaths/1,000 live births male: 8.26 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.45 years male: 68.8 years female: 78.39 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.56 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 65.4% (2012) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 99.4% of population rural: 100% of population total: 99.6% of population unimproved: urban: 0.6% of population rural: 0% of population total: 0.4% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7.1% (2019) Physicians density: 2.99 physicians/1,000 population (2014) Hospital bed density: 7.5 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: 1% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 260,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,100 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Eastern Europe; Ukraine 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 vaccinenote: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Eastern Europe; Ukraine 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: 24.1% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 25.8% (2020 est.) male: 40% (2020 est.) female: 11.5% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 5.4% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.8% male: 99.8% female: 99.7% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 15 years female: 15 years (2014) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.3% male: 19.8% female: 18.5% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air and water pollution; land degradation; solid waste management; biodiversity loss; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, 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, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: temperate continental; Mediterranean only on the southern Crimean coast; precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west and north, lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold farther inland; warm summers across the greater part of the country, hot in the south Land use: agricultural land: 71.2% (2018 est.) arable land: 56.1% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 1.5% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 13.6% (2018 est.) forest: 16.8% (2018 est.) other: 12% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 69.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.34% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0.42% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: note: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Eastern Europe; Ukraine 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 vaccinenote: on 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Eastern Europe; Ukraine 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 conflict - production prospects of 2022 winter crops hampered by low availability of inputs, delivery challenges, difficult physical access to fields due to the war, and eventual labor shortages; forecast for cereal exports in 2022 reduced, amid port closures, damage to infrastructure and implementation of government policies to secure sufficient domestic supplies; as of early March 2022, about 12 million people estimated to be in need of life saving assistance Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 15,242,025 tons (2016 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 487,745 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 3.2% (2015 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Danube (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), Don (458,694 sq km), Dnieper (533,966 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 2.397 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 3.577 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 3.206 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 175.28 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Ukraine local long form: none local short form: Ukraina former: Ukrainian National Republic, Ukrainian State, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic etymology: name derives from the Old East Slavic word "ukraina" meaning "borderland or march (militarized border region)" and began to be used extensively in the 19th century; originally Ukrainians referred to themselves as Rusyny (Rusyns, Ruthenians, or Ruthenes), an endonym derived from the medieval Rus state (Kyivan Rus) Government type: semi-presidential republic Capital: name: Kyiv (Kiev) geographic coordinates: 50 26 N, 30 31 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October etymology: the name is associated with that of Kyi, who along with his brothers Shchek and Khoryv, and their sister Lybid, are the legendary founders of the medieval city of Kyiv; Kyi being the eldest brother, the city was named after him note: pronounced KAY-yiv Administrative divisions: 24 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous republic* (avtonomna respublika), and 2 municipalities** (mista, singular - misto) with oblast status; Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Crimea or Avtonomna Respublika Krym* (Simferopol), Dnipropetrovsk (Dnipro), Donetsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad (Kropyvnytskyi), Kyiv**, Kyiv, Luhansk, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Rivne, Sevastopol**, Sumy, Ternopil, Vinnytsia, Volyn (Lutsk), Zakarpattia (Uzhhorod), Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr note 1: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses); plans include the eventual renaming of Dnipropetrovsk and Kirovohrad oblasts, but because these names are mentioned in the Constitution of Ukraine, the change will require a constitutional amendment note 2: the US Government does not recognize Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the municipality of Sevastopol, nor their redesignation as the "Republic of Crimea" and the "Federal City of Sevastopol" Independence: 24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier dates: ca. 982 (VOLODYMYR I consolidates Kyivan Rus); 1199 (Principality (later Kingdom) of Ruthenia formed); 1648 (establishment of the Cossack Hetmanate); 22 January 1918 (from Soviet Russia) National holiday: Independence Day, 24 August (1991); note - 22 January 1918, the day Ukraine first declared its independence from Soviet Russia, and the date the short-lived Western and Greater (Eastern) Ukrainian republics united (1919), is now celebrated as Unity Day Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Ukraine dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Volodymyr ZELENSKYY (since 20 May 2019) head of government: Prime Minister Denys SHMYHAL (since 4 March 2020) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers nominated by the prime minister, approved by the Verkhovna Rada elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 31 March and 21 April 2019 (next to be held in March 2024); prime minister selected by the Verkhovna Rada election results: 2019: Volodymyr ZELENSKYY elected president; percent of vote in the first round Volodymyr ZELENSKYY (Servant of the People) 30.2%, Petro POROSHENKO (BPP-Solidarity) 15.6%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO (Fatherland) 13.4%, Yuriy BOYKO (Opposition Platform-For Life) 11.7%, 35 other candidates 29.1%; percent of vote in the second round Volodymyr ZELENSKYY (Servant of the People) 73.2%, Petro POROSHENKO (BPP-Solidarity) 24.5%, other 2.3%; Denys SHMYHAL (independent) elected prime minister; Verkhovna Rada vote - 291-59 2014: Petro POROSHENKO elected president in the first round; percent of vote - Petro POROSHENKO (independent) 54.5%, Yuliya TYMOSHENKO (Fatherland) 12.9%, Oleh LYASHKO (Radical Party) 8.4%, other 24.2%; Volodymyr HROYSMAN (BPP) elected prime minister; Verkhovna Rada vote - 257-50 note: there is also a National Security and Defense Council or NSDC originally created in 1992 as the National Security Council; the NSDC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on domestic and international matters and advising the president; a presidential administration helps draft presidential edicts and provides policy support to the president Legislative branch: description: unicameral Supreme Council or Verkhovna Rada (450 seats; 225 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 225 directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by closed, party-list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 21 July 2019 (next to be held in July 2024) election results: percent of vote by party - Servant of the People 43.2%, Opposition Platform-For Life 13.1%, Batkivshchyna 8.2%, European Solidarity 8.1%, Voice 5.8%, other 21.6%; seats by party (preliminary) - Servant of the People 254, Oposition Platform for Life 43, Batkivshchyna 26, European Solidarity 25, Voice 20, Opposition Bloc 6, Samopomich 1, Svoboda 1, other parties 2, independent 46; note - voting not held in Crimea and parts of two Russian-occupied eastern oblasts leaving 26 seats vacant; although this brings the total to 424 elected members (of 450 potential), article 83 of the constitution mandates that a parliamentary majority consists of 226 seats Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Ukraine or SCU (consists of 100 judges, organized into civil, criminal, commercial and administrative chambers, and a grand chamber); Constitutional Court (consists of 18 justices); High Anti-Corruption Court (consists of 39 judges, including 12 in the Appeals Chamber) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges recommended by the High Qualification Commission of Judges (a 16-member state body responsible for judicial candidate testing and assessment and judicial administration), submitted to the High Council of Justice, a 21-member independent body of judicial officials responsible for judicial self-governance and administration, and appointed by the president; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65; High Anti-Corruption Court judges are selected by the same process as Supreme Court justices, with one addition – a majority of a combined High Qualification Commission of Judges and a 6-member Public Council of International Experts must vote in favor of potential judges in order to recommend their nomination to the High Council of Justice; this majority must include at least 3 members of the Public Council of International Experts; Constitutional Court justices appointed - 6 each by the president, by the Congress of Judges, and by the Verkhovna Rada; judges serve 9-year nonrenewable terms   subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; district courts note: specialized courts were abolished as part of Ukraine's judicial reform program; in November 2019, President ZELENSKYY signed a bill on legal reforms  Political parties and leaders: Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) [Yuliya TYMOSHENKO] European Solidarity (BPP-Solidarity) [Petro POROSHENKO] Holos (Voice) [Kira RUDYK] Opposition Bloc or OB [Evgeny MURAYEV] Opposition Platform-For Life [Yuriy BOYKO, Vadim RABINOVICH] Radical Party [Oleh LYASHKO] Samopomich (Self Reliance) [Andriy SADOVYY] Servant of the People [Oleksandr KORNIENKO] Svoboda (Freedom) [Oleh TYAHNYBOK] International organization participation: Australia 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Oksana Serhiyivna MARKAROVA (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 349-2963 FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817 email address and website: emb_us@mfa.gov.ua; consul_us@mfa.gov.ua https://usa.mfa.gov.ua/en consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Bridget A. BRINK (since 18 May 2022) embassy: 4 A. I. Igor Sikorsky Street, 04112 Kyiv mailing address: 5850 Kyiv Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850 telephone: [380] (44) 521-5000 FAX: [380] (44) 521-5544 email address and website: kyivacs@state.gov https://ua.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow; although the colors date back to medieval heraldry, in modern times they are sometimes claimed to represent grain fields under a blue sky National symbol(s): tryzub (trident), sunflower; national colors: blue, yellow National anthem: name: "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina" (Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished) lyrics/music: Paul CHUBYNSKYI/Mikhail VERBYTSKYI note: music adopted 1991, lyrics adopted 2003; song first performed in 1864 at the Ukraine Theatre in Lviv; the lyrics, originally written in 1862, were revised in 2003 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 7 (6 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Kyiv: Saint Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (c); Lviv Historic Center (c); Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans, Chernivtsi (c); Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese, Sevastopol (c); Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region (c); Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians (n); Struve Geodetic Arc (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: After Russia, the Ukrainian Republic was the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil accounted for more than one fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise, its diversified heavy industry supplied unique equipment such as large diameter pipes and vertical drilling apparatus, and raw materials to industrial and mining sites in other regions of the former USSR.   Shortly after independence in August 1991, the Ukrainian Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of the 1991 level. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms to foster economic growth. Ukrainian Government officials eliminated most tax and customs privileges in a March 2005 budget law, bringing more economic activity out of Ukraine's large shadow economy. From 2000 until mid-2008, Ukraine's economy was buoyant despite political turmoil between the prime minister and president. The economy contracted nearly 15% in 2009, among the worst economic performances in the world. In April 2010, Ukraine negotiated a price discount on Russian gas imports in exchange for extending Russia's lease on its naval base in Crimea.   Ukraine’s oligarch-dominated economy grew slowly from 2010 to 2013 but remained behind peers in the region and among Europe’s poorest. After former President YANUKOVYCH fled the country during the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine’s economy fell into crisis because of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, military conflict in the eastern part of the country, and a trade war with Russia, resulting in a 17% decline in GDP, inflation at nearly 60%, and dwindling foreign currency reserves. The international community began efforts to stabilize the Ukrainian economy, including a March 2014 IMF assistance package of $17.5 billion, of which Ukraine has received four disbursements, most recently in April 2017, bringing the total disbursed as of that date to approximately $8.4 billion. Ukraine has made progress on reforms designed to make the country prosperous, democratic, and transparent, including creation of a national anti-corruption agency, overhaul of the banking sector, establishment of a transparent VAT refund system, and increased transparency in government procurement. But more improvements are needed, including fighting corruption, developing capital markets, improving the business environment to attract foreign investment, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and land reform. The fifth tranche of the IMF program, valued at $1.9 billion, was delayed in mid-2017 due to lack of progress on outstanding reforms, including adjustment of gas tariffs to import parity levels and adoption of legislation establishing an independent anti-corruption court.   Russia’s occupation of Crimea in March 2014 and ongoing Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine have hurt economic growth. With the loss of a major portion of Ukraine’s heavy industry in Donbas and ongoing violence, the economy contracted by 6.6% in 2014 and by 9.8% in 2015, but it returned to low growth in in 2016 and 2017, reaching 2.3% and 2.0%, respectively, as key reforms took hold. Ukraine also redirected trade activity towards the EU following the implementation of a bilateral Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, displacing Russia as its largest trading partner. A prohibition on commercial trade with separatist-controlled territories in early 2017 has not impacted Ukraine’s key industrial sectors as much as expected, largely because of favorable external conditions. Ukraine returned to international debt markets in September 2017, issuing a $3 billion sovereign bond.After Russia, the Ukrainian Republic was the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing about four times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil accounted for more than one fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain, and vegetables to other republics. Likewise, its diversified heavy industry supplied unique equipment such as large diameter pipes and vertical drilling apparatus, and raw materials to industrial and mining sites in other regions of the former USSR. Shortly after independence in August 1991, the Ukrainian Government liberalized most prices and erected a legal framework for privatization, but widespread resistance to reform within the government and the legislature soon stalled reform efforts and led to some backtracking. Output by 1999 had fallen to less than 40% of the 1991 level. Outside institutions - particularly the IMF encouraged Ukraine to quicken the pace and scope of reforms to foster economic growth. Ukrainian Government officials eliminated most tax and customs privileges in a March 2005 budget law, bringing more economic activity out of Ukraine's large shadow economy. From 2000 until mid-2008, Ukraine's economy was buoyant despite political turmoil between the prime minister and president. The economy contracted nearly 15% in 2009, among the worst economic performances in the world. In April 2010, Ukraine negotiated a price discount on Russian gas imports in exchange for extending Russia's lease on its naval base in Crimea. Ukraine’s oligarch-dominated economy grew slowly from 2010 to 2013 but remained behind peers in the region and among Europe’s poorest. After former President YANUKOVYCH fled the country during the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine’s economy fell into crisis because of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, military conflict in the eastern part of the country, and a trade war with Russia, resulting in a 17% decline in GDP, inflation at nearly 60%, and dwindling foreign currency reserves. The international community began efforts to stabilize the Ukrainian economy, including a March 2014 IMF assistance package of $17.5 billion, of which Ukraine has received four disbursements, most recently in April 2017, bringing the total disbursed as of that date to approximately $8.4 billion. Ukraine has made progress on reforms designed to make the country prosperous, democratic, and transparent, including creation of a national anti-corruption agency, overhaul of the banking sector, establishment of a transparent VAT refund system, and increased transparency in government procurement. But more improvements are needed, including fighting corruption, developing capital markets, improving the business environment to attract foreign investment, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and land reform. The fifth tranche of the IMF program, valued at $1.9 billion, was delayed in mid-2017 due to lack of progress on outstanding reforms, including adjustment of gas tariffs to import parity levels and adoption of legislation establishing an independent anti-corruption court. Russia’s occupation of Crimea in March 2014 and ongoing Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine have hurt economic growth. With the loss of a major portion of Ukraine’s heavy industry in Donbas and ongoing violence, the economy contracted by 6.6% in 2014 and by 9.8% in 2015, but it returned to low growth in in 2016 and 2017, reaching 2.3% and 2.0%, respectively, as key reforms took hold. Ukraine also redirected trade activity towards the EU following the implementation of a bilateral Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, displacing Russia as its largest trading partner. A prohibition on commercial trade with separatist-controlled territories in early 2017 has not impacted Ukraine’s key industrial sectors as much as expected, largely because of favorable external conditions. Ukraine returned to international debt markets in September 2017, issuing a $3 billion sovereign bond. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $516.68 billion (2020 est.) $538.33 billion (2019 est.) $521.52 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 3.24% (2019 est.) 3.41% (2018 est.) 2.48% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $12,400 (2020 est.) $12,800 (2019 est.) $12,300 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $155.082 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.9% (2019 est.) 11% (2018 est.) 14.4% (2017 est.) note: Excluding the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol and part of the anti-terrorist operation zone Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B (2019) Moody's rating: B3 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: B (2019) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 12.2% (2017 est.) industry: 28.6% (2017 est.) services: 60% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: maize, wheat, potatoes, sunflower seed, sugar beet, milk, barley, soybeans, rapeseed, tomatoes Industries: coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food processing Industrial production growth rate: 3.1% (2017 est.) Labor force: 16.033 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 5.8% industry: 26.5% services: 67.8% (2014) Unemployment rate: 8.89% (2019 est.) 9.42% (2018 est.) note: officially registered workers; large number of unregistered or underemployed workers Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 19.3% male: 19.8% female: 18.5% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 1.1% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 26.1 (2018 est.) 28.2 (2009) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.2% highest 10%: 21.6% (2015 est.) Budget: revenues: 29.82 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 31.55 billion (2017 est.) note: this is the planned, consolidated budget Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -1.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 71% of GDP (2017 est.) 81.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: the total public debt of $64.5 billion consists of: domestic public debt ($23.8 billion); external public debt ($26.1 billion); and sovereign guarantees ($14.6 billion) Taxes and other revenues: 26.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$4.124 billion (2019 est.) -$6.432 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $60.67 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $63.56 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $59.18 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Russia 9%, China 8%, Germany 6%, Poland 6%, Italy 5%, Turkey 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: corn, sunflower seed oils, iron and iron products, wheat, insulated wiring, rapeseed (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: China 13%, Russia 12%, Germany 10%, Poland 9%, Belarus 7% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, coal, natural gas (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $18.81 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $15.54 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $117.41 billion (2019 est.) $114.449 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: hryvnia (UAH) per US dollar - 28.10001 (2020 est.) 23.7 (2019 est.) 27.80499 (2018 est.) 21.8447 (2014 est.) 11.8867 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 56.816 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 124,533,790,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 5.139 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 2.72 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 16.434 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 37.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 55.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 3.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 23.908 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 41.181 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 61,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 17.333 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 34.375 billion metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 57,700 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 248,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 700 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 6,500 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 395 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 63,670 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 1,828 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 167,000 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 19,511,040,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 26,413,486,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 10,740,619,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 1,104,355,000,000 cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 185.686 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 105.929 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 30.365 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 49.392 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 82.571 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 3,314,263 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 8 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 54,842,900 (2019) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 130.63 (2019) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: the Ukraine government announced grand plans in November 2020 to enable the commercial launch of 5G mobile services by the end of 2021 (including a spectrum auction slated for October), there has been very little progress made regarding that plan; growth in the mobile sector is flat, while the market waits for the regulator and the three dominant MNOs to move towards making faster and more powerful services available for public consumption; most of the action with Ukraine’s telecom market involves consolidation or, in the case of Vodafone Ukraine, a role-reversal; first up was telecommunications service provider Datagroup, which completed its acquisition of cableco Volia in June 2021; the combined entity now operates one of the largest fiber networks in the country, with a reach of more than four million households; in August 2021, Vodafone Ukraine reversed its position from 2015 when it had sold its fixed internet and fixed telephony operations in Odessa and Kyiv to Vega; the mobile operator instead acquired 99.9% of Vega, as well as the cableco Cable TV-Finance; Vodafone Ukraine broadcast has become a major provider rather than one of the country’s three major MNOs. (2021) domestic: fixed-line teledensity is nearly 8 per 100; the mobile-cellular telephone system's expansion has slowed, largely due to saturation of the market that is now just over 129 mobile phones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 380; landing point for the Kerch Strait Cable connecting Ukraine to Russia; 2 new domestic trunk lines are a part of the fiber-optic TAE system and 3 Ukrainian links have been installed in the fiber-optic TEL project that connects 18 countries; additional international service is provided by the Italy-Turkey-Ukraine-Russia (ITUR) fiber-optic submarine cable and by an unknown number of earth stations in the Intelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems 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: Ukraine’s media landscape is dominated by oligarch-owned news outlets, which are often politically motivated and at odds with one another and/or the government; while polls suggest most Ukrainians still receive news from traditional media sources, social media is a crucial component of information dissemination in Ukraine; almost all Ukrainian politicians and opinion leaders communicate with the public via social media and maintain at least one social media page, if not more; this allows them direct communication with audiences, and news often breaks on Facebook or Twitter before being picked up by traditional news outlets Ukraine television serves as the principal source of news; the largest national networks are controlled by oligarchs: TRK Ukraina is owned by Rinat Akhmetov; Studio 1+1 is owned by Ihor Kolomoyskyy; Inter is owned by Dmytro Firtash and Serhiy Lyovochkin; and StarlightMedia channels (ICTV, STB, and Novyi Kanal) are owned by Victor Pinchuk;  a set of 24-hour news channels also have clear political affiliations: pro-Ukrainian government Channel 5 and Pryamyi are linked to President Petro Poroshenko; 24 is owned by opposition, but not pro-Russian, politicians; UA: Suspilne is a public television station under the umbrella of the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine; while it is often praised by media experts for balanced coverage, it lags in popularity; Ukrainian Radio, institutionally linked to UA: Suspilne, is one of only two national talk radio networks, with the other being the privately owned Radio NV (2021)Ukraine television serves as the principal source of news; the largest national networks are controlled by oligarchs: TRK Ukraina is owned by Rinat Akhmetov; Studio 1+1 is owned by Ihor Kolomoyskyy; Inter is owned by Dmytro Firtash and Serhiy Lyovochkin; and StarlightMedia channels (ICTV, STB, and Novyi Kanal) are owned by Victor Pinchuk;  a set of 24-hour news channels also have clear political affiliations: pro-Ukrainian government Channel 5 and Pryamyi are linked to President Petro Poroshenko; 24 is owned by opposition, but not pro-Russian, politicians; UA: Suspilne is a public television station under the umbrella of the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine; while it is often praised by media experts for balanced coverage, it lags in popularity; Ukrainian Radio, institutionally linked to UA: Suspilne, is one of only two national talk radio networks, with the other being the privately owned Radio NV Internet country code: .ua Internet users: total: 33,101,020 (2020 est.) percent of population: 75% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 7,769,401 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2020 est.) Communications - note: a sorting code to expeditiously handle large volumes of mail was first set up in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union) in the 1930s; the sophisticated, three-part (number-letter-number) postal code system, referred to as an "index," was the world's first postal zip code; the system functioned well and was in use from 1932 to 1939 when it was abruptly discontinued Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 14 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 126 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 7,854,842 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 75.26 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: UR Airports: total: 215 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 79 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 69 (2021) Heliports: 9 (2021) Pipelines: 36,720 km gas, 4,514 km oil, 4,363 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 21,733 km (2014) standard gauge: 49 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (49 km electrified) broad gauge: 21,684 km (2014) 1.524-m gauge (9,250 km electrified) Roadways: total: 169,694 km (2012) paved: 166,095 km (2012) (includes 17 km of expressways) unpaved: 3,599 km (2012) Waterways: 1,672 km (2012) (most on Dnieper River) Merchant marine: total: 409 by type: bulk carrier 1, container ship 1, general cargo 84, oil tanker 15, other 308 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Feodosiia, Chornomorsk, Mariupol, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Yuzhne river port(s): Kherson, Kyiv (Dnieper River), Mykolaiv (Pivdennyy Buh River) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Armed Forces of Ukraine (Zbroyni Syly Ukrayiny, ZSU): Ground Forces (Sukhoputni Viys’ka), Naval Forces (Viys’kovo-Mors’ki Syly, VMS), Air Forces (Povitryani Syly, PS), Air Assault Forces (Desantno-shturmovi Viyska, DShV), Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (UASOF), Territorial Defense Forces (Reserves); Ministry of Internal Affairs: National Guard of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (includes Maritime Border Guard) (2022) note: in the event that martial law is declared, all National Guard units, with certain exceptions such as those tasked with providing for diplomatic security of embassies and consulates, would come under the command of the Ministry of Defense as auxiliary forces to the Armed Forces Military expenditures: 4% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.4% of GDP (2019) (approximately $9.7 billion) 3.1% of GDP (2018) (approximately $8.87 billion) 3.1% of GDP (2017) (approximately $8.54 billion) 3.6% of GDP (2016) (approximately $8.53 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: prior to the Russian invasion, approximately 200,000 active troops (125,000 Army; 25,000 Airborne/Air Assault Forces; 2,000 Special Operations Forces; 10,000 Navy; 40,000 Air Force); approximately 50,000 National Guard; approximately 40,000 State Border Guard (Feb 2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Ukrainian military is equipped mostly with older Russian and Soviet-era weapons systems; since 2010, it has imported limited quantities of weapons from several European countries, as well as Canada, the US, and the United Arab Emirates; Ukraine has a broad defense industry capable of building Soviet-era land systems and maintaining and upgrading Soviet-era combat aircraft, as well as missile and air defense systems (2021) Military service age and obligation: conscription abolished in 2012, but reintroduced in 2014; 20-27 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months (2021) note 1: the Ukrainian military has a mix of conscripts (14,000 conscripted in 2021) and professional soldiers on contracts; note 2: women can volunteer and have served in the Ukrainian armed forces since 1993; as of 2021, women comprised approximately 15-20% of the military; in late 2021, the Ukrainian Government began requiring women between 18 and 60 who are fit for military service and work in a broad range of professions to register with Ukraine's armed forces   Military deployments: note: prior to the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine contributed about 500 troops to the Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine joint military brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG), which was established in 2014; the brigade is headquartered in Poland and is comprised of an international staff, three battalions, and specialized units Military - note:    Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Ukraine-Belarus: in 1997, Ukraine and Belarus signed a boundary delimitation treaty; the instruments of ratification were exchanged in 2013; a joint commission should be established to enable the actual demarcation to begin Ukraine-Hungary: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Hungary to escape the Russian invasion in their country Ukraine-Moldova: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Moldova to escape the Russian invasion in their country; 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 transit of people and commodities through Moldova's 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 Ukraine-Poland: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Poland to escape the Russian invasion in their country Ukraine-Romania: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Romania to escape the Russian invasion in their country, the ICJ in 2009 ruled largely in favor of Romania in its dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary delimitation; Romania opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea Ukraine-Russia: the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov is suspended due to the occupation of Crimea by Russia Ukraine-Slovakia: tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Slovakia to escape the Russian invasion of their countryUkraine-Belarus: in 1997, Ukraine and Belarus signed a boundary delimitation treaty; the instruments of ratification were exchanged in 2013; a joint commission should be established to enable the actual demarcation to beginUkraine-Hungary: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Hungary to escape the Russian invasion in their countryUkraine-Moldova: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Moldova to escape the Russian invasion in their country; 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 transit of people and commodities through Moldova's 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 troopsUkraine-Poland: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Poland to escape the Russian invasion in their countryUkraine-Romania: hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Romania to escape the Russian invasion in their country, the ICJ in 2009 ruled largely in favor of Romania in its dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary delimitation; Romania opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black SeaUkraine-Russia: the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov is suspended due to the occupation of Crimea by RussiaUkraine-Slovakia: tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border to Slovakia to escape the Russian invasion of their country Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 1,461,700 (Russian-sponsored separatist violence in Crimea and eastern Ukraine) (2021); 6.65 million (Russian invasion), according to the UN (as of 23 July 2022); note – the more recent invasion total may reflect some double counting, since it is impossible to determine how many of the recent IDPs may also include IDPs from the earlier Russian-sponsored violence in Crimea and eastern Ukraine stateless persons: 35,875 (mid-year 2021); note - citizens of the former USSR who were permanently resident in Ukraine were granted citizenship upon Ukraine's independence in 1991, but some missed this window of opportunity; people arriving after 1991, Crimean Tatars, ethnic Koreans, people with expired Soviet passports, and people with no documents have difficulty acquiring Ukrainian citizenship; following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, thousands of Crimean Tatars and their descendants deported from Ukraine under the STALIN regime returned to their homeland, some being stateless and others holding the citizenship of Uzbekistan or other former Soviet republics; a 1998 bilateral agreement between Ukraine and Uzbekistan simplified the process of renouncing Uzbek citizenship and obtaining Ukrainian citizenship1,461,700 (Russian-sponsored separatist violence in Crimea and eastern Ukraine) (2021); 6.65 million (Russian invasion), according to the UN (as of 23 July 2022); note – the more recent invasion total may reflect some double counting, since it is impossible to determine how many of the recent IDPs may also include IDPs from the earlier Russian-sponsored violence in Crimea and eastern Ukraine Illicit drugs: a transit country for illicit drug trafficking into the European Union due to its location amidst several important trafficking routes into western Europe, ports on the Black and Azov seas, extensive river routes, and porous northern and eastern borders; South American cocaine moves through Ukrainian seaports and airports; amphetamine and methamphetamine laboratories supply the local marketa transit country for illicit drug trafficking into the European Union due to its location amidst several important trafficking routes into western Europe, ports on the Black and Azov seas, extensive river routes, and porous northern and eastern borders; South American cocaine moves through Ukrainian seaports and airports; amphetamine and methamphetamine laboratories supply the local market
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
field-waterways-country-comparison
20220901
countries-turkmenistan-summaries
Topic: Introduction Background: Present-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 1924, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic; it achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.Present-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 1924, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic; it achieved independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Topic: Geography Area: total: 488,100 sq km land: 469,930 sq km water: 18,170 sq km Climate: subtropical desert Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, sulfur, salt Topic: People and Society Population: 5,636,011 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Turkmen 85%, Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, other 6% (2003 est.) Languages: Turkmen (official) 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7% Religions: Muslim 93%, Christian 6.4%, Buddhist <1%, folk religion <1%, Jewish <1%, other <1%, unspecified <1% (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 0.99% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: presidential republic; authoritarian Capital: name: Ashgabat (Ashkhabad) Executive branch: chief of state: President Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 19 March 2022); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW (since 19 March 2022) Legislative branch: description: bicameral National Council or Milli Genesi consists of: People's Council or Halk Maslahaty (56 seats; 48 members indirectly elected by provincial councils and 8 members appointed by the president) Assembly or Mejlisi (125 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed to serve 5-year terms) note: in September 2020, the Turkmenistani legislature (Milli Genesi) adopted a constitutional amendment creating an upper chamber, making the legislature bicameral; the chairperson of the Halk Maslahaty is now designated as the constitutional successor to the presidency; as of March 2022, Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOW continues to serve in this position after stepping away from the presidency Topic: Economy Economic overview: upper middle-income Central Asian economy; has 10% of global natural gas reserves, exporting to Russia and China; natural resource rich; authoritarian and dominated by state-owned enterprises; major central-south Asian pipeline developmentupper middle-income Central Asian economy; has 10% of global natural gas reserves, exporting to Russia and China; natural resource rich; authoritarian and dominated by state-owned enterprises; major central-south Asian pipeline development Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $92.33 billion (2019 est.) Real GDP per capita: $15,500 (2019 est.) Agricultural products: milk, wheat, cotton, tomatoes, potatoes, watermelons, grapes, sugar beet, beef, rice Industries: natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food processing Exports: $7.458 billion (2017 est.) Exports - partners: China 82% (2019) Exports - commodities: natural gas, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cotton fibers, fertilizers (2019) Imports: $4.571 billion (2017 est.) Imports - partners: Turkey 25%, Russia 18%, China 14%, Germany 6% (2019) Imports - commodities: iron products, harvesting machinery, packaged medicines, broadcasting equipment, tractors (2019) Exchange rates: Turkmenistani manat (TMM) per US dollar -Page last updated: Wednesday, Jun 15, 2022
20220901
countries-italy
Topic: Photos of Italy Topic: Introduction Background: 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.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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia Geographic coordinates: 42 50 N, 12 50 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 301,340 sq km land: 294,140 sq km water: 7,200 sq km note: includes Sardinia and Sicily Area - comparative: almost twice the size of Georgia; slightly larger than Arizona Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 7,600 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: predominantly Mediterranean; alpine in far north; hot, dry in south Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands Elevation: highest 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 Natural resources: coal, antimony, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, arable land Land use: agricultural land: 47.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.7% (2018 est.) forest: 31.4% (2018 est.) other: 21.5% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 39,500 sq km (2012) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km) Population distribution: despite a distinctive pattern with an industrial north and an agrarian south, a fairly even population distribution exists throughout most of the country, with coastal areas, the Po River Valley, and urban centers (particularly Milan, Rome, and Naples), attracting larger and denser populations Natural hazards: regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venicevolcanism: significant volcanic activity; Etna (3,330 m), which is in eruption as of 2010, is Europe's most active volcano; flank eruptions pose a threat to nearby Sicilian villages; Etna, along with the famous Vesuvius, which remains a threat to the millions of nearby residents in the Bay of Naples area, have both been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Stromboli, on its namesake island, has also been continuously active with moderate volcanic activity; other historically active volcanoes include Campi Flegrei, Ischia, Larderello, Pantelleria, Vulcano, and Vulsiniregional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venicevolcanism: significant volcanic activity; Etna (3,330 m), which is in eruption as of 2010, is Europe's most active volcano; flank eruptions pose a threat to nearby Sicilian villages; Etna, along with the famous Vesuvius, which remains a threat to the millions of nearby residents in the Bay of Naples area, have both been deemed Decade Volcanoes by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to their explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Stromboli, on its namesake island, has also been continuously active with moderate volcanic activity; other historically active volcanoes include Campi Flegrei, Ischia, Larderello, Pantelleria, Vulcano, and Vulsini Geography - note: strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe Map description: Italy map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and water bodies.Italy map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and water bodies. Topic: People and Society Population: 61,095,551 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Italian(s) adjective: Italian Ethnic groups: Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south) Languages: Italian (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. Religions: Christian 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.) Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 57 youth dependency ratio: 20.4 elderly dependency ratio: 36.6 potential support ratio: 2.7 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 46.5 years male: 45.4 years female: 47.5 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: -0.13% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 6.95 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 11.31 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 3.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: despite a distinctive pattern with an industrial north and an agrarian south, a fairly even population distribution exists throughout most of the country, with coastal areas, the Po River Valley, and urban centers (particularly Milan, Rome, and Naples), attracting larger and denser populations Urbanization: urban population: 71.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 4.298 million ROME (capital), 3.149 million Milan, 2.180 million Naples, 1.798 million Turin, 907,000 Bergamo, 850,000 Palermo (2022) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 31.4 years (2020 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 2 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 3.16 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.32 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 82.59 years male: 80.25 years female: 85.08 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.22 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 65.1% (2013) note: percent of women aged 18-49 Drinking water source: improved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 99.9% of population unimproved: urban: NA rural: NA total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 8.7% (2019) Physicians density: 3.95 physicians/1,000 population (2020) Hospital bed density: 3.1 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: 0.2% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 140,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children HIV/AIDS - deaths: (2020 est.) <1000 Major infectious diseases: note: a new coronavirus is causing respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Italy; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Italy has reported a total of 17,505,973 cases of COVID-19 or 29,352 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 166,949 cumulative deaths or a rate of 279.9 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 6 June 2022, 84.1% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine; the US Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring US passengers who have been in Italy to travel through select airports where the US Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 19.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 23.1% (2020 est.) male: 26.6% (2020 est.) female: 19.5% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA Education expenditures: 4.3% of GDP (2018 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.2% male: 99.4% female: 99% (2018) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 16 years male: 16 years female: 17 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 29.4% male: 27.9% female: 31.8% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 15.28 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) methane emissions: 41.3 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: predominantly Mediterranean; alpine in far north; hot, dry in south Land use: agricultural land: 47.1% (2018 est.) arable land: 22.8% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 8.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 15.7% (2018 est.) forest: 31.4% (2018 est.) other: 21.5% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 71.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.01% of GDP (2018 est.) Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.) Major infectious diseases: note: a new coronavirus is causing respiratory illness (COVID-19) in Italy; illness with this virus has ranged from mild to severe with fatalities reported; as of 6 June 2022, Italy has reported a total of 17,505,973 cases of COVID-19 or 29,352 cumulative cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 population with a total of 166,949 cumulative deaths or a rate of 279.9 cumulative deaths per 100,000 population; as of 6 June 2022, 84.1% of the population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine; the US Department of Homeland Security has issued instructions requiring US passengers who have been in Italy to travel through select airports where the US Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 29.524 million tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 7,646,716 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 25.9% (2015 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Rhine-Maas (198,735 sq km), (Black Sea) Danube (795,656 sq km), (Adriatic Sea) Po (76,997 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Rhone (100,543 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 9.488 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 7.7 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 17 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 191.3 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Italian Republic conventional short form: Italy local long form: Repubblica Italiana local short form: Italia former: Kingdom of Italy etymology: derivation is unclear, but the Latin "Italia" may come from the Oscan "Viteliu" meaning "[Land] of Young Cattle" (the bull was a symbol of southern Italic tribes) Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Rome geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 29 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: by tradition, named after Romulus, one of the legendary founders of the city and its first king Administrative divisions: 15 regions (regioni, singular - regione) and 5 autonomous regions (regioni autonome, singular - regione autonoma) regions: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio (Latium), Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte (Piedmont), Puglia (Apulia), Toscana (Tuscany), Umbria, Veneto autonomous regions: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Sardegna (Sardinia), Sicilia (Sicily), Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) or Trentino-Suedtirol (German), Valle d'Aosta (Aosta Valley) or Vallee d'Aoste (French)15 regions (regioni, singular - regione) and 5 autonomous regions (regioni autonome, singular - regione autonoma)regions: Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio (Latium), Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte (Piedmont), Puglia (Apulia), Toscana (Tuscany), Umbria, Venetoautonomous regions: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Sardegna (Sardinia), Sicilia (Sicily), Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) or Trentino-Suedtirol (German), Valle d'Aosta (Aosta Valley) or Vallee d'Aoste (French) Independence: 17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not finally unified until 1871) National holiday: Republic Day, 2 June (1946) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislation under certain conditions in Constitutional Court International law organization participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Italy dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years for EU nationals, 5 years for refugees and specified exceptions, 10 years for all others Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal except in senatorial elections, where minimum age is 25 Executive branch: chief of state: President Sergio MATTARELLA (since 3 February 2015) head of government: Prime Minister Mario DRAGHI (since 13 February 2021); the prime minister's official title is President of the Council of Ministers; note - Prime Minister Giuseppe CONTE resigned on 26 January 2021 cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, known officially as the President of the Council of Ministers and locally as the Premier; nominated by the president; the current deputy prime ministers, known officially as vice-presidents of the Council of Ministers, are Matteo Salvini (L) and Luigi Di Maio (M5S) (since 1 June 2018) elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of both houses of Parliament and 58 regional representatives for a 7-year term (no term limits); election last held on 24-29 January 2022 (eight rounds) (next to be held in 2029); prime minister appointed by the president, confirmed by parliament election results: Sergio MATTARELLA (independent) reelected president; electoral college vote count in eighth round - 759 out of 1,009 (505 vote threshold) Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Parlamento consists of: Senate or Senato della Repubblica (320 seats; 116 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 193 members in multi-seat constituencies and 6 members in multi-seat constituencies abroad directly elected by party-list proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms and 5 ex-officio members appointed by the president of the Republic to serve for life) Chamber of Deputies or Camera dei Deputati (630 seats; 629 members directly elected in single- and multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and 1 member from Valle d'Aosta elected by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: Senate - last held on 4 March 2018 (next to be held on 25 September 2022) Chamber of Deputies - last held on 4 March 2018 (next to be held on 25 September 2022); note - snap elections were called when Prime Minister DRAGHI resigned and the parliament was dissolved on 21 July 2022 election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - center-right coalition 137 (Lega 58, FI 57, FdI 18, NCI-UDC 4), M5S 111, center-left coalition 60 (PD 53, SVP-PATT 3, CP 1, +EU 1, Together 1, VdAI 1), LeU 4, MAIE 1, USEI 1; composition (as of March 2022) - men 208, women 112, percent of women 35% Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - center-right coalition 265 (Lega 125, FI 104, FdI 32, NcI-UDC 4), M5S 227, center-left coalition 122 (PD 112, SVP-PATT 4, +EU 3, CP 2, Together 1), LeU 14, MAIE 1,USEI 1; composition (as of September 2021) - men 401, women 229, percent of women 36.4%; note - total Parliament percent of women 35.9% note: in October 2019, Italy's Parliament voted to reduce the number of Senate seats from 315 to 200 and the number of Chamber of Deputies seats from 630 to 400; a referendum to reduce the membership of Parliament held on 20-21 September 2020 was approved, effective for the September 2022 snap election Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court of Cassation or Corte Suprema di Cassazione (consists of the first president (chief justice), deputy president, 54 justices presiding over 6 civil and 7 criminal divisions, and 288 judges; an additional 30 judges of lower courts serve as supporting judges; cases normally heard by 5-judge panels; more complex cases heard by 9-judge panels); Constitutional Court or Corte Costituzionale (consists of the court president and 14 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the High Council of the Judiciary, headed by the president of the republic; judges may serve for life; Constitutional Court judges - 5 appointed by the president, 5 elected by Parliament, 5 elected by select higher courts; judges serve up to 9 years subordinate courts: various lower civil and criminal courts (primary and secondary tribunals and courts of appeal) Political parties and leaders: Article One or Art.1-MDP [Roberto SPERANZA] Associative Movement of Italians Abroad or MAIE [Ricardo Antonio MERIO] Brothers of Italy or FdI [Giorgia MELONI] Democratic Party or PD [Enrico LETTA] Five Star Movement or M5S [Giuseppe CONTE] Forza Italia or FI [Silvio BERLUSCONI] Free and Equal (Liberi e Uguali) or LeU [Pietro GRASSO] League or Lega [Matteo SALVINI] More Europe or +EU [Emma BONINO] Popular Civic List or CP [Beatrice LORENZIN] Possible [Beatrice BRIGNONE] South American Union of Italian Emigrants or USEI [Eugenion SANGREGORIO] South Tyrolean People's Party or SVP [Philipp ACHAMMER] Trentino Tyrolean Autonomist Party (Partito Autonomista Trentino Tirolese) or PATT [Franco PANIZZA, secretary] Us with Italy or NcI [Maurizio LUPI] other minor partiesArticle One or Art.1-MDP [Roberto SPERANZA] Associative Movement of Italians Abroad or MAIE [Ricardo Antonio MERIO] Brothers of Italy or FdI [Giorgia MELONI] Democratic Party or PD [Enrico LETTA] Five Star Movement or M5S [Giuseppe CONTE] Forza Italia or FI [Silvio BERLUSCONI] Free and Equal (Liberi e Uguali) or LeU [Pietro GRASSO] League or Lega [Matteo SALVINI] More Europe or +EU [Emma BONINO] Popular Civic List or CP [Beatrice LORENZIN] Possible [Beatrice BRIGNONE] South American Union of Italian Emigrants or USEI [Eugenion SANGREGORIO] South Tyrolean People's Party or SVP [Philipp ACHAMMER] Trentino Tyrolean Autonomist Party (Partito Autonomista Trentino Tirolese) or PATT [Franco PANIZZA, secretary] Us with Italy or NcI [Maurizio LUPI] other minor parties International organization participation: ADB (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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maria Angela ZAPPIA (since 15 September 2021) chancery: 3000 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 612-4400 FAX: [1] (202) 518-2154 email address and website: amb.washington@cert.esteri.it https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/ambasciata_washington/en/ consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco consulate(s): Charlotte (NC), Cleveland (OH), Detroit (MI), Hattiesburg (MS), Honolulu (HI), New Orleans, Newark (NJ), Norfolk (VA), Pittsburgh (PA), Portland (OR), Seattle Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Thomas D. SMITHAM (since 4 January 2021); note - also accredited to San Marino embassy: via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187 Roma mailing address: 9500 Rome Place, Washington DC  20521-9500 telephone: [39] 06-46741 FAX: [39] 06-4674-2244 email address and website: uscitizenrome@state.gov https://it.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; design inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797; colors are those of Milan (red and white) combined with the green uniform color of the Milanese civic guard note: similar to the flag of Mexico, which is longer, uses darker shades of green and red, and has its coat of arms centered on the white band; Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green National symbol(s): white, five-pointed star (Stella d'Italia); national colors: red, white, green National anthem: name: "Il Canto degli Italiani" (The Song of the Italians) lyrics/music: Goffredo MAMELI/Michele NOVARO note: adopted 1946; the anthem, originally written in 1847, is also known as "L'Inno di Mameli" (Mameli's Hymn), and "Fratelli D'Italia" (Brothers of Italy) National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 58 (53 cultural, 5 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center of Rome (c); Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata (c); Venice and its Lagoon (c); Historic Center of Florence (c); Piazza del Duomo, Pisa (c); Historic Centre of Naples (c); Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (c); Villa d'Este, Tivoli (c); Mount Etna (n); Rock Drawings in Valcamonica (c); Historic Siena (c) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Italy’s economy comprises a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, highly subsidized, agricultural south, with a legacy of unemployment and underdevelopment. The Italian economy is driven in large part by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family-owned. Italy also has a sizable underground economy, which by some estimates accounts for as much as 17% of GDP. These activities are most common within the agriculture, construction, and service sectors.   Italy is the third-largest economy in the euro zone, but its exceptionally high public debt and structural impediments to growth have rendered it vulnerable to scrutiny by financial markets. Public debt has increased steadily since 2007, reaching 131% of GDP in 2017. Investor concerns about Italy and the broader euro-zone crisis eased in 2013, bringing down Italy's borrowing costs on sovereign government debt from euro-era records. The government still faces pressure from investors and European partners to sustain its efforts to address Italy's longstanding structural economic problems, including labor market inefficiencies, a sluggish judicial system, and a weak banking sector. Italy’s economy returned to modest growth in late 2014 for the first time since 2011. In 2015-16, Italy’s economy grew at about 1% each year, and in 2017 growth accelerated to 1.5% of GDP. In 2017, overall unemployment was 11.4%, but youth unemployment remained high at 37.1%. GDP growth is projected to slow slightly in 2018.Italy’s economy comprises a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less-developed, highly subsidized, agricultural south, with a legacy of unemployment and underdevelopment. The Italian economy is driven in large part by the manufacture of high-quality consumer goods produced by small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family-owned. Italy also has a sizable underground economy, which by some estimates accounts for as much as 17% of GDP. These activities are most common within the agriculture, construction, and service sectors. Italy is the third-largest economy in the euro zone, but its exceptionally high public debt and structural impediments to growth have rendered it vulnerable to scrutiny by financial markets. Public debt has increased steadily since 2007, reaching 131% of GDP in 2017. Investor concerns about Italy and the broader euro-zone crisis eased in 2013, bringing down Italy's borrowing costs on sovereign government debt from euro-era records. The government still faces pressure from investors and European partners to sustain its efforts to address Italy's longstanding structural economic problems, including labor market inefficiencies, a sluggish judicial system, and a weak banking sector. Italy’s economy returned to modest growth in late 2014 for the first time since 2011. In 2015-16, Italy’s economy grew at about 1% each year, and in 2017 growth accelerated to 1.5% of GDP. In 2017, overall unemployment was 11.4%, but youth unemployment remained high at 37.1%. GDP growth is projected to slow slightly in 2018. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $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 Real GDP growth rate: 0.34% (2019 est.) 0.83% (2018 est.) 1.73% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $39,000 (2020 est.) $42,700 (2019 est.) $42,100 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $2,002,763,000,000 (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.6% (2019 est.) 1.1% (2018 est.) 1.2% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: BBB- (2020) Moody's rating: Baa3 (2018) Standard & Poors rating: BBB (2017) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 2.1% (2017 est.) industry: 23.9% (2017 est.) services: 73.9% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: milk, grapes, wheat, maize, tomatoes, apples, olives, sugar beet, oranges, rice Industries: tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics Industrial production growth rate: 2.1% (2017 est.) Labor force: 22.92 million (2020 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 3.9% industry: 28.3% services: 67.8% (2011) Unemployment rate: 9.88% (2019 est.) 10.63% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 29.4% male: 27.9% female: 31.8% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 20.1% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 35.9 (2017 est.) 27.3 (1995) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 26.8% (2000) Budget: revenues: 903.3 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 948.1 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -2.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 131.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 132% of GDP (2016 est.) note: Italy reports its data on public debt according to guidelines set out in the Maastricht Treaty; 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 (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); the general government sector comprises central, state, and local government and social security funds Taxes and other revenues: 46.6% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: $59.517 billion (2019 est.) $51.735 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $558.26 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $636.01 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $656.06 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: Germany 12%, France 11%, United States 10%, United Kingdom 5%, Spain 5%, Switzerland 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: packaged medicines, cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, valves, trunks/cases, wine (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: Germany 16%, France 9%, China 7%, Spain 5%, Netherlands 5%, Belgium 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: crude petroleum, cars, packaged medicines, natural gas, refined petroleum (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $151.2 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $130.6 billion (31 December 2015 est.) Debt - external: $2,463,208,000,000 (2019 est.) $2,533,153,000,000 (2018 est.) Exchange rates: euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.82771 (2020 est.) 0.90338 (2019 est.) 0.87789 (2018 est.) 0.885 (2014 est.) 0.7634 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2020) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 121.442 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 286.375 billion kWh (2020 est.) exports: 7.587 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 39.787 billion kWh (2020 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 17.702 billion kWh (2020 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 55.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 9.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 17.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 8.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 1.456 million metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 9.335 million metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 368,000 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 8.235 million metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 17 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 107,700 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 1,255,100 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 10,100 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 1.253 million barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 497.9 million barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 1.607 million bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 615,900 bbl/day (2017 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 422,500 bbl/day (2017 est.) Natural gas: production: 3,888,491,000 cubic meters (2020 est.) consumption: 74,313,109,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 314.656 million cubic meters (2020 est.) imports: 70,908,014,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) proven reserves: 45.76 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 332.041 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 27.194 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 162.472 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 142.375 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 112.606 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 19,607,341 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 77,581,048 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 128 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Italy’s large telecom market has one of the most progressive fiber sectors in Europe, with regulatory measures encouraging network sharing; the incumbent telco continues to invest in fiber, despite its recent financial difficulties, while the Open Fiber wholesale provider now has a number of retail contracts which have greatly broadened competition in the sector; plans to merge Open Fiber with TIM’s fixed infrastructure are ongoing; regulatory measures have also been introduced to facilitate access to NGNs, and a number of deals have been brokered which enable the main telcos to provide bundled services to large numbers of the population; Italy’s vibrant mobile market has one of the highest subscription rates in Europe, though the number of subscribers has fallen in recent years as customers respond to attractive off-net pricing which has reduced the financial benefit of having SIM cards from different providers; the market underwent considerable changes following the merger of Wind and 3 Italia (becoming Wind Tre), which resulted in a new entrant in the form of Iliad; in mid-2019 Fastweb was recognized as an MNO in its own right, having been an MVNO for some 11 years; the company has secured frequencies in the 3.5GHz and 26GHz bands and has a ten-year deal with Wind Tre providing it with national roaming as well as a partner with which to develop a 5G network; network companies were among the first in Europe to trial services based on 5G; the high cost also encouraged the regulator in early 2021 to consider extending the licenses by an additional six years. (2021) domestic: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks; 32 per 100 for fixed-line and nearly 128 per 100 for mobile-cellular subscriptions (2020) international: country code - 39; landing points for Italy-Monaco, Italy-Libya, Italy-Malta, Italy-Greece-1, Italy-Croatia, BlueMed, Janna, FEA, SeaMeWe-3 & 4 & 5, Trapani-Kelibia, Columbus-III, Didon, GO-1, HANNIBAL System, MENA, Bridge International, Malta-Italy Interconnector, Melita1, IMEWE, VMSCS, AAE-1, and OTEGLOBE, submarine cables that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia and US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (with a total of 5 antennas - 3 for Atlantic Ocean and 2 for Indian Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: two Italian media giants dominate - the publicly owned Radiotelevisione Italiana (RAI) with 3 national terrestrial stations and privately owned Mediaset with 3 national terrestrial stations; a large number of private stations and Sky Italia - a satellite TV network; RAI operates 3 AM/FM nationwide radio stations; about 1,300 commercial radio stations Internet country code: .it Internet users: total: 41,614,669 (2020 est.) percent of population: 70% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 18,128,787 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 9 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 180 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 27,630,435 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.418 billion (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: I Airports: total: 129 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 31 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 20 (2021) Heliports: 5 (2021) Pipelines: 20,223 km gas, 1,393 km oil, 1,574 km refined products (2013) Railways: total: 18,892.4 km (2014) standard gauge: 18,770.1 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge (12,893.6 km electrified) narrow gauge: 122.3 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge (122.3 km electrified) 1289.3 0.950-mm gauge (151.3 km electrified) Roadways: total: 487,700 km (2007) paved: 487,700 km (2007) (includes 6,700 km of expressways) Waterways: 2,400 km (2012) (used for commercial traffic; of limited overall value compared to road and rail) Merchant marine: total: 1,296 by type: bulk carrier 36, container ship 7, general cargo 111, oil tanker 103, other 1,039 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Augusta, Cagliari, Genoa, Livorno, Taranto, Trieste, Venice oil terminal(s): Melilli (Santa Panagia) oil terminal, Sarroch oil terminal container port(s) (TEUs): Genoa (2,621,472), Gioia Tauro (2,523,000) (2019) LNG terminal(s) (import): Panigaglia (La Spezia), Adriatic (Porto Levante), Oristano (Sardinia), Ravenna, Toscana (Livorno) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Italian Armed Forces: Army (Esercito Italiano, EI), Navy (Marina Militare Italiana, MMI; includes aviation, marines), Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana, AMI); Carabinieri Corps (Arma dei Carabinieri, CC) (2022) note 1: the Carabinieri is the national gendarmerie; for its civil police functions, the Carabinieri falls under the control of the Ministry of the Interior note 2: the Financial Guard (Guardia di Finanza) under the Ministry of Economy and Finance is a force with military status and nationwide remit for financial crime investigations, including narcotics trafficking, smuggling, and illegal immigration Military expenditures: 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2020) 1.2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $30.1 billion) 1.2% of GDP (2018) (approximately $31 billion) 1.2% of GDP (2017) (approximately $30.1 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 170,000 active personnel (100,000 Army; 30,000 Navy; 40,000 Air Force); approximately 108,000 Carabinieri (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Italian Armed Forces' inventory includes a mix of domestically-produced, jointly-produced, and imported weapons systems, mostly from Europe and the US; the US is the leading supplier of weapons to Italy since 2010, followed by Germany; the Italian defense industry is capable of producing equipment across all the military domains with particular strengths in naval vessels and aircraft; it also participates in joint development and production of advanced weapons systems with other European countries and the US (2021) Military service age and obligation: 18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; women may serve in any military branch; Italian citizenship required; 1-year service obligation; conscription abolished 2004 (2021) note: as of 2019, women made up about 6% of the military's full-time personnel Military deployments: 120 Djibouti; 900 Middle East/Iraq/Kuwait (NATO, European Assistance Mission Iraq); 640 Kosovo (NATO/KFOR); 250 Latvia (NATO); 875 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 400 Libya; 290 Niger; 250 Romania (NATO); 150 Somalia (EUTM) (2022) note: in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some NATO countries have sent additional troops and equipment to the battlegroups deployed in NATO territory in eastern Europe Military - note: Italy is a member of NATO and was one of the original 12 countries to sign the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty) in 1949 Italy is an active participant in EU, NATO, UN, and other multinational military, security, and humanitarian operations abroad; as of 2022, it hosted the headquarters for the EU’s Mediterranean naval operations force (EUNAVFOR-MED) in Rome and the US Navy’s 6th Fleet in Naples; Italy was admitted to the UN in 1955 and in 1960 participated in its first UN peacekeeping mission, the UN Operation in Congo (ONUC); since 1960, it has committed more than 60,000 troops to UN missions; since 2006, Italy has hosted a training center in Vicenza for police personnel destined for peacekeeping missions Topic: 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: Italy's long coastline and developed economy entices tens of thousands of illegal immigrants from southeastern Europe and northern Africa Italy-Austria-Switzerland: borders are shifting because glacier peaks that had served as a natural boundary are meltingItaly's long coastline and developed economy entices tens of thousands of illegal immigrants from southeastern Europe and northern AfricaItaly-Austria-Switzerland: borders are shifting because glacier peaks that had served as a natural boundary are melting Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 19,441 (Nigeria), 15,337 (Pakistan), 12,962 (Afghanistan), 10,609 (Mali), 7,901 (Somalia), 5,845 (Gambia), 5,079 (Iraq) (mid-year 2021); 157,309 (Ukraine) (as of 1 August 2022) stateless persons: 3,000 (mid-year 2021) note: 635,754 estimated refugee and migrant arrivals (January 2015-August 2022) Illicit drugs: important gateway for drug trafficking; organized crime groups allied with Colombian and Spanish groups trafficking cocaine to Europe
20220901
field-hiv-aids-people-living-with-hiv-aids
This entry gives an estimate of all people (adults and children) alive at yearend with HIV infection, whether or not they have developed symptoms of AIDS. Topic: Afghanistan12,000 (2020 est.) Topic: AkrotiriNA Topic: Albania1,400 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Algeria18,000 (2020 est.) Topic: American SamoaNA Topic: AndorraNA Topic: Angola340,000 (2020 est.) Topic: AnguillaNA Topic: Antigua and Barbuda(2018) <1,000 Topic: Argentina140,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Armenia4,800 (2020 est.) Topic: ArubaNA Topic: Ashmore and Cartier IslandsNA Topic: Australia30,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Austria7,400 (2017 est.) Topic: Azerbaijan9,900 (2020 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The4,700 (2020 est.) Topic: Bahrain(2017 est.) <500 Topic: Bangladesh14,000 (2018 est.) Topic: Barbados2,700 (2019 est.) Topic: Belarus28,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: BelgiumNA Topic: Belize3,800 (2020 est.) Topic: Benin75,000 (2020 est.) Topic: BermudaNA Topic: Bhutan1,300 (2020) Topic: Bolivia17,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina(2018) <500 Topic: Botswana370,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Bouvet IslandNA Topic: Brazil930,000 (2020 est.) Topic: British Indian Ocean TerritoryNA Topic: British Virgin IslandsNA Topic: BruneiNA Topic: Bulgaria3,300 (2019 est.) Topic: Burkina Faso97,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Burma240,000 (2019 est.) Topic: Burundi83,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde2,400 (2020 est.) Topic: Cambodia75,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Cameroon500,000 (2020 est.) Topic: CanadaNA Topic: Cayman IslandsNA Topic: Central African Republic88,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Chad110,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Chile77,000 (2020 est.) Topic: ChinaNA Topic: Christmas IslandNA Topic: Cocos (Keeling) IslandsNA Topic: Colombia180,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Comoros(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the510,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the110,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Cook IslandsNA Topic: Coral Sea IslandsNA Topic: Costa Rica16,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire380,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Croatia1,700 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Cuba33,000 (2020 est.) Topic: CuracaoNA Topic: Cyprus(2017 est.) <1000 Topic: Czechia4,400 (2018 est.) Topic: Denmark6,700 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: DhekeliaNA Topic: Djibouti6,800 (2020 est.) Topic: Dominica(2018) <500 Topic: Dominican Republic72,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Ecuador45,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Egypt24,000 (2020 est.) Topic: El Salvador25,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guinea68,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Eritrea13,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Estonia7,100 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Eswatini200,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Ethiopia620,000 (2020 est.) Topic: European Unionnote - see individual entries of member states Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)NA Topic: Faroe IslandsNA Topic: Fiji1,300 (2020 est.) Topic: Finland4,000 (2018) Topic: France190,000 (2019 est.) Topic: French PolynesiaNA Topic: French Southern and Antarctic LandsNA Topic: Gabon46,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Gambia, The27,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Gaza StripNA Topic: Georgia9,100 (2020 est.) Topic: Germany93,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Ghana350,000 (2020 est.) Topic: GibraltarNA Topic: Greece17,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: GreenlandNA Topic: Grenada(2018) <500 Topic: GuamNA Topic: Guatemala33,000 (2020 est.) Topic: GuernseyNA Topic: Guinea110,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau37,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Guyana9,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Haiti150,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Heard Island and McDonald IslandsNA Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)NA Topic: Honduras22,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Hong KongNA Topic: Hungary3,700 (2018 est.) Topic: Iceland(2020) <500 note: estimate does not include children Topic: India2.3 million (2020 est.) Topic: Indonesia540,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Iran54,000 (2020 est.) Topic: IraqNA Topic: Ireland7,800 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Isle of ManNA Topic: Israel9,000 (2018) Topic: Italy140,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Jamaica32,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Jan MayenNA Topic: Japan30,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: JerseyNA Topic: Jordan(2020 est.) <1,000 Topic: Kazakhstan35,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Kenya1.4 million (2020 est.) Topic: KiribatiNA Topic: Korea, NorthNA Topic: Korea, SouthNA Topic: KosovoNA Topic: Kuwait(2018 est.) <1000 Topic: Kyrgyzstan9,200 (2020 est.) Topic: Laos15,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Latvia5,600 (2019 est.) Topic: Lebanon2,700 (2020 est.) Topic: Lesotho280,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Liberia35,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Libya9,500 (2020) Topic: LiechtensteinNA Topic: Lithuania3,400 (2019 est.) Topic: Luxembourg1,200 (2018 est.) Topic: MacauNA Topic: Madagascar42,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Malawi990,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Malaysia92,000 (2020 est.) Topic: MaldivesNA Topic: Mali110,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Malta(2016 est.) <500 Topic: Marshall IslandsNA Topic: Mauritania8,500 (2020 est.) Topic: Mauritius14,000 (2020) Topic: Mexico340,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofNA Topic: Moldova14,000 (2020 est.) Topic: MonacoNA Topic: Mongolia(2020 est.) <1,000 Topic: Montenegro(2020 est.) <500 note: estimate does not include children Topic: MontserratNA Topic: Morocco22,000 (2020 est.) note: does not include data from the former Western Sahara Topic: Mozambique2.1 million (2020 est.) Topic: Namibia210,000 (2020 est.) Topic: NauruNA Topic: Navassa IslandNA Topic: Nepal30,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Netherlands24,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: New CaledoniaNA Topic: New Zealand3,600 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Nicaragua12,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Niger31,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Nigeria1.7 million (2020 est.) Topic: NiueNA Topic: Norfolk IslandNA Topic: North Macedonia(2018 est.) <500 Topic: Northern Mariana IslandsNA Topic: Norway5,800 (2018 est.) Topic: Oman2,500 (2019) Topic: Pakistan200,000 (2020 est.) Topic: PalauNA Topic: Panama31,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Papua New Guinea55,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Paracel IslandsNA Topic: Paraguay19,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Peru91,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Philippines120,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Pitcairn IslandsNA Topic: PolandNA Topic: Portugal42,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Puerto RicoNA Topic: Qatar(2020 est.) <200 Topic: Romania19,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Russia1 million (2017 est.) Topic: Rwanda220,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Saint BarthelemyNA Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da CunhaNA Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis(2018) <200 Topic: Saint Lucia(2018) <1,000 Topic: Saint MartinNA Topic: Saint Pierre and MiquelonNA Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines1,200 (2018) Topic: SamoaNA Topic: San MarinoNA Topic: Sao Tome and Principe(2020) <1,000 Topic: Saudi Arabia12,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Senegal39,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Serbia3,300 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: SeychellesNA Topic: Sierra Leone80,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Singapore8,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Sint MaartenNA Topic: Slovakia1,200 (2018 est.) Topic: Slovenia(2020 est.) <1,000 note: estimate does not include children Topic: Solomon IslandsNA Topic: Somalia8,700 (2020 est.) Topic: South Africa7.8 million (2020 est.) Topic: South Georgia and South Sandwich IslandsNA Topic: South Sudan180,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Spain150,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Spratly IslandsNA Topic: Sri Lanka3,700 (2020 est.) Topic: Sudan49,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Suriname5,200 (2020 est.) Topic: SvalbardNA Topic: Sweden11,000 (2016 est.) Topic: Switzerland17,000 (2020) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Syria(2020) <1,000 Topic: TaiwanNA Topic: Tajikistan14,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Tanzania1.7 million (2020 est.) Topic: Thailand500,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Timor-Leste1,200 (2020) Topic: Togo110,000 (2020 est.) Topic: TokelauNA Topic: TongaNA Topic: Trinidad and Tobago10,000 (2020 est.) note: estimate does not include children Topic: Tunisia4,500 (2020 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)NA Topic: TurkmenistanNA Topic: Turks and Caicos IslandsNA Topic: TuvaluNA Topic: Uganda1.4 million (2020 est.) Topic: Ukraine260,000 (2020 est.) Topic: United Arab Emirates(2020) <1,000 Topic: United KingdomNA Topic: United StatesNA Topic: United States Pacific Island Wildlife RefugesNA Topic: Uruguay12,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Uzbekistan58,000 (2020 est.) Topic: VanuatuNA Topic: Venezuela100,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Vietnam250,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Virgin IslandsNA Topic: Wake IslandNA Topic: Wallis and FutunaNA Topic: West BankNA Topic: World37.7 million (2020 est.) Topic: Yemen11,000 (2020 est.) Topic: Zambia1.5 million (2020 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe1.3 million (2020 est.)
20220901
field-independence
For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the form of government, or state succession. For a number of countries, the establishment of statehood was a lengthy evolutionary process occurring over decades or even centuries. In such cases, several significant dates are cited. Dependent areas include the notation "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see the Terminology note. Topic: Afghanistan19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign affairs) Topic: Albania28 November 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire) Topic: Algeria5 July 1962 (from France) Topic: American Samoanone (territory of the US) Topic: Andorra1278 (formed under the joint sovereignty of the French Count of Foix and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell) Topic: Angola11 November 1975 (from Portugal) Topic: Anguillanone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda1 November 1981 (from the UK) Topic: Argentina9 July 1816 (from Spain) Topic: Armenia21 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier dates: 321 B.C. (Kingdom of Armenia established under the Orontid Dynasty), A.D. 884 (Armenian Kingdom reestablished under the Bagratid Dynasty); 1198 (Cilician Kingdom established); 28 May 1918 (Democratic Republic of Armenia declared) Topic: Arubanone (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Topic: Australia1 January 1901 (from the federation of UK colonies) Topic: Austriano official date of independence: 976 (Margravate of Austria established); 17 September 1156 (Duchy of Austria founded); 6 January 1453 (Archduchy of Austria acknowledged); 11 August 1804 (Austrian Empire proclaimed); 30 March 1867 (Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy established); 12 November 1918 (First Republic proclaimed); 27 April 1945 (Second Republic proclaimed) Topic: Azerbaijan30 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 18 October 1991 (adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan) Topic: Bahamas, The10 July 1973 (from the UK) Topic: Bahrain15 August 1971 (from the UK) Topic: Bangladesh16 December 1971 (from Pakistan) Topic: Barbados30 November 1966 (from the UK) Topic: Belarus25 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union) Topic: Belgium4 October 1830 (a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne) Topic: Belize21 September 1981 (from the UK) Topic: Benin1 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Bermudanone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Bhutan17 December 1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king); 8 August 1949 (Treaty of Friendship with India maintains Bhutanese independence) Topic: Bolivia6 August 1825 (from Spain) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia); note - referendum for independence completed on 1 March 1992; independence declared on 3 March 1992 Topic: Botswana30 September 1966 (from the UK) Topic: Brazil7 September 1822 (from Portugal) Topic: British Virgin Islandsnone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Brunei1 January 1984 (from the UK) Topic: Bulgaria3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the Ottoman Empire) Topic: Burkina Faso5 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Burma4 January 1948 (from the UK) Topic: Burundi1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) Topic: Cabo Verde5 July 1975 (from Portugal) Topic: Cambodia9 November 1953 (from France) Topic: Cameroon1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Canada1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11 December 1931 (recognized by UK per Statute of Westminster) Topic: Cayman Islandsnone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Central African Republic13 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Chad11 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Chile18 September 1810 (from Spain) Topic: China1 October 1949 (People's Republic of China established); notable earlier dates: 221 B.C. (unification under the Qin Dynasty); 1 January 1912 (Qing Dynasty replaced by the Republic of China) Topic: Christmas Islandnone (territory of Australia) Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnone (territory of Australia) Topic: Colombia20 July 1810 (from Spain) Topic: Comoros6 July 1975 (from France) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the30 June 1960 (from Belgium) Topic: Congo, Republic of the15 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Cook Islandsnone (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 with the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action) Topic: Costa Rica15 September 1821 (from Spain) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire7 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Croatia25 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) Topic: Cuba20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as a day of independence Topic: Curacaonone (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Topic: Cyprus16 August 1960 (from the UK); note - Turkish Cypriots proclaimed self-rule on 13 February 1975 and independence in 1983, but these proclamations are recognized only by Turkey Topic: Czechia1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia); note - although 1 January is the day the Czech Republic came into being, the Czechs commemorate 28 October 1918, the day the former Czechoslovakia declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as their independence day Topic: Denmarkca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormsson); 5 June 1849 (became a parliamentary constitutional monarchy) Topic: Djibouti27 June 1977 (from France) Topic: Dominica3 November 1978 (from the UK) Topic: Dominican Republic27 February 1844 (from Haiti) Topic: Ecuador24 May 1822 (from Spain) Topic: Egypt28 February 1922 (from UK protectorate status; the military-led revolution that began on 23 July 1952 led to a republic being declared on 18 June 1953 and all British troops withdrawn on 18 June 1956); note - it was ca. 3200 B.C. that the Two Lands of Upper (southern) and Lower (northern) Egypt were first united politically Topic: El Salvador15 September 1821 (from Spain) Topic: Equatorial Guinea12 October 1968 (from Spain) Topic: Eritrea24 May 1993 (from Ethiopia) Topic: Estonia24 February 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 20 August 1991 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union) Topic: Eswatini6 September 1968 (from the UK) Topic: Ethiopiaoldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world - at least 2,000 years (may be traced to the Aksumite Kingdom, which coalesced in the first century B.C.) Topic: European Union7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed establishing the European Union); 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty entered into force) note: the Treaties of Rome, signed on 25 March 1957 and subsequently entered into force on 1 January 1958, created the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community; a series of subsequent treaties have been adopted to increase efficiency and transparency, to prepare for new member states, and to introduce new areas of cooperation - such as a single currency; the Treaty of Lisbon, signed on 13 December 2007 and entered into force on 1 December 2009 is the most recent of these treaties and is intended to make the EU more democratic, more efficient, and better able to address global problems with one voice Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina) Topic: Faroe Islandsnone (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) Topic: Fiji10 October 1970 (from the UK) Topic: Finland6 December 1917 (from Russia) Topic: Franceno official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic founded); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established) Topic: French Polynesianone (overseas land of France) Topic: Gabon17 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Gambia, The18 February 1965 (from the UK) Topic: Georgia9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier date: A.D. 1008 (Georgia unified under King BAGRAT III) Topic: Germany18 January 1871 (establishment of the German Empire); divided into four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and France) in 1945 following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West Germany) proclaimed on 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany) proclaimed on 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone; West Germany and East Germany unified on 3 October 1990; all four powers formally relinquished rights on 15 March 1991; notable earlier dates: 10 August 843 (Eastern Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 2 February 962 (crowning of OTTO I, recognized as the first Holy Roman Emperor) Topic: Ghana6 March 1957 (from the UK) Topic: Gibraltarnone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Greece3 February 1830 (from the Ottoman Empire); note - 25 March 1821, outbreak of the national revolt against the Ottomans; 3 February 1830, signing of the London Protocol recognizing Greek independence by Great Britain, France, and Russia Topic: Greenlandnone (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom of Denmark; foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating to Greenland) Topic: Grenada7 February 1974 (from the UK) Topic: Guamnone (territory of the US) Topic: Guatemala15 September 1821 (from Spain) Topic: Guernseynone (British Crown dependency) Topic: Guinea2 October 1958 (from France) Topic: Guinea-Bissau24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal) Topic: Guyana26 May 1966 (from the UK) Topic: Haiti1 January 1804 (from France) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)11 February 1929; note - the three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged, among other things, the full sovereignty of the Holy See and established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal States, which over centuries varied considerably in extent, may be traced back to A.D. 754 Topic: Honduras15 September 1821 (from Spain) Topic: Hong Kongnone (special administrative region of China) Topic: Hungary16 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) Topic: Iceland1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark; birthday of Jon SIGURDSSON, leader of Iceland's 19th Century independence movement) Topic: India15 August 1947 (from the UK) Topic: Indonesia17 August 1945 (declared independence from the Netherlands) Topic: Iran1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed); notable earlier dates: ca. 550 B.C. (Achaemenid (Persian) Empire established); A.D. 1501 (Iran reunified under the Safavid Dynasty); 1794 (beginning of Qajar Dynasty); 12 December 1925 (modern Iran established under the PAHLAVI Dynasty) Topic: Iraq3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government Topic: Ireland6 December 1921 (from the UK by the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which ended British rule); 6 December 1922 (Irish Free State established); 18 April 1949 (Republic of Ireland Act enabled) Topic: Isle of Mannone (British Crown dependency) Topic: Israel14 May 1948 (following League of Nations mandate under British administration) Topic: Italy17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not finally unified until 1871) Topic: Jamaica6 August 1962 (from the UK) Topic: Japan3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji Constitution); notable earlier dates: 11 February 660 B.C. (mythological date of the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU); 29 November 1890 (Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy) Topic: Jerseynone (British Crown dependency) Topic: Jordan25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration) Topic: Kazakhstan16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union) Topic: Kenya12 December 1963 (from the UK) Topic: Kiribati12 July 1979 (from the UK) Topic: Korea, North15 August 1945 (from Japan) Topic: Korea, South15 August 1945 (from Japan) Topic: Kosovo17 February 2008 (from Serbia) Topic: Kuwait19 June 1961 (from the UK) Topic: Kyrgyzstan31 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union) Topic: Laos19 July 1949 (from France by the Franco-Lao General Convention); 22 October 1953 (Franco-Lao Treaty recognizes full independence) Topic: Latvia18 November 1918 (from Soviet Russia); 4 May 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union) Topic: Lebanon22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration) Topic: Lesotho4 October 1966 (from the UK) Topic: Liberia26 July 1847 Topic: Libya24 December 1951 (from UN trusteeship) Topic: Liechtenstein23 January 1719 (Principality of Liechtenstein established); 12 July 1806 (independence from the Holy Roman Empire); 24 August 1866 (independence from the German Confederation) Topic: Lithuania16 February 1918 (from Soviet Russia and Germany); 11 March 1990 (declared from the Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (recognized by the Soviet Union); notable earlier dates: 6 July 1253 (coronation of MINDAUGAS, traditional founding date); 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created) Topic: Luxembourg1839 (from the Netherlands) Topic: Macaunone (special administrative region of China) Topic: Madagascar26 June 1960 (from France) Topic: Malawi6 July 1964 (from the UK) Topic: Malaysia31 August 1957 (from the UK) Topic: Maldives26 July 1965 (from the UK) Topic: Mali22 September 1960 (from France) Topic: Malta21 September 1964 (from the UK) Topic: Marshall Islands21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Mauritania28 November 1960 (from France) Topic: Mauritius12 March 1968 (from the UK) Topic: Mexico16 September 1810 (declared independence from Spain); 27 September 1821 (recognized by Spain) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Moldova27 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union) Topic: Monaco1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of GRIMALDI) Topic: Mongolia29 December 1911 (independence declared from China; in actuality, autonomy attained); 11 July 1921 (from China) Topic: Montenegro3 June 2006 (from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro); notable earlier dates: 13 March 1852 (Principality of Montenegro established); 13 July 1878 (Congress of Berlin recognizes Montenegrin independence); 28 August 1910 (Kingdom of Montenegro established) Topic: Montserratnone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Morocco2 March 1956 (from France) Topic: Mozambique25 June 1975 (from Portugal) Topic: Namibia21 March 1990 (from South African mandate) Topic: Nauru31 January 1968 (from the Australia-, NZ-, and UK-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Nepal1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan SHAH) Topic: Netherlands23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; on 26 July 1581, they formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration; however, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence) Topic: New Caledonianone (overseas collectivity of France); note - in three independence referenda, on 4 November 2018, 4 October 2020, and 12 December 2021, the majority voted 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: New Zealand26 September 1907 (from the UK) Topic: Nicaragua15 September 1821 (from Spain) Topic: Niger3 August 1960 (from France) Topic: Nigeria1 October 1960 (from the UK) Topic: Niue19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand) Topic: Norfolk Islandnone (territory of Australia) Topic: North Macedonia8 September 1991 (referendum by registered voters endorsed independence from Yugoslavia) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsnone (commonwealth in political union with the US) Topic: Norway7 June 1905 (declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union); notable earlier dates: ca. 872 (traditional unification of petty Norwegian kingdoms by HARALD Fairhair); 1397 (Kalmar Union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden); 1524 (Denmark-Norway); 17 May 1814 (Norwegian constitution adopted); 4 November 1814 (Sweden-Norway union confirmed) Topic: Oman1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese) Topic: Pakistan14 August 1947 (from British India) Topic: Palau1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Panama3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain on 28 November 1821) Topic: Papua New Guinea16 September 1975 (from the Australia-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Paraguay14-15 May 1811 (from Spain); note - the uprising against Spanish authorities took place during the night of 14-15 May 1811 and both days are celebrated in Paraguay Topic: Peru28 July 1821 (from Spain) Topic: Philippines4 July 1946 (from the US) Topic: Pitcairn Islandsnone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Poland11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed); notable earlier dates: 14 April 966 (adoption of Christianity, traditional founding date), 1 July 1569 (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth created) Topic: Portugal1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 1 December 1640 (independence reestablished following 60 years of Spanish rule); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed) Topic: Puerto Riconone (territory of the US with commonwealth status) Topic: Qatar3 September 1971 (from the UK) Topic: Romania9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire; 13 July 1878 (independence recognized by the Treaty of Berlin); 26 March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic proclaimed) Topic: Russia25 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union; Russian SFSR renamed Russian Federation); notable earlier dates: 1157 (Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal created); 16 January 1547 (Tsardom of Muscovy established); 22 October 1721 (Russian Empire proclaimed); 30 December 1922 (Soviet Union established) Topic: Rwanda1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Saint Barthelemynone (overseas collectivity of France) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhanone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis19 September 1983 (from the UK) Topic: Saint Lucia22 February 1979 (from the UK) Topic: Saint Martinnone (overseas collectivity of France) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonnone (overseas collectivity collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines27 October 1979 (from the UK) Topic: Samoa1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: San Marino3 September 301 (traditional founding date) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe12 July 1975 (from Portugal) Topic: Saudi Arabia23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom) Topic: Senegal4 April 1960 (from France); note - complete independence achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960 Topic: Serbia5 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) Topic: Seychelles29 June 1976 (from the UK) Topic: Sierra Leone27 April 1961 (from the UK) Topic: Singapore9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation) Topic: Sint Maartennone (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Topic: Slovakia1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia) Topic: Slovenia25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia) Topic: Solomon Islands7 July 1978 (from the UK) Topic: Somalia1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland, which became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960 to form the Somali Republic) Topic: South Africa31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State); 22 August 1934 (Status of the Union Act); 31 May 1961 (republic declared); 27 April 1994 (majority rule) Topic: South Sudan9 July 2011 (from Sudan) Topic: Spain1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain Topic: Sri Lanka4 February 1948 (from the UK) Topic: Sudan1 January 1956 (from Egypt and the UK) Topic: Suriname25 November 1975 (from the Netherlands) Topic: Svalbardnone (territory of Norway) Topic: Sweden6 June 1523 (Gustav VASA elected king of Sweden, marking the abolishment of the Kalmar Union between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) Topic: Switzerland1 August 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation) Topic: Syria17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration) Topic: Tajikistan9 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union) Topic: Tanzania26 April 1964 (Tanganyika united with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar); 29 October 1964 (renamed United Republic of Tanzania); notable earlier dates: 9 December 1961 (Tanganyika became independent from UK-administered UN trusteeship); 10 December 1963 (Zanzibar became independent from UK) Topic: Thailand1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized) Topic: Timor-Leste20 May 2002 (from Indonesia); note - 28 November 1975 was the date independence was proclaimed from Portugal; 20 May 2002 was the date of international recognition of Timor-Leste's independence from Indonesia Topic: Togo27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship) Topic: Tokelaunone (territory of New Zealand) Topic: Tonga4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate status) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago31 August 1962 (from the UK) Topic: Tunisia20 March 1956 (from France) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)29 October 1923 (republic proclaimed, succeeding the Ottoman Empire) Topic: Turkmenistan27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsnone (overseas territory of the UK) Topic: Tuvalu1 October 1978 (from the UK) Topic: Uganda9 October 1962 (from the UK) Topic: Ukraine24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union); notable earlier dates: ca. 982 (VOLODYMYR I consolidates Kyivan Rus); 1199 (Principality (later Kingdom) of Ruthenia formed); 1648 (establishment of the Cossack Hetmanate); 22 January 1918 (from Soviet Russia) Topic: United Arab Emirates2 December 1971 (from the UK) Topic: United Kingdomno official date of independence: 927 (minor English kingdoms unite); 3 March 1284 (enactment of the Statute of Rhuddlan uniting England and Wales); 1536 (Act of Union formally incorporates England and Wales); 1 May 1707 (Acts of Union formally unite England, Scotland, and Wales as Great Britain); 1 January 1801 (Acts of Union formally unite Great Britain and Ireland as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland); 6 December 1921 (Anglo-Irish Treaty formalizes partition of Ireland; six counties remain part of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland); 12 April 1927 (Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act establishes current name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) Topic: United States4 July 1776 (declared independence from Great Britain); 3 September 1783 (recognized by Great Britain) Topic: Uruguay25 August 1825 (from Brazil) Topic: Uzbekistan1 September 1991 (from the Soviet Union) Topic: Vanuatu30 July 1980 (from France and the UK) Topic: Venezuela5 July 1811 (from Spain) Topic: Vietnam2 September 1945 (from France) Topic: Virgin Islandsnone (territory of the US) Topic: Wake Islandnone (territory of the US) Topic: Wallis and Futunanone (overseas collectivity of France) Topic: Yemen22 May 1990 (Republic of Yemen was established with the merger of the Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen] and the Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]); notable earlier dates: North Yemen became independent on 1 November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and became a republic with the overthrow of the theocratic Imamate on 27 September 1962; South Yemen became independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK) Topic: Zambia24 October 1964 (from the UK) Topic: Zimbabwe18 April 1980 (from the UK)
20220901
field-public-debt
This entry records the cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liabilities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings. Topic: Afghanistan7% of GDP (2017 est.) 7.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Albania71.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 73.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Algeria27.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 20.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover central government debt as well as debt issued by subnational entities and intra-governmental debt Topic: American Samoa12.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Andorra41% of GDP (2014 est.) 41.4% of GDP (2013 est.) Topic: Angola65% of GDP (2017 est.) 75.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Anguilla20.1% of GDP (2015 est.) 20.8% of GDP (2014 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbuda86.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 86.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Argentina57.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 55% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Armenia53.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 51.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Aruba86% of GDP (2017 est.) 84.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Australia40.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 40.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Austria78.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 83.6% of GDP (2016 est.) note: this is general government gross debt, defined in the Maastricht Treaty as consolidated general government gross debt at nominal value, outstanding at the end of the year; it covers the following categories of government liabilities (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); the general government sector comprises the sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government and social security funds; as a percentage of GDP, the GDP used as a denominator is the gross domestic product in current year prices Topic: Azerbaijan54.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 50.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Bahamas, The54.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 50.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Bahrain88.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 81.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Bangladesh33.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 33.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Barbados157.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 149.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Belarus53.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 53.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Belgium103.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 106% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions; general government debt is defined by the Maastricht definition and calculated by the National Bank of Belgium as consolidated gross debt; the debt is defined in European Regulation EC479/2009 concerning the implementation of the protocol on the excessive deficit procedure annexed to the Treaty on European Union (Treaty of Maastricht) of 7 February 1992; the sub-sectors of consolidated gross debt are: federal government, communities and regions, local government, and social security funds Topic: Belize99% of GDP (2017 est.) 95.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Benin54.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 49.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Bermuda43% of GDP (FY14/15) Topic: Bhutan106.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 114.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Bolivia49% of GDP (2017 est.) 44.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and includes debt instruments issued by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovina39.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 44.1% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions. Topic: Botswana14% of GDP (2017 est.) 15.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Brazil84% of GDP (2017 est.) 78.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Brunei2.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Bulgaria23.9% 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 Topic: Burkina Faso38.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 38.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Burma33.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 35.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Burundi51.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 48.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Cabo Verde125.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 127.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Cambodia30.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 29.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Cameroon36.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 32.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Canada89.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 91.1% of GDP (2016 est.) note: figures are for gross general government debt, as opposed to net federal debt; gross general government debt includes both intragovernmental debt and the debt of public entities at the sub-national level Topic: Central African Republic52.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 56% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Chad52.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 52.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Chile23.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 21% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: China47% of GDP (2017 est.) 44.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: official data; data cover both central and local government debt, including debt officially recognized by China's National Audit Office report in 2011; data exclude policy bank bonds, Ministry of Railway debt, and China Asset Management Company debt Topic: Colombia49.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 49.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities Topic: Comoros32.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 27.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of the18.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 19.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of the130.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 128.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Costa Rica48.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 44.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoire47% of GDP (2017 est.) 47% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Croatia77.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 82.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Cuba47.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 42.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Curacao33.2% of GDP (2012 est.) 40.6% of GDP (2011 est.) Topic: Cyprus97.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 106.6% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment Topic: Czechia34.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 36.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Denmark35.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 37.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Djibouti31.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 33.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Dominica82.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 71.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Dominican Republic37.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 34.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Ecuador45.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 43.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Egypt103% of GDP (2017 est.) 96.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover central government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions Topic: El Salvador67.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 66.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: El Salvador's total public debt includes non-financial public sector debt, financial public sector debt, and central bank debt Topic: Equatorial Guinea37.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 43.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Eritrea131.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 132.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Estonia9% of GDP (2017 est.) 9.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities, including sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government, and social security funds Topic: Eswatini28.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 25.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Ethiopia54.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 53.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: European Union86.8% of GDP (2014) 85.5% of GDP (2013) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)0% of GDP (2015 est.) Topic: Faroe Islands35% of GDP (2014 est.) Topic: Fiji48.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 47.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Finland61.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 62.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: France96.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 96.6% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Gabon62.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 64.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Gambia, The88% of GDP (2017 est.) 82.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Georgia44.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 44.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities; Georgia does not maintain intragovernmental debt or social funds Topic: Germany63.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 67.9% 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 (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); the general government sector comprises the sub-sectors of central government, state government, local government and social security funds; the series are presented as a percentage of GDP and in millions of euros; GDP used as a denominator is the gross domestic product at current market prices; data expressed in national currency are converted into euro using end-of-year exchange rates provided by the European Central Bank Topic: Ghana71.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 73.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Gibraltar7.5% of GDP (2008 est.) 8.4% of GDP (2006 est.) Topic: Greece181.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 183.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Greenland13% of GDP (2015 est.) Topic: Grenada70.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 82% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Guam22.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 32.1% of GDP (2013) Topic: Guatemala24.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 24.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Guinea37.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 41.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissau53.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 57.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Guyana52.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 50.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Haiti31.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 33.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Honduras39.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 38.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Hong Kong0.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 0.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Hungary73.6% 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. Topic: Iceland40% of GDP (2017 est.) 51.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: India71.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 69.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover central government debt, and exclude debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Indonesia28.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 28.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Iran39.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 47.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: includes publicly guaranteed debt Topic: Iraq59.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 66% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Ireland68.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 73.6% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Israel72.6% of GDP (2020 est.) 59.6% of GDP (2019 est.) 60.4% of GDP (2018 est.) Topic: Italy131.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 132% of GDP (2016 est.) note: Italy reports its data on public debt according to guidelines set out in the Maastricht Treaty; 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 (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); the general government sector comprises central, state, and local government and social security funds Topic: Jamaica101% of GDP (2017 est.) 113.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Japan237.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 235.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Jordan95.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 95.1% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover central government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Kazakhstan20.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 19.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Kenya54.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 53.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Kiribati26.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 22.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Korea, South39.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 39.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Kosovo21.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 19.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Kuwait20.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 9.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstan56% of GDP (2017 est.) 55.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Laos63.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 58.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Latvia36.3% 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 Topic: Lebanon146.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 145.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover central government debt and exclude debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment Topic: Lesotho33.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 36.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Liberia34.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 28.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Libya4.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 7.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Lithuania39.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 40.1% of GDP (2016 est.) note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions Topic: Luxembourg23% of GDP (2017 est.) 20.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Macau0% of GDP (2017 est.) 0% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Madagascar36% of GDP (2017 est.) 38.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Malawi59.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 60.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Malaysia54.1% 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 Topic: Maldives63.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 61.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Mali35.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 36% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Malta50.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 56.3% of GDP (2016 est.) note: Malta reports public debt at nominal value outstanding at the end of the year, according to guidelines set out in the Maastricht Treaty for general government gross debt; the data include the following categories of government liabilities (as defined in ESA95): currency and deposits (AF.2), securities other than shares excluding financial derivatives (AF.3, excluding AF.34), and loans (AF.4); general government comprises the central, state, and local governments, and social security funds Topic: Marshall Islands25.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 30% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Mauritania96.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 100% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Mauritius64% of GDP (2017 est.) 66.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Mexico54.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 56.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States of24.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 25.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Moldova31.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 35.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Mongolia91.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 90% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Montenegro67.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 66.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Morocco65.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 64.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Mozambique102.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 121.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Namibia41.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 39.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Nauru62% of GDP (2017 est.) 65% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Nepal26.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 27.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Netherlands56.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 61.3% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: New Caledonia6.5% of GDP (2015 est.) 6.5% of GDP (2014 est.) Topic: New Zealand31.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 33.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Nicaragua33.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 31.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by Government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions; Nicaragua rebased its GDP figures in 2012, which reduced the figures for debt as a percentage of GDP Topic: Niger45.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 45.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Nigeria21.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 19.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: North Macedonia39.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 39.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: official data from Ministry of Finance; data cover central government debt; this data excludes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; includes treasury debt held by foreign entitites; excludes debt issued by sub-national entities; there are no debt instruments sold for social funds Topic: Northern Mariana Islands7.1% of GDP (2017 est.) Topic: Norway36.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 36.4% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data exclude treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Oman46.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 32.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: excludes indebtedness of state-owned enterprises Topic: Pakistan67% of GDP (2017 est.) 67.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Palau24.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 21.6% of GDP (2015) Topic: Panama37.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 37.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Papua New Guinea36.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 36.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Paraguay19.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 18.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Peru25.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 24.5% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued by government entities other than the treasury; the data exclude treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities Topic: Philippines39.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 39% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Poland50.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 54.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, the data include subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Portugal125.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 129.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Puerto Rico51.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 50.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Qatar53.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 46.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Romania36.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 38.8% 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 Topic: Russia15.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 16.1% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Rwanda40.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 37.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevis62.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 61.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Lucia70.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 69.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines73.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 82.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Samoa49.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 52.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: San Marino24.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 22.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principe88.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 93.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabia17.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 13.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Senegal48.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 47.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Serbia62.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 73.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Seychelles63.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 69.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Sierra Leone63.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 54.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Singapore111.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 106.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: Singapore's public debt consists largely of Singapore Government Securities (SGS) issued to assist the Central Provident Fund (CPF), which administers Singapore's defined contribution pension fund; special issues of SGS are held by the CPF, and are non-tradable; the government has not borrowed to finance deficit expenditures since the 1980s; Singapore has no external public debt Topic: Slovakia50.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 51.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general Government Gross Debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by Government entities, including sub-sectors of central, state, local government, and social security funds Topic: Slovenia73.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 78.6% 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 central, state, local government, and social security funds Topic: Solomon Islands9.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 7.9% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Somalia76.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 93% of GDP (2014 est.) Topic: South Africa53% of GDP (2017 est.) 51.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: South Sudan62.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 86.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Spain98.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 99% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Sri Lanka79.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 79.6% of GDP (2016 est.) note: covers central government debt and excludes debt instruments directly owned by government entities other than the treasury (e.g. commercial bank borrowings of a government corporation); the data includes treasury debt held by foreign entities as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement; sub-national entities are usually not permitted to sell debt instruments Topic: Sudan121.6% of GDP (2017 est.) 99.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Suriname69.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 75.8% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Sweden40.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 42.3% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Switzerland41.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 41.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: general government gross debt; gross debt consists of all liabilities that require payment or payments of interest and/or principal by the debtor to the creditor at a date or dates in the future; includes debt liabilities in the form of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), currency and deposits, debt securities, loans, insurance, pensions and standardized guarantee schemes, and other accounts payable; all liabilities in the GFSM (Government Financial Systems Manual) 2001 system are debt, except for equity and investment fund shares and financial derivatives and employee stock options Topic: Syria94.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 91.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Taiwan35.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 36.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data for central government Topic: Tajikistan50.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 42% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Tanzania37% of GDP (2017 est.) 38% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Thailand41.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 41.8% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions Topic: Timor-Leste3.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 3.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Togo75.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 81.6% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Tonga48% of GDP (FY2017 est.) 51.8% of GDP (FY2016 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobago41.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 37% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Tunisia70.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 62.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Turkey (Turkiye)28.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 28.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Turkmenistan28.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 24.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Tuvalu37% of GDP (2017 est.) 47.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Uganda40% of GDP (2017 est.) 37.4% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Ukraine71% of GDP (2017 est.) 81.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: the total public debt of $64.5 billion consists of: domestic public debt ($23.8 billion); external public debt ($26.1 billion); and sovereign guarantees ($14.6 billion) Topic: United Arab Emirates19.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 20.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: United Kingdom87.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 87.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: United States78.8% of GDP (2017 est.) 81.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover only what the United States Treasury denotes as "Debt Held by the Public," which includes all debt instruments issued by the Treasury that are owned by non-US Government entities; the data include Treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data exclude debt issued by individual US states, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of Treasury borrowings from surpluses in the trusts for Federal Social Security, Federal Employees, Hospital and Supplemental Medical Insurance (Medicare), Disability and Unemployment, and several other smaller trusts; if data for intragovernment debt were added, "gross debt" would increase by about one-third of GDP Topic: Uruguay65.7% of GDP (2017 est.) 61.6% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions. Topic: Uzbekistan24.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 10.5% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Vanuatu48.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 46.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Venezuela38.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 31.3% of GDP (2016 est.) note: data cover central government debt, as well as the debt of state-owned oil company PDVSA; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include some debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; some debt instruments for the social funds are sold at public auctions Topic: Vietnam58.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 59.9% of GDP (2016 est.) note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: Virgin Islands53.3% of GDP (2016 est.) 45.9% of GDP (2014 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futuna5.6% of GDP (2004 est.) note: offical data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions Topic: West Bank24.4% of GDP (2014 est.) 23.8% of GDP (2013 est.) Topic: World67.2% of GDP (2017 est.) 67.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Yemen74.5% of GDP (2017 est.) 68.1% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Zambia63.1% of GDP (2017 est.) 60.7% of GDP (2016 est.) Topic: Zimbabwe82.3% of GDP (2017 est.) 69.9% of GDP (2016 est.)
20220901
field-urbanization
This entry provides two measures of the degree of urbanization of a population. The first, urban population, describes the percentage of the total population living in urban areas, as defined by the country. The second, rate of urbanization, describes the projected average rate of change of the size of the urban population over the given period of time. It is possible for a country with a 100% urban population to still display a change in the rate of urbanization (up or down). For example, a population of 100,000 that is 100% urban can change in size to 110,000 or 90,000 but remain 100% urban. Additionally, the World entry includes a list of the ten largest urban agglomerations. An urban agglomeration is defined as comprising the city or town proper and also the suburban fringe or thickly settled territory lying outside of, but adjacent to, the boundaries of the city. Topic: Afghanistanurban population: 26.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Albaniaurban population: 63.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.29% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Algeriaurban population: 74.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: American Samoaurban population: 87.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.26% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Andorraurban population: 87.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Angolaurban population: 68.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Anguillaurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Antigua and Barbudaurban population: 24.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Argentinaurban population: 92.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Armeniaurban population: 63.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Arubaurban population: 44.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Australiaurban 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 Topic: Austriaurban population: 59.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Azerbaijanurban population: 57.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Nagorno-Karabakh Topic: Bahamas, Theurban population: 83.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Bahrainurban population: 89.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Bangladeshurban population: 39.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Barbadosurban population: 31.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Belarusurban population: 80.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Belgiumurban population: 98.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Belizeurban population: 46.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Beninurban population: 49.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.74% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Bermudaurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Bhutanurban population: 43.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Boliviaurban population: 70.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinaurban population: 49.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Botswanaurban population: 72.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Brazilurban population: 87.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: British Virgin Islandsurban population: 49.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Bruneiurban population: 78.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Bulgariaurban population: 76.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Burkina Fasourban population: 31.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Burmaurban population: 31.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Burundiurban population: 14.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 5.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cabo Verdeurban population: 67.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.83% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cambodiaurban population: 25.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cameroonurban population: 58.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Canadaurban population: 81.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.95% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cayman Islandsurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Central African Republicurban population: 43.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Chadurban population: 24.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Chileurban population: 87.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.78% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Chinaurban population: 63.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.78% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data do not include Hong Kong and Macau Topic: Colombiaurban population: 82% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Comorosurban population: 29.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of theurban population: 46.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Congo, Republic of theurban population: 68.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cook Islandsurban population: 75.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Costa Ricaurban population: 82% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cote d'Ivoireurban population: 52.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Croatiaurban population: 58.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cubaurban population: 77.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Curacaourban population: 89% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Cyprusurban population: 66.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.76% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Czechiaurban population: 74.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Denmarkurban population: 88.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Djiboutiurban population: 78.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.56% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Dominicaurban population: 71.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Dominican Republicurban population: 83.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Ecuadorurban population: 64.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Egypturban population: 43% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: El Salvadorurban population: 74.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Equatorial Guineaurban population: 74% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Eritreaurban population: 42.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Estoniaurban population: 69.6% of total population (2021) rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Eswatiniurban population: 24.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Ethiopiaurban population: 22.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)urban population: 79.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.53% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Faroe Islandsurban population: 42.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Fijiurban population: 58.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.37% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Finlandurban population: 85.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.42% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Franceurban population: 81.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.67% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: French Polynesiaurban population: 62.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.65% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Gabonurban population: 90.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Gambia, Theurban population: 63.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Gaza Stripurban population: 77.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank Topic: Georgiaurban population: 60.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Abkhazia and South Ossetia Topic: Germanyurban population: 77.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Ghanaurban population: 58.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Gibraltarurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.) Topic: Greeceurban population: 80.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Greenlandurban population: 87.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Grenadaurban population: 36.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.86% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Guamurban population: 95.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Guatemalaurban population: 52.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Guernseyurban 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 Topic: Guineaurban population: 37.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Guinea-Bissauurban population: 45% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Guyanaurban population: 27% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.01% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Haitiurban population: 58.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)urban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Hondurasurban population: 59.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.48% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Hong Kongurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.58% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Hungaryurban population: 72.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Icelandurban population: 94% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.74% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Indiaurban population: 35.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Indonesiaurban population: 57.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Iranurban population: 76.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Iraqurban population: 71.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Irelandurban population: 64.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Isle of Manurban population: 53.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.97% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Israelurban population: 92.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.51% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Italyurban population: 71.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Jamaicaurban population: 57% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Japanurban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.25% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Jerseyurban 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 Topic: Jordanurban population: 91.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Kazakhstanurban population: 58% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Kenyaurban population: 29% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Kiribatiurban population: 57.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Korea, Northurban population: 62.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Korea, Southurban population: 81.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Kuwaiturban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.35% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Kyrgyzstanurban population: 37.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.05% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Laosurban population: 37.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Latviaurban population: 68.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.68% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Lebanonurban population: 89.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -1.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Lesothourban population: 29.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Liberiaurban population: 53.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.41% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.) Topic: Libyaurban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Liechtensteinurban population: 14.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Lithuaniaurban population: 68.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Luxembourgurban population: 91.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Macauurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Madagascarurban population: 39.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.26% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Malawiurban population: 18% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Malaysiaurban population: 78.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Maldivesurban population: 41.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Maliurban population: 45.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Maltaurban population: 94.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Marshall Islandsurban population: 78.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Mauritaniaurban population: 56.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Mauritiusurban population: 40.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Mexicourban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofurban population: 23.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Moldovaurban population: 43.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Monacourban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Mongoliaurban population: 68.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Montenegrourban population: 68.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Montserraturban population: 9.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Moroccourban 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 Topic: Mozambiqueurban population: 38.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.24% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Namibiaurban population: 54% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Nauruurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.18% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Nepalurban population: 21.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.09% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Netherlandsurban population: 92.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: New Caledoniaurban population: 72.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: New Zealandurban population: 86.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Nicaraguaurban population: 59.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Nigerurban population: 16.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Nigeriaurban population: 53.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Niueurban population: 47.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: North Macedoniaurban population: 59.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.61% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsurban population: 92% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.36% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Norwayurban population: 83.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Topic: Omanurban population: 87.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Pakistanurban population: 37.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Palauurban population: 82% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Panamaurban population: 69.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Papua New Guineaurban population: 13.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.91% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Paraguayurban population: 62.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Peruurban population: 78.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Philippinesurban population: 48% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Pitcairn Islandsrate of urbanization: NA Topic: Polandurban population: 60.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Portugalurban population: 67.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Puerto Ricourban population: 93.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Qatarurban population: 99.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.66% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Romaniaurban population: 54.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Russiaurban population: 75.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Rwandaurban population: 17.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.07% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhaurban population: 40.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisurban population: 31% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Saint Luciaurban population: 19% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonurban population: 90% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesurban population: 53.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Samoaurban population: 17.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.03% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: San Marinourban population: 97.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Sao Tome and Principeurban population: 75.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.96% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Saudi Arabiaurban population: 84.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.69% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Senegalurban population: 49.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Serbiaurban population: 56.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Kosovo Topic: Seychellesurban population: 58.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Sierra Leoneurban population: 43.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Singaporeurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.74% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Sint Maartenurban population: 100% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. est.) Topic: Slovakiaurban population: 53.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.17% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Sloveniaurban population: 55.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Solomon Islandsurban population: 25.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Somaliaurban population: 47.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: South Africaurban population: 68.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.72% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: South Sudanurban population: 20.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Spainurban population: 81.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.24% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data include Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla Topic: Sri Lankaurban population: 19% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Sudanurban population: 36% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Surinameurban population: 66.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.88% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Swedenurban population: 88.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Switzerlandurban population: 74.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Syriaurban population: 56.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 5.38% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Taiwanurban population: 79.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.65% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Tajikistanurban population: 28% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Tanzaniaurban population: 36.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Thailandurban population: 52.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.43% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Timor-Lesteurban population: 32.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Togourban population: 43.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.6% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Tokelauurban population: 0% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Tongaurban population: 23.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Trinidad and Tobagourban population: 53.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Tunisiaurban population: 70.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.34% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Turkeyurban population: 77% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Turkmenistanurban population: 53.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsurban population: 94% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Tuvaluurban population: 65.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.08% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Ugandaurban population: 26.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 5.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Ukraineurban population: 69.9% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: United Arab Emiratesurban population: 87.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: United Kingdomurban population: 84.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: United Statesurban population: 83.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.96% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Uruguayurban population: 95.7% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Uzbekistanurban population: 50.5% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.25% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Vanuatuurban population: 25.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.55% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Venezuelaurban population: 88.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Vietnamurban population: 38.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Virgin Islandsurban population: 96.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: -0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Wallis and Futunaurban population: 0% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: West Bankurban population: 77.3% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.85% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) note: data represent Gaza Strip and the West Bank Topic: Worldurban population: 57% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Yemenurban population: 39.2% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 3.71% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.) Topic: Zambiaurban population: 45.8% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.15% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Topic: Zimbabweurban population: 32.4% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 2.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
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
field-area-country-comparison
20220901
countries-ireland-summaries
Topic: Introduction Background: Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600 and 150 B.C., followed by Norsemen in the late 8th century. Anglo-Norman invasions began in the 12th century. The modern Irish state broke from the UK in 1921.Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600 and 150 B.C., followed by Norsemen in the late 8th century. Anglo-Norman invasions began in the 12th century. The modern Irish state broke from the UK in 1921. Topic: Geography Area: total: 70,273 sq km land: 68,883 sq km water: 1,390 sq km Climate: temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time Natural resources: natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, dolomite Topic: People and Society Population: 5,275,004 (2022 est.) Ethnic groups: Irish 82.2%, Irish travelers 0.7%, other White 9.5%, Asian 2.1%, Black 1.4%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2.6% (2016 est.) Languages: English (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) Religions: Roman 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.) Population growth rate: 0.94% (2022 est.) Topic: Government Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: name: Dublin Executive branch: chief of state: President Michael D. HIGGINS (since 11 November 2011) head of government: Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál MARTIN (since 27 June 2020); note - MARTIN will serve through December 2022 and will then be succeeded by Leo VARADKAR  Legislative branch: description: bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of: Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats; 49 members indirectly elected from 5 vocational panels of nominees by an electoral college, 11 appointed by the prime minister House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (160 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; all Parliament members serve 5-year terms) Topic: Economy Economic overview: strong, export-based EU economy; multinational-business-friendly environment known for resilience, even amid COVID-19 disruptions; real wage growth beyond other OECD members; high livings standards; strong social equity and cohesion; aging labor forcestrong, export-based EU economy; multinational-business-friendly environment known for resilience, even amid COVID-19 disruptions; real wage growth beyond other OECD members; high livings standards; strong social equity and cohesion; aging labor force Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $447.97 billion (2020 est.) Real GDP per capita: $89,700 (2020 est.) Agricultural products: milk, barley, beef, wheat, potatoes, pork, oats, poultry, mushrooms/truffles, mutton Industries: pharmaceuticals, chemicals, computer hardware and software, food products, beverages and brewing; medical devices Exports: $502.31 billion (2019 est.) Exports - partners: United States 28%, Belgium 10%, Germany 10%, UK 9%, China 5%, Netherlands 5% (2019) Exports - commodities: medical cultures/vaccines, nitrogen compounds, packaged medicines, integrated circuits, scented mixtures (2019) Imports: $452.98 billion (2019 est.) Imports - partners: United Kingdom 31%, United States 16%, Germany 10%, Netherlands 5%, France 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: aircraft, computers, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, medical cultures/vaccines (2019)Page last updated: Thursday, May 12, 2022
20220901
countries-ecuador
Topic: Photos of Ecuador Topic: Introduction Background: What 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru Geographic coordinates: 2 00 S, 77 30 W Map references: South America Area: total: 283,561 sq km land: 276,841 sq km water: 6,720 sq km note: includes Galapagos Islands Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Nevada Land boundaries: total: 2,237 km border countries (2): Colombia 708 km; Peru 1529 km Coastline: 2,237 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm note: Ecuador has declared its right to extend its continental shelf to 350 nm measured from the baselines of the Galapagos Archipelago Climate: tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands Terrain: coastal plain (costa), inter-Andean central highlands (sierra), and flat to rolling eastern jungle (oriente) Elevation: highest 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 Natural resources: petroleum, fish, timber, hydropower Land use: agricultural land: 29.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 5.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 19.4% (2018 est.) forest: 38.9% (2018 est.) other: 31.4% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 15,000 sq km (2012) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km) Population distribution: nearly half of the population is concentrated in the interior in the Andean intermontane basins and valleys, with large concentrations also found along the western coastal strip; the rainforests of the east remain sparsely populated Natural hazards: frequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughtsvolcanism: volcanic activity concentrated along the Andes Mountains; Sangay (5,230 m), which erupted in 2010, is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina (1,476 m), a shield volcano that last erupted in 2009, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiagofrequent earthquakes; landslides; volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughtsvolcanism: volcanic activity concentrated along the Andes Mountains; Sangay (5,230 m), which erupted in 2010, is mainland Ecuador's most active volcano; other historically active volcanoes in the Andes include Antisana, Cayambe, Chacana, Cotopaxi, Guagua Pichincha, Reventador, Sumaco, and Tungurahua; Fernandina (1,476 m), a shield volcano that last erupted in 2009, is the most active of the many Galapagos volcanoes; other historically active Galapagos volcanoes include Wolf, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, Pinta, Marchena, and Santiago Geography - note: note 1: Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world note 2: genetic research indicates that the cherry-sized tomato originated in Ecuador without any human domestication; later domestication in Mexico transformed the plant into the large modern tomato; archeological research indicates that the cacao tree, whose seeds are used to make chocolate and which was long thought to have originated in Mesoamerica, was first domesticated in the upper Amazon region of northwest South America - present-day Ecuador - about 3,300 B.C. Map description: Ecuador map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Pacific Ocean.Ecuador map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the Pacific Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 17,289,554 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Ecuadorian(s) adjective: Ecuadorian Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and White) 71.9%, Montubio 7.4%, Amerindian 7%, White 6.1%, Afroecuadorian 4.3%, Mulatto 1.9%, Black 1%, other 0.4% (2010 est.) Languages: Spanish (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. Religions: Roman 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 Demographic profile: Ecuador's high poverty and income inequality most affect indigenous, mixed race, and rural populations. The government has increased its social spending to ameliorate these problems, but critics question the efficiency and implementation of its national development plan. Nevertheless, the conditional cash transfer program, which requires participants' children to attend school and have medical check-ups, has helped improve educational attainment and healthcare among poor children. Ecuador is stalled at above replacement level fertility and the population most likely will keep growing rather than stabilize.An estimated 2 to 3 million Ecuadorians live abroad, but increased unemployment in key receiving countries - Spain, the United States, and Italy - is slowing emigration and increasing the likelihood of returnees to Ecuador. The first large-scale emigration of Ecuadorians occurred between 1980 and 2000, when an economic crisis drove Ecuadorians from southern provinces to New York City, where they had trade contacts. A second, nationwide wave of emigration in the late 1990s was caused by another economic downturn, political instability, and a currency crisis. Spain was the logical destination because of its shared language and the wide availability of low-skilled, informal jobs at a time when increased border surveillance made illegal migration to the US difficult. Ecuador has a small but growing immigrant population and is Latin America's top recipient of refugees; 98% are neighboring Colombians fleeing violence in their country.Ecuador's high poverty and income inequality most affect indigenous, mixed race, and rural populations. The government has increased its social spending to ameliorate these problems, but critics question the efficiency and implementation of its national development plan. Nevertheless, the conditional cash transfer program, which requires participants' children to attend school and have medical check-ups, has helped improve educational attainment and healthcare among poor children. Ecuador is stalled at above replacement level fertility and the population most likely will keep growing rather than stabilize.An estimated 2 to 3 million Ecuadorians live abroad, but increased unemployment in key receiving countries - Spain, the United States, and Italy - is slowing emigration and increasing the likelihood of returnees to Ecuador. The first large-scale emigration of Ecuadorians occurred between 1980 and 2000, when an economic crisis drove Ecuadorians from southern provinces to New York City, where they had trade contacts. A second, nationwide wave of emigration in the late 1990s was caused by another economic downturn, political instability, and a currency crisis. Spain was the logical destination because of its shared language and the wide availability of low-skilled, informal jobs at a time when increased border surveillance made illegal migration to the US difficult. Ecuador has a small but growing immigrant population and is Latin America's top recipient of refugees; 98% are neighboring Colombians fleeing violence in their country. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 53.8 youth dependency ratio: 42.1 elderly dependency ratio: 11.7 potential support ratio: 8.6 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 28.8 years male: 28 years female: 29.6 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 1.13% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 16.45 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 5.17 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: nearly half of the population is concentrated in the interior in the Andean intermontane basins and valleys, with large concentrations also found along the western coastal strip; the rainforests of the east remain sparsely populated Urbanization: urban population: 64.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 3.092 million Guayaquil, 1.928 million QUITO (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: 0.96 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Maternal mortality ratio: 59 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 18.13 deaths/1,000 live births male: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 14.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78 years male: 75.06 years female: 81.1 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 80.1% (2007/12) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 87.1% of population total: 95.4% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population rural: 12.9% of population total: 4.6% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 7.8% (2019) Physicians density: 2.22 physicians/1,000 population (2017) Hospital bed density: 1.4 beds/1,000 population (2016) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 45,000 (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: dengue fever and malaria Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 19.9% (2016) Tobacco use: total: 11.3% (2020 est.) male: 18.4% (2020 est.) female: 4.2% (2020 est.) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 5.2% (2018/19) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 3.8% women married by age 18: 22.2% (2018 est.) Education expenditures: 4.1% of GDP (2020 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93.6% male: 94.8% female: 92.5% (2020) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 15 years male: 14 years female: 15 years (2019) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 11.1% male: 8.7% female: 15.4% (2020 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands 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, 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: 14.91 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.) carbon dioxide emissions: 41.15 megatons (2016 est.) methane emissions: 23.51 megatons (2020 est.) Climate: tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands Land use: agricultural land: 29.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 4.7% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 5.6% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 19.4% (2018 est.) forest: 38.9% (2018 est.) other: 31.4% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 64.6% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 1.62% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.27% 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, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 5,297,211 tons (2015 est.) municipal solid waste recycled annually: 683,340 tons (2015 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.9% (2015 est.) Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Amazon (6,145,186 sq km) Total water withdrawal: municipal: 1.293 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 549 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 8.076 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 442.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Ecuador conventional short form: Ecuador local long form: Republica del Ecuador local short form: Ecuador etymology: the country's position on the globe, straddling the Equator, accounts for its Spanish name Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Quito geographic coordinates: 0 13 S, 78 30 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) time zone note: Ecuador has two time zones, including the Galapagos Islands (UTC-6) etymology: named after the Quitus, a Pre-Columbian indigenous people credited with founding the city Administrative divisions: 24 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe Independence: 24 May 1822 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day (independence of Quito), 10 August (1809) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil law based on the Chilean civil code with modifications; traditional law in indigenous communities International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Citizenship: citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 3 years Suffrage: 18-65 years of age; universal and compulsory; 16-18, over 65, and other eligible voters, voluntary Executive branch: chief of state: President Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (since 24 May 2021); Vice President Alfredo Enrique BORRERO Vega (since 24 May 2021); the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (since 24 May 2021); Vice President Alfredo Enrique BORRERO Vega (since 24 May 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections/appointments: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 February 2021 with a runoff on 11 April 2021 (next to be held in February 2025) election results: 2021: Guillermo LASSO Mendoza elected president; first round election results: percent of vote - Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 32.72%, Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 19.74%, Yaku PEREZ Guartambel (MUPP) 19.38%, Xavier HERVAS Mora (Independent) 15.68%, other 12.48%; second round election results: percent of vote - Guillermo LASSO Mendoza (CREO) 52.5%, Andres ARAUZ (UNES) 47.5% 2017: Lenin MORENO Garces elected president in second round; percent of vote - Lenin MORENO Garces (Alianza PAIS Movement) 51.1%, Guillermo LASSO (CREO) 48.9% Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (137 seats; 116 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 15 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote, and 6 directly elected in multi-seat constituencies for Ecuadorians living abroad by simple majority vote; members serve 4-year terms); note - all Assembly members have alternates from the same party who cast votes when a primary member is absent, resigns, or is removed from office elections: last held on 7 February 2021 (next scheduled in February 2025) election results: percent of vote by party - UNES 32.21%, MUPP 16.81%, ID 11.98%, PSC 9.73%, CREO 9.65%, MC-PSE 3.76%, other 15.86%; seats by party - UNES 49, MUPP 27, ID 18, PSC 18, CREO 12, MC-PSE 2, independents 3, other 8; composition as of March 2022 - men 84, women 53, percent of women 38.7%; note - defections by members of National Assembly are commonplace, resulting in frequent changes in the numbers of seats held by the various parties Judicial branch: highest courts: National Court of Justice or Corte Nacional de Justicia (consists of 21 judges, including the chief justice and organized into 5 specialized chambers); Constitutional Court or Corte Constitucional (consists of the court president and 8 judges) judge selection and term of office: candidates for the National Court of Justice evaluated and appointed justices by the Judicial Council, a 9-member independent body of law professionals; justices elected for 9-year, non-renewable terms, with one-third of the membership renewed every 3 years; candidates for the Constitutional Court evaluated and appointed judges by a 6-member independent body of law professionals; judges appointed for 4-year renewable terms subordinate courts: provincial courts (one for each province except Galapagos); fiscal, criminal, and administrative tribunals; Election Dispute Settlement Courts; cantonal courts Political parties and leaders: Avanza Party or AVANZA [Ramiro GONZALEZ] Central Democratic Movement or CD [Jimmy JAIRALA] Citizen Revolution Movement or MRC [Marcela AGUINAGA] Creating Opportunities Movement or CREO [Guillermo LASSO] Democratic Left or ID Forward Ecuador Movement [Alvaro NOBOA] Pachakutik Plurinational Unity Movement or MUPP [Marlon Rene SANTI Gualinga] Patriotic Society Party or PSP [Gilmar GUTIERREZ Borbua] Popular Democracy Movement or MPD [Luis VILLACIS] Social Christian Party or PSC [Alfredo SERRANO] Socialist Party [Gustavo VALLEJO] Society United for More Action or SUMA [Guillermo CELI] International organization participation: CAN, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ivonne Leila Juez De A-BAKI (since 6 February 2020) chancery: 2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 234-7200 FAX: [1] (202) 333-2893 email address and website: embassy@ecuador.org http://www.ecuador.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Haven (CT), New Orleans, New York, Newark (NJ), Phoenix, San Francisco Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. FITZPATRICK (since 3 July 2019) embassy: E12-170 Avenida Avigiras y Avenida Eloy Alfaro, Quito mailing address: 3420 Quito Place, Washington DC  20521-3420 telephone: [593] (2) 398-5000 email address and website: ACSQuito@state.gov https://ec.usembassy.gov/ consulate(s) general: Guayaquil Flag description: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; the flag retains the three main colors of the banner of Gran Colombia, the South American republic that broke up in 1830; the yellow color represents sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth, blue the sky, sea, and rivers, and red the blood of patriots spilled in the struggle for freedom and justice note: similar to the flag of Colombia, which is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms National symbol(s): Andean condor; national colors: yellow, blue, red National anthem: name: "Salve, Oh Patria!" (We Salute You, Our Homeland) lyrics/music: Juan Leon MERA/Antonio NEUMANE note: adopted 1948; Juan Leon MERA wrote the lyrics in 1865; only the chorus and second verse are sung National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 5 (3 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Quito (c); Galápagos Islands (n); Historic Cuenca (c); Qhapaq Ñan/Andean Road System (c); Sangay National Park (n) Topic: Economy Economic overview: Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum resources, which accounted for about a third of the country's export earnings in 2017. Remittances from overseas Ecuadorian are also important.   In 1999/2000, Ecuador's economy suffered from a banking crisis that lead to some reforms, including adoption of the US dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and positive growth returned in most of the years that followed. China has become Ecuador's largest foreign lender since 2008 and now accounts for 77.7% of the Ecuador’s bilateral debt. Various economic policies under the CORREA administration, such as an announcement in 2017 that Ecuador would terminate 13 bilateral investment treaties - including one with the US, generated economic uncertainty and discouraged private investment.   Faced with a 2013 trade deficit of $1.1 billion, Ecuador imposed tariff surcharges from 5% to 45% on an estimated 32% of imports. Ecuador’s economy fell into recession in 2015 and remained in recession in 2016. Declining oil prices and exports forced the CORREA administration to cut government oulays. Foreign investment in Ecuador is low as a result of the unstable regulatory environment and weak rule of law.   n April of 2017, Lenin MORENO was elected President of Ecuador by popular vote. His immediate challenge was to reengage the private sector to improve cash flow in the country. Ecuador’s economy returned to positive, but sluggish, growth. In early 2018, the MORENO administration held a public referendum on seven economic and political issues in a move counter to CORREA-administration policies, reduce corruption, strengthen democracy, and revive employment and the economy. The referendum resulted in repeal of taxes associated with recovery from the earthquake of 2016, reduced restrictions on metal mining in the Yasuni Intangible Zone - a protected area, and several political reforms.Ecuador is substantially dependent on its petroleum resources, which accounted for about a third of the country's export earnings in 2017. Remittances from overseas Ecuadorian are also important. In 1999/2000, Ecuador's economy suffered from a banking crisis that lead to some reforms, including adoption of the US dollar as legal tender. Dollarization stabilized the economy, and positive growth returned in most of the years that followed. China has become Ecuador's largest foreign lender since 2008 and now accounts for 77.7% of the Ecuador’s bilateral debt. Various economic policies under the CORREA administration, such as an announcement in 2017 that Ecuador would terminate 13 bilateral investment treaties - including one with the US, generated economic uncertainty and discouraged private investment. Faced with a 2013 trade deficit of $1.1 billion, Ecuador imposed tariff surcharges from 5% to 45% on an estimated 32% of imports. Ecuador’s economy fell into recession in 2015 and remained in recession in 2016. Declining oil prices and exports forced the CORREA administration to cut government oulays. Foreign investment in Ecuador is low as a result of the unstable regulatory environment and weak rule of law. n April of 2017, Lenin MORENO was elected President of Ecuador by popular vote. His immediate challenge was to reengage the private sector to improve cash flow in the country. Ecuador’s economy returned to positive, but sluggish, growth. In early 2018, the MORENO administration held a public referendum on seven economic and political issues in a move counter to CORREA-administration policies, reduce corruption, strengthen democracy, and revive employment and the economy. The referendum resulted in repeal of taxes associated with recovery from the earthquake of 2016, reduced restrictions on metal mining in the Yasuni Intangible Zone - a protected area, and several political reforms. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $182.24 billion (2020 est.) $197.55 billion (2019 est.) $197.53 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: 0.06% (2019 est.) 1.29% (2018 est.) 2.37% (2017 est.) Real GDP per capita: $10,300 (2020 est.) $11,400 (2019 est.) $11,600 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $107.436 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.2% (2019 est.) -0.2% (2018 est.) 0.4% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: B- (2020) Moody's rating: Caa3 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: B- (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 6.7% (2017 est.) industry: 32.9% (2017 est.) services: 60.4% (2017 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: sugar cane, bananas, milk, oil palm fruit, maize, rice, plantains, poultry, cocoa, potatoes Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals Industrial production growth rate: -0.6% (2017 est.) note: excludes oil refining Labor force: 8.086 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 26.1% industry: 18.4% services: 55.5% (2017 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.71% (2019 est.) 5.26% (2018 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 11.1% male: 8.7% female: 15.4% (2020 est.) Population below poverty line: 25% (2019 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 45.4 (2018 est.) 48.5 (December 2017) note: data are for urban households only Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.4% highest 10%: 35.4% (2012 est.) note: data are for urban households only Budget: revenues: 33.43 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 38.08 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -4.5% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 45.4% of GDP (2017 est.) 43.2% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 32% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$53 million (2019 est.) -$1.328 billion (2018 est.) Exports: $22.23 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $26.12 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $25.38 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: United States 30%, China 13%, Panama 8%, Chile 7% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, crustaceans, bananas, fish, refined petroleum (2019) Imports: $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 Imports - partners: United States 22%, China 18%, Colombia 9%, Panama 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, coal tar oil, cars, packaged medicines, soybean products (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.395 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $4.259 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $50.667 billion (2019 est.) $43.224 billion (2018 est.) Exchange rates: 25,000 (2020 est.) 25,000 (2019 est.) 25,000 (2018 est.) the US dollar became Ecuador's currency in 2001 Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 97% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 100% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 93% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 9.354 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 26,353,430,000 kWh (2019 est.) exports: 1.826 billion kWh (2019 est.) imports: 6 million kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 4.303 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 21% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 77.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 10,000 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 10,000 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 24 million metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 478,000 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 259,000 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 349,400 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 8.273 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 137,400 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 25,870 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 153,900 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 342.407 million cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 342.407 million cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 10.902 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 36.051 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 45,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 35.329 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 677,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 42.564 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 2,063,044 (2020) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2020 est.) Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 15,485,366 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 88 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Ecuador’s remote and mountainous geography lends challenges to tele-density; government-owned provider to improve fixed-line and LTE infrastructure, with emphasis on fiber expansion from urban to rural areas and installation of a 5G network; small telecom market dominated by the non-competitive mobile sector; inadequate fixed-line infrastructure and slowed fixed-line broadband services (2020). (2020) domestic: according to 2021 statistics from the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society, 50 percent of Ecuadorian homes do not have access to fixed internet.  Ecuador’s telecoms regulator, ARCOTEL is currently evaluating and reorganizing the 3.5GHz, 2.5 GHz, 700 MHz and AWS spectrum for future government tenders.  2G/3G technologies have a 91.11 percent of penetration and 4G technologies has 60.74 percent (2021). (2021) international: country code - 593; landing points for the SPSC (Mistral Submarine Cable), Panamerican Cable System (PAN-AM), Pacific Caribbean Cable System (PCCS), America Movil-Telxius West Coast Cable and SAm-1 submarine (SAm-1) cables that provide links to South and Central America, and extending onward to the Caribbean and the US; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2019) note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services Broadcast media: the Communication Council, an official entity, carried out a media registry in Ecuador in December 2020.  It registered 956 media outlets, 89% are private, 5% are public and 6% belong to small communities. The government controls most of the 44 public media, this includes national media and multiple local radio stations. In addition, of the 956 registered media, 58% are radio and 18% print. Two provinces have the largest number of media outlets: Guayas has 172 media outlets and Pichincha has 130 media outlets. (2020) so also sent to the National Assembly a new regulation proposal that is still under discussion. (2022)the Communication Council, an official entity, carried out a media registry in Ecuador in December 2020.  It registered 956 media outlets, 89% are private, 5% are public and 6% belong to small communities. The government controls most of the 44 public media, this includes national media and multiple local radio stations. In addition, of the 956 registered media, 58% are radio and 18% print. Two provinces have the largest number of media outlets: Guayas has 172 media outlets and Pichincha has 130 media outlets. (2020) so also sent to the National Assembly a new regulation proposal that is still under discussion. Internet country code: .ec Internet users: total: 11,467,989 (2020 est.) percent of population: 65% (2020 est.) according to 2021 statistics from Ecuador's Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society, 50% of homes do not have access to fixed internet Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,371,297 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 7 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 35 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 5,365,261 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 64.2 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: HC Airports: total: 432 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 328 914 to 1,523 m: 37 under 914 m: 291 (2021) Heliports: 2 (2021) Pipelines: 485 km extra heavy crude, 123 km gas, 2,131 km oil, 1,526 km refined products (2017) Railways: total: 965 km (2022) narrow gauge: 965 km (2022) 1.067-m gauge note: passenger service limited to certain sections of track, mostly for tourist trains Roadways: total: 43,950 km (2022) paved: 8,895 km (2022) unpaved: 35,055 km (2022) Waterways: 1,500 km (2012) (most inaccessible) Merchant marine: total: 145 by type: container ship 1, general cargo 7, oil tanker 27, other 110 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Esmeraldas, Manta, Puerto Bolivar container port(s) (TEUs): Guayaquil (1,680,751) (2019) river port(s): Guayaquil (Guayas) Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Ecuadorian Armed Forces: the Ecuadorian Army (Ejército Ecuatoriano), Ecuadorian Navy (Armada del Ecuador, Fuerza Naval del Ecuador, FNE; includes naval infantry, naval aviation, coast guard), Ecuadorian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Ecuatoriana, FAE) (2022) note: the National Police of Ecuador (Policía Nacional del Ecuador) is under the Ministry of Government Military expenditures: 2% of GDP (2021 est.) 2.3% of GDP (2020 est.) 2.2% of GDP (2019) (approximately $2.98 billion) 2.4% of GDP (2018) (approximately $3.14 billion) 2.4% of GDP (2017) (approximately $3.1 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 40,000 active military personnel (25,000 Army; 9,000 Navy; 6,000 Air Force) (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the military's equipment inventory is mostly older and derived from a wide variety of sources; since 2010, Ecuador has received limited amounts of military equipment from more than 15 countries, including Brazil, China, Russia, and the US (2022) Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for selective conscript military service, although conscription was suspended in 2008; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; Ecuadorian birth requirement; 1-year service obligation; females have been allowed to serve in all branches since 2012 (2022) note: in 2017, women made up an estimated 3% of the military Military - note: border conflicts with Peru dominated the military’s focus until the late 1990s; as of 2022, border security remained a priority, but in more recent years, security challenges have shifted towards counterinsurgency and counter-narcotics operations, particularly in the northern border area where violence and other criminal activity related to terrorism, insurgency, and narco-trafficking in Colombia, as well as refugees from Venezuela, has spilled over the border; troop deployments along the border with Colombia were scaled back following the 2016 signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorist group (see Appendix T), but recent violence associated with FARC dissidents to the agreement have led Ecuador and Colombia to reinforce their shared border; since 2012, the Ecuadorian Government has also expanded the military’s role in general public security and counter-narcotics operations, in part due to rising violence, police corruption, and police ineffectiveness the military has had a large role in Ecuador’s political history; it ruled the country from 1963-1966 and 1972-1979, and supported a dictatorship in 1970-1972; during the 1980s, the military remained loyal to the civilian government, but civilian-military relations were at times tenuous, and the military had considerable autonomy from civilian oversight; it was involved in coup attempts in 2000 and 2010border conflicts with Peru dominated the military’s focus until the late 1990s; as of 2022, border security remained a priority, but in more recent years, security challenges have shifted towards counterinsurgency and counter-narcotics operations, particularly in the northern border area where violence and other criminal activity related to terrorism, insurgency, and narco-trafficking in Colombia, as well as refugees from Venezuela, has spilled over the border; troop deployments along the border with Colombia were scaled back following the 2016 signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorist group (see Appendix T), but recent violence associated with FARC dissidents to the agreement have led Ecuador and Colombia to reinforce their shared border; since 2012, the Ecuadorian Government has also expanded the military’s role in general public security and counter-narcotics operations, in part due to rising violence, police corruption, and police ineffectivenessthe military has had a large role in Ecuador’s political history; it ruled the country from 1963-1966 and 1972-1979, and supported a dictatorship in 1970-1972; during the 1980s, the military remained loyal to the civilian government, but civilian-military relations were at times tenuous, and the military had considerable autonomy from civilian oversight; it was involved in coup attempts in 2000 and 2010 Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau continues to report the territorial and offshore waters of Ecuador as at risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen; there has been a slight decrease with four attacks reported in 2021 and five in 2020; one ship was boarded while underway and two ships were fired upon Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia penetrate across Ecuador's shared borderorganized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia penetrate across Ecuador's shared border Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 65,854 (Colombia) (refugees and asylum seekers) (2021); 513,900 (Venezuela) (economic and political crisis; includes Venezuelans who have claimed asylum, are recognized as refugees, or have received alternative legal stay) (2022) Illicit drugs: Ecuador is a major transit country for illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin and chemical precursors to process cocaine from Colombia and Peru; not a major drug producing country
20220901
references-country-data-codes
GEOPOLITICAL ENTITIES, NAMES, and CODES (GENC): The Geopolitical Entities, Names, and Codes (GENC) Standard is the US Government-approved profile of names of countries and country subdivisions. Based on ISO 3166 Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions, it specifies an authoritative set of country codes and names for use by the Federal Government for information exchange. GENC uses ISO 3166 (Parts 1 and 2) names and code elements wherever possible, with modifications only where necessary to comply with US law and US Government recognition policy. This profile addresses unique US Government requirements for: restrictions in recognition of the national sovereignty of a country; identification and recognition of geopolitical entities not included in ISO 3166; and the use of names of countries and country subdivisions that have been approved by the US Board on Geographic Names. ISO 3166: Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries (ISO 3166) is prepared by the International Organization for Standardization. ISO 3166 includes two- and three-character alphabetic codes and three-digit numeric codes that may be needed for activities involving exchange of data with international organizations that have adopted that standard. Except for the numeric codes, ISO 3166 codes have been adopted in the US as FIPS 104-1: American National Standard Codes for the Representation of Names of Countries, Dependencies, and Areas of Special Sovereignty for Information Interchange.STANAG 1059: Letter Codes for Geographical Entities (8th edition, 2004) is a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) established and maintained by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO/OTAN) for the purpose of providing a common set of geo-spatial identifiers for countries, territories, and possessions. The 8th edition established trigraph codes for each country based upon the ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 character sets. These codes are used throughout NATO.Internet: The Internet country code is the two-letter digraph maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166 Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs).
20220901
countries-angola
Topic: Photos of Angola Topic: Introduction Background: From 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.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. Topic: Geography Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo Geographic coordinates: 12 30 S, 18 30 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 1,246,700 sq km land: 1,246,700 sq km water: 0 sq km Area - comparative: about eight times the size of Georgia; slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 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 Coastline: 1,600 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April) Terrain: narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau Elevation: highest point: Moca 2,620 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 1,112 m Natural resources: petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium Land use: agricultural land: 45.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.5% (2018 est.) forest: 54.3% (2018 est.) Irrigated land: 860 sq km (2014) Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km) Major aquifers: Congo Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Population distribution: most people live in the western half of the country; urban areas account for the highest concentrations of people, particularly the capital of Luanda as shown in this population distribution map Natural hazards: locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau Geography - note: the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo Map description: Angola map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean.Angola map showing major cities as well as parts of surrounding countries and the South Atlantic Ocean. Topic: People and Society Population: 34,795,287 (2022 est.) Nationality: noun: Angolan(s) adjective: Angolan Ethnic groups: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22% Languages: Portuguese 71.2% (official), Umbundu 23%, Kikongo 8.2%, Kimbundu 7.8%, Chokwe 6.5%, Nhaneca 3.4%, Nganguela 3.1%, Fiote 2.4%, Kwanhama 2.3%, Muhumbi 2.1%, Luvale 1%, other 3.6%; note - data represent most widely spoken languages; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2014 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic 41.1%, Protestant 38.1%, other 8.6%, none 12.3% (2014 est.) Demographic profile: More than a decade after the end of Angola's 27-year civil war, the country still faces a variety of socioeconomic problems, including poverty, high maternal and child mortality, and illiteracy. Despite the country's rapid post-war economic growth based on oil production, about 40 percent of Angolans live below the poverty line and unemployment is widespread, especially among the large young-adult population. Only about 70% of the population is literate, and the rate drops to around 60% for women. The youthful population - about 45% are under the age of 15 - is expected to continue growing rapidly with a fertility rate of more than 5 children per woman and a low rate of contraceptive use. Fewer than half of women deliver their babies with the assistance of trained health care personnel, which contributes to Angola's high maternal mortality rate. Of the estimated 550,000 Angolans who fled their homeland during its civil war, most have returned home since 2002. In 2012, the UN assessed that conditions in Angola had been stable for several years and invoked a cessation of refugee status for Angolans. Following the cessation clause, some of those still in exile returned home voluntarily through UN repatriation programs, and others integrated into host countries.More than a decade after the end of Angola's 27-year civil war, the country still faces a variety of socioeconomic problems, including poverty, high maternal and child mortality, and illiteracy. Despite the country's rapid post-war economic growth based on oil production, about 40 percent of Angolans live below the poverty line and unemployment is widespread, especially among the large young-adult population. Only about 70% of the population is literate, and the rate drops to around 60% for women. The youthful population - about 45% are under the age of 15 - is expected to continue growing rapidly with a fertility rate of more than 5 children per woman and a low rate of contraceptive use. Fewer than half of women deliver their babies with the assistance of trained health care personnel, which contributes to Angola's high maternal mortality rate.Of the estimated 550,000 Angolans who fled their homeland during its civil war, most have returned home since 2002. In 2012, the UN assessed that conditions in Angola had been stable for several years and invoked a cessation of refugee status for Angolans. Following the cessation clause, some of those still in exile returned home voluntarily through UN repatriation programs, and others integrated into host countries. Age structure: 0-14 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) Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 94.5 youth dependency ratio: 90.2 elderly dependency ratio: 4.3 potential support ratio: 23.5 (2020 est.) Median age: total: 15.9 years male: 15.4 years female: 16.4 years (2020 est.) Population growth rate: 3.36% (2022 est.) Birth rate: 41.8 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Death rate: 8.01 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Net migration rate: -0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Population distribution: most people live in the western half of the country; urban areas account for the highest concentrations of people, particularly the capital of Luanda as shown in this population distribution map Urbanization: urban population: 68.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Major urban areas - population: 8.952 million LUANDA (capital), 914,000 Lubango, 862,000 Cabinda, Benguela 777,000 (2022) 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: 0.89 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2022 est.) Mother's mean age at first birth: 19.4 years (2015/16 est.) note: median age at first birth among women 20-49 Maternal mortality ratio: 241 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 58.86 deaths/1,000 live births male: 64.11 deaths/1,000 live births female: 53.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.11 years male: 60.05 years female: 64.24 years (2022 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.83 children born/woman (2022 est.) Contraceptive prevalence rate: 13.7% (2015/16) Drinking water source: improved: urban: 81.3% of population rural: 36.5% of population total: 66.5% of population unimproved: urban: 18.7% of population rural: 63.5% of population total: 33.5% of population (2020 est.) Current Health Expenditure: 2.5% (2019) Physicians density: 0.21 physicians/1,000 population (2018) Sanitation facility access: improved: 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.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.8% (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 340,000 (2020 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 16,000 (2020 est.) Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: very high (2020) food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 8.2% (2016) Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 19% (2015/16) Child marriage: women married by age 15: 7.9% women married by age 18: 30.3% men married by age 18: 6% (2016 est.) Education expenditures: 1.8% of GDP (2019 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 71.1% male: 82% female: 60.7% (2015) School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 10 years male: 12 years female: 7 years (2011) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17.3% male: 17.9% female: 16.7% (2014 est.) Topic: Environment Environment - current issues: overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Air pollutants: particulate 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.) Climate: semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April) Land use: agricultural land: 45.7% (2018 est.) arable land: 3.9% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 41.5% (2018 est.) forest: 54.3% (2018 est.) Urbanization: urban population: 68.1% of total population (2022) rate of urbanization: 4.04% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.36% 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, typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria water contact diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact diseases: rabies Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 4,213,644 tons (2012 est.) Major rivers (by length in km): Zambezi (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 Major watersheds (area sq km): Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km) Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km) Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Okavango Basin (863,866 sq km) Major aquifers: Congo Basin, Upper Kalahari-Cuvelai-Upper Zambezi Basin Total water withdrawal: municipal: 319.5 million cubic meters (2017 est.) industrial: 239.6 million cubic meters (2017 est.) agricultural: 146.7 million cubic meters (2017 est.) Total renewable water resources: 148.4 billion cubic meters (2017 est.) Topic: Government Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Angola conventional short form: Angola local long form: Republica de Angola local short form: Angola former: People's Republic of Angola etymology: name derived by the Portuguese from the title "ngola" held by kings of the Ndongo (Ndongo was a kingdom in what is now northern Angola) Government type: presidential republic Capital: name: Luanda geographic coordinates: 8 50 S, 13 13 E time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: does not observe daylight savings time etymology: originally named "Sao Paulo da Assuncao de Loanda" (Saint Paul of the Assumption of Loanda), which over time was shortened and corrupted to just Luanda   Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza-Norte, Cuanza-Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda-Norte, Lunda-Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire Independence: 11 November 1975 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 11 November (1975) Constitution: history: 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 Legal system: civil legal system based on Portuguese civil law; no judicial review of legislation 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 Angola dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (since 26 September 2017); Vice President Bornito De Sousa Baltazar DIOGO (since 26 September 2017); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (since 26 September 2017); Vice President Bornito De Sousa Baltazar DIOGO (since 26 September 2017) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections/appointments: the candidate of the winning party or coalition in the last legislative election becomes the president; president serves a 5-year term (eligible for a second consecutive or discontinuous term); last held on 23 August 2017 (next to be held in 24 August 2022) election results: Joao Manuel Goncalves LOURENCO (MPLA) elected president by then winning party following the 23 August 2017 general election Legislative branch: description: unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats; members directly elected in a single national constituency and in multi-seat constituencies by closed list proportional representation vote; members serve 5-year terms) elections: last held on 23 August 2017 (next to be held on 24 August 2022) election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 61.1%, UNITA 26.7%, CASA-CE 9.5%, PRS 1.4%, FNLA 0.9%, other 0.5%; seats by party - MPLA 150, UNITA 51, CASA-CE 16, PRS 2, FNLA 1; composition - men 155, women 65, percent of women 29.5% Judicial branch: highest courts: Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal de Justica (consists of the court president, vice president, and a minimum of 16 judges); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 11 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president upon recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, an 18-member body chaired by the president; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges - 4 nominated by the president, 4 elected by National Assembly, 2 elected by Supreme National Council, 1 elected by competitive submission of curricula; judges serve single 7-year terms subordinate courts: provincial and municipal courts Political parties and leaders: Broad Convergence for the Salvation of Angola Electoral Coalition or CASA-CE [Manuel FERNANDES] National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA; note - party has two factions; one led by Lucas NGONDA; the other by Ngola KABANGU National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [Adalberto Costa JUNIOR] (largest opposition party) Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Joao LOURENCO]; note - Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS stepped down 8 Sept 2018; ruling party in power since 1975 Social Renewal Party or PRS [Benedito DANIEL] International organization participation: ACP, 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 Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joaquim do Espirito SANTO (since 16 September 2019) chancery: 2100-2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156 FAX: [1] (202) 822-9049 email address and website: info@angola.org https://angola.org/ consulate(s) general: Houston, New York Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tulinabo S. MUSHINGI, (since 9 March 2022) embassy: Rua Houari Boumedienne, #32, Luanda mailing address: 2550 Luanda Place, Washington, DC 20521-2550 telephone: [244] (222) 64-1000 FAX: [244] (222) 64-1000 email address and website: Consularluanda@state.gov https://ao.usembassy.gov/ Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle); red represents liberty and black the African continent; the symbols characterize workers and peasants National symbol(s): Palanca Negra Gigante (giant black sable antelope); national colors: red, black, yellow National anthem: name: "Angola Avante" (Forward Angola) lyrics/music: Manuel Rui Alves MONTEIRO/Rui Alberto Vieira Dias MINGAO note: adopted 1975 National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Mbanza-Kongo Topic: Economy Economic overview: Angola's economy is overwhelmingly driven by its oil sector. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 50% of GDP, more than 70% of government revenue, and more than 90% of the country's exports; Angola is an OPEC member and subject to its direction regarding oil production levels. Diamonds contribute an additional 5% to exports. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the country's food is still imported.   Increased oil production supported growth averaging more than 17% per year from 2004 to 2008. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Some of the country's infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war (1975-2002). However, the government since 2005 has used billions of dollars in credit from China, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the EU to help rebuild Angola's public infrastructure. Land mines left from the war still mar the countryside, and as a result, the national military, international partners, and private Angolan firms all continue to remove them.   The global recession that started in 2008 stalled Angola’s economic growth and many construction projects stopped because Luanda accrued billions in arrears to foreign construction companies when government revenue fell. Lower prices for oil and diamonds also resulted in GDP falling 0.7% in 2016. Angola formally abandoned its currency peg in 2009 but reinstituted it in April 2016 and maintains an overvalued exchange rate. In late 2016, Angola lost the last of its correspondent relationships with foreign banks, further exacerbating hard currency problems. Since 2013 the central bank has consistently spent down reserves to defend the kwanza, gradually allowing a 40% depreciation since late 2014. Consumer inflation declined from 325% in 2000 to less than 9% in 2014, before rising again to above 30% from 2015-2017.   Continued low oil prices, the depreciation of the kwanza, and slower than expected growth in non-oil GDP have reduced growth prospects, although several major international oil companies remain in Angola. Corruption, especially in the extractive sectors, is a major long-term challenge that poses an additional threat to the economy.Angola's economy is overwhelmingly driven by its oil sector. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 50% of GDP, more than 70% of government revenue, and more than 90% of the country's exports; Angola is an OPEC member and subject to its direction regarding oil production levels. Diamonds contribute an additional 5% to exports. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for most of the people, but half of the country's food is still imported. Increased oil production supported growth averaging more than 17% per year from 2004 to 2008. A postwar reconstruction boom and resettlement of displaced persons led to high rates of growth in construction and agriculture as well. Some of the country's infrastructure is still damaged or undeveloped from the 27-year-long civil war (1975-2002). However, the government since 2005 has used billions of dollars in credit from China, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Spain, and the EU to help rebuild Angola's public infrastructure. Land mines left from the war still mar the countryside, and as a result, the national military, international partners, and private Angolan firms all continue to remove them. The global recession that started in 2008 stalled Angola’s economic growth and many construction projects stopped because Luanda accrued billions in arrears to foreign construction companies when government revenue fell. Lower prices for oil and diamonds also resulted in GDP falling 0.7% in 2016. Angola formally abandoned its currency peg in 2009 but reinstituted it in April 2016 and maintains an overvalued exchange rate. In late 2016, Angola lost the last of its correspondent relationships with foreign banks, further exacerbating hard currency problems. Since 2013 the central bank has consistently spent down reserves to defend the kwanza, gradually allowing a 40% depreciation since late 2014. Consumer inflation declined from 325% in 2000 to less than 9% in 2014, before rising again to above 30% from 2015-2017. Continued low oil prices, the depreciation of the kwanza, and slower than expected growth in non-oil GDP have reduced growth prospects, although several major international oil companies remain in Angola. Corruption, especially in the extractive sectors, is a major long-term challenge that poses an additional threat to the economy. Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $203.71 billion (2020 est.) $212.29 billion (2019 est.) $213.62 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars Real GDP growth rate: -2.5% (2017 est.) -2.6% (2016 est.) 0.9% (2015 est.) Real GDP per capita: $6,200 (2020 est.) $6,700 (2019 est.) $6,900 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars GDP (official exchange rate): $97.261 billion (2019 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17.2% (2019 est.) 20.3% (2018 est.) 32.1% (2017 est.) Credit ratings: Fitch rating: CCC (2020) Moody's rating: Caa1 (2020) Standard & Poors rating: CCC+ (2020) GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 10.2% (2011 est.) industry: 61.4% (2011 est.) services: 28.4% (2011 est.) GDP - composition, by end use: household 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.) Agricultural products: cassava, bananas, maize, sweet potatoes, pineapples, sugar cane, potatoes, citrus fruit, vegetables, cabbage Industries: petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing, brewing, tobacco products, sugar; textiles; ship repair Industrial production growth rate: 2.5% (2017 est.) Labor force: 12.51 million (2017 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 85% industry: 15% (2015 est.) industry and services: 15% (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.6% (2016 est.) Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 17.3% male: 17.9% female: 16.7% (2014 est.) Population below poverty line: 32.3% (2018 est.) Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 51.3 (2018 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.6% highest 10%: 44.7% (2000) Budget: revenues: 37.02 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: 45.44 billion (2017 est.) Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -6.7% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Public debt: 65% of GDP (2017 est.) 75.3% of GDP (2016 est.) Taxes and other revenues: 29.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) Fiscal year: calendar year Current account balance: -$1.254 billion (2017 est.) -$4.834 billion (2016 est.) Exports: $21 billion (2020 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $35.18 billion (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars $41.39 billion (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars Exports - partners: China 62%, India 10%, United Arab Emirates 4%, Portugal 3%, Spain 3% (2019) Exports - commodities: crude petroleum, diamonds, natural gas, refined petroleum, ships (2019) Imports: $15.12 billion (2020 est.) 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 Imports - partners: China 22%, Portugal 15%, Nigeria 6%, Belgium 6%, United States 5%, South Africa 5%, Brazil 5% (2019) Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, scrap vessels, meat, rice, palm oil (2019) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $17.29 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $23.74 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Debt - external: $42.08 billion (31 December 2017 est.) $27.14 billion (31 December 2016 est.) Exchange rates: kwanza (AOA) per US dollar - 172.6 (2017 est.) 163.656 (2016 est.) 163.656 (2015 est.) 120.061 (2014 est.) 98.303 (2013 est.) Topic: Energy Electricity access: electrification - total population: 43% (2019) electrification - urban areas: 61% (2019) electrification - rural areas: 6% (2019) Electricity: installed generating capacity: 7.344 million kW (2020 est.) consumption: 11.815 billion kWh (2019 est.) exports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) imports: 0 kWh (2019 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.741 billion kWh (2019 est.) Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 28.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) wind: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) hydroelectricity: 70.1% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) biomass and waste: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.) Coal: production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.) proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.) Petroleum: total petroleum production: 1,197,600 bbl/day (2021 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 133,400 bbl/day (2019 est.) crude oil and lease condensate exports: 1,367,400 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 7.783 billion barrels (2021 est.) Refined petroleum products - production: 53,480 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - exports: 30,340 bbl/day (2015 est.) Refined petroleum products - imports: 111,600 bbl/day (2015 est.) Natural gas: production: 6,767,715,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) consumption: 860.887 million cubic meters (2019 est.) exports: 5,877,945,000 cubic meters (2019 est.) imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.) proven reserves: 343.001 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) Carbon dioxide emissions: 19.362 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 17.673 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) from consumed natural gas: 1.689 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.) Energy consumption per capita: 11.693 million Btu/person (2019 est.) Topic: Communications Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 119,164 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2020 est.) less than 1 Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 14,645,050 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 45 (2020 est.) Telecommunication systems: general assessment: Angola’s telecom sector in recent years has benefited from political stability, which has encouraged foreign investment in the sector; the government and regulator have also set in train mechanisms to open up the telecom sector to new competitors, with Africell having secured a universal license and in so doing becoming the country’s fourth MNO; following an extensive investment program, the company launched mobile services in April 2022; the MNOs were slow to develop LTE services, instead relying on their GSM and 3G network capabilities; Angola Telecom did not launch LTE services until mid-2018; there has been slow progress in LTE network development, with only a small proportion of the country covered by network infrastructure; some progress  has been made with 5G; the Ministry of Telecommunications in early 2021 set up a 5G hub to assess 5G user cases, while Unitel and the new MNO Africell since mid-2021 have contracted vendors to provide 5G-ready transmission networks; the regulator in November 2021 granted licenses to Africell, Movicel, and Unitel to enable them to offer 5G services; the government has continued to develop telecom infrastructure to help diversify the country’s economy and lessen its dependence on offshore crude oil production; by extending and upgrading telecom networks the government expects businesses to become more efficient and for e-commerce to become a more prominent feature of economic growth; networks will facilitate rural access to education and health care. (2022) domestic: only about one fixed-line per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity about 45 telephones per 100 persons (2020) international: country code - 244; landing points for the SAT-3/WASC, WACS, ACE and SACS fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to other countries in west Africa, Brazil, Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 29, Angosat-2 satellite expected by 2021 (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 controls all broadcast media with nationwide reach; state-owned Televisao Popular de Angola (TPA) provides terrestrial TV service on 2 channels; a third TPA channel is available via cable and satellite; TV subscription services are available; state-owned Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA) broadcasts on 5 stations; about a half-dozen private radio stations broadcast locally Internet country code: .ao Internet users: total: 11,831,857 (2020 est.) percent of population: 36% (2020 est.) Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 230,610 (2020 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0.7 (2020 est.) Topic: Transportation National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 10 (2020) inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 55 annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 1,516,628 (2018) annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 78.16 million (2018) mt-km Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: D2 Airports: total: 102 (2021) Airports - with paved runways: total: 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) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 70 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 27 under 914 m: 22 (2021) Heliports: 1 (2021) Pipelines: 352 km gas, 85 km liquid petroleum gas, 1,065 km oil, 5 km oil/gas/water (2013) Railways: total: 2,852 km (2014) narrow gauge: 2,729 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge 123 km 0.600-mm gauge Roadways: total: 26,000 km (2018) paved: 13,600 km (2018) unpaved: 12,400 km (2018) Waterways: 1,300 km (2011) Merchant marine: total: 54 by type: general cargo 13, oil tanker 8, other 33 (2021) Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Namibe LNG terminal(s) (export): Angola Soyo Topic: Military and Security Military and security forces: Angolan Armed Forces (Forcas Armadas Angolanas, FAA): Army, Navy (Marinha de Guerra Angola, MGA), Angolan National Air Force (Forca Aerea Nacional Angolana, FANA; under operational control of the Army); Rapid Reaction Police (paramilitary) (2022) Military expenditures: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2020 est.) 1.8% of GDP (2019 est.) (approximately $2.7 billion) 2.1% of GDP (2018 est.) (approximately $3.02 billion) 2.6% of GDP (2017 est.) (approximately $3.65 billion) Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 101,000 active troops (95,000 Army; 1,000 Navy; 5,000 Air Force); estimated 10,000 Rapid Reaction Police (2022) Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: most Angolan military weapons and equipment are of Russian, Soviet, or Warsaw Pact origin; since 2010, Russia has remained the principle supplier of military hardware to Angola (2021) Military service age and obligation: 20-45 years of age for compulsory male and 18-45 years for voluntary male military service (registration at age 18 is mandatory); 20-45 years of age for voluntary female service; 2-year conscript service obligation; Angolan citizenship required; the Navy (MGA) is entirely staffed with volunteers (2021) Military - note: the Angolan Armed Forces were created in 1991 under the Bicesse Accords signed between the Angolan Government and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA); the name remained even after UNITA rejected the 1992 election results and returned to fighting against the Angolan Government the Angolan Armed Forces are responsible for external security but also have domestic security responsibilities, including border security, expulsion of irregular migrants, and small-scale actions against groups like the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda separatists in Cabinda (2022)the Angolan Armed Forces were created in 1991 under the Bicesse Accords signed between the Angolan Government and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA); the name remained even after UNITA rejected the 1992 election results and returned to fighting against the Angolan Governmentthe Angolan Armed Forces are responsible for external security but also have domestic security responsibilities, including border security, expulsion of irregular migrants, and small-scale actions against groups like the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda separatists in Cabinda Maritime threats: the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of Angola are a risk for armed robbery against ships; in 2021, four attacks against commercial vessels were reported, a decrease from the six attacks in 2020; most of these occurred in the main port of Luanda while ships were berthed or at anchor Topic: Transnational Issues Disputes - international: Angola-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): DRC accuses Angola of shifting monuments Angola-Namibia: none identified Angola-Republic of Congo: (Kabinda Exclave) none identified Angola-Zambia: because the straight-line segments along the left bank (Zambian side) of the Cuando/Kwando River do not conform with the physical alignment of the unstable shoreline, Zambian residents in some areas have settled illegally on sections of shoreline that fall on the Angolan side of the boundaryAngola-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): DRC accuses Angola of shifting monuments Angola-Namibia: none identified Angola-Republic of Congo: (Kabinda Exclave) none identified Angola-Zambia: because the straight-line segments along the left bank (Zambian side) of the Cuando/Kwando River do not conform with the physical alignment of the unstable shoreline, Zambian residents in some areas have settled illegally on sections of shoreline that fall on the Angolan side of the boundary Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 37,178 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (refugees and asylum seekers), 9,272 (Guinea), 6,357 (Cote d'Ivoire), 5,725 (Mauritania) (2022) Illicit drugs: used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for Western Europe and other African states, particularly South Africaused as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for Western Europe and other African states, particularly South Africa
20220901
countries-guam
Topic: CIA.gov has changed . . .If you arrived at this page using a bookmark or favorites link, please update it accordingly.Please use the search form or the links below to find the information you seek.Thank you for visiting CIA.gov.The CIA Web Team
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
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.)