Chapter 25
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador William C. RAMSEY embassy: Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville mailing address: B. P. 1015, Brazzaville telephone: [242] 83 20 70 FAX: [242] 83 63 38
Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Economy -------
Economic overview: Congo's economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, an industrial sector based largely on oil, support services, and a government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing about 90% of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled Congo to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. Subsequently, falling oil prices cut GDP growth by half. Moreover, the Congolese Government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings, contributing to the government's shortage of revenues. The 12 January 1994 devaluation of Franc Zone currencies by 50% resulted in inflation of 61% in 1994. Recent efforts to implement economic reforms have begun to show progress; the IMF has recommended approval of an Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility agreement in 1996.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.7 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 3.3% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $3,100 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 11.4% industry: 35.2% services: 53.4% (1993)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 61% (1994 est.)
Labor force: 79,100 wage earners by occupation: agriculture 75%, commerce, industry, and government 25%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget: revenues: $2.18 billion (1994 est.) expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Industries: petroleum extraction, cement kilning, lumbering, brewing, sugar milling, palm oil, soap, cigarette making
Industrial production growth rate: 3.7% (estimated average annual growth rate for 1980-92)
Electricity: capacity: 120,000 kW production: 400 million kWh consumption per capita: 201 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: cassava (tapioca) accounts for 90% of food output, sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products
Exports: $1 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: crude oil 90%, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds partners: Italy, France, Spain, other EU countries, US, Taiwan
Imports: $600 million (c.i.f., 1995) commodities: intermediate manufactures, capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs, petroleum products partners: France, Italy, other EU countries, US, Japan, Thailand
External debt: $5 billion (1993)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA
Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes
Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January 1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948
Fiscal year: calendar year
Transportation --------------
Railways: total: 795 km (1995 est.) narrow gauge: 795 km 1.067-m gauge (includes 285 km that are privately owned)
Highways: total: 12,745 km paved: 1,236 km unpaved: 11,509 km (1992 est.)
Waterways: the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) Rivers provide 1,120 km of commercially navigable water transport; other rivers are used for local traffic only
Pipelines: crude oil 25 km
Ports: Brazzaville, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire
Merchant marine: total: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,218 GRT/4,100 DWT (1995 est.)
Airports: total: 34 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 9 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 7 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 14 (1995 est.)
Communications --------------
Telephones: 18,000 (1983 est.)
Telephone system: services adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo domestic: primary network consists of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 1, shortwave 0
Radios: NA
Television broadcast stations: 4 (1987 est.)
Televisions: 8,500 (1993 est.)
Defense -------
Branches: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force, National Police
Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 582,103 males fit for military service: 296,602 males reach military age (20) annually: 25,247 (1996 est.)
Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $110 million, 3.8% of GDP (1993)
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@Cook Islands ------------
(free association with New Zealand)
Map ---
Location: 21 14 S, 159 46 W -- Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Flag ----
Description: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag
Geography ---------
Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Geographic coordinates: 21 14 S, 159 46 W
Map references: Oceania
Area: total area: 240 sq km land area: 240 sq km comparative area: slightly more than one times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 120 km
Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds
Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Te Manga 652 m
Natural resources: negligible
Land use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 22% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 74%
Irrigated land: NA sq km
Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons (November to March) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea
People ------
Population: 19,561 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA
Population growth rate: 1.11% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 22.87 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 5.2 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: -6.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over: NA male(s)/female all ages: NA male(s)/female
Infant mortality rate: 24.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.14 years male: 69.2 years female: 73.1 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 3.25 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Cook Islander(s) adjective: Cook Islander
Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%
Religions: Christian (majority of populace members of Cook Islands Christian Church)
Languages: English (official), Maori
Literacy: NA
Government ----------
Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cook Islands
Data code: CW
Type of government: self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs, in consultation with the Cook Islands
Capital: Avarua
Administrative divisions: none
Independence: none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action)
National holiday: Constitution Day, 4 August
Constitution: 4 August 1965
Legal system: NA
Suffrage: NA years of age; universal adult
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by Apenera SHORT (since NA); New Zealand High Commissioner Darryl DUNN (since NA 1994), representative of New Zealand was appointed by the New Zealand Government head of government: Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey A. HENRY (since 1 February 1989); Deputy Prime Minister Inatio AKARURU (since 1 February 1989) cabinet: Cabinet; collectively responsible to Parliament
Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 6 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) Cook Islands Party 20, Democratic Party 3, Democratic Alliance Party 2 note: the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but has no legislative powers
Judicial branch: High Court
Political parties and leaders: Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Party, Sir Thomas DAVIS; Democratic Alliance Party, Norman GEORGE
International organization participation: AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), IOC, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO
Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
Flag: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag
Economy -------
Economic overview: Agriculture provides the economic base. The major export earners are fruit, copra, and clothing. Manufacturing activities are limited to a fruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Economic development is hindered by the isolation of the islands from foreign markets and a lack of natural resources and good transportation links. A large trade deficit is annually made up for by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, largely from New Zealand. Current economic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potential and expanding the mining and fishing industries. Despite these plans, the Cook Islands will continue to face severe financial problems.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $57 million (1993 est.)
GDP real growth rate: NA%
GDP per capita: $3,000 (1993 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.2% (1990)
Labor force: 5,810 by occupation: agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, other 4% (1981)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
Industries: fruit processing, tourism
Industrial production growth rate: NA%
Electricity: capacity: 14,000 kW production: 21 million kWh consumption per capita: 741 kWh (1993)
Agriculture: copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, bananas, yams, taro
Exports: $3.4 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: copra, fresh and canned fruit, clothing partners: NZ 80%, Japan
Imports: $50 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber partners: NZ 49%, Japan, Australia, US
External debt: $160 million (1994)
Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: in 1994, Cook Islands received $5.4 million in budget support and $3.3 million in project aid from New Zealand, the country's largest source of aid
Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents
Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5138 (January 1996), 1.5235 (1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991)
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
Transportation --------------
Railways: 0 km
Highways: total: 187 km paved: 35 km unpaved: 152 km (1980 est.)
Ports: Avarua, Avatiu
Merchant marine: total: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,464 GRT/2,181 DWT (1995 est.)
Airports: total: 7 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3 (1995 est.)
Communications --------------
Telephones: 4,180 (1994)
Telephone system: domestic: the individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1
Radios: 13,000 (1992 est.)
Television broadcast stations: 1 studio and 8 low-powered repeaters to achieve good coverage on the island of Rarotonga
Televisions: 3,500 (1995 est.)
Defense -------
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
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@Coral Sea Islands -----------------
(territory of Australia)
Map ---
Location: 18 00 S, 152 00 E -- Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
Flag ----
Description: the flag of Australia is used
Geography ---------
Location: Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia
Geographic coordinates: 18 00 S, 152 00 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total area: less than 3 sq km land area: less than 3 sq km comparative area: NA note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, with Willis Islets the most important
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 3,095 km
Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical
Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m
Natural resources: negligible
Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km
Environment: current issues: no permanent fresh water resources natural hazards: occasional, tropical cyclones international agreements: NA
Geographic note: important nesting area for birds and turtles
People ------
Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are three meteorologists
Government ----------
Name of country: conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands
Data code: CR
Type of government: territory of Australia administered by the Ministry for Environment, Sport, and Territories
Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia
Independence: none (territory of Australia)
Flag: the flag of Australia is used
Economy -------
Economic overview: no economic activity
Transportation --------------
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
Defense -------
Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors
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@Costa Rica ----------
Map ---
Location: 10 00 N, 84 00 W -- Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
Flag ----
Description: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red band
Geography ---------
Location: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 84 00 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total area: 51,100 sq km land area: 50,660 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia note: includes Isla del Coco
Land boundaries: total: 639 km border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km
Coastline: 1,290 km
Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm
International disputes: none
Climate: tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November)
Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m
Natural resources: hydropower potential
Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 7% meadows and pastures: 45% forest and woodland: 34% other: 8%
Irrigated land: 1,180 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment: current issues: deforestation, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching; soil erosion natural hazards: occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; active volcanoes international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation
People ------
Population: 3,463,083 (July 1996 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (male 612,624; female 582,566) 15-64 years: 61% (male 1,061,703; female 1,038,403) 65 years and over: 4% (male 77,773; female 90,014) (July 1996 est.)
Population growth rate: 2.06% (1996 est.)
Birth rate: 23.84 births/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Death rate: 4.14 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Net migration rate: 0.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female all ages: 1.02 male(s)/female (1996 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 13.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.72 years male: 73.31 years female: 78.24 years (1996 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.9 children born/woman (1996 est.)
Nationality: noun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican
Ethnic divisions: white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Indian 1%, Chinese 1%
Religions: Roman Catholic 95%
Languages: Spanish (official), English spoken around Puerto Limon
Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 94.8% male: 94.7% female: 95%
Government ----------
Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica conventional short form: Costa Rica local long form: Republica de Costa Rica local short form: Costa Rica
Data code: CS
Type of government: democratic republic
Capital: San Jose
Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose
Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)
Constitution: 9 November 1949
Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (since 8 May 1994), First Vice President Rodrigo OREAMUNO Blanco (since 8 May 1994), Second Vice President Rebeca GRYNSPAN Mayufis (since 8 May 1994) were elected for four-year terms by universal suffrage; election last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held NA February 1998); results - President FIGUERES (PLN) 49.7%, Miquel Angel RODRIGUEZ (PUSC) 47.5% cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa): elections last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held NA February 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (61 total) PLN 28, PUSC 29, minority parties 4
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), justices are elected for eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly
Political parties and leaders: National Liberation Party (PLN), Rolando ARAYA; Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier; Marxist Popular Vanguard Party (PVP), Humberto VARGAS Carbonell; New Republic Movement (MNR), Sergio Erick ARDON Ramirez; People's Party of Costa Rica (PPC), Lenin CHACON Vargas; Radical Democratic Party (PRD), Juan Jose ECHEVERRIA Brealey; Democratic Force Party (FD), Isaac Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos
Other political or pressure groups: Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers (CCTD), Liberation Party affiliate; Confederated Union of Workers (CUT), Communist Party affiliate; Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers (CATD), Communist Party affiliate; Chamber of Coffee Growers; National Association for Economic Development (ANFE); Free Costa Rica Movement (MCRL), rightwing militants; National Association of Educators (ANDE); Federation of Public Service Workers (FTSP)
International organization participation: AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO
Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sonia PICADO chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945 FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795 consulate(s) general: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Chicago, Durham, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): Austin
US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter Jon DE VOS embassy: Pavas Road, San Jose mailing address: APO AA 34020 telephone: [506] 220-3939 FAX: [506] 220-2305
Flag: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red band
Economy -------
Economic overview: Costa Rica's basically stable and progressive economy depends especially on tourism and the export of bananas, coffee, and other agricultural products. Recent trends have been disappointing. Economic growth slipped from 4.3% in 1994 to 2.5% in 1995, the lowest rate of growth since 1991's 2.1%. Inflation rose dramatically to 22.5% from 13.5% in 1994, well above the government's own projection of 18%. Unemployment rose from 4.0% in 1994 to 5.2% in 1995, and substantial underemployment continues. These economic woes are likely to be exacerbated in 1996 by a standby arrangement reached with the IMF on 29 November 1995. To restore fiscal balance, the government agreed to curb inflation, reduce the fiscal deficit, increase domestic savings, and improve public sector efficiency while increasing the role of the private sector. Costa Rica signed a free trade agreement with Mexico in 1994.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $18.4 billion (1995 est.)
GDP real growth rate: 2.5% (1995 est.)
GDP per capita: $5,400 (1995 est.)
GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 22.5% (1995 est.)
Labor force: 868,300 by occupation: industry and commerce 35.1%, government and services 33%, agriculture 27%, other 4.9% (1985 est.)
Unemployment rate: 5.2% (1995 est.); much underemployment
Budget: revenues: $1.1 billion expenditures: $1.34 billion, including capital expenditures of $110 million (1991 est.)